PM orders proposals to be drafted for society consolidation

RIGA – Latvian Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) has issued a decree ordering specific proposals to be drafted in two weeks for consolidation of society, the premier's press secretary Martins Panke informed LETA.

The decree concerns all ministries, the Corruption Prevention Bureau, the State Chancellery and the Society Integration Fund.

After evaluation of the February 18 referendum and its results, active work must commence on the development of modern national identity and fostering solidarity of the people, consolidating the positions of the state language and its role in society, and averting the risk of a rift between the Latvian and Russian-speaking communities. The government is prepared to consider extra budget funds to finance such initiatives, informs Dombrovskis, adding that money from the European Union funds could also be redistributed for the purpose.

Dombrovskis expects to receive proposals to improve national television and radio coverage all over Latvia, especially in border regions, as well as proposals regarding better explanation of the foundations of the state of Latvia, history, national and democratic values of Latvia, improving Latvian language training opportunities for ethnic minorities.

Dombrovskis also wants to see proposals to improve the dialog with Latvian residents living abroad, and proposals for amending regulations on the initiation, organization and supervision of referendums.