Two local governments in Latvia did not apply for state secret clearance for their executive directors amid ongoing evaluations by the State Security Service.
In Latvia, two municipalities have failed to submit applications for state secret clearance for their executive directors, amidst an ongoing review by the State Security Service (VDD). This year and last, the VDD issued seven special permits for executive directors in municipal councils and five for deputies, each valid for five years. The evaluations are part of the VDD's responsibility to ensure that individuals handling state secrets are adequately vetted for their positions.
The VDD has expressed concern with specific cases, having recently denied one executive director's access to state secrets due to identified risks to the security of protected information. This decision was previously reported concerning Raimonds Olehno, a former executive director of Rēzekne municipality, who was denied clearance. Additionally, the agency issued temporary permits for eight municipal executive directors and their deputies, which were granted for shorter terms—one, two, or three years—instead of the maximum five years typically allotted.
These developments highlight the importance of vigilance in granting access to sensitive information, particularly in light of the implications such access holds for national security. The ongoing evaluations serve to reinforce the legal framework surrounding state secrets in Latvia, as well as underscore the importance of adherence to regulations designed to protect sensitive information from potential threats.
