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.

• Nils Usakovs: Healthy local patriotism leads to effective all-Latvian patriotism

 

Latvijas Avize interviewed the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs (Concord Centre). According to Mr. Usakovs, the goal of the Concord Centre in the upcoming Saeima's elections is to repeat at the national level the experience of his party in Riga municipality. In particular, Mr. Usakovs believes that the coalition Honour to Serve Riga / Concord Centre was the first successful example of joint Latvian- and Russian- speaking politicians being supported by the electorate, ethnic Latvians, Russians and others alike. He believes one should focus on topical issues beyond ethnicity and there are plenty of unresolved problems at the national level - in economics, demography, social sphere. Mr. Usakovs believes the Nationalist Union are likely to retain their representation in the parliament at present level, while Vladimirs Lindermans has no support by the voters. According to Mr Usakovs, the recently announced decision to reduce the price of public transportation for residents of Riga is motivated by economic considerations.