Aigars Shkeļs, the Deputy Mayor of Madona from the ZZS/LRA party, has stepped down from his position after failing to receive the necessary state secrecy clearance. His resignation marks a significant moment as he is currently the only deputy mayor without this clearance, which is vital for accessing sensitive information related to local governance. Shkeļs had oversight responsibilities over the development of the municipality, territory management, and public utilities, making his role pivotal for the community's functioning.

In a statement, Shkeļs clarified that he officially resigned on January 15, the same day he learned about the denial of his clearance. He hinted at being aware of the reasons for this denial and expressed willingness to disclose this information publicly, but only after informing his colleagues the following week. This situation raises questions about transparency and accountability within local government and the processes surrounding security clearances for officials.

The unexpected nature of Shkeļs' resignation has caught the attention of other local leaders, including Agris Lungevičs, the Chairman of the Madona Municipality Council, who described it as a surprise. Lungevičs emphasized Shkeļs' loyalty and effective work in the municipality over the last seventeen years, which adds further complexity to the context of this sudden change. This incident may prompt discussions around the criteria for state secrecy clearances and potential reforms in local governance.