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

Although at the Coalition Council on Wednesday decided in principle to support the proposal of the government to amend this year budget by increasing its deficit, it is likely that the Saeima might support assigning additional financing to several projects that the government did not support, thus increasing the budget deficit up to 3.2% from GDP.

Although at the Coalition Council on Wednesday decided in principle to support the proposal of the government to amend this year budget by increasing its deficit, it is likely that the Saeima might support assigning additional financing to several projects that the government did not support, thus increasing the budget deficit up to 3.2% from GDP. Diena, Respublika

The election of Chairman of Latvian Way at the party congress on December 9 might become rather tough because along with the current Chairman A.Pantelejevs for this post may run also Prime Minister A.Berzins. People proposing him call to return to European practice that party Chairman is also the head of the government.

The election of Chairman of Latvian Way at the party congress on December 9 might become rather tough because along with the current Chairman A.Pantelejevs for this post may run also Prime Minister A.Berzins. People proposing him call to return to European practice that party Chairman is also the head of the government. Diena

Neatkariga

informs also about the coming congress of FF/LNNK that take place already this week. There is unofficial information that M.Grinblats could remain the Chairman but could have new deputies. It is possible that Russia will offer the world a new concept – strategic plan for relations with compatriots abroad. This plan refers only to the former USSR republics. So far Moscow did not have any future orientated program for these relations. All activities were and are conducted basing in impulse – mass media with support of state institutions (MFA, individual politicians or even the Kremlin) start a short term campaign against some neighbouring country for real or supposed violations of compatriots’ rights. The developers of the strategy accuse Russian authorities for not doing anything to express their attitude towards 50 million Russians living in the neighbouring countries.

It is possible that Russia will offer the world a new concept – strategic plan for relations with compatriots abroad. This plan refers only to the former USSR republics. So far Moscow did not have any future orientated program for these relations. All activities were and are conducted basing in impulse – mass media with support of state institutions (MFA, individual politicians or even the Kremlin) start a short term campaign against some neighbouring country for real or supposed violations of compatriots rights. The developers of the strategy accuse Russian authorities for not doing anything to express their attitude towards 50 million Russians living in the neighbouring countries. Neatkariga

The newspaper

The newspaper Jauna Avize interviewed the Minister of Justice I.Labucka about the things achieved and planned during her half a year in this position. One of the most serious problems during this period of time is that many people are kept in detention for long time without any court decree. 3527 persons are still waiting for their sentence. I.Labucka has signed an order for responsible institutions to submit a full review of them and she plans to analyse the situation. Concerning her future plans, the Minister wants to raise the prestige of the court system.

Political scientists foresee blackmailing wars to start before the next municipal election. Party representatives refuse a possibility that their political forces are prepared to run for post in local governments with such methods, but they admit that this is one of methods of fight. The press has already published materials on possible anti-corruption law violations by Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis and Saeima Juridical Commission Chairman L.Mucins. The leader of Social Democrats faction E.Baldzens thinks that the real fighting has not started yet, parties “just demonstrate their muscles”.

Political scientists foresee blackmailing wars to start before the next municipal election. Party representatives refuse a possibility that their political forces are prepared to run for post in local governments with such methods, but they admit that this is one of methods of fight. The press has already published materials on possible anti-corruption law violations by Minister of Economics A.Kalvitis and Saeima Juridical Commission Chairman L.Mucins. The leader of Social Democrats faction E.Baldzens thinks that the real fighting has not started yet, parties just demonstrate their muscles. Rigas Balss, Chas

Many heads of local governments will have to join some political party or coalition to be able to run for this election because amendments to the local government election law stipulate that in towns with more than 5000 population election candidate lists may be submitted only by parties. In the last election many people voted for such unions as “We for our city” or “ Region’s Development” but this time they will have to use some party name to be able to run. Many of local government heads have chosen Latvian Way. The Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs explaining this said that such a choice was made basing on their experience with the major political parties – “They have co-operated with the government for a long time and came to a conclusion which coalition partner was the best for co-operation.

Many heads of local governments will have to join some political party or coalition to be able to run for this election because amendments to the local government election law stipulate that in towns with more than 5000 population election candidate lists may be submitted only by parties. In the last election many people voted for such unions as We for our city or Regions Development but this time they will have to use some party name to be able to run. Many of local government heads have chosen Latvian Way. The Chairman of Latvian Way A.Pantelejevs explaining this said that such a choice was made basing on their experience with the major political parties – They have co-operated with the government for a long time and came to a conclusion which coalition partner was the best for co-operation. Lauku Avize

Yesterday took place the meeting of foreign donors organised to support the 3rd phase of the State Language Training Program. The chairperson of this meeting was Minister of Education K.Greiskalns. He assured that mastering of the state language in the context of public integration remained to be a priority of the Latvian government, pointing out that for the 1st time in the draft budget of the next year was included financing for National State Language Training Program – 429 000Ls.

Yesterday took place the meeting of foreign donors organised to support the 3rd phase of the State Language Training Program. The chairperson of this meeting was Minister of Education K.Greiskalns. He assured that mastering of the state language in the context of public integration remained to be a priority of the Latvian government, pointing out that for the 1st time in the draft budget of the next year was included financing for National State Language Training Program – 429 000Ls. Latvijas Vestnesis

Yesterday the Saeima Commission of Foreign Affairs in a closed meeting discussed implementation of the concept of Latvian foreign policy. The journalist explained the fact that the meeting was closed with the fact that the topics of discussion were not a success.

Yesterday the Saeima Commission of Foreign Affairs in a closed meeting discussed implementation of the concept of Latvian foreign policy. The journalist explained the fact that the meeting was closed with the fact that the topics of discussion were not a success. Vesti Segodnya learned that Latvian parliamentarians were very dissatisfied with the work of the government and MFA in the field of promoting the idea of European integration. According to the lasts opinion polls the majority of population are very sceptical about Latvia joining EU. Even more negative attitude is about joining NATO. It means that the population does not support the two basic priorities of Latvian government. And one more of priorities – good relations with Russia is a complete failure. Vesti Segodnya

A new public organisation was registered by the Ministry of Justice – Union of People of Latvia. One of the leaders of this organisation Professor Kalnberzs said that the aim of this organisation was to change relations within the state, establish contacts with neighbours – Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Byelorussia. The organisation will also develop economical contacts with regions of Russia.

A new public organisation was registered by the Ministry of Justice – Union of People of Latvia. One of the leaders of this organisation Professor Kalnberzs said that the aim of this organisation was to change relations within the state, establish contacts with neighbours – Russia, Estonia, Lithuania and Byelorussia. The organisation will also develop economical contacts with regions of Russia. Vesti Segodnya

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission A.Cimdars is worried about the fact that many old age people could not have a possibility to vote at the next municipal election. At the last Saeima election 5000 people voted at home but according to calculation about 2500 did not have a chance to do it. Therefore he invited to the CEC representatives of different “supported” organisations – Federation of Pensioners, Society of Blind People, Society of Handicapped People, etc., to discuss the draft law under discussion stipulating that people with locomotion problems could vote by mail and some other options how to implement the right of such people to vote.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission A.Cimdars is worried about the fact that many old age people could not have a possibility to vote at the next municipal election. At the last Saeima election 5000 people voted at home but according to calculation about 2500 did not have a chance to do it. Therefore he invited to the CEC representatives of different supported organisations – Federation of Pensioners, Society of Blind People, Society of Handicapped People, etc., to discuss the draft law under discussion stipulating that people with locomotion problems could vote by mail and some other options how to implement the right of such people to vote. Vesti Segodnya, Chas