The political scientist warned: Bartashevich may become almost a hero.
The State Security Service (SSD) should explain to the public why certain officials of local governments have not been granted access to state secrets, so that residents know that there are serious reasons behind it, and not political retribution, said political scientist Juris Rosenvalds in the Latvian Television program "Today's Question."
Referring to the SSD's decision not to grant access to state secrets to the already removed mayor of Rezekne, Alexander Bartashevich ("Together for Latvia" / "Latvia First"), Rosenvalds stated that there are shortcomings in the SSD's communication regarding these issues.
"I would still like to hear explanations as to why Mr. Bartashevich did not receive access, not only from him but also from the SSD. Otherwise, it seems to me that this thirst for secrecy has gone too far. After all, the body that does not provide access should find a way to inform the public.
Otherwise, Bartashevich becomes, as interviews show, almost a hero in Rezekne, 'he was a good mayor, and he was removed,'" expressed Rosenvalds' opinion.
At the same time, he noted that the decision to require municipal leaders to have access to state secrets "will multiply the number of gray cardinals who will manage processes in municipalities from behind the scenes."
