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.

• Members of municipal councils with insufficient state language proficiency might be deprived of mandate
• Number of applicants for naturalisation grows

The Saeima’s Committee on State Administration and Municipalities elaborates draft amendments stipulating that members of municipal councils with insufficient Latvian language proficiency might be deprived of mandate. Draft amendments stipulate that a municipal deputy with poor state language proficiency will be given 6 months to improve language skills but if during this time situation does not change the court will decide on deprivation of mandate. Municipal deputies are required to have the highest state language proficiency.

The Saeimas Committee on State Administration and Municipalities elaborates draft amendments stipulating that members of municipal councils with insufficient Latvian language proficiency might be deprived of mandate. Draft amendments stipulate that a municipal deputy with poor state language proficiency will be given 6 months to improve language skills but if during this time situation does not change the court will decide on deprivation of mandate. Municipal deputies are required to have the highest state language proficiency. Vesti Segodnya

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), the number of applicants for naturalisation grew since takeover of the Naturalisation Board’s functions. Representatives of the OCMA explain it by the fact that it has more regional branches all over Latvia. The biggest group of naturalisation applicants is in the age of 18-30 years. At the same, there are almost no applicants in the age over 50.

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA), the number of applicants for naturalisation grew since takeover of the Naturalisation Boards functions. Representatives of the OCMA explain it by the fact that it has more regional branches all over Latvia. The biggest group of naturalisation applicants is in the age of 18-30 years. At the same, there are almost no applicants in the age over 50. Telegraf