The head of the party and the Saeima faction "New Unity" warmly supported the language amendments of his colleague from the National Alliance.
As previously reported, today in the Saeima, the language proposals of National Alliance deputy Nauris Puntulis were discussed and supported. One of the language amendments effectively prohibits a seller, even if they wish to, from serving a customer in Russian. Moreover, the amendment essentially imposes requirements on the buyer, on the client! However, many deputies were completely unfazed by this.
"The idea is absolutely correct and normal. In Latvia, services must be provided in the state language. The state language should be a priority in information as well. But undoubtedly, as stated, the ideological thought is that there should also be local languages of the cultural space of Europe, the languages of the European Union for working with our foreign allies.
I propose this idea and urge support for the proposal, but undoubtedly, certain details should be improved for the third reading so that this proposal can be implemented in practice, as is likely the thought of Mr. Puntulis. So I urge him to support it. Colleagues, let us strengthen the state language, and for the third reading, let us prepare an amendment at such a level that it truly protects our language and the cultural space of Europe."
In turn, Saeima deputy from the National Alliance Arturs Butans condemned the "progressive" and other opponents of these language restrictions: "What kind of people are those who cannot speak either Latvian or English? Tourists were mentioned. There are no tourists, say, from Russia, right? Tourism from Russia is banned, so it has stopped. That is, the edit even allows speaking in Ukrainian.
Let’s not speak so mystically, then come and admit that this is a concern for the citizens of Russia. It’s hard for you to admit this because you are trying to play the youth card, and now you are going to vote... I don’t know how you will vote... But at least after your speeches, it seems that you will vote against. So we choose, on this side we are – on the side of youth or on the side of Russians, Uzbeks, and all those who fill the streets of Riga. An uncomfortable question for you, isn’t it? So to speak, your supporter wants to stand up for them. You cannot be on both sides on this issue; you need to choose a Latvian young person or a Russian citizen.
A very large part of those who do not speak, do not provide services in Latvian, they can speak Latvian, but prefer not to. And here is the legal nuance that Mr. Puntulis proposes to solve in this law. And if we could do this regarding the financial sector, I believe that we can be united in protecting consumer rights. I urge support for the law.
