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.

15 July 2014 

• LTV7 to offer more programmes in Russian 

Starting with September Latvia’s public channel LTV7 will offer more programmes in Russian: a morning news programme in Russian, analytical weekly programme in Russian on Sundays similar to the investigative journalism LTV1 programme „De facto” in Latvian. R.Ruduša, content editor of documentary, news and sports programmes of the Latvian TV highlights that news and analytical programmes should be initially strengthened before expanding entertainment programmes in Russian. Latvia’s Radio Channel 4 (broadcasting in Russian) will start programme series „What’s Happening in the Former USSR” on the 12 former Soviet republics [except for the 3 Baltic States]. Russian section of the public media internet webpage www.lsm.lv will also be expanded. 682,399 EUR have been allocated for the purpose (27,852 EUR for the Latvian Radio Channel 4, LTV& morning news programme in Russian – 200,000 EUR, analytical programme on Sundays – 285,000 EUR, expanding information in Russian on public media website – 37,752 EUR, publicity events for public media – 131,793 EUR). The measures to strengthen the local programming and provide alternative sources of information in Russian in Latvia are being taken to tackle the propaganda of Russia’s official mass media. Latvijas Avīze 

 

16 July 2014 

• Interview with the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs 

Vesti Segodnya interviews the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs (Concord Centre). Mr Usakovs believes the coalition of the "Concord Centre" and the "Honour to Serve Riga!" is a good example of overcoming ethnic divisions for the common good of all residents. He also states that during the last 5 years their coalition implemented social democratic policy in Riga. He also claims that numerous "right-wing" parties in Latvia were engaged in theft and used the slogan of "Russian threat" to cover-up. According to Mr. Usakovs, as a result of the financial crisis five years ago, the income of the Riga city council has decreased from EUR 854 million in 2008 to EUR 570 million in 2009, when he took the office. Mr. Usakovs admits that he is ethnic Russian and believes that Riga is multi-ethnic city and that as a Mayor, he is equally responsible to all voters and defends the interests of all regardless of ethnicity. According to the SKDS public opinion survey the work of Mr. Usakovs is supported by 78,5% of the residents of Riga. 

 

17 July 2014 

• Ministry of Education work group develops proposals to increase the number of Latvian language lessons in national minority kindergartens
• Implementation plan of the "Fundamentals of National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy" criticised 

The Minister of Education Ina Druviete established work group which would develop proposals to increase the number of Latvian language lessons in national minority kindergartens. The regulations currently in force envision two Latvian language lessons per week for children aged 2 to 5 years old and one Latvian language lesson every day above 5 years old. Ms Druviete recalls that in 2012 she participated as an expert in a work group on the same issue, yet the work group decided to leave these requirements unchanged, because representatives of parents of national minority children believed the current number is sufficient. The newspaper highlights that one can expect clash of views, as one of the participants stated that the minority kindergartens shall have the right to decide the number of language lessons and that the parents shall have the right to choose which education programme offered by the kindergarten is more suitable for their children. The same representative also mentioned that minority kindergartens already opened Latvian language groups, because there is a demand among minority parents. Latvijas Avize 

Vesti Segodnya reports about the implementation plan of the "Fundamentals of National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy". The plan requires basic funding of EUR 2,4 million in 2015 and EUR 1,6 million in 2016, as well as additional funding of EUR 11,2 million in 2015 and EUR 10,5 million in 2016. The newspaper criticises the plan for alleged emphasis on various research and monitoring activities in the areas of education, employment and healthcare instead of measures to ensure equality for minorities in these areas. The newspaper also asks why the aim of "popularising the usage of the state language in public sphere" is necessary given the fact that the overwhelming majority of employees of public bodies are already native speakers of Latvian language, as well as questions the stated aim of creating "united social memory".