The State Security Service (VDD) has received the first applications requesting special permits for newly elected municipal council chairpersons and their deputies to access state secrets, the agency LETA has learned from the service.
To assess a candidate’s eligibility for a special permit, as well as their ability and readiness to protect state secrets, the VDD will gather and analyze a wide range of information during the review process. The service will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the individual’s background, including periods spent abroad and the circle of personal contacts.
The VDD had previously emphasized to LETA that every clearance candidate is assessed within the timeframe stipulated by the Law on State Secrets — the standard period for an individual background check is three months. However, if it is not possible to complete a comprehensive assessment within that timeframe due to objective reasons, the VDD may extend the check for an additional three months, with notice provided to the person involved.
The most common reasons for extending the review period include a large volume of information to assess, difficulties in obtaining information about certain periods of the person’s life — such as time spent abroad — or the identification of risk factors that require additional time for evaluation.
As of the 1st of June, 2024, a requirement has come into effect mandating that municipal executive directors and deputy executive directors obtain special permits for access to state secrets.
If such a permit is not granted, the official must be removed from their position.
At the same time, the Saeima has adopted amendments to the Local Government Law requiring, following the local elections held in June, that council chairpersons and their deputies also apply for security clearances.
However, unlike executive directors, municipal leaders do not automatically lose their positions if they are denied a clearance. During discussions on the amendments, it was noted that if a council chairperson does not receive clearance, the situation could be reviewed, and action taken if necessary, by the municipal council or the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development. The Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development, Raimonds Čudars (JV), stated on the day of his appointment that if an official in any municipality is denied clearance, the ministry would have to consider their possible dismissal.
The adopted amendments to the Local Government Law stipulate that no later than one month after the election of a council chairperson or deputy chairperson, the municipality must formally submit a request to the competent state security authority for the issuance of a special permit granting access to state secrets.
Currently, mayors have been elected in all municipalities. In some municipalities, deputy mayors have yet to be elected.
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