A natural filter, which for many years held of the representatives of Latvian nationality from participation in the management of the Latvian state, gradually ceases to operate. The younger generation of 20-30-year-old skillfully uses the Latvian language, however, the monopoly of Latvians to work in the public administration remains. From the point of view of social cohesion, it is wrong.
In competitions for positions of officials, a prerequisite is compliance with article 7 of the Law on civil service. The candidate must be a citizen of the Republic of Latvia, do not judge and speak the state language. Knowledge of the English language in the ads are also often referred to as a mandatory requirement, because officials of Latvia have to communicate with the institutions of the European Union. In turn, “knowledge of other foreign languages is considered an advantage.” Last note primarily applies to the Russian language, which in Latvia in the family says about 37% of the population.
Historical context
Ten years ago experts spoke about the ethnic divide in the labour market. By 2007 she was actually eliminated, but three years later opened again. Currently, the Russian, Ukrainians and Belarusians theoretically the same opportunities as the Latvians. Historically separate ethnic niches still exist: Latvians predominate in agriculture, speakers in the industry.
Interviewed experts emphasize that the impact of nationality and language on the economy is reduced, although the nuances are preserved. The President of the Latvian traders Association Henrichs danusevich said that foreign companies in the management of their branches in Latvia Latvians are more willing to appoint, if necessary stability, diligence and discipline. In turn, if the target of aggressive actions on the market, preference is given to the leaders of Slavic origin and Lithuanians. This is due to differences in temperament.
At the same time of separation of enterprises and industries on a national basis, as it was before, now in Latvia is not there — at least in the sector of trade and services.
It also confirmed the company’s Director of Latvijas fakti Aigars Freimanis: in the 90-ies of the 20th century businesses were clearly divided into belonging to Russian and Latvians. Even the attitude of consumers to juices was determined by nationality: the production of Gutta — Russian, Cido — for Latvians. The Latvians formed the idea that the Russian working surface, and in Russian — that Latvians are not tolerant. But these days, the national question in business is “not built”.
Different is governance where the selection of employees the benefit continues to the Latvians. According to Danusevich, this is not good, because the less competition, the lower the quality.
Over the years while ignoring the efforts of the government in the policy of integration of ethnic imbalance in the public administration is growing.
