Stricter penalties for disrespecting the state language. Could there also be fines for garumzime? 0 14

The authors of the bill emphasize that the status of the state language implies not only the right to use it but also the obligation to comply with the legal requirements established. In their opinion, "this is necessary to ensure equal access for the country's residents to information, services, and regulatory acts."

The explanatory note to the amendments also states that "in the current geopolitical situation, there is an increasing need to strengthen the position of the Latvian language." Legislators point to existing external attempts to question its role and significance, which, in their opinion, requires additional protective measures.

The amendments provide for increased fines for a number of violations. In particular, more serious penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with state language norms in public information, the absence of names in Latvian, refusal to accept documents issued in the state language, as well as for insufficient language proficiency when performing professional duties.

In addition, it is proposed to tighten penalties for showing disrespect for the state language, failing to provide necessary information about goods in Latvian, the absence of translation, as well as for concluding employment contracts without adhering to the established requirements for knowledge of the state language.

According to the initiative's developers, administrative penalties should not only record violations but also prevent them in the future. It is expected that the increase in fines will promote a more responsible attitude towards the use of the state language and strengthen its role as one of the elements of national identity, constitutional values, and state security.

For the changes to take effect, the bill still needs to undergo final approval at the Saeima meeting.