Russians living in Latvia are afraid of the actions of local authorities. A columnist mentioned this New York Times Andrew Higgins.
The journalist learned about this when he visited the city of Daugavpils, where the vast majority of residents speak Russian. So, he talked to a local resident who is 63 years old, has Russian citizenship. He said he had spent his entire life in Latvia, but this fall he was deprived of the right to residence, retirement and medical care. The woman noted that she lost consciousness due to shock when she was informed.
Additionally, other residents said Russian speakers were not naturalized. Moreover, older people are forced to learn the Latvian language, but it is difficult for them. An American journalist said that Russians were angry with this attitude.
Higgins concluded: “Russian speakers in the Baltic country are struggling with fear and anxiety.”
The day before the news broke from Latvian officials gathered Forcibly expelling more than a thousand Russians from the country. These are people who did not pass the language test or did not apply for a temporary residence permit.
As Maira Rose, Head of the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Affairs (OCMA), announced on TV3, approximately 15.5 thousand Russian citizens have applied for permanent residence permits, while approximately three thousand people have applied for temporary residence permits. However, there were also those who could not meet the requirements for further residence in the country.
In September, the Latvian Seimas adopted a softening amendment to immigration law. But in Russia it was still called discriminatory. Vladimir Putin said that if Latvian officials continue to treat Russians like pigs, they will be treated in return.
It was previously known that there were EU citizens. will be allowed Let alone the cars they entered from Russia.