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.

Press Report

Press Report

The popularity rating of Riga mayor Gundars Bojars suffered a dramatic drop from the third place in July to the tenth in August, according to the latest opinion poll by SKDS pollster. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga remained at her traditional position on top of the list, followed by Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse and

The popularity rating of Riga mayor Gundars Bojars suffered a dramatic drop from the third place in July to the tenth in August, according to the latest opinion poll by SKDS pollster. Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga remained at her traditional position on top of the list, followed by Bank of Latvia President Einars Repse and

Parliament speaker Janis Straume. Both Vike-Freiberga and Repse improved their ratings in August, but SKDS pointed out that the poll was almost complete when Repse announced his plans to form a new political party in Latvia, therefore the effect of this announcement on the August results was minimum. Having lost much of his previous rating (-24.4), Riga mayor Gundars Bojars now rates at 3.7 points and closes top ten of most popular politicians in Latvia in August. Top three of the most disliked politicians saw some shuffling in August with left-wing Equal Rights party leader Tatyana Zhdanok (-34) giving up the leading position to Socialist party leader Alfreds Rubiks (-36.3) while the People's Party leader and ex-premier Andris Skele remained in the third position (-27.3), despite adding 3.1 positive points to his rating in August.

Parliament speaker Janis Straume. Both Vike-Freiberga and Repse improved their ratings in August, but SKDS pointed out that the poll was almost complete when Repse announced his plans to form a new political party in Latvia, therefore the effect of this announcement on the August results was minimum. Having lost much of his previous rating (-24.4), Riga mayor Gundars Bojars now rates at 3.7 points and closes top ten of most popular politicians in Latvia in August. Top three of the most disliked politicians saw some shuffling in August with left-wing Equal Rights party leader Tatyana Zhdanok (-34) giving up the leading position to Socialist party leader Alfreds Rubiks (-36.3) while the People's Party leader and ex-premier Andris Skele remained in the third position (-27.3), despite adding 3.1 positive points to his rating in August.

Social Democrats Worker Party’s rating has also dropped, however, it is still holding the first position (11.4), followed by FF/LNNK (11.1) and Latvia’s Way (9.7).

Social Democrats Worker Partys rating has also dropped, however, it is still holding the first position (11.4), followed by FF/LNNK (11.1) and Latvias Way (9.7). Diena, Neatkariga, Jauna, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Respublika

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov held a reception for the group of the teachers of the Russian language and primary school teachers who have just returned from Russia where they had training session of 10 days, which was organised in the framework of the project “Compatriots: Partnership and Education”. The delegation of Latvia was composed of 65 teachers from all parts of Latvia. All expenses were covered by Russia.

Yesterday Russian ambassador to Latvia I.Studennikov held a reception for the group of the teachers of the Russian language and primary school teachers who have just returned from Russia where they had training session of 10 days, which was organised in the framework of the project Compatriots: Partnership and Education. The delegation of Latvia was composed of 65 teachers from all parts of Latvia. All expenses were covered by Russia. Chas, Vesti Segodnja, Panorama Latvi, Respublikai

Chas

interviews Social Democrats party chairperson J.Bojars. J.Bojars does not see any splitting inside the party and explains the fuss around the party as the actions of some Social Democrats who are working for the interests of right wing parties. However, the chairperson did not want to give any particular names of wrong doers as everybody knows them. Also in regard about partys sponsors J.Bojars did not provide a clear and open answer. In his opinion, the Latvian Government is unstable for the moment and if people had to vote for dissolution of the Parliament, the majority would vote for that. About the situation in Riga City Council J.Bojars says, now we have good, working coalition – residents of Riga have to feel that the ruling coalition works for their benefit irrespectively of residents nationality. When asked if he would like to be either the President or the Prime Minister, J.Bojars did not deny the possibility. interviews Social Democrats party chairperson J.Bojars. J.Bojars does not see any splitting inside the party and explains the fuss around the party as the actions of some Social Democrats who are working for the interests of right wing parties. However, the chairperson did not want to give any particular names of “wrong doers” “as everybody knows them”. Also in regard about party’s sponsors J.Bojars did not provide a clear and open answer. In his opinion, the Latvian Government is unstable for the moment and if people had to vote for dissolution of the Parliament, the majority would vote for that. About the situation in Riga City Council J.Bojars says, “now we have good, working coalition – residents of Riga have to feel that the ruling coalition works for their benefit irrespectively of residents’ nationality”. When asked if he would like to be either the President or the Prime Minister, J.Bojars did not deny the possibility.

Respublika

publishes TV interview given by A.Garda, director of publishing house Vieda. A.Garda denies that the announcement of the new competition intentionally was made just before anti-racism conference in the South Africa and in no way Russia could manipulate with that against Latvia. In Gardas view all non-citizens (540 000) have to be repatriated and also citizens loyalty will be under investigation. However, he claims that he himself is not going to found a political party, which would implement and present his ideas in 8th Saeima. publishes TV interview given by A.Garda, director of publishing house “Vieda”. A.Garda denies that the announcement of the new competition intentionally was made just before anti-racism conference in the South Africa and in no way Russia could manipulate with that against Latvia. In Garda’s view all non-citizens (540 000) have to be repatriated and also citizens’ loyalty will be under investigation. However, he claims that he himself is not going to found a political party, which would implement and present his ideas in 8th Saeima.