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

 

Lauku Avize analyses the results of the latest opinion poll about political parties ratings in Latvia. According to the survey conducted by the company SKDS, left wing party FHRUL is the second most popular party in July. Director of the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences Brigita Zepa says that previously respondents felt ashamed to disclose that they support FHRUL. After FHRULs victory in the municipal elections in Riga, people feel free to show their preference. Brigita Zepa is convinced that Russians support FHRUL because none of the ruling Latvian parties have seriously tried to attract this electorate. Political scientist Juris Ciganovs agrees that the upcoming Saeima elections will be a success story for FHRUL.

Lauku Avize

talks to president of Radio Free Europe Thomas Dine. He believes that one of the key goals in Latvia should be integration of different ethnic groups while preserving their identities. He is convinced that all members of different ethnic groups should be citizens irrespective of language, colour and ethnic background. talks to president of Radio Free Europe Thomas Dine. He believes that one of the key goals in Latvia should be integration of different ethnic groups while preserving their identities. He is convinced that all members of different ethnic groups should be citizens irrespective of language, colour and ethnic background.

Lauku Avize

introduces its readers to the recently published book Russia – Near or Far Abroad? by Modris Zemins. The author analyses Russias policy towards Latvia in the past and present. introduces its readers to the recently published book “Russia – Near or Far Abroad?” by Modris Zemins. The author analyses Russia’s policy towards Latvia in the past and present.

Chas

publishes an in-depth interview with director of national TV Uldis Grava. Uldis Grava agrees that the proportion of programmes and shows in Russian on national TV channels should be bigger but says that the Saeima is responsible for changing quotas of non-Latvian programmes in the Law on Radio and Television. Uldis Grava plans to involve Russian journalists in the production of shows and programmes in Latvian and vice versa. Another future project is to show movies on two channels simultaneously – channel One would show a movie with translation, channel Two in the original language. publishes an in-depth interview with director of national TV Uldis Grava. Uldis Grava agrees that the proportion of programmes and shows in Russian on national TV channels should be bigger but says that the Saeima is responsible for changing quotas of non-Latvian programmes in the Law on Radio and Television. Uldis Grava plans to involve Russian journalists in the production of shows and programmes in Latvian and vice versa. Another future project is to show movies on two channels simultaneously – channel One would show a movie with translation, channel Two in the original language.

Telegraf

publishes an article about the situation of job seekers on the Latvian job market. The newspaper publishes a story of a Russian auditor-accountant Irina Vainere. She states that she has changed jobs several times because of the communication language used at the work places. Irina Vainere speaks fluent Latvian, but feels isolated in Latvian companies and states that the majority of her Russian friends feel the same way. Irina says that the only positive aspect of Latvian and international companies in comparison to Russian is that the majority of Latvian and international companies pay all taxes and offer more social security to their employees. publishes an article about the situation of job seekers on the Latvian job market. The newspaper publishes a story of a Russian auditor-accountant Irina Vainere. She states that she has changed jobs several times because of the communication language used at the work places. Irina Vainere speaks fluent Latvian, but feels isolated in Latvian companies and states that the majority of her Russian friends feel the same way. Irina says that the only positive aspect of Latvian and international companies in comparison to Russian is that the majority of Latvian and international companies pay all taxes and offer more social security to their employees.