Residents in Latvia have different opinions about the increase of ethnic tension within society, according to results of a study by Providus public policy centre “Is the civic apathy of Russian-speaking Latvians a myth or reality?”.
The study was carried out in Pļavnieki and Bolderāja, Daugavpils, Rēzekne and Liepāja.
The study focused on locations where large numbers of Russians live. Focus groups, on the other hand, consisted of Latvian and Russian speakers.
Participants of Latvian focus groups were asked if they experience any increased ethnic tension in the area they live in. Because Russian-speakers are a minority in Liepaja, the same question was asked to them as well.
The study concluded that the responses received from participants differ from one another. In Bolderaja and Pļavnieki Latvian-speakers said they have not experienced any increase in ethnic tension.
In Liepaja, Latvian-speakers said ethnic relations have only improved.
Russian-speakers in Liepaja said situation in which Russians are insulted or otherwise verbally assaulted have become more often, but they are not systematic. In Daugavpils and Rezekne Latvian-speakers said the ethnic tension is tangible, but even here opinions differ.
One Latvian-speaker in Daugavpils and Rezekne said the tension has increased among his acquaintances, stressing that people have different opinions – those who support Ukraine and those of a different opinion. This person also said “tension is not dangerous, but it is notable”.
Another Latvian-speaking focus group member from Daugavpils and Rezekne stressed that Daugavpils is a “vatnik” city, adding that no one should have any illusions about this.
A Russian-speaker from a focus group in Daugavpils and Rezekne said they feel uncomfortable speaking Russian, even if someone suggests deporting Russians to Russia.
A person who speaks both Latvian and Russian mentioned that a kindergarten told their child they should speak Latvian. Because of this, the child no longer wants to go to kindergarten.
It is mentioned in the study that Latvian-speakers in Rezekne and Daugavpils expect someone to resolve this tension – they expect the most responsibility from local leaders, as well as changes in the information space.
Members of Russian-speaking focus groups in Daugavpils and Rezekne were asked an additional question – about the data from the public opinion survey of October 2022, which indicate that only 23% of Russian-speakers living in Latvia believe people in this country can voice their opinions freely and without fear.
Members of focus groups were asked to provide their opinion of this belief, as well as explain which topics they would be afraid to comment on. Responses mainly touched on the topic of use of Russian and Latvian languages, attitude towards Russia and Ukraine, as well as removal of monuments.
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