Nauris Puntulis decided not to lag behind Janis Dombrova
Performances of the Russian theater in the Russian language will now be prohibited from being advertised, including in the Russian language. Today, the Minister of Culture, Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance), issued an order aimed at "excluding the Russian language from public space."
"The Minister of Culture, Nauris Puntulis, instructed the ministry, its subordinate institutions, and capital companies to strictly adhere to the requirements for the use of the state language, prohibiting the use of the Russian language in situations related to the functions of institutions, including not using the Russian language in advertising the institution, on official websites, in supported or implemented projects, or at organized international events.
Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis: "At the core of our statehood lies the Latvian language as the only state language, its status is enshrined in the Constitution. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court has recognized that the state is obliged to strengthen the use of the Latvian language in public space and to promote a unified information space in Latvia. Any institution must treat the use of the state language with respect, and we ourselves must enhance the use and significance of our language."
The order was issued by the minister based on the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, which states that the state language in the Republic of Latvia is Latvian, and considering that the Constitutional Court, in its decision of March 30, 2026, reiterated the special importance of the Latvian language as the only state language in the existence of the Latvian state, the functioning of a democratic society, and ensuring social cohesion.
The restrictions established by the ministry do not apply to professional artistic activities if the original creative work is composed in the Russian language.
The requirement for the correct use of the state language in public communication by the ministry's institutions and capital holders must be implemented by July 30, ensuring that the use of the Russian language is not permitted thereafter," the press release from the Ministry of Culture states.
As far as can be understood, this order does not prohibit advertising performances of the M. Chekhov Theater in English or Bulgarian.
