The Latvian Constitutional Court will consider a lawsuit on the compliance of new language law and the basic state law, news agency EADaily reports.
In particular, it relates to a ban on teaching in Russian at private universities. The authors of the lawsuit, David, Dana and Tengiz Djibouti, draw attention to the fact that the Latvian Constitution promises everyone the right to education. In addition, it also says that national minorities have the right to their own language, ethnic and cultural identity.
Plaintiffs study at private universities in Russian, their native language. In their opinion, the elimination of Russian-language education contradicts their constitutional rights to preserve their native language.
According to the studients, the changes were adopted hastily without the necessary discussion. In addition, the authorities did not pay attention to people’s objections.
The case should be processed by April 12, 2019.
Russkiy Mir earlier reported that next year Russian-language programs in private universities would be closed. However, those who now studies will be allowed to get diplomas. About a third of students in private universities study in Russian.
Such changes will lead to the fact that the number of foreign students in Latvia will immediately decrease, and, consequently, budget revenues will also fall. According to experts, this decision is ill conceived and made to achieve political goals on the eve of the elections.