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.

Press Review

Press Review

Yesterday the Saeima with 59 votes for, 24 against and 4 absent gave the new government the vote of confidence. The most surprising was the support of

Yesterday the Saeima with 59 votes for, 24 against and 4 absent gave the new government the vote of confidence. The most surprising was the support of Social Democrats who unanimously voter for V.Kristopanss government. Another surprise was the absence of former Prime Minister G.Krasts during this vote. He explained it with a need to leave the hall for a short while and on returninf he discovered that the vote was already over. During debates Peoples Party was very negative about the proposed ministers, but V.Kristopans was convinced that they would succeed in finding new coalition or co-operation partners. He admitted that also Peoples Party and Union of Social Democrats could have some minister posts in his government. A.Skele categorically denied a possibility that PP could participate in this government.

When speaking about the priorities of his government, V.Kristopans said that he planned to organise a meeting with Russian Prime Minister but could not specify the date of this meeting.

When speaking about the priorities of his government, V.Kristopans said that he planned to organise a meeting with Russian Prime Minister but could not specify the date of this meeting. Neatkariga, Diena, Jauna Avize, SM, Chas, Panorama Latvii, Bizness & Baltiya

A.Skele announced that

A.Skele announced that Peoples Party would remain in opposition untill the moment when this government fell. His party is ready to work in a constructive opposition, and they could support proposals and normative documents prepared by other opposition parties if they corresponded to the position of PP. Panorama Latvii

Several Saeima members criticised the government declaration of the new government as it not giving a clear understanding how this government would solve several important problems of Latvian economy. Prime Minister V.Kristopans, addressing the Saeima, said that this declaration was a political document, not an exact plan of government activities and that they would prepare such an action plan within the first 100 days of their rule.

Several Saeima members criticised the government declaration of the new government as it not giving a clear understanding how this government would solve several important problems of Latvian economy. Prime Minister V.Kristopans, addressing the Saeima, said that this declaration was a political document, not an exact plan of government activities and that they would prepare such an action plan within the first 100 days of their rule. Diena

Diena also published this government declaration.

Experts consider this government to be unstable and fragile, and based of a secret agreement among parties. It is possible that it will last only till the first serious trial - adoption of the budget of presidential election.

Experts consider this government to be unstable and fragile, and based of a secret agreement among parties. It is possible that it will last only till the first serious trial - adoption of the budget of presidential election. Diena

Finnish newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet anticipates that, after the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted in Latvia, a heavy arguing will start between Latvians and Russian speaking minority. The newspaper states that the dispute about granting citizenship has caused Russian speakers to feel angry and frustrated. And now you can expect an arguing to start about the language because the Latvian language will become the dominant language in the education system and it will oust the Russian language.

Finnish newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet anticipates that, after the amendments to the Law on Citizenship were adopted in Latvia, a heavy arguing will start between Latvians and Russian speaking minority. The newspaper states that the dispute about granting citizenship has caused Russian speakers to feel angry and frustrated. And now you can expect an arguing to start about the language because the Latvian language will become the dominant language in the education system and it will oust the Russian language. Neatkariga

Riga Regional Court considered several cases initiated by the DCMA to deprive several persons of Latvian citizenship and

Riga Regional Court considered several cases initiated by the DCMA to deprive several persons of Latvian citizenship and Neatkariga gives a short description of these cases. Neatkariga

The Deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics informs that the Board has received 742 application for naturalisation within seven days, and 1090 people have signed up for submitting this document. The biggest number of applicants come from age group 30 -50 years old (421), but also other age groups have become more active. The highest percentage of naturalised non-citizens is in Saldus, Dobele, Tukums and Kuldiga regions. As the local DCMA office Head O.Ulmanis explained it could be due to he fact that there were not so many non-citizens in this territory - only 15 %. Also Vidzeme regional office Head E.Kokins told about positive changes in the attitude towards naturalisation. If previously they received about 20 applications in one month, now it was 4 -5 per day. Most of the applicants are above 40 years of age and well educated. The main problem in this region is the naturalisation fee. These 30 Ls is a huge money for countryside people. Especially it can be felt in Valka and Limbazi region where the unemployment rate is higher. J.Kahanovics commented these statements that this increase was a natural phenomenon after abolishing the “window” mechanism, thus creating a positive attitude towards non-citizens. The Deputy Head admitted that this interest could decrease with time. but they anticipate that about 10 - 12 000 people would naturalise every year.

The Deputy Head of the Naturalisation Board J.Kahanovics informs that the Board has received 742 application for naturalisation within seven days, and 1090 people have signed up for submitting this document. The biggest number of applicants come from age group 30 -50 years old (421), but also other age groups have become more active. The highest percentage of naturalised non-citizens is in Saldus, Dobele, Tukums and Kuldiga regions. As the local DCMA office Head O.Ulmanis explained it could be due to he fact that there were not so many non-citizens in this territory - only 15 %. Also Vidzeme regional office Head E.Kokins told about positive changes in the attitude towards naturalisation. If previously they received about 20 applications in one month, now it was 4 -5 per day. Most of the applicants are above 40 years of age and well educated. The main problem in this region is the naturalisation fee. These 30 Ls is a huge money for countryside people. Especially it can be felt in Valka and Limbazi region where the unemployment rate is higher. J.Kahanovics commented these statements that this increase was a natural phenomenon after abolishing the window mechanism, thus creating a positive attitude towards non-citizens. The Deputy Head admitted that this interest could decrease with time. but they anticipate that about 10 - 12 000 people would naturalise every year. Jauna Avize

According to the information received from the Examination Centre of the Naturalisation Board, the number of people applying for naturalisation is increasing. From November 9 to 15 sixty six non-citizens have taken the Latvian language and history knowledge tests, but a week later this number was 118. About 98% of them were successful.

Neatkariga