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#Videocrux - Latvian language barriers in Baltic states Latvian language barriers in Baltic states
Of the three Baltic states, Latvia has the biggest Russian-speaking population. Moscow argues the minority group faces institutionalized discrimination, including on job applications in which they must submit to Latvian language tests.
2.3 million people speak Russian in Latvia
A few thousand ethnic Russians dominate this neighborhood outside the capital. Up to a third of Latvia's 2.3 million are, in fact, Russian speakers, most of whom came during the decades of Soviet rule.
The discrimination against the use of Latvian language
When we talk about discrimination, we need to keep things in perspective it is not like apartheid in South Africa. A Euro-MP and since her election in 2004 she has been trying to get Brussels to look at issues of discrimination against the minority notably the use of Latvian language tests required to get some jobs.
Only 60 percent have taken the nationality of Latvia
We are saying that if a group is under represented within the society in prestigious positions, prestigious jobs, high schools, it's evident that this group is discriminated. Those efforts could sway more of the Russian minority to feel Latvian since its independence in 1991, only 60 percent have taken the nationality.

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