BNN summary of the week: Monument needs to go! Teachers protest. Russia’s mercilessness

This week Latvia’s parliament made multiple important decisions – on the demolition of Soviet monuments, which is to be done by 15 November, and on the prohibition for political parties to speak against Latvia’s independence.
The parliament also decided to not approve the current head of the Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity for a second term. Latvia’s President Egils Levits was not happy about the outcome of the vote.
This week approximately 3 000 teachers gathered outside the Saeima building in Riga to demand higher wages and more reasonable workloads. Ministry of Education and Science presented an offer to increase the lowest teachers’ pay by 8.4% ever year. No agreement reached yet.
The war in Ukraine continues and approximately a thousand people die every day. Millions remain outside the country, waiting for the moment when they will be able to return to Ukraine. But Russia continues exacting all kinds of acts of terror against Ukrainian troops and civilians. According to claims from Ukrainian officials, Russia has created at least 20 filtration camps and prisons on occupied territories.
Ukraine needs aid and military equipment, and European countries are slow with them. British media report Germany has blocked Spain’s decision to send Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine.
BNN gives you a summery of the most relevant events of the past week in the following topics: Russia’s mercilessness; Liquidation; Party falls apart; Posting; Latvian parties; Teachers’ protest; Battle against inflation.
RUSSIA’S MERCILESSNESS
Russia forms at least 20 filtration camps and prisons in occupied territories in Ukraine
Photo: AFP/SCANPIXRussia has formed at least 20 filtration camps and prisons within occupied territories of Ukraine, claimed Ukrainian ambassador to international organisations Yevhenii Tsymbaliuk during a meeting of Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council.
«At least 20 filtration camps and prisons have been found in occupied territories. This reminds us of Isolation prison in occupied Donetsk – we know of the horrors that take place there. This is why we cannot allow Russia to create more prisons all across Ukraine,» liga.net cites Tsymbaliuk.
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LIQUIDATION
Latvian Saeima passes law that allows demolition of Victory Monument in Pārdaugava
Photo: Paula Čurkste/LETAOn Thursday, 16 June, Latvian Saeima passed in the final reading the law that allows the demolition of objects that glorify Soviet and Nazi regimes, including the monument in Pārdaugava, as reported by Saeima press-service.
This means the Monument to the Liberators of Soviet Latvia and Riga from the German Fascist Invaders in Riga will be demolished.
The Law on the Prohibition of the Display of Objects Praising the Soviet and Nazi Regime and Their Dismantling in the Territory of the Republic of Latvia states that other objects to be demolished are to be listed by the Cabinet of Ministers by 31 July 2022.
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PARTY FALLS APART
Ex-Prime Minister of Latvia leaves Union of Greens and Farmers faction
Māris Kučinskis. Photo: Paula Čurkste/LETAThe Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) has picked Jānis Dūklavs to replace Māris Kučinskis in the National Security Council. Kučinskis has also announced his decision to leave ZZS faction.
On 16 June the Saeima also approved the reshuffling in the composition of the National Security Committee.
Kučinskis served as the committee’s chairman until now.
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POSTING
Saeima denies support to perspective candidate to lead money laundering prevention office
Ilze Znotiņa. Photo: Evija Trifanova/LETAOn Thursday, 16 June, Latvia’s parliament decided not to approve Ilze Znotiņa as a candidate for the post of chief of Office for Prevention of Laundering of Proceeds Derived from Criminal Activity (FID).
41 deputies voted in her favour, four abstained and 33 members of the parliament voted against. Three deputies did not participate in the vote.
Conservative party, National Alliance, Harmony and a number of other opposition deputies voted against Znotiņa’s approval as the next head of FID.
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LATVIAN PARTIES
Political parties prohibited from speaking against Latvia’s or other countries’ independence
Photo: Paula Čurkste/LETAOn Thursday, 16 June, Latvia’s Saeima passed in the second and final reading urgent amendments to the Law on Political Parties, prohibiting political organisations from speaking against the independence, territorial integrity of Latvia or other countries, voice or propose violent modification of the government of the Republic of Latvia or other democratic countries.
The law also states that political parties are not allowed to propose non-compliance with laws if non-compliance puts at risk state security, public safety or order, suggest acts of terrorism or violence, promote Nazi, fascist or communist ideology, promote war, engage in actions aimed at incitement to national, ethnic, racial, religious hatred or intolerance, promote or invite residents to commit crimes.
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TEACHERS’ PROTEST
PHOTO | 3 000 protesters gather outside Saeima, but teachers’ demands remain ignored
LIZDA picket outside Latvian Saeima. Photo: Zane Bitere/LETAOn Thursday, 16 June, Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees (LIZDA) organised a picket outside the Saeima building.
Approximately 3 000 participants gathered for the picket.
After meeting with Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece, LIZDA leader Inga Vanaga said the ministry did not yield to a single demand of Latvian teachers.
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BATTLE AGAINST INFLATION
Ministry suggests changing benefit sizes and thresholds to compensate inflation in Latvia
Photo: PixabayTo compensate inflation, Latvia’s Ministry of Welfare proposes different support mechanisms for the least protected members of society. The ministry also proposes changing benefit sizes and terms to receive them.
Because of the war started by Russia in Ukraine, inflation is on a rapid rise in the world, Latvia included. Prices of energy resources and food products are also on a rise. In such a situation Latvia’s government stresses it is important to provide focused aid for the least protected members of society, the ministry notes.
The ministry’s report mentions that from next year onward it is planned to raise the income threshold for poor households to 50% of minimal income median, reaching EUR 313 for the first or sole member of a household and EUR 219 for all other members. Currently the income threshold for poor households is EUR 272 for the first or sole person in a household and EUR 190 for the rest.
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