Most candidates for ministerial positions in the new Latvian government already have valid access to state secrets. The others will begin to be checked after the official approval of the cabinet.
Most candidates for ministerial positions in the new Latvian government already have valid special permits for access to state secrets. This was reported to the LETA agency by the Bureau for the Protection of the Constitution (BPC).
The service explained that after receiving official requests from the State Chancellery, the necessary permits for work in the new positions will be issued as quickly as possible.
For those candidates who do not yet have access, the standard verification procedure will begin.
At the same time, the BPC refused to disclose which future ministers already have permits and which do not. The agency suggested addressing these questions directly to the politicians themselves.
The issue of access to state secrets traditionally becomes especially sensitive during the formation of a new government. Without the appropriate permit, ministers cannot fully work with classified information related to security, defense, intelligence, and international cooperation.
This issue appears particularly important now against the backdrop of increasing attention to national security issues, Russia's war against Ukraine, and escalating regional threats.
Prime Minister candidate Andris Kulbergs previously stated to journalists that he sees no obstacles to obtaining the necessary access. According to him, there are no expected problems with permits for other new ministers either.
Formally, the verification of access may take some time; however, for current deputies, ministers, and high-ranking officials, the procedure usually goes faster, as many have previously worked with classified information.
The Saeima plans to vote on the new government as early as Thursday. After the new cabinet is approved, the powers of the government of Evika Silina will automatically end.
The new cabinet is being formed under conditions of accelerated negotiations between parties and increased attention to security and defense issues.
