Latvia is preparing draft law to restrict Russian language use

This is reported by Delfi with reference to the statement of the Minister of Justice, Jānis Bordāns.

According to him, the law on the restriction of bilingualism will provide for restrictions on the use of the Russian language at the workplace and in public places.

The minister recalled that in the 2012 referendum, almost 75% of citizens spoke against the use of Russian as the second state language.

"The long-term consequences of Russification are manifested in the fact that the practice of simultaneously using the Latvian and Russian languages ​​in everyday communication, in service provision institutions, and at the workplace has become entrenched. The practice is such that Latvians must know the Russian language in many situations. This cannot be allowed, except for certain cases that will be listed in the law. But the society should know that the Latvian language should be used in business relations and for communication at the workplace", Jānis Bordāns explained.

In addition, Bordans noted that the project will soon be discussed by members of the coalition and, after agreeing on positions, it can be submitted to the Saeima (Latvian Parliament). 

Potentially, this could mean removing the Russian language as additional to Latvian in various services and restricting the requirement of knowledge of Russian in job descriptions.

"For example, if an employer hires 50 employees and requires that at least some of them know and use a language that is not an official language in the EU, or indicates that knowledge of Russian will be an advantage, this will need to be justified", the minister said.