President to propose making security clearance mandatory also for heads of local governments

RIGA - The obligation to obtain security clearance could also apply to heads of local governments, their deputies and municipalities' executive directors, President Edgars Rinkevics told reporters after a meeting with Saeima Speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers) at Riga Castle today.

Rinkevics said that he would in the near future propose changes to the relevant laws on official secrets. According to the president, his initiative is based on both the current geopolitical situation as well as national and civil defense planning.

"I will propose to make security clearance a mandatory requirement for heads of local governments, their deputies and municipalities' executive directors in order to significantly improve cooperation between local governments and the institutions responsible for national security, defense and internal affairs," said Rinkevics.

He said that the amendments would be prepared and possibly discussed at one of the sittings of Saeima after November 18.