Moscow describes Latvia’s intention to abandon the teaching of the Russian language in schools as a “violation of human rights” / Article

On Tuesday, the Government of Latvia approved changes in the Cabinet of Ministers’ regulations, which foresee from 2026/2027 gradually abandon the Russian language as a second foreign language in primary education. Schools are obliged to gradually replace the Russian language with one of the official languages ​​of the European Union.

“With the opportunity to choose a second foreign language at school in one of the languages ​​of the European Union, we confirm our belonging to the European cultural space and the values ​​of the democratic world. After the bloodiest war launched by Russia in this century, the genocide against the Ukrainian people, Russian as a mandatory second foreign language option is not acceptable to a large part of Latvian society ,” this decision was explained by the Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša (“New Unity”).

The Latvian government’s decision has caused Russia’s indignation.

“We assess the actions of the Latvian authorities not only as a gross lowering of the importance of the Russian language, but also as an attack on everything related to Russia.

But most importantly – as a vivid manifestation of chauvinism, ever-progressive discrimination against our compatriots based on language and ethnic principles. Such a policy is a direct violation of basic human rights,” claims Russian propaganda representative Zakharova.

She claims that Latvia restricts people’s rights to their native language, culture, traditions and historical memory, thus violating the principles of international law.

Zakharova pointed out that 40% of the population in Latvia use the Russian language in their daily communication. However, the data of the Central Statistical Office show that the number of Russian language users in Latvia is smaller.

37.7% of the population of Latvia consider the Russian language their mother tongue, while 34.6% of the population state it as the language used at home.

Zakharova said that Russia will “resolutely respond to all attacks on the Russian language” and defend the interests of its compatriots, for example, it is planned to expand online training and help those interested in the Russian language and culture.

CONTEXT:

in Latvian schools from 2026/2027. of the school year will begin to gradually abandon the Russian language as a second foreign language in basic education, foresees the changes accepted by the government on April 23 in the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers “On State Basic Education Standards and Samples of Basic Education Programs”. Schools are required to gradually replace the Russian language with one of the official languages ​​of the European Union (EU).

Currently, Latvian students learn English as the first and compulsory foreign language from the beginning of school, but with the end of primary school, they start learning the second foreign language. Theoretically, children can learn French, German and other languages ​​as a second foreign language, but in practice Russian is most often taught, because there is a lack of teachers of other languages ​​in schools.

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