Okt 14 2014

• Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma: ministers of the new government will not be allowed to take part in the 16 March processions
• Vesti Segodnya prints an article by Aleksandrs Gilmans about the activity of Russian community in Latvia

The Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (who most likely will be appointed to the post of the Prime Minister by the newly elected parliament) stated that ministers of the new government will not be allowed to take part in the 16 March (unofficial commemoration day of Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires) processions in the centre of Riga, just like the ministers of the present government were not allowed to take part.  Also the leader of the Unity Solvita Aboltina said that attention of the whole Europe will be turned towards Latvia during the upcoming Latvia’s presidency in the European Council, therefore, issue of 16 March will be discussed with the National Union (NU). However, the leader of the NU Raivis Dzintars denied that there were any discussions about the issue and said that the party will not take part in such discussions. As reported, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development Einars Cilinskis (member of the NU) has been dismissed from the post because he took part in the 16 March procession. Neatkariga

Vesti Segodnya prints an article by Aleksandrs Gilmans about the activity of Russian community in Latvia. A. Gilmans believes that the main problem of Russian NGOs in Latvia is the fact that there are too many NGOs representing Russian residents and those are too small. Therefore, those face problems attracting funding and engaging people. Gilmans does not agree with the claim that Russian cultural life in Latvia is poor. According to Mr. Gilmans, Russian culture is more than some folk events, yet also includes manifestations of modern culture, such as festivals and concerts. Regarding low involvement of Russian residents in the protest actions, Gilmans explains it by the lack of idea for protest actions which would also give people a sense of pleasure if they take part in it. He also believes that 9 May (unofficial celebration of the end of WWII or Victory Day) is a unity day for all who speak and think in Russian language in Latvia.