Jānis Tutins, a member of the political party 'Kopā Latvijai' (Together for Latvia), has stepped in to fulfill the duties of the suspended chairman of the Rēzekne city council, Aleksandrs Bartaševich. However, it has come to light that Tutins has not yet been granted clearance for working with state secrets, which raises questions about his eligibility for the role. The local government agency LETA reported on this situation, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny around Tutins' qualifications.

Despite his suspension, Bartaševich remains active as a city council deputy and serves as the chairperson for the committee focused on urban development, infrastructure, and public order. This continuity in his role raises concerns over the reasons behind his suspension and the implications for council operations. The council's vice-chairman, Aleksejs Stecs, who is also from 'Kopā Latvijai', has received the necessary security clearance, which further emphasizes the importance of these clearances in local governance.

The State Security Service (VDD) is currently assessing Tutins' suitability for tasks involving state secrets, which is a significant aspect of his responsibilities as the acting chair. The situation reflects broader issues regarding transparency and security within local government in Latvia, particularly in light of recent administrative changes and the requirements officials must meet to ensure security protocols are followed. This unfolding scenario may affect local governance efficacy and citizen confidence in the administration's handling of sensitive information.