Our economic legislation reminds me of a friend from my youth, an artist, an avant-gardist. When looking at the paintings of colleagues, he liked to say: "A beautiful canvas. But it would be even better if a little red pterodactyl were painted here in the corner." In the same way, the parliamentarians of Latvia create.
It All Started with Signals from Brussels
Last week, during the second reading of the new version of the Consumer Rights Protection Law (CRPL), it was intended to clarify the wording regarding mortgage loan provisions.
However, alongside technical additions from the Ministry of Economics and the Legal Bureau of the Saeima, an amendment was introduced by MP Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance) to Article 4-3: "Language of Communication.
The communication of the consumer with the seller or service provider – providing, servicing information, and concluding a contract – is conducted in the state language."
The Chairman of the Saeima's Commission on Economy, Agriculture, Regional Policy, and Environment, Kaspars Briškens (Progressives), reminded at the beginning of the meeting that the revision of the CRPL is taking place in compliance with EU directives on lending.
Jurgis Miezainis, parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Economics, reminded that it is essential to supplement our legislation in the field of lending, as a violation procedure has already been initiated against Latvia from Brussels: "So that we meet the deadlines, and we are not presented with a bill later."
According to Mr. Miezainis, the amendments will allow consumers who believe their rights have been violated to remove the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against creditors – even after three years.
A Weighty Word from the Former Minister
But then they got to the language. Former Minister of Economics Janis Vitenbergs (National Alliance) explained what his party colleague Nauris Puntulis (not a member of the relevant commission) wants to change in the CRPL:
– This, colleagues, is our own choice. How do we want those who live here, for whom Latvian may not be their native language, to use the Latvian language in their daily lives? Do they respect it? I think on a broader scale. Whether it’s Bolt or a courier, will our children feel uncomfortable if they are not served in Latvian?
The MP reminded that recently linguistic amendments to commercial activities had already passed through the Budget and Finance (Taxes) Commission – regarding the use of language in ATMs and online banking.
– Consumers must have a clearly defined right to receive services in Latvian, – said J. Vitenbergs, emphasizing that such regulation will also extend to online sales on various platforms.
The Lithuanians Were First
"Interestingly, in Lithuania, at the end of 2025, a norm was adopted that everyone working in the service sector, in sales, taxi drivers, couriers, must speak and communicate in Lithuanian," the politician continued.
– This norm came into effect on January 1, 2026, so it is not something unique or unusual. It is stipulated in the Language Law, but it has not yet been included in specific sectors.
"The Consumer Rights Protection Law is the true place where this should be clearly defined," emphasized Janis Vitenbergs. – In Latvia, all goods and services are sold in Latvian… Also in the online environment.
Hats Off
This is how the parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Economics, Miezainis, reacted to the idea of the National Alliance. "This could potentially lead to legal conflicts. Currently, there is a framework law – the Language Law. I urge the proposers to familiarize themselves with the regulations on its application in trading places, web pages, and online commerce."
Janis Vitenbergs responded that consultations were held with the State Language Center during the development of the amendment: "This norm should also be in sectoral regulation."
The former minister also reminded that Ukrainians working in Latvia in the service sector, despite initial difficulties, have mastered the language: "Hats off to them. And now it’s the turn of Bolt and Volt couriers, who, upon arrival, cannot say Paldies or Labdien. This law provides for that."
– Colleagues, I urge you to support this, rather than looking for reasons not to do it, – Vitenbergs stated emphatically.
On Consumer Rights
Skaydrite Abrama, a non-faction MP, raised the question – does the new norm set very broad boundaries for application specifically regarding consumers, who, when entering Rimi or Maxima, will now also need to use only the state language, which they, unfortunately, "do not speak".
– The annotation states that communication can be in the languages of the European Union and the European Economic Area if it satisfies both the seller and the buyer, – said J. Vitenbergs.
– But if the buyer does not speak them, will he not be able to ask at the checkout in Russian?, – continued S. Abrama.
– As we know, Russian is not an EU language. If the question is directed to me as a seller, who is approached, and the norm is perceived that one must speak to him in Russian, then – yes! This proposal is made precisely to prevent that from happening. Right now, believe me, this is really happening!, Vitenbergs spoke emotionally, immediately indicating that he is genuinely concerned (and not about some couriers).
"These clients (and many) come to our young people, who do not speak Russian, and ask or demand to speak to them in Russian. This proposal arose precisely because of that," Vitenbergs expressed indignantly.
– But how will we ensure the implementation of this norm so that a consumer who, unfortunately, speaks Russian, does not do so?, – Ms. Abrama still did not understand. But she did not receive a clear answer.
Nevertheless, the majority of commission members voted for the amendment – 6 "for", 2 "against", 2 "abstained". But it may still be changed by the third reading.
