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.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the first reading amendments to the election laws lifting the language requirement for election candidates 73 deputies voted in favour of the draft amendments to the Saeima election law, while 70 voted in favour of amending the municipal election law. As this is more than 2/3 of all deputies, it will not be possible to halt the entry into force of the amendments by having 1/3 of all deputies request the President to stop promulgation and attempt to gather signatures for a referendum. Voting “for” were deputies from Latvia’s Way, the People’s Party, the Social Democratic faction led by Juris Bojars, various deputies formerly of the New Party and FHRUL. Voting “against” were the Social Democrats led by Egils Baldzens, who justified their opposition with reference to the governing parties’ lack of support for their proposed constitutional amendments, and FF/LNNK. While FF/LNNK defence minister Girts Kristovskis argued in favour of the amendments, his party’s deputies voted against, while FF/LNNK speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume did not vote. The amendments were reviewed according to the accelerated procedure (only 2 readings instead of three) and the second and final reading is scheduled for 9 May.

Yesterday the Saeima adopted in the first reading amendments to the election laws lifting the language requirement for election candidates 73 deputies voted in favour of the draft amendments to the Saeima election law, while 70 voted in favour of amending the municipal election law. As this is more than 2/3 of all deputies, it will not be possible to halt the entry into force of the amendments by having 1/3 of all deputies request the President to stop promulgation and attempt to gather signatures for a referendum. Voting for were deputies from Latvias Way, the Peoples Party, the Social Democratic faction led by Juris Bojars, various deputies formerly of the New Party and FHRUL. Voting against were the Social Democrats led by Egils Baldzens, who justified their opposition with reference to the governing parties lack of support for their proposed constitutional amendments, and FF/LNNK. While FF/LNNK defence minister Girts Kristovskis argued in favour of the amendments, his partys deputies voted against, while FF/LNNK speaker of the Saeima Janis Straume did not vote. The amendments were reviewed according to the accelerated procedure (only 2 readings instead of three) and the second and final reading is scheduled for 9 May. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnja

Dienas

journalist Dita Araja refers to another aspect of the ruling of the ECHR on Podkolzinas case. The ECHR noted that several legal norms were violated by having a sole inspector conduct the test and questioning Podkolzina regarding her political affiliation. Outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa has argued that at that time there were no legal norm stipulating the procedure for re-examination and the inspector acted according to standard procedures of the State Language Centre. Moreover, according to Hirsa, the decision was not based on a sole inspectors views, as the written examination was sent to the State Language Centre, which took the final decision.journalist Dita Araja refers to another aspect of the ruling of the ECHR on Podkolzina’s case. The ECHR noted that several legal norms were violated by having a sole inspector conduct the test and questioning Podkolzina regarding her political affiliation. Outgoing director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa has argued that at that time there were no legal norm stipulating the procedure for re-examination and the inspector acted according to standard procedures of the State Language Centre. Moreover, according to Hirsa, the decision was not based on a sole inspector’s views, as the written examination was sent to the State Language Centre, which took the final decision.

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes aninterview with Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding resignation of director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, Berzins says that he believes people who say that she is a good expert and will continue to work in the realm of language policy. He admits that if we want to live in a democratic society we have to observe its norms. I believe, we have succeeded with this during the last year. publishes aninterview with Prime Minister Andris Berzins. Regarding resignation of director of the State Language Centre Dzintra Hirsa, Berzins says that he believes people who say that she is a good expert and will continue to work in the realm of language policy. He admits that if “we want to live in a democratic society we have to observe its norms. I believe, we have succeeded with this during the last year.”

Vesti Segodnja

reports that FHRUL has not yet received any response from the Prime Minister regarding the resumption of the process of granting citizenship to those who have undergone naturalisation. reports that FHRUL has not yet received any response from the Prime Minister regarding the resumption of the process of granting citizenship to those who have undergone naturalisation. Andris Berzins is the first Latvian Prime Minister since 1993 who has stayed in office for 2 years. Latvia’s success on its way to the EU and NATO, stability in relations with Russia and decreased public alienation from the government are the key achievements of this government, believes the Prime Minister. Politicians of the governing parties and opposition parties agree that this government could live for so long thanks to the ability of Berzins to “take humiliation from his partners.” They believe that the Prime Minister should show stronger will in decision making and implementation.

Andris Berzins is the first Latvian Prime Minister since 1993 who has stayed in office for 2 years. Latvias success on its way to the EU and NATO, stability in relations with Russia and decreased public alienation from the government are the key achievements of this government, believes the Prime Minister. Politicians of the governing parties and opposition parties agree that this government could live for so long thanks to the ability of Berzins to take humiliation from his partners. They believe that the Prime Minister should show stronger will in decision making and implementation. Diena