Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• New government established
• Two candidates nominated for the post of the Ombudsman

The majority of the Parliament supported the establishment of the new government headed by the member of the Union of Greens and Farmers Maris Kucinskis. The governing coalition consists of three parties: the Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Union, and the Unity. As reported, the governing coalition’s declaration includes a commitment to elaborate a plan for transition of education in all state funded schools solely into Latvian language and start its implementation. According to the new Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis, transfer to Latvian language in minority schools by 2018, as previously planned, does not seem realistic at the moment. He believes that there is a need to ensure that all schools educate students, who are loyal to Latvia, and give them appropriate knowledge of history. News agency LETA.

The MPs nominated two candidates for the post of the Ombudsman – the present Ombudsman Juris Jansons and former official from the State Police Ilze Berzina-Rukere. Juris Jansons was nominated by five MPs – members of the Union of Greens and Farmers and the National Union, while Ilze Berzina-Rukere - by five MPs from the Unity. According to Mr Berzina-Rukere, if she is elected to the post of the Ombudsman, human rights, public security and good governance would be her priorities. In response to a question on the language proportions in minority schools, Mr Berzina-Rukere said that her opinion complies with the conclusion of the Constitutional Court: it is necessary to ensure integration of ethnic minorities and also to give them opportunity to preserve their cultural identity. She also believes that the Ombudsman should get involved in the discussion on minority education reform. The mandate of the current Ombudsman will expire on 16 March. Diena