Speak Russian? Pay!

The Russian speaking population of Latvia, could face big fines if their Latvian language skills aren't satisfactory. Parliament is set to consider a draft bill that would force people to undergo tests. Russians, which make up thirty percent of the country's population, claim they are being discriminated against.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Latvia
• Riga
• Russian
• speaking
• population
• language
• tests
• discrimination

[Klokjvaarpsta]

@geronimo4372 My ancestors were living here long before any Russians. Different languages is just one clue. Baltic tribes settled here about 3000 years ago against which the time of Russian rule is insignificant. You, as many Russians seem to have an imperialistic thinking, like a little brat you claim everything you've touched for yourself even though you don't really know what to do with what you already have. I bet this thinking will lead to occupation of Latvia once again, so don't worry.

[geronimo4372]

@geronimo4372

My own wife was Fired on ethnic grounds and was unemployed 10 years.. having university diploma.

She finished Another university and got Second degree – still was unemployed anyway.

Now, she is leading specialist in one of the best research centres in Another European country..

you just brainwashed by your nazi-propaganda idiot – at best.

This shameful Latvian state regime Must be brought to Democratic standards.

There is NO Place in Europe for Latvian racists.

[pouulll]

Ko viņi tur dirš. Ja gribi dzīvot Latvijā, runā latviski, nav problēmu. Ja gribi te baigi ieviest savu smirdīgo Krievu valodu, pis atpakaļ uz Krieviju.

[zulixp]

You, live in Latvia, and if you want to keep a teachers proffesion, you MUST know latvian language!!!!

If not - briefcase - railway station - rodjina

[malaria333]

..they wouldn't juice it with talking shit about Latvia, living here and screaming on every corner how motherland is great. Don't like this, as you call it shithole, border to Russia isn't far, don't want to leave, shut the fuck up and live with it.

[malaria333]

Even in shops in Latvia they demand to be spoken in Russian, because they don't know official Language.(Earlier). Government released changes in education system to integrate Russians here in society. And this is pretty much the reason they are nagging about. Can't blame them actually, they are mostly, if to say brutally, "Puke of dying USSR", grown up in USSR, raised by parents grown in USSR, patriotic about Russia, USSR here too, which is a great quality, but would be more polite if..

[malaria333]

EXTRA exam?! Sorry, but this is so untrue. Yes, they have an exams, but the same amount of exams as Latvians, official language exam is even EASIER that exam for natives. They are complaining now only because maybe before 5 years they didn't have to do countries official language exam, just language they spoke, now they are crying of being discriminated and forced to learn language of country they are living in (as proved earlier, even in 20 years they don't even try to learn it.)

[Klokjvaarpsta]

@geronimo4372 Well, I was brought up in the countryside where EVERYBODY was forced to fight for survival during the first years of renewed Latvia and I was only recently told how very close my parents were to utter poverty despite my mothers two university degrees and my fathers specialized job experience. What I'm telling is, there were tough times, but those hardworking enough got through just fine. If you act like you're being bullied, you might actually be bullying yourself.

[geronimo4372]

@Klokjvaarpsta

"No-one can be fired "for being russian"

Tell this to thousands of russian engeneers, teachers, scientists, doctros etc who were kicked out of their jobs and FORCED to work as cleaners and farmers having university diplomas..

My colleague was gathering mashrooms just not to die from starvation.

He was graduated in prestigious university on his time – fired and 5 years unemployed. Just because of his ethnicity. Now he is manager in one of the big european firms..

[Klokjvaarpsta]

@geronimo4372 No-one can be fired "for being russian", and if that was the excuse you were given, you should have sued, because it was against the law. You could be fired for not knowing the state language though as it is in any country regardless of your native language.

You might feel disgust for me, but my russian colleges wouldn't agree. They speak Russian among themselves and sometimes to me, and we are getting along great. What I'm telling is - your bitter hatred doesn't solve anything.

[geronimo4372]

@Klokjvaarpsta

I am citizen of latvia who was fired from job on ethnic grounds, made foreigner in own motherland - forced to exile.

After I was fired for being russian, i was Asked during job interview - what language I am using to speak to my kids at home !!!!

I stood up and went away.

So fcuk you - you one of those who made me foregner on my motherlands.

and I voted for independance of this country in 1991 !!

Disgust - that is what I feel for you now.