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.

• MP Karlis Sadurskis proposes to cut funding for ethnic minority schools
• Latvijas Avize prints an article by the MP Dzintars Abikis on expected changes in Latvian school system
• Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has again discussed situation of non-citizens in Latvia
• Head of the Concord Centre Janis Urbanovics: the fact that the society is split along ethnic lines makes Latvia much more vulnerable during the economic and financial crisis

During yesterday’s meeting of the Saeima Commission on Education, Science and Culture, the MP Karlis Sadurskis proposed to cut funding for ethnic minority schools arguing that they require more budgetary resources than the Latvian language schools. However, the proposal was turned down by the members of the Commission.

During yesterdays meeting of the Saeima Commission on Education, Science and Culture, the MP Karlis Sadurskis proposed to cut funding for ethnic minority schools arguing that they require more budgetary resources than the Latvian language schools. However, the proposal was turned down by the members of the Commission. Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvijas Avize prints an article by the MP Dzintars Abikis on expected changes in the Latvian school system when a number of schools are closed. According to Mr. Abikis, in regions with predominantly ethnic Latvian population, all children should be enrolled only in the Latvian language classes in order to promote the inclusion of non-Latvians in ethnic Latvian cultural environment. He also considers that the enrollment of minority children in Latvian language classes in small schools would not only save funds, but would also improve the quality of education as Russian language schools and students in the country side have a low record in terms of educational quality. Mr. Abikis also considers that small Latvian language schools in poorly populated regions especially in predominantly non-Latvian regions should be maintained and granted greater support.

Vesti Segodnya reports that the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has again discussed the situation of non-citizens in Latvia. The Vice-President of the Congress Jean-Claude Frécon stated that number of non-citizens in Latvia remains high, therefore, they should have the right to participate in political life at least at the municipal level.

Telegraf prints an interview with the head of the Saeimas faction Concord Centre (CC) Janis Urbanovics. Mr. Urbanovics believes that ethnic Latvian parties do not want to co-operate with the CC in the establishment of a coalition government as it would signal that the state is shifting its focus on real integration and establishment of civil society. Mr. Urbanovics also believes that the fact that society is split along the ethnic lines makes Latvia much more vulnerable during the economic and financial crisis.