• New government established
• Two candidates nominated for the post of the Ombudsman

The majority of the Parliament supported the establishment of the new government headed by the member of the Union of Greens and Farmers Maris Kucinskis. The governing coalition consists of three parties: the Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Union, and the Unity. As reported, the governing coalition’s declaration includes a commitment to elaborate a plan for transition of education in all state funded schools solely into Latvian language and start its implementation. According to the new Minister of Education Karlis Sadurskis, transfer to Latvian language in minority schools by 2018, as previously planned, does not seem realistic at the moment. He believes that there is a need to ensure that all schools educate students, who are loyal to Latvia, and give them appropriate knowledge of history. News agency LETA.

The MPs nominated two candidates for the post of the Ombudsman – the present Ombudsman Juris Jansons and former official from the State Police Ilze Berzina-Rukere. Juris Jansons was nominated by five MPs – members of the Union of Greens and Farmers and the National Union, while Ilze Berzina-Rukere - by five MPs from the Unity. According to Mr Berzina-Rukere, if she is elected to the post of the Ombudsman, human rights, public security and good governance would be her priorities. In response to a question on the language proportions in minority schools, Mr Berzina-Rukere said that her opinion complies with the conclusion of the Constitutional Court: it is necessary to ensure integration of ethnic minorities and also to give them opportunity to preserve their cultural identity. She also believes that the Ombudsman should get involved in the discussion on minority education reform. The mandate of the current Ombudsman will expire on 16 March. Diena

• Six asylum seekers arrived to Latvia within refugee quota policy

The media report on arrival of the first group of six relocated asylum seekers - two families from Syria and Eretria, to Latvia. According to the Minister of Interior, the next group of asylum seekers could arrive to Latvia during the next month. News agency LETA

• State Language Centre has registered 708 violations in 2015

The State Language Centre has registered 708 violations of the State Language Law and collected fines in amount of EUR 21,160 in 2015. The majority of violations concerned insufficient level of Latvian language proficiency required for various posts or professions. The number of inspections conducted by the SLC has increased in 2015 as compared to 2014, but the number of initiated proceedings has decreased. Last year, the SLC hired nine so-called “public assistants” evaluating, on a voluntary basis, the usage of the state language in provision of public information and providing consultations on correcting the situation; identifying situation with regard to the use of the state language in regions and reporting to the SLC identified problems; providing consultations concerning the Latvian language use. The SLC is planning to increase the number of public assistants up to 150 during 2016. Latvijas Avize  

• First instance court took a decision to deprive a deputy of the Balvi Municipal Council of the mandate

Latvijas Avize about a litigation between the deputy of the Balvi Municipal Council Ivans Baranovs and the State Language Centre (SLC). In November 2013, the SLC found that Baranovs’ Latvian language proficiency did not match the highest level required for the post. Due to inability to improve language skills, the SLC asked the court to deprive Baranovs of his mandate. The first instance court satisfied the SLC’s appeal. However, the litigation continues, as Mr Baranovs appealed the court’s decision.    

• Ministry of Interior: no asylum seekers agreed to come to Latvia

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Ilze Petersone-Godmane stated that no asylum seekers have agreed to come to Latvia yet. The Latvian authorities are currently conducting selection process of asylum seekers for their resettlement in Latvia, within refugee quota policy, in Greece and Italy. Mrs Petersone-Godmane explained that asylum seekers corresponding to certain criteria defined by Latvia are being interviewed and told about life in Latvia. She emphasized that nobody will be forced to go to Latvia. As reported, Latvia has agreed to accept 531 asylum seekers. Lsm.lv