• Constitutional Court did not abolish the national referendum scheduled for 18 February
• Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Juris Bordans: education in all state funded schools, including ethnic minority schools, should be only in state language
• Diena prints an article on bilingual education

The Constitutional Court did not abolish the national referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia which will be held on 18 February 2012. At the same time, the Court accepted a claim submitted by 30 MPs on evaluation of whether the referendum complies to the Constitution of Latvia. Head of the Court Gunars Kutris explained that arguments presented by the claimant are not sufficient to hinder the referendum.  According to Mr Kutris, the Court will review the claim by 20 March and if it finds the referendum anti-constitutional its results might be cancelled.

The Constitutional Court did not abolish the national referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia which will be held on 18 February 2012. At the same time, the Court accepted a claim submitted by 30 MPs on evaluation of whether the referendum complies to the Constitution of Latvia. Head of the Court Gunars Kutris explained that arguments presented by the claimant are not sufficient to hinder the referendum. According to Mr Kutris, the Court will review the claim by 20 March and if it finds the referendum anti-constitutional its results might be cancelled. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Juris Bordans in a publication in

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Juris Bordans in a publication in Latvijas Vestnesis (official publisher of the state) expresses his dissatisfaction about the fact that such legal notions as Latvia is national state of ethnic nation and ethnic Latvians are the states nation are not strengthened in everyday practice. Mr Bordans also states that it is necessary that education in all state funded schools, including ethnic minority schools, should be only in state language but the native language of ethnic non-Latvian children could be taught as additional subject.

According to

According to Diena, some ethnic minority schools might face problems following the new regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers stipulating that at least 2/5 of subjects in ethnic minority elementary schools should be taught in Latvian language. According to a representative of the Ministry of Education, the recently adopted regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers are only formality because factually such proportion of bilingual education already works. However, according to a study on bilingual education conducted by a doctor of pedagogy Tatjana Russita, there are problems with teachers who studied in Soviet times. Many of these teachers have poor Latvian language proficiency and face problems to conduct lessons in Latvians language.

• President of Latvia Andris Berzins and Ex-head of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins: it is not right to abolish the referendum
• MP Ina Druviete: equal usage of Latvian and Russian language in Latvia is not admissible
• Vesti Segodnya prints an article about why Russian speaking residents of Latvia were not able to learn Latvian language for 20 years

The President of Latvia Andris Berzins stated that it is too late to abolish the national referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of official in Latvia. Ex-head of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins also stated that the claim to the Constitutional Court has political character and the Court does not have the mandate to work on political problems. Mr Endzins believes that the core of the Constitution of Latvia are the Articles 1 and 2 which says that Latvia is democratic republic and the state’s sovereign power belong to its nation and the Article 77 saying that amendments to the Articles 1,2,3,4,6 and 77 should be approved at the national referendum. Article 4, which determines that Latvian language is the state language was added only in 1998. The Constitutional Court should take its decision whether to accept a claim submitted by 30 MPs asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues corresponds to the Constitution.

The President of Latvia Andris Berzins stated that it is too late to abolish the national referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of official in Latvia. Ex-head of the Constitutional Court Aivars Endzins also stated that the claim to the Constitutional Court has political character and the Court does not have the mandate to work on political problems. Mr Endzins believes that the core of the Constitution of Latvia are the Articles 1 and 2 which says that Latvia is democratic republic and the states sovereign power belong to its nation and the Article 77 saying that amendments to the Articles 1,2,3,4,6 and 77 should be approved at the national referendum. Article 4, which determines that Latvian language is the state language was added only in 1998. The Constitutional Court should take its decision whether to accept a claim submitted by 30 MPs asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues corresponds to the Constitution. Vesti Segodnya

Head of the Saeima’s Education, Science and Culture Committee, MP Ina Druviete (the Unity) believes that equal usage of Latvian and Russian language in Latvia is not admissible. Mrs Druviete believes that such situation would sufficiently weaken positions of Latvian language.

Head of the Saeimas Education, Science and Culture Committee, MP Ina Druviete (the Unity) believes that equal usage of Latvian and Russian language in Latvia is not admissible. Mrs Druviete believes that such situation would sufficiently weaken positions of Latvian language. Chas

Vesti Segodnya prints an article about why some Russian speaking residents of Latvia were not able to learn Latvian language during 20 years. While the state set language proficiency in employment and in contacts with state bodies, the state normally does not finance the state language training. Free-of-charge language courses (funded by the EU) are available only to temporary residents and refugees. Latvian citizens and non-citizens could apply for language training (also funded by the EU) only after they were dismissed from jobs and awaited long queues at the State Employment Agency. In addition, many persons who attended these courses state that those are not effective due to unprofessional teachers and luck of proper methodology. The newspaper notes that since 2011 Riga City Council provides free-of-charge Latvian language courses for residents but those are not able to satisfy all the demand. According to the article, Latvian language courses provided by private companies for cost usually are too expensive or concentrate only on preparation to examination for state language certificate or naturalisation. Also there is lack of curriculum to study Latvian without assistance.

• Provisional results of the national census: 2,067 887 residents live Latvia
• SKDS presented the MPs results of the research on common and different perceptions of ethnic Latvians and Russian speakers
• Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov criticized Latvia for unsolved problem with large-scale non-citizenship and for restrictions on usage of Russian language

Newspapers report about the provisional results of the national census conducted in 2011. In total, 2,067 887 residents live Latvia. This is 13 % less than in 2000. Regarding the ethnic proportion, the percentage of ethnic Latvians among Latvian residents has grown – from 57,7% in 2000 up to 62,1% in 2011, while percentage of ethnic Russian residents decreased – from 29,6% in 2000 down to 26,9 at present. 3,3% of Latvian residents are Belorussians, 2,2% - Ukrainians, 2,2 % - Polish, 1,2% - Lithuanians and 2,1% of representatives of other ethnicities. The proportion of Latvian citizens has grown – from 74,5% in 2000 to 84%, while the proportion of non-citizens has decreased – from 21% down to 14% at present.

Newspapers report about the provisional results of the national census conducted in 2011. In total, 2,067 887 residents live Latvia. This is 13 % less than in 2000. Regarding the ethnic proportion, the percentage of ethnic Latvians among Latvian residents has grown – from 57,7% in 2000 up to 62,1% in 2011, while percentage of ethnic Russian residents decreased – from 29,6% in 2000 down to 26,9 at present. 3,3% of Latvian residents are Belorussians, 2,2% - Ukrainians, 2,2 % - Polish, 1,2% - Lithuanians and 2,1% of representatives of other ethnicities. The proportion of Latvian citizens has grown – from 74,5% in 2000 to 84%, while the proportion of non-citizens has decreased – from 21% down to 14% at present. Diena, Chas, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga, Vesti Segodnya

Head of the marketing and public opinion research centre SKDS Arnis Kaktins presented the members of the Saeima’s Citizenship Law Implementation Committee with the results of a research “Indicators of ethnic unity.” According to it, the biggest differences in the perceptions of ethnic Latvians and Russians speakers is in the opinion about historical issues such as forced incorporation of Latvia into the USSR in 1940. 69% of ethnic Latvians and 17% of Russian speakers believe that Latvia was incorporated by force, while 11% of ethnic Latvians and 55% of Russian speakers believe that Latvia was included in the USSR voluntary.

Head of the marketing and public opinion research centre SKDS Arnis Kaktins presented the members of the Saeimas Citizenship Law Implementation Committee with the results of a research Indicators of ethnic unity. According to it, the biggest differences in the perceptions of ethnic Latvians and Russians speakers is in the opinion about historical issues such as forced incorporation of Latvia into the USSR in 1940. 69% of ethnic Latvians and 17% of Russian speakers believe that Latvia was incorporated by force, while 11% of ethnic Latvians and 55% of Russian speakers believe that Latvia was included in the USSR voluntary. Vesti Segodnya

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov criticized Latvia for unsolved problem with large-scale non-citizenship and for restrictions on usage of Russian language. Regarding the initiative to conduct the national referendum on granting Russian language the status of a state language in Latvia, Mr Lavrov stated that Russian speaking residents are motivated by the aspiration to justice in order to gain respect and rights to use their native language as they want.

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov criticized Latvia for unsolved problem with large-scale non-citizenship and for restrictions on usage of Russian language. Regarding the initiative to conduct the national referendum on granting Russian language the status of a state language in Latvia, Mr Lavrov stated that Russian speaking residents are motivated by the aspiration to justice in order to gain respect and rights to use their native language as they want. Chas

• Opinion poll: 59% of Latvian citizens would vote against the Constitutional amendments stipulating granting Russian language status of official in Latvia
• Diena prints an article on how the state provided Latvian language courses for non-Latvians in the past

According to a public opinion poll conducted by “TNS Latvia/LNT”, 59% of Latvian citizens would vote against the Constitutional amendments stipulating granting Russian language status of official in Latvia. 25% of respondents would vote for such initiative at the referendum. 10% of respondents will not take part in the referendum and 6% do not know how to vote yet.

According to a public opinion poll conducted by TNS Latvia/LNT, 59% of Latvian citizens would vote against the Constitutional amendments stipulating granting Russian language status of official in Latvia. 25% of respondents would vote for such initiative at the referendum. 10% of respondents will not take part in the referendum and 6% do not know how to vote yet. Latvijas Avize

Diena prints an article on how the state provided Latvian language courses for non-Latvians in the past and how successful this process was. According to the article, the state spent several millions Lats during past 16 years for state language courses for different target groups. However, there are doubts that it was enough for sufficient proficiency in Latvian language of all Russian speaking residents. Former head the State Langauge Centre Dzintra Hirsa believes that lack of loyalty towards the state among Russian speakers is one of the main reasons why many of them are not proficient in Latvian. Mrs Hirsa also blames ethnic Latvians who speak with Russian speakers in Russian in such way promoting self sufficiency of Russian language in Latvia. Social anthropologist Klavs Sedlinieks believes that the reason for the lack of loyalty towards the state among Russian speakers is promoted by the lack of loyalty among ethnic Latvians.

• 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011
• Riga Ukrainian secondary school opens after renovation
• Head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris: it is possible that the referendum will be delayed
• MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins: referendum contradicts spirit of the Constitution but there is no legal mechanism to prevent such initiatives

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011. This is 5% more than in 2010. In total, 137,600 persons received Latvian citizenship since the start of naturalisation process in 1995.

According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, 2,467 persons received Latvian citizenship trough naturalisation in 2011. This is 5% more than in 2010. In total, 137,600 persons received Latvian citizenship since the start of naturalisation process in 1995. Telegraf, Chas

Newspapers report about the opening of Riga Ukrainian secondary school after renovation. Latvian and Ukrainian high officials, including the President of Latvia Andris Berzins, the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs and the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Grishenko attended the ceremonial event. The Minister Grishenko stated that renovation of the school is an example of the care of Latvia about ethnic minorities.

Newspapers report about the opening of Riga Ukrainian secondary school after renovation. Latvian and Ukrainian high officials, including the President of Latvia Andris Berzins, the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs and the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Konstantin Grishenko attended the ceremonial event. The Minister Grishenko stated that renovation of the school is an example of the care of Latvia about ethnic minorities. Chas, Vesti Segodnya, Telegraf, Latvijas Avize

The head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris in an interview with a TV channel TV3 stated that it is possible that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be delayed until the Court’s decision. The Court might take the decision on the referendum after seven – eight months. As reported, 30 MPs submitted a claim to the Constitutional Court asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues complies with the Constitution.

The head of the Constitutional Court Gunars Kutris in an interview with a TV channel TV3 stated that it is possible that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia will be delayed until the Courts decision. The Court might take the decision on the referendum after seven – eight months. As reported, 30 MPs submitted a claim to the Constitutional Court asking to evaluate whether the national referendum on such issues complies with the Constitution. Diena

MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins (the Unity) believes that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, however, the procedure for initiation of the referendum got conducted in a legally correct way and it can not be abolished. The MP believes if the Constitutional Courts takes decision to delay the referendum it will increase ethnic tensions. Andrejs Judins considers that there should be a mechanism to prevent infringement on the constitutional foundations of the state, however there are no such mechanisms yet in Latvia.

MP, lawyer Andrejs Judins (the Unity) believes that the referendum on the Constitutional amendments granting Russian language status of a state language in Latvia contradicts the spirit of the Constitution, however, the procedure for initiation of the referendum got conducted in a legally correct way and it can not be abolished. The MP believes if the Constitutional Courts takes decision to delay the referendum it will increase ethnic tensions. Andrejs Judins considers that there should be a mechanism to prevent infringement on the constitutional foundations of the state, however there are no such mechanisms yet in Latvia. Vesti Segodnya