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

People’s Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats who have a 55 vote majority in the parliament signed an agreement July 7 on joint position in the vote on the Language Law. The parties have agreed to support two articles of the law that do not correspond the OSCE recommendations: one of them requires the state language to be used in all public events, the other provides for all signs, billboards, publicly displayed information to be only in the state language instead of the version suggested by the responsible committee where usage of another language along with the state language was admissible. Latvia’s Way has agreed to support the above position with an exception of the article about the public events. The New Party came up with an announcement suggesting to pass the law over for public discussion and delay the reading at the parliament till autumn. For Human Rights in United Latvia decided not to vote and in the event of passing the law to ask the president to not announce the law. (

Peoples Party, FF/LNNK and Social Democrats who have a 55 vote majority in the parliament signed an agreement July 7 on joint position in the vote on the Language Law. The parties have agreed to support two articles of the law that do not correspond the OSCE recommendations: one of them requires the state language to be used in all public events, the other provides for all signs, billboards, publicly displayed information to be only in the state language instead of the version suggested by the responsible committee where usage of another language along with the state language was admissible. Latvias Way has agreed to support the above position with an exception of the article about the public events. The New Party came up with an announcement suggesting to pass the law over for public discussion and delay the reading at the parliament till autumn. For Human Rights in United Latvia decided not to vote and in the event of passing the law to ask the president to not announce the law. (Diena, Neatkariga)

The comment in

The comment in Chas calls passing the Language Law in the current draft version a serious blow to the just started society integration process.

In an interview to Lauku Avize Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses the importance of passing the Language Law in the version where nobody could “stick” to legal inconsistencies in it which is why she repeats her approach that the draft law should be sent to Saeima’s Legal Office for reviewing.

In an interview to Lauku Avize Vaira Vike-Freiberga stresses the importance of passing the Language Law in the version where nobody could stick to legal inconsistencies in it which is why she repeats her approach that the draft law should be sent to Saeimas Legal Office for reviewing. Lauku Avize, July 8.

The model of the new government as well as the candidate for prime minister’s position to come either from FF/LNNK or People’s Party is expected to be known by this Friday. Party leaders predict that at the end of the next week the Saeima could vote to confirm the new government.

The model of the new government as well as the candidate for prime ministers position to come either from FF/LNNK or Peoples Party is expected to be known by this Friday. Party leaders predict that at the end of the next week the Saeima could vote to confirm the new government. Chas reports that during the July 7 negotiations it had been almost decided that Gundars Berzins from Peoples Party should become the next prime minister while other papers mention that there are other forces behind the government formation who would like to see Ingrida Udre from the New Party as the head of the government keeping the structure and ministers of the current cabinet. A working group with politicians from Peoples Party, FF/LNNK, New Party, Social Democrats have set to developing the new government declaration. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Jauna Avize, July 7 Rigas Balss

July 7 was the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the President’s office. He spent the day meeting Saeima’s faction leaders, presenting and signing copies of a photo album depicting moments from his presidency, opening his portrait displayed at the President’s Palace.

July 7 was the last day for Guntis Ulmanis in the Presidents office. He spent the day meeting Saeimas faction leaders, presenting and signing copies of a photo album depicting moments from his presidency, opening his portrait displayed at the Presidents Palace.

Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins admitted that the attempt of bribing during the presidential elections and reported to the Prosecutors’ Office by Juris Bojars is a serious case and it is possible to prove the fact.

Prosecutor General Janis Skrastins admitted that the attempt of bribing during the presidential elections and reported to the Prosecutors Office by Juris Bojars is a serious case and it is possible to prove the fact. Diena after LETA.