Dismissed Bartaševics on the delay in electing a new mayor of Rēzekne: A bad decision made in haste
Dismissed Mayor Bartaševics criticized the delay in electing a new mayor of Rēzekne, calling it a hasty decision and asserting that the council has time to choose a successor legally.
Dismissed Mayor Bartaševics has expressed concerns over the delayed election of a new mayor for Rēzekne, describing it as a poorly made decision taken in haste. He highlighted that the council has sufficient time to appoint a new mayor, ensuring that the process adheres to legal standards. Bartaševics emphasized the competitive nature of the candidacy for the mayoral position, noting that several qualified candidates from his party, 'Kopā Latvijai', are available to take on the role.
In light of previous instances where the selection of a new mayor was protracted, opposition deputy Ināra Groce reminded the council of a similar situation from their last term, when it took two months to elect a new leader following the previous mayor's dismissal due to a financial crisis. She suggested that a similar timeline could occur this time, particularly as the council awaited a decision from the State Security Service regarding the security clearances of the two deputy mayors, who are also affiliated with Bartaševics' party.
Bartaševics confirmed that both deputy mayors have received temporary security clearances for two years. When asked if one of them would become the new mayor, he replied that there are no obstacles to approve any of the eight deputies from his party as potential candidates, indicating that the new mayor will be presented for approval soon. This scenario reflects the ongoing political dynamics within the local council and the challenges faced in selecting a leader during transitional periods.