RIGA, July 4 (LETA) - The State Security Service has received the first applications for security clearances from newly elected chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of local governments, the service informed LETA.

In order to assess the applicants, the Security Servicer will analyze a wide range of information. The background check will include an in-depth assessment of the person's previous activities, including periods of residing abroad, as well as his or her contacts.

The background checks will continue for up to three months. If, for objective reasons, it is impossible to complete a comprehensive assessment of an applicant within three months, the Security Service may extend the examination process for another three months.

Amendments to the Law on Official Secret, which stipulate that local governments' executive directors and their deputies must obtain security clearances, came into force on June 1, 2024. Local governments' executive directors and their deputies who fail to obtain a clearance will be dismissed.

At the same time, Saeima passed amendments to the Local Government Law, which require local government chairpersons and their deputies to also obtain security clearances.

However, unlike executive directors, local governments' chairpersons will not automatically lose their jobs if they are not granted security clearance. Such instances will be assessed by the respective local government and the Smart Administration and Regional Development Ministry.

Since the local elections in early June, all municipalities have elected chairpersons, but some local governments have not yet elected deputy chairpersons.