In communication among themselves, they use the state language... 0 11

Many members of the Saeima apparently decided that the "language issue" will be raised not just often, but literally at every plenary session of the Saeima. Let us remind you that last week there were special parliamentary debates dedicated to the state language policy, which lasted more than 4 hours. The upcoming plenary session, which will take place this Thursday, will also involve language issues. There are as many as three language-related items on the agenda. First, the deputies will consider in the zero reading, that is, the transfer to the relevant committee, proposals from deputies of the "New Unity" regarding a sharp increase in fines for language violations - in particular, for disrespecting the state language and for not using Latvian in the necessary volume during the performance of their official duties.

Then the deputies will discuss in the second reading amendments to the Education Law. Among these amendments are two proposals from deputy Janis Dombrova of the National Alliance. Thus, the parliamentarian proposes to add the following article to the law: "All employees of the educational institution, while in the educational institution and on its territory, are obliged to use the state language in their interactions and communication with learners..."

Another proposal from the same deputy states: "The head of the educational institution must ensure that all employees of the educational institution use the state language in their mutual communication and communication with learners on the territory of the educational institution. This provision does not apply to what is mentioned in parts two and (3_1) of Article 9 of this law."

The relevant committee did not support these initiatives from Dombrova; however, the committee itself proposed a version that is sure to be adopted on Thursday at the plenary session: "The educator must improve their proficiency in the language of speech and the state language, not engage in actions that may raise doubts about the significance of the state language, and, unless otherwise provided by regulatory acts, use the state language in the performance of their official duties (including in interactions and communication with learners)."

The deputies will also consider a draft resolution from the National Alliance at the plenary session, instructing the Prime Minister to ensure that employees in state and municipal institutions use the state language exclusively when interacting with residents of Latvia and in communication among themselves.