DOCSLIB.ORG

LATVIA Human Development Report Human Capital

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
LATVIA Human Development Report Human Capital 2006/2007 LATVIA Human Development Report Human Capital UDK 31: 314 La 800 There is no copyright attached to the text of this publication, which may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior permission of University of Latvia. However, the source should be acknowledged. ISBN 978–9984–825–27–4 2 LATVIA HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2006/2007 Foreword «My fortune is my people» wrote one of Latvia’s most reports show that we truly are a part of Europe and that prominent authors, Rūdolfs Blaumanis, in 1902 in we share one of its current problems – the ageing of the St. Petersburg. These wise words are basically the population. In a way, this is logical: young people put leitmotiv of this human development report. Today’s education, career and economic stability in fi rst place global processes and growing competition have made and, only when these have been achieved, consider the responsible and well-considered human capital policies possibility of family and children. This is why we must a necessity for every country. If Latvia wishes to see itself recognize the value and importance for growth of the as a strong, thriving country with an active role in the country of every single individual. Today, this calls for European economy, it too must take a good look in the a competitive education system, one in which every mirror and recognize its plusses and minuses. new stage supplements the previous one, in which the fi nal product is a young person able to compete in our Our big plus, our success story, is clearly our people – modern-day world – a critical thinker, able to judge for their education, their work experience in times of himself or herself, and make independent decisions. To rapidly changing social and economic conditions, their create such a system, it is important to fi nd a common knowledge and – most important – their readiness denominator for the interests of the public and the to believe in the goals that have been set and in the private sector. achievement of these goals. Only then will we be able to speak of Latvia as a country In this, the ninth consecutive Report, Latvia’s leading which has been built on common values and which is social scientists and researchers have examined diff erent ready to rally its forces and achieve great things. The aspects of Latvia’s human resources, analyzed the basic value that we all share is democracy, as anchored potential of our country’s economic activity, identifi ed in the Constitution, and human respect for each other. the problem areas and judged future prospects. This But where development of the nation is concerned, an provides a good baseline for future development plans. invaluable asset is the educated individual. Opportunities for self-realization and a strong personal belief in success But the Report alone is not enough. Now, it is up to the are an invaluable investment in the future of our country. government to eliminate the inequalities in regional They will help us to believe that we can leave our children development that may well become a major obstacle to a better Latvia than the one in which we live today. And, Latvia’s overall development, to give every person living fi nally, let us keep in mind that Latvia is every single in this country a clear answer to the question: where one of us. We all share a responsibility – for our Latvia’s will he or she receive the social services guaranteed by present and our Latvia’s future. Every single one of us, in the state – where will the closest school be located, the our own place and in our own way. closest police precinct, the closest fi re-station or cultural centre? We all need answers to these questions. How else will it be possible to curb the outfl ow of economic migrants motivated by social uncertainty and convince the younger generation that even the boldest ventures are possible in the most remote corners of the country? An equally serious problem and one that should not Valdis Zatlers be disregarded is the demographic situation. These President of the Republic of Latvia HUMAN CAPITAL 3 Foreword The report on Human Capital is the ninth human form of cooperation is public-private partnership (PPP). development report in Latvia that examines the So far, PPP has been underestimated in Latvia, but as the social, economic and political aspects of the country’s Report shows, it is a successful and extremely promising development. It is the second Report prepared by cooperation model, one that should be considered more the Advanced Social and Political Research Institute by universities and colleges in the future. (ASPRI) of the University of Latvia. However, the circle of authors is much wider, including researchers from I believe that the assessment of Latvia’s human capital, the Liepāja Academy of Pedagogy, Latvian University of the analysis of concrete examples and the public policy Agriculture, Daugavpils University, Vidzeme University recommendations put forward in the Latvia Human College and other institutions. This has made it possible Development Report 2006/2007: Human Capital will not to draw on a rich fund of knowledge on development only be a positive contribution from Latvia’s researchers and implementation of human capital in Latvia and the to our nation’s policymakers, local governments and factors aff ecting this capital. This is a source of pride. NGOs; it will also continue the tradition of previous Human Development Reports to serve as a source of I would like to stress one of the Report’s most im- ideas and information for students, teachers, scholars portant insights: to increase Latvia’s regional and and anyone who is concerned about Latvia’s future. global competitiveness, the country’s human capital must be made more competitive. The most important requirements for this are a good education that is available to all, use of innovative approaches in production, and the use of high technologies. This is why universities and colleges, especially those in Latvia’s regions, are important centres of development that promote the generation of new know-how and innovative business ideas in the regions. The development of human capital must be a joint eff ort – Mārcis Auziņš cooperation aff ords greater opportunities. An important Rector of the University of Latvia 4 LATVIA HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2006/2007 Latvia Human Development Report 2006/2007 Team Editor-in-Chief: Aija Zobena Project Director: Tālis Tisenkopfs Statistical Advisor: Anita Švarckopfa Research Assistant: Ilze Lāce Project Coordinator: Ieva Zlemeta Authors of Chapter 1 Aivars Tabuns (Chapter Coordinator) Margarita Dunska Pārsla Eglīte Juris Krūmiņš Artūrs Medveckis Inta Mieriņa Daina Paula Iveta Pavlina Aivita Putniņa Iveta Reinholde Gunda Reire Authors of Chapter 2 Līga Rasnača (Chapter Coordinator) Vija Daukšte Zaiga Krišjāne Inga Ulnicāne-Ozoliņa Authors of Chapter 3 Baiba Bela-Krūmiņa (Chapter Coordinator) Ivars Ijabs Ilze Lāce Ieva Strode Authors of Close-ups Vera Boroņenko, Jānis Daugavietis, Ilze Lāce, Zane Linde, Daina Pakalna, Līga Paula, Līga Rasnača, Evija Sprodzēna, Laura Sūna, Inese Šūpule Survey on Human Capital 2007 Methodology Anita Kalniņa Latvian Language Editor: Aldis Lauzis English Language Editor: Nils Muižnieks Translators: Ieva Harms and Lolita Kļaviņa Cover, Layout Design: Ieva Tiltiņa Our thanks to Normunds Zitmanis for the possibility to use his photo for the cover design. Our thanks to Aleksandra Bačurina, Sandra Ķempele, Aļona Podimova from the Rīga Children’s Creative Imagination School «Palete» and Luka Jerošonoks from the Salaspils Art and Music School for the possibilities to use the drawings in the chapter title layout. Our thanks to Gita Blaua, Inta Brikše, Lelde Laura, Linda Lotiņa, Žaneta Ozoliņa, Māra Sīmane, Anna Šmite, Ilze Trapenciere, Vladimirs Meņšikovs, Māra Mickeviča, Nils Muižnieks, Sandris Mūriņš, Māra Sotaka, Vladislavs Volkovs for references and assistance in the course of preparing the Report. Survey and data processing was done by marketing and public opinion research centre SKDS. Our thanks for the organi- zation to Ieva Strode, Zanda Rutkovska and Laura Ostele. HUMAN CAPITAL 5 Contents Basic Facts about Latvia, 2006 9 Introduction 10 My People 1 Chapter Introduction 17 What is Happening in the World? Global development trends 17 Among Other Nations Latvian Human Capital in a Global Context 19 Employees Who Know How to Manage Their Time The Work Environment 19 What’s Happening in My Homeland? Human Resources 22 No Brothers, No Sisters Demographic Processes 22 Fathers and Mothers Family Policy 25 A Long Life and Good Health Health and Life Expectancy of the Population 27 Out in the Big World Migration 29 Prompted by Wisdom Education Policy 32 School Costs Money Funding for Education 32 Some Good Advice The Quality of Education 37 Teach Me How Education and the Labour Market 38 All Together: Public-Private Partnerships 39 Conclusion 42 Latvia outside of Rīga 2 Chapter Introduction 45 Urban and Rural Alliances for Sustainable Development 45 Spatial Planning for the Accessibility and Quality of Services 46 In Search of the Good Life Intraregional mobility 49 A Trade Learned is an Opportunity Gained Work and employment 51 Home is where the Job is Attraction to one’s place of residence 55 Entrepreneurship 56 Small Towns The Living Environment in Small Towns 57 Emergence of Regional Innovation Systems in Latvia 59 6 LATVIA HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2006/2007 CONTENTS Regional Universities, Local Governments and the Private Sector 62 Challenges for the Development of Regional
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Health Systems in Transition
    61575 Latvia HiT_2_WEB.pdf 1 03/03/2020 09:55 Vol. 21 No. 4 2019 Vol. Health Systems in Transition Vol. 21 No. 4 2019 Health Systems in Transition: in Transition: Health Systems C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Latvia Latvia Health system review Daiga Behmane Alina Dudele Anita Villerusa Janis Misins The Observatory is a partnership, hosted by WHO/Europe, which includes other international organizations (the European Commission, the World Bank); national and regional governments (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Kristine Klavina Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Veneto Region of Italy); other health system organizations (the French National Union of Health Insurance Funds (UNCAM), the Dzintars Mozgis Health Foundation); and academia (the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Giada Scarpetti London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)). The Observatory has a secretariat in Brussels and it has hubs in London at LSE and LSHTM) and at the Berlin University of Technology. HiTs are in-depth profiles of health systems and policies, produced using a standardized approach that allows comparison across countries. They provide facts, figures and analysis and highlight reform initiatives in progress. Print ISSN 1817-6119 Web ISSN 1817-6127 61575 Latvia HiT_2_WEB.pdf 2 03/03/2020 09:55 Giada Scarpetti (Editor), and Ewout van Ginneken (Series editor) were responsible for this HiT Editorial Board Series editors Reinhard Busse, Berlin University of Technology, Germany Josep Figueras, European
    [Show full text]
  • Intrazonal Agricultural Resources in Kurzeme Peninsula
    ECONOMICS INTRAZONAL AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES IN KURZEME PENINSULA Linda Siliòa Latvia University of Agriculture e-mail: [email protected] Abstract The paper focuses on the exposition of the research results on agricultural resources in Kurzeme peninsula–climatic resources, qualitative evaluation of the land, condition of land amelioration, topographic resources, and structural breakdown of farm land by types of use. It is concluded that extremely various climatic and soil conditions govern in the region. The Southeast part of Kurzeme peninsula is displayed very favourably by the aggregate value of agricultural resources. Labour productivity in Kurzeme has been analysed as well. Key words: agriculture, factor, peninsula, resources. Introduction ferent and even extremely different. These aspects have Encyclopaedical publication ‘Pasaules zemes un stimulated more profound or profound complex research tautas’ (Lands and Peoples of the World, 1978) defines on each intrazone or micro-region, or sub-district of natu- Kurzeme peninsula as the Northwest part of Latvia lying ral conditions. between the Baltic Sea in the West and the Riga Gulf in the K. Brîvkalns (1959), a researcher of soil and natural East. conditions, has displayed five sub-districts or intrazones of Latvian geographers (Latvijas ìeogrâfija, 1975) char- natural conditions (soils) in Kurzeme: acterise Kurzeme peninsula and its intrazonal differences • coastal sandy lowland (1a) stretching along the from climatic (Temòikova, 1958), relief, soil, and other as- coasts of the Baltic Sea and the Riga Gulf and covers pects essential for agriculture (Brîvkalns et al., 1968). the Northern part of the region; The total length of the sea and gulf borderline is twice • Western Kurzeme plain and hill land (2a) – parts of longer than its land borderline, where it verges on Dobele Liepâja and Kuldîga districts; and Riga districts.
    [Show full text]
  • The Baltics EU/Schengen Zone Baltic Tourist Map Traveling Between
    The Baltics Development Fund Development EU/Schengen Zone Regional European European in your future your in g Investin n Unio European Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy, 2019 Economy, of Ministry the under Tourism of Department State Lithuanian Tampere Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, of Agency Development and Investment Pori © Estonian Tourist Board / Enterprise Estonia, Enterprise / Board Tourist Estonian © FINL AND Vyborg Turku HELSINKI Estonia Latvia Lithuania Gulf of Finland St. Petersburg Estonia is just a little bigger than Denmark, Switzerland or the Latvia is best known for is Art Nouveau. The cultural and historic From Vilnius and its mysterious Baroque longing to Kaunas renowned Netherlands. Culturally, it is located at the crossroads of Northern, heritage of Latvian architecture spans many centuries, from authentic for its modernist buildings, from Trakai dating back to glorious Western and Eastern Europe. The first signs of human habitation in rural homesteads to unique samples of wooden architecture, to medieval Lithuania to the only port city Klaipėda and the Curonian TALLINN Novgorod Estonia trace back for nearly 10,000 years, which means Estonians luxurious palaces and manors, churches, and impressive Art Nouveau Spit – every place of Lithuania stands out for its unique way of Orebro STOCKHOLM Lake Peipus have been living continuously in one area for a longer period than buildings. Capital city Riga alone is home to over 700 buildings built in rendering the colorful nature and history of the country. Rivers and lakes of pure spring waters, forests of countless shades of green, many other nations in Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • ENG Web Celvedis Arhitekturas Un Makslas Objekti Final Copy
    ENG ARCHITECTURE AND ART IN VALMIERA GUIDEBOOK INTRODUCTION Valmiera is one of the oldest cities in Latvia. From 14th to 16th century it was a member of the Hanseatic League, from 18th to 20th century – a regional centre; and during the second half of the 20th century – a district centre. In 1702 the city was completely destroyed by the Russian army. During 1770s it was severely damaged by several res. At the dusk of the World War II, in September 1944, almost whole historical centre of Valmiera completely burnt down. Only few buildings remained intact – the Valmiera St. Simon’s Church, the medieval castle ruins and the building complex of the Valmiera Museum. Within the last 20 years a lot has been done to preserve the remaining historical heritage. The peculiar image of the city is also shaped by sculptures and environmental objects, particularly ones connected with the works of the famous sculptor and initiator of the stone sculpture symposium Andris Vārpa. This guidebook hopes to make the reader stop and have a look at the testimonies of their time, appreciate and evaluate ideas and opportunities, taste and aspirations of representation of the time, when all this was made. Source: Marburga photo archive SCULPTURES, MONUMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTS 1. “A Gift to the New Millenium“ In 2001 in the Unity square the sculpture by Ginters Krūmholcs, resident of Valmiera and back then a student at the Art Academy of Latvia, was put up. For many years it served as the symbol of Valmiera, until a new logo was elaborated. In June 2015 it was moved next to the Vidzeme Olympic Centre, symbolizing gates to Valmiera and welcoming all arriving guests.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Potential Analysis of Regional Development
    CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 3 POTENTIAL ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 3.1 National and Regional Policy on Socioeconomic Development 3.1.1 Review of Development Policy Latvia aims at ensuring equal working, income, social, and cultural opportunities for all inhabitants of the state, as mentioned in the following legislation, development strategies and policies. However, the former course of development after independence in 1991 has resulted in differences in living environment and opportunities of economic activity in different regions of Latvia. In many areas including LWC, insufficient economic development and activity, high unemployment rate, low income, unequal conditions for social and cultural life have been found. (1) Law on Spatial Development Planning of Latvia The Law on Spatial Development Planning of Latvia was adopted in October 1998. According to this new law, development and land use planning in Latvia is to be carried out, as such: - Local governments of districts, state cities, towns, and townships should prepare spatial development plans of their administrative areas, - Spatial development plans of higher level should be observed when producing spatial development plans of lower levels, and - Land use plans of regional and local municipal levels should be prepared in accordance with the relevant spatial development plans. Development and land use plans for LWC, therefore, has to observe and coordinate with the directions and strategies mentioned in the existing national, regional, district, and township level plans. (2) National development strategies The long-term goal of development strategy for Latvia is to become a socially harmonized country with a dynamic, open and equal opportunity as well as its own national identity.
    [Show full text]
  • JSC “Latvian State Roads”
    JSC “Latvian State Roads” Annual Report 2004 JSC “Latvian State Roads” Annual Report 2004 2 Contents State Joint Stock Company “Latvian State Roads” Today . 4 Structure of State Joint Stock Company “Latvian State Roads” . 7 Personnel . 10 Road Laboratory . 14 Latvian Road Museum . 15 International Co-operation . 17 Resolution of Auditor . 19 Balance . 20 Tax and Social Security Payments . 22 Review on Changes in Equities . 23 Calculation of Reserve Fund for Time Period from January 1 to October 25, 2004 (turnover cost method) . 24 Profit/Loss Calculation for the Period from October 25 to December 31, 2004 (categorised in columns according to period cost method) . 25 Latvian Road Network . 26 Latvian Road Map . 27 Latvian State Roads by District . 28 Latvian State Main Roads by District . 29 Latvian State 1st Class Roads by District . 30 Latvian State 2nd Class Roads by District . 31 3 Annual Report 2004 JSC “Latvian State Roads” Bridges on Latvian State Roads . 32 Location of Bridges on Latvian State Roads . .33 Average Annual Daily Traffic Intensity . 34 Vehicles Registered in Latvia . 36 Road Network Development . 37 Environmental Protection . 40 Road Routine Maintenance . 42 Expenditures for State Road Routine Maintenance in 2004 . 45 Executed Routine Maintenance Works on State Roads in 2004 by District and City . 48 Winter Road Maintenance . 51 Maintenance of State Main and 1st Class Roads in the Winter of 2004/2005 . 52 Road and Bridge Periodic Maintenance and Reconstruction . 53 Road Traffic Organisation . 61 State Road Financing . 66 Financing of Cohesion Fund Projects in the Road Sector . 68 Financing for Investment Project “Improvements in VIA BALTICA Route and West–East Corridor” .
    [Show full text]
  • Interaction Between the Number of Visitors at Tourist Accommodation Establishments and the Economic Development in Latvia
    Economics and Rural Development Vol. 8, No. 1, 2012 ISSN 1822-3346 INTERACTION BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF VISITORS AT TOURIST ACCOMMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN LATVIA Aina Muska1, Ligita Bite2 Latvia University of Agriculture, Latvia The research hypothesis: the economic development of a district affects the number of visitors at tourist accommodation establishments outside Riga region. The research aim is to identify a correlation between the number of visitors at tourist accommodation establishments and the economic development of a district in Latvia. The research was done using data broken down by statistical region and districts (a unit of administrative division of the territory of Latvia until the middle of 2009). The research showed that the majority (more than 60%) of visitors at Latvian tourist accommodation establishments were foreign tourists whose share at Riga tourist accommodation establishments accounted for more than 70%. Outside Riga region, more than 70% of visitors were local (Latvian) tourists, mostly business tourists. In the research period, more than half of visitors at tourist accommodation establishments concentrated in Riga region, while more than 10% – in Pieriga and Kurzeme regions. The share of visitors in the other regions did not exceed 6% of their total number. According to a cluster analysis, an explicit trend of monocentric economic development is specific to Latvia, resulting in significant differences between Riga, the capital city of Latvia, and the other districts of Latvia. The number of visitors at tourist accommodation establishments is higher in the clusters having a high (Riga) and medium (districts of Riga, Liepaja, Ventspils, and Daugavpils) level of economic development than in the clusters with a lower level of economic development (districts of Aluksne, Balvi, Dobele, Gulbene, Kraslava, Ludza, Preili, and Valka).
    [Show full text]
  • Catalogue of Latvian Latridiidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) Andris Bukejsa, Dmitry Telnovb & Wolfgang H
    This article was downloaded by: [Andris Bukejs] On: 12 December 2013, At: 23:47 Publisher: Taylor & Francis Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK Zoology and Ecology Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tzec20 Catalogue of Latvian Latridiidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) Andris Bukejsa, Dmitry Telnovb & Wolfgang H. Rückerc a Vienības iela 42-29, Daugavpils LV-5401, Latvia b Stopiņu novads, Dārza iela 10, Dzidriņas LV-2130, Latvia c Von-Ebner-Eschenbach-Straße 12, Neuwied D-56567, Germany Published online: 27 Nov 2013. To cite this article: Andris Bukejs, Dmitry Telnov & Wolfgang H. Rücker (2013) Catalogue of Latvian Latridiidae (Insecta: Coleoptera), Zoology and Ecology, 23:4, 312-322, DOI: 10.1080/21658005.2013.862060 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21658005.2013.862060 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
    [Show full text]
  • 30.4.2004. L 156/72 Eiropas Savienības
    03/44. sēj. LV Eiropas Savienības Oficiālais Vēstnesis 393 32004D0460 L 156/72 EIROPAS SAVIENĪBAS OFICIĀLAIS VĒSTNESIS 30.4.2004. KOMISIJAS LĒMUMS (2004. gada 29. aprīlis), ar kuru groza 2003. gada Pievienošanās akta VIII pielikuma A papildinājumu, lai dažus gaļas, piena un zivju nozares uzņēmumus Latvijā iekļautu tādu uzņēmumu sarakstā, kuri ir pārejas posmā (izziņots ar dokumenta numuru C(2004) 1712) (Dokuments attiecas uz EEZ) (2004/460/EK) EIROPAS KOPIENU KOMISIJA, un laišanai tirgū (6), B pielikuma Padomes 1992. gada 16. jūnija Direktīvā 92/46/EEK, ar ko paredz higiēnas prasības svaigpiena, termiski apstrādāta piena un piena produktu ražošanai un laišanai tirgū (7), un pielikuma Padomes 1991. gada 22. jūlija Direktīvā 91/493/EEK, ņemot vērā Eiropas Kopienas dibināšanas līgumu, ar ko paredz veselības nosacījumus zvejniecības produktu ražošanai un laišanai tirgū (8), līdz 2006. gada 31. decembrim nav piemērojamas tādiem uzņēmumiem Latvijā, kuri uzskaitīti Pievienošanās akta VIII pielikuma ņemot vērā Čehijas, Igaunijas, Kipras, Latvijas, Lietuvas, Ungā- A papildinājumā, saskaņā ar dažiem nosacījumiem. rijas, Polijas, Slovēnijas un Slovākijas Pievienošanāslīgumu (1), un jo īpašitā 2. panta 3. punktu, (2) Latvijā vēl 12 lieljaudas gaļas ražošanas uzņēmumiem, ņemot vērā Čehijas, Igaunijas, Kipras, Latvijas, Lietuvas, Ungā- vēl vienai mājputnu audzētavai, vēl 13 piena pārstrādes rijas, Maltas, Polijas, Slovēnijas un Slovākijas Pievienošanās uzņēmumiem un vēl 13 zivju pārstrādes uzņēmumiem aktu (2)un jo īpašitā VIII pielikuma 4. nodaļas B iedaļas I apak- ir grūtības līdz 2004. gada 1. maijam izpildīt struktu- šiedaļas 1. punkta d) apakšpunktu, rālās prasības, kas paredzētas Direktīvas 64/433/EEK I pielikumā, Direktīvas 71/118/EEK I pielikumā, Direk- tīvas 77/99/EEK A un B pielikumā, Direktīvas 94/65/EK I pielikumā, Direktīvas 92/46/EEK B pielikumā un Direktīvas 91/493/EEK pielikumā.
    [Show full text]
  • Language Use in Latvian Radio and Television
    UDK 811.174:004(094) Ma 714 THE SOROS FOUNDATION LATVIA This study has been prepared as part of the Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS Public Policy Fellowship Program, which is financed by the Soros Foundation – Latvia, the Open Society Institute Justice Initiative Program (JI), and the Local Government and Public Service Reform Initiative (LGI). The author takes full responsibility for accuracy of the data. The study is available in Latvian and English on the Internet: www.politika.lv or www.policy.lv Project consultant: Prof. Stephen Heyneman, University of Vanderbilt, USA ¢ Text, Signe Martißüne, Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS, 2004 ¢ Translation, Lolita K¬aviña, 2004 ¢ Design, Nordik Publishing House, 2004 ISBN 9984–751–46–5 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When Latvia regained independence, one of its major tasks was to strengthen the posi- tion of Latvian as its state language. Restrictions were placed on the use of languages other than Latvian in commercial and public broadcasting. The Law on Radio and Television limited the amount of time that commercial radio and television broadcasters could allocate to broadcasts in other languages to 25%.1 Hence, news and entertainment for those who speak Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Lithuanian, Roma and English were limited to a maximum of 25% of the total airtime. Stations that wished to broadcast in those languages were required to reserve 75% of their airtime for programs in Latvian. On June 5, 2003, the Constitutional Court invalidated the provision of the law that restricted use of foreign languages in the programs of commercial broadcasters.2 It ruled that the language restrictions applied to commercial broadcasting organizations did not conform with Article 100 of the Constitution pertaining to freedom of expression, and that in a democratic society such restrictions were neither necessary nor appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • Law on Judicial Power
    Disclaimer: The English language text below is provided by the State Language Centre for information only; it confers no rights and imposes no obligations separate from those conferred or imposed by the legislation formally adopted and published. Only the latter is authentic. The original Latvian text uses masculine pronouns in the singular. The State Language Centre uses the principle of gender-neutral language in its English translations. In addition, gender-specific Latvian nouns have been translated as gender-neutral terms, e.g. chairperson. Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending laws of: 16 December 1993; 15 June 1994; 6 April 1995; 28 September 1995; 21 December 1995; 23 May 1996; 29 January 1997; 1 October 1997; 14 October 1998; 15 October 1998; 11 November 1999; 8 November 2001; 31 October 2002; 19 June 2003; 4 December 2003; 17 March 2005; 22 September 2005; 28 September 2005; 23 February 2006; 2 November 2006; 8 November 2007; 3 April 2008; 14 November 2008; 12 December 2008; 30 April 2009. If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the date of the amending law appears in square brackets at the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph or clause. The Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia has adopted a Law: On Judicial Power Part I General Provisions Chapter I Judicial Power Section 1. Judicial Power (1) An independent judicial power exists in the Republic of Latvia, alongside the legislative and the executive power.
    [Show full text]
  • Valmiera District Ph
    PLACES OF INTEREST VALMIERA 9 Jānis Daliņs Stadium – J. Daliņa 18 Sculpture “Boys of Valmiera” – Street 2. The stadium was built in 1938. Cēsu Street 4. The monument is www.valmiera.lv Next to the stadium, there is a memorial dedicated to the characters of Pāvils 1 Valmiera St Simon’s Church – plate dedicated to the multi-World Rozītis’ novel “Boys of Valmiera”. champion, the medal holder of the 1932 ENGLISH Bruņinieku Street 2, ph. +371 64200333. 19 Fire Watchtower – Mazā Stacijas Valmiera Los Angeles Olympics in race-walking, The church was built in 1283 and its Street 1. Built at the beginning of the Jānis Daliņš (1904–1978). medieval appearance has generally 20th century. 10 Steep Banks of Gauja. Natural site, been preserved. There is an exhibition 20 Valmiera Roman Catholic Church hall in the church tower and from its top one of the most popular recreation areas near the Gauja River. of St. Virgin Mary – Stacijas Street 24, one can view the panoramic scenery of ph. + 371 64235645. The church was Valmiera. built in 1621 in Višķi, but in 1937, it was District transported to Valmiera. 21 Craftsmen Workshop – Cēsu Street 20. Built in 1930s, it is one of the finest Art Deco style architecture examples in Latvia (architect G. Lenāns). 11 2 11 Valmiera Drama Theatre – 2 Castle Ruins of the Livonian Order Lāčplēša Street 4, ph. +371 64207335, and Remnants from the Medieval 64207334, www.vdt.lv. The theatre in Fortification of the Town – Bruņinieku Valmiera has been operating since 1885 Street. Monuments dating back to 13th but in 1919 it gained a professional the- through 17th centuries.
    [Show full text]