## Summary of previous episodes The first language law in modern Latvian history was adopted on May 5, 1989 (still during the period of the Latvian SSR), when Latvian was proclaimed as the state language at the legislative level for the first time. Earlier, in September 1988, the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the LSSR adopted a principled resolution on the status of the Latvian language. In May of the following year, the official Language Law of the Latvian SSR was adopted, which established Latvian as the state language and Russian as the language of interethnic communication. In the spring of 1992, the Supreme Council of the already independent Republic of Latvia made significant amendments to the 1989 law, completely removing any mention of Russian. In December 1999, the VII Saeima adopted the currently effective Law on the State Language, which came into force on September 1, 2000. The preamble adopted on June 19, 2014, to the Constitution of Latvia (Satversme) elevated the Latvian language to a fundamental constitutional value, enshrining it as the sole state language and an element of the foundation of societal cohesion, which serves as a legal guideline for the protection of the state and its sovereignty. The introductory part of the fundamental law proclaimed that Latvia's identity in the European cultural space is formed by – specifically the Latvian language, traditions, and way of life! ## Where to go to study? Unfortunately, after more than 25 years, the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) has noted a fragmented system: "Currently, publicly funded Latvian language education for adults in informal education in Latvia is provided by several state institutions, using various funding programs designed for different population groups. This system has developed by adapting to the needs of specific target groups and available financial instruments; however, its management is fragmented, which affects accessibility and quality. Funding is allocated from both the state budget and European Union fund programs, resulting in varying conditions, scope, and timelines for the implementation of education." ## We should be grateful Golden words! But the following passages from a document that underwent interdepartmental coordination in July raise eyebrows. It turns out that the language will be taught, at the expense of taxpayers, not to Latvians! "From the client's perspective – a potential language learner – a single website is needed for applications for language education, simultaneously offering a self-assessment test for proficiency in the Latvian language. Currently, there is no such common website and corresponding tools available for everyone in the country. It would be more convenient for the language learner if, upon arriving or just planning their arrival in Latvia, they could find out where and how to start learning the Latvian language, or what public funding is available, etc." "The goal of the proposed solution is to create a unified, clear, and quality system for learning the Latvian language as a foreign language for adults, strengthen the use of the state language, facilitate the integration of learners into society and the labor market, and promote societal cohesion and state security." Everything suggests that the proposed approach by the MoES is aimed precisely at foreign guests of the Republic of Latvia, who are recommended to start their preparation, preferably in their Punjab or Samarkand. And then Ms. Indrikson will help them, and if not, Mr. Dombrov will force them. The idea is that masses of Asian immigrants should be obedient and grateful for being in the best of worlds! "The greatest attention is paid to newcomers," it is stated in the MoES Information Message disseminated on the legal acts portal. Of course, there may be other categories – for example, family members of returning Latvians from the diaspora interested in the language of the country where they will live. ## "Incorrect Ukrainians" Here is what is written in the document regarding citizens of the allied, fighting state: "Ukrainian subjects currently have the greatest support in Latvia for learning the Latvian language, but the results of education are largely determined by motivation to learn. Those who plan to return to Ukraine as soon as possible start language training but do not always complete it. In the context of statistical indicators of newcomers, ensuring the study of the state language can become significant for state security, as insufficient proficiency in the language may hinder integration and contribute to social fragmentation." And indeed – the migrants from Eastern Ukraine, who predominantly communicate with each other in Russian, have already been noted by vigilant activists of the National Union. They say these Ukrainians are not real! However, in fact, they do increase the number of the notorious Russophones, as we have recently begun to be called in highbrow circles... ## A niche for locals Having studied the language supermarket from I. Indrikson, your author found only one niche theoretically acceptable for those who have lived in the Republic of Latvia for decades or were even born here – but who, for various reasons, such as the lack of a language environment (well, who can they talk to in Latvian in Daugavpils?) still do not sufficiently master the valsts valoda. However, to take advantage of it, one must… lose their source of income: "From the subprogram of the state special budget 'Special Employment Budget,' language training is provided for unemployed individuals seeking work and at risk of unemployment. Such funding allocation creates an inevitable gap in language study courses. Limited fiscal space and time-limited allocations from the state budget cannot ensure continuous study of the state language." Meanwhile, all those 'irreplaceable specialists' who are now buzzing around Riga on electric motorcycles with boxes on their backs do not speak Latvian. According to surveys from 2025, only 3% of foreign students indicated that they know the state language 'moderately,' and only 1% 'well.' 41% do not understand it at all, and 55% can communicate at a basic level. Last year, temporary residence permits in Latvia were issued for educational purposes to 15,739 individuals. And this, along with the ongoing influx of Ukrainian immigrants, means that every year, the state sees tens of thousands of people who do not speak Latvian at all. As for the municipalities of Latvia, which are supposedly obliged to assist their new residents – out of 42 municipalities, 35 do not bother with this at all. There are neither staff nor funds. Perhaps at least part of the funds from the language fines that the Saeima recently decided to collect in a draconian volume will be allocated for courses?