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.

• NGO calls non-citizens to complain about ethnic discrimination to the EU
• Governing coalition endorsed rising pre-referendum signatures threshold from 10,000 to 150,000
• Controversy regarding discounts for foreign shopping tourists at "Elkor" electronics and clothessupermarket chain

NGO “For Honesty and Justice” begins a protest campaign “Aliens are coming!”, asking the non-citizens of Latvia to write to various EU bodies and complain about alleged ethnic discrimination. Organisers point out that Latvian non-citizens, who are mostly Russophones and resided in the country before the restoration of independence, could not take part in municipal elections, while citizens of other EU countries could take part in Latvian municipal elections after spending six months in the country.

NGO For Honesty and Justice begins a protest campaign Aliens are coming!, asking the non-citizens of Latvia to write to various EU bodies and complain about alleged ethnic discrimination. Organisers point out that Latvian non-citizens, who are mostly Russophones and resided in the country before the restoration of independence, could not take part in municipal elections, while citizens of other EU countries could take part in Latvian municipal elections after spending six months in the country. Chas, Vesti-Segodnya

Yesterday, the ruling coalition endorsed draft amendments envisaging that in order to initiate a referendum, its initiators should gather 150,000 signatures of the voters (at present, 10,000 signatures gathered by the initiators are required). As reported, discussions about amending relevant legislative framework were initiated by the radical nationalist union “All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM” (AL!FF/LNIM) following the referendum of the status of Russian language.

Yesterday, the ruling coalition endorsed draft amendments envisaging that in order to initiate a referendum, its initiators should gather 150,000 signatures of the voters (at present, 10,000 signatures gathered by the initiators are required). As reported, discussions about amending relevant legislative framework were initiated by the radical nationalist union All for Latvia!-For Fatherland and Freedom/LNIM (AL!FF/LNIM) following the referendum of the status of Russian language. Chas, Vesti-Segodnya

Newspapers report about controversy regarding 11% discounts in March 2012 advertised to foreign tourists by “Elkor” electronics and clothes supermarket chain. Some politicians raised the issue as possible discrimination against Latvian citizens. MP Ingmars Caklais (Unity) believes that the discounts represented a direct incitement of hate, questions the loyalty of “Elkor” to the state and calls to boycott the supermarket chain. The Ombudsman’s Office recognised the situation as discriminatory, yet an amicable resolution has been reached. Representatives of “Elkor” emphasise that the offer was made in order to attract foreign tourists as new clients for shopping in Latvia.

Newspapers report about controversy regarding 11% discounts in March 2012 advertised to foreign tourists by Elkor electronics and clothes supermarket chain. Some politicians raised the issue as possible discrimination against Latvian citizens. MP Ingmars Caklais (Unity) believes that the discounts represented a direct incitement of hate, questions the loyalty of Elkor to the state and calls to boycott the supermarket chain. The Ombudsmans Office recognised the situation as discriminatory, yet an amicable resolution has been reached. Representatives of Elkor emphasise that the offer was made in order to attract foreign tourists as new clients for shopping in Latvia. Chas, Diena, NRA