Russian citizens take language test to avoid expulsion from Latvia

[Abramelin]

In a Stalinist skyscraper which dominates the skyline of Latvia's capital, dozens of elderly Russians wait to take a basic Latvian language test as a proof of loyalty to a country where they have lived for decades.

Clutching red Russian passports, the participants, mostly women, read their notes for last minute revision, fearing they may be expelled from the Baltic country if they fail.

Speaking Russian instead of Latvian has not been a problem until now, but the war in Ukraine changed the picture. Last year's election campaign was dominated by questions of national identity and security concerns.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russians-take-language-test-avoid-expulsion-latvia-2023-05-08/

[Electric Scooter]

4 hours ago, Abramelin said:

In a Stalinist skyscraper which dominates the skyline of Latvia's capital, dozens of elderly Russians wait to take a basic Latvian language test as a proof of loyalty to a country where they have lived for decades.

Clutching red Russian passports, the participants, mostly women, read their notes for last minute revision, fearing they may be expelled from the Baltic country if they fail.

Speaking Russian instead of Latvian has not been a problem until now, but the war in Ukraine changed the picture. Last year's election campaign was dominated by questions of national identity and security concerns.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russians-take-language-test-avoid-expulsion-latvia-2023-05-08/

Dangerous, the last time that happened Russia went into Eastern Ukraine.

[Abramelin]

3 hours ago, Electric Scooter said:

Dangerous, the last time that happened Russia went into Eastern Ukraine.

Latvia is a member of NATO.

Ukraine isn't.

[acidhead]

Nationalism is the strongest political ideology that exists.