The program was adopted at the Congress on December 5, 2021.
The document is a framework for the development of election programs for the next decade. During this period, the details and tasks of the Program will be adjusted at the party congresses
1. Core principles, values and working methods
1.1. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the development of Latvia as a free, multilingual, democratic society built on the basis of mutual respect and solidarity, creating conditions for effective self-realization and a decent life for every inhabitant of the country.
1.2. The goal of the party is to create conditions for the harmonious development of the community of Russian-speaking inhabitants of the country as an integral part of the people of Latvia within the framework of an independent and unified state, the Republic of Latvia, member of the European Union.
1.3. In economic and social matters, as well as in the field of protection against discrimination, the LRU stands up for the interests of all people living in Latvia, regardless of their language or origin.
1.4. The Latvian Russian Union contributes to the development of the Republic of Latvia as an economically successful, socially responsible, peaceful state, aimed at improving the quality of life of all its inhabitants.
1.5. Values shared by the Latvian Russian Union:
1.5.1. human rights and freedoms, social solidarity, humanism and friendly relations between people;
1.5.2. respect for the dignity, identity of each individual and the collective identity of national groups and regions;
1.5.3. harmonious development of the economy and transition to the green economy while maintaining a healthy environment and sticking to the principle of social justice to its maximum;
1.5.4. the priority of science, culture, as well as human and educational development.
1.6. The goal of the LRU at the international level is to prevent the aggravation of the relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation, to ensure that the confrontation be rejected and mutually beneficial good neighbourly relations be established. In the long term, we strive to create a single political and economic space from Lisbon to Vladivostok without borders and customs barriers.
1.7. The LRU supports demilitarization and complete renunciation of weapons of mass destruction.
1.8. The party advocates Latvia’s non-participation in military blocs.
1.9. All initiatives and campaigns run by the LRU, voting of our deputies and the activities of party officials are held in the interests of our electorate and according to the Party Program.
We give priority to the initiatives that contribute to:
1.9.1. preservation and positive development of the identity of Russians in Latvia, preservation of historical memory and objects of tangible and intangible cultural heritage;
1.9.2. the use of the Russian language in various fields, the achievement of a decent balance of state and public support for the Latvian, Russian and other traditional languages of Latvia;
1.9.3. strengthening civil society and the effectiveness of the work of state institutions of the Republic of Latvia for the benefit of all residents of Latvia;
1.9.4. creating conditions for the development of the real sector of the economy both in the country as a whole and in each of its regions, while maximum preservation of a healthy living environment;
1.9.5. self-realization of each inhabitant of Latvia in the professional, creative, public and private sphere;
1.9.6. establishing an inclusive society and supporting people in need of temporary or permanent assistance;
1.9.7. further European integration and development of the EU as an association of peoples and cultures;
1.9.8. normalization of relations with neighbouring states and demilitarization.
2. Main definitions and political goals of the Latvian Russian Union
2.1. The Russians of Latvia are a community of residents of the country who are united by the Russian language, culture, common history and information space.
2.2. The Russians of Latvia are part of the people of the country. The LRU seeks to ensure that the political nation of the Republic of Latvia includes both the Latvian majority and the Russian community.
2.3. The Russians of Latvia are united with the Latvians by the cares and responsibilities for the development of Latvia and ensuring social progress.
2.4. The Russians of Latvia are part of the worldwide Russian diaspora, united by their native Russian language, historical and cultural heritage.
2.5. The Constitution of Latvia must ensure a balance between the interests of the Latvian majority and national minorities. The Latvian Russian Union stands for amending the Constitution in order to renounce the discrimination of the inhabitants of the country on the basis of their native language and culture, which is embedded in it.
2.6. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the establishment of Russian cultural autonomy in Latvia. This autonomy should guarantee the use of the Russian language, along with Latvian, in education and other important areas of life, as well as the participation of public societies of Latvian Russians in the distribution of budgetary funds for the needs of education and culture.
2.7. Russia for the Russians of Latvia is the birthplace of our culture and one of the strongholds in the preservation of Russian identity.
2.7.1. We develop cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations of the Russian Federation, but do not interfere in the internal Russian political processes.
2.7.2. All contacts of the LRU with the Russian authorities and civil society serve exclusively the interests of our voters in Latvia and are aimed at the positive development of the Latvian state in the first place and the achievement of long-term peace.
2.8. The LRU opposes reciprocal claims, the cultivation of historical grievances and for good neighbouring relations between the independent countries – former Soviet republics.
2.8.1. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the principle that every nation has the right to national self-determination. Between those countries whose peoples have taken advantage of this right, relations can only be built on an equal footing, and conflicts can be resolved peacefully.
2.8.2. LRU develops cooperation with those parties and movements in the post-Soviet space that share our principles and program priorities.
2.9. At European level, we are part of the European Free Alliance (EFA).
2.9.1. We support the EFA’s struggle to increase the autonomy of the regions of Europe, as well as to protect the rights of regional and linguistic minorities.
2.9.2. Within the framework of the European Parliament, we are in a coalition with the European Union of Green Parties and support most of the social, human rights and environmental initiatives of the Greens, while maintaining a separate position on some issues.
2.9.3. In the field of human rights and freedoms, we are entering into situational coalitions with the left, social democrats, liberals and national minority parties in Europe.
2.9.4. In the field of economy and social protection, we cooperate with all European level parties, if our positions on these issues coincide.
2.10. LRU stands for the development of the European Union in the direction of increasing the role of regions and self-governments.
2.10.1. Latvian Russian Union stands for extension of the EU competence to the issues of citizenship, language, education, as well as the basic principles of labour and social legislation.
2.11. The LRU advocates that the efforts of the EU institutions in the field of human rights should be mainly aimed at solving the internal problems of the EU and its member states.
2.11.1. We proceed from the principle that the EU and member states should stop imposing their values on countries that are not members of the EU and do not plan to join.
2.11.2. EU intervention in the affairs of third countries is possible only to prevent war, mass violence and famine. All other issues relating to third countries should fall within the competence, first of all, of the intergovernmental organizations of which they are members.
2.11.3. The LRU opposes the policy of sanctions against third countries. Manipulation with human rights issue in order to achieve selfish geopolitical goals is unacceptable.
2.12. The LRU advocates the creation of mobile response structures at the EU level in cases of natural and man-made disasters.
2.13. The LRU stands for the development and implementation at EU level of a new approach to migration that clearly separates asylum seekers from economic migrants.
2.13.1. The access of economic migrants to the EU territory should be carried out in accordance with the demographic and economic needs of the EU countries.
2.14. The LRU supports increasing of funding for the ECtHR and OSCE peacekeeping missions.
2.15. The Latvian Russian Union supports the protection of the rights of national minorities, including of the Russian-speakers, in all countries.
3. The goals of the LRU in the field of state government and the development of civil society
3.1. The Latvian Russian Union is for the widest participation of all the inhabitants of the country in the state government process. To do this, it is necessary to overcome the alienation of the people from the state by developing a dialogue between civil society and government institutions at all levels.
3.1.1. We pay special importance to the involvement of the Russian-speaking part of society in socio-political processes. For this, in particular, we insist on the use of the Russian language in public dialogue, the extension of the rights of non-citizens and granting them citizenship of the Republic of Latvia.
3.2. The LRU is for organizing a broad discussion on the mandatory participation of the country’s residents in elections.
3.3. LRU – for strengthening civil society, for increasing the role of non-governmental organizations in public administration and long-term policy planning. In particular, we insist on increasing the role of public organizations of national minorities and expanding the amount of state funding for these organizations.
3.4. The Latvian Russian Union stands for openness and transparency in the adoption of laws and administrative decisions, for mandatory public discussion about the most important legislative acts and taking into account the opinions of interested individuals and organizations.
3.5. LRU is for the development of direct democracy in Latvia and the strengthening of every person’s ability to take decisions.
3.5.1. We are in favor of holding popular referendums and polls, including when solving regional problems.
3.5.2. The right to vote in local referendums should be granted to all permanent residents of the region, regardless of their citizenship.
3.5.3. Questions relating to the narrowing of the rights of ethnic minorities and restrictions on human rights cannot be submitted to a referendum.
3.6. In order to optimize the costs of holding elections, referendums and polls in the context of the growing mobility of the country’s inhabitants, the Russian Union of Latvia advocates the introduction of an accessible, understandable and secure e-voting system in the country.
3.7. LRU – for the preservation of the parliamentary republic and proportional elections. At the same time, we are in favor of increasing the role of parties in the distribution of deputy mandates under the election results.
3.8. The Latvian Russian Union proposes to allocate special quotas for the opposition in political appointments based on election results.
3.8.1. LRU – for the introduction of mandatory criteria for a gradual increase in the proportion of employees of non-Latvian origin in the executive and judiciary until a balance is reached that corresponds to demographic indicators.
3.8.2. When hiring or appointing to a position in the public and private sector, any discrimination is not allowed, including on the basis of mother tongue or ethnic origin, including hidden discrimination.
3.8.3. All deputies of the Saeima, as well as members of the European Parliament elected in Latvia, must automatically be granted access to state secrets.
3.9. The Latvian Russian Union stands for regular audit, optimization of functions and reduction of the number of state officials.
3.10. The LRU advocates that officials’ salaries be tied to the minimum wage, and the gap between high and low salaries in the public sector in state and municipal institutions should be reduced and correspond to the average European level.
3.11. LRU – for the introduction of legislative regulation of lobbying activities.
3.12. The activities of special security services should be depoliticized and strongly defined by the law, in the interests of the security of the state and its inhabitants.
3.13. The Latvian Russian Union advocates expanding the functions of local governments, increasing their funding, including from income tax, expanding the functions of planning regions and granting greater independence to local authorities in matters of economic development, education, healthcare, culture and sports.
3.13.1. LRU – for direct financing of planning regions from European funds.
4. The goals of the LRU in the field of education
4.1. The Latvian Russian Union considers that the only fair and feasible option for education for the children of the Russian minority in Latvia is to give them the right to freely choose education in their native language at all levels of the educational system, from kindergartens to universities. The party will implement this strategic goal by all constitutional methods.
4.2. The education system of the Republic of Latvia is designed to ensure the transfer of knowledge and culture between generations, as well as the human and intellectual development of each resident of the country and the progress of society as a whole, ensuring personal and collective competitiveness in a changing world.
4.3. Participants in the process of education and human development throughout life should be all residents of the country, regardless of age, ethnic origin, native language and financial situation.
4.3.1. To do this, the education system must flexibly adapt to the features of different groups of the population, offering additional support mechanisms for minorities and vulnerable categories of residents.
4.3.2. The Latvian Russian Union believes that general education schools should ensure the provision of the bulk of knowledge and skills.
4.4. The criterias for the success of the education system at the level of the individual are:
4.4.1. the amount and consistency of general scientific knowledge acquired by the student at different stages of education;
4.4.2. the number and relevance of practical skills that provide a quality life;
4.4.3. the ability to interact positively with other people;
4.4.4. the ability to find, perceive and use information, apply critical thinking in the face of an excess of available information;
4.4.5. human and value positioning of the individual, ensuring the continuity of national culture and general moral and ethical principles;
4.4.6. family planning skills, balanced organization of private life and professional self-realization.
4.5. The criterias for the success of the education system at the level of society are its competitiveness at the regional and global levels, which ensures the sustainability of the socio-economic system with a gradual improvement in the quality of life.
4.6. The Latvian Russian Union is confident that the basis of the education system is the effective work of teachers at all levels – from preschool to higher education. The profession of a teacher should become prestigious and adequately paid. For this we need:
4.6.1. introduce at the state level a system of selection and targeted support for future teachers;
4.6.2. salary increase for teachers. The basic level of remuneration must reach the level of at least two average salaries;
4.6.3. the introduction of a system to encourage teachers, depending on the success of students.
4.7. The Latvian Russian Union advocates a transition to compulsory secondary or vocational education by 2030. No one should be left without a specialty. To do this, it is necessary to increase the prestige of vocational education.
4.8. Full-time education should remain the main type of education in Latvian schools. To use distance learning, the following restrictions must be introduced:
4.8.1. its share should not exceed 20% of the school curricula;
4.8.2. it is unacceptable to use distance learning in elementary school.
4.9. the Latvian Russian Union advocates state provision of education in Latvian, Russian and English and the fulfillment by the state of its obligations with respect to national minorities in accordance with international treaties. For this:
4.9.1. the choice of the proportion of teaching languages should be left to parents and school self-authorities;
4.9.2. the goal of Latvian language policy in the field of education should be fluency in Latvian and sufficient knowledge of English for all graduates of basic schools, as well as fluency in Russian and other languages of national minorities for students who was taught in these languages or studied them.
4.10. All language restrictions for foreign teachers who come to teach courses in Latvian universities should be lifted.
4.11. The state should contribute to the preservation of the cultural identity of students of minority origin, including through the training of teachers who teach in Russian, as well as by inviting teachers from countries historically associated with Latvia’s national minorities and organizing excursions to these countries.
4.12. The Latvian Russian Union proceeds from the principle that the main role of a school teacher in education should be the transfer of knowledge and the formation of skills.
5. Goals of the Latvian Russian Union in the economy
5.1. The Latvian Russian Union is a party of common sense and social responsibility in the economy.
5.1.1. LRU stands for the development of the economy in the interests of the general population.
5.1.2. LRU insists that the state has to maintain a balance between the priorities of economic development, the sustainable well-being of every inhabitant of the country, social justice, preservation of the environment and responsibility towards future generations.
5.2. LRU stands for maintaining shares of state capital in strategically important enterprises and municipal companies providing services under monopoly conditions.
5.2.1. The Latvian Russian Union is in favor of strengthening antimonopoly legislation and stimulating free competition.
5.2.2. RSL insists in the introduction of strict regulation of tariffs for mandatory services provided to residents.
5.3. In the context of the transition to a digital economy, RSL insists on effective protection of consumer’s personal data and commercial information, as well as protection against online fraud. Security and privacy in the electronic space must be guaranteed for both business and individual service users.
5.3.1. All legal and natural persons – residents of the Republic of Latvia – must be guaranteed the possibility to open an account in Latvian credit institutions.
5.3.2. In the circumstances of the automation of production and the introduction of digital technologies, the risk of unemployment increases. At the same time, there will be a demand for new professions in the labor market. The state should provide affordable and high-quality vocational education, retraining and advanced training programs for adults, considering the future needs of the market.
5.4. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the development of a green economy, subject to an increase in the standard of living in the country to the average European level, and determines the following priorities for this transition:
5.4.1. careful use of natural resources and maximum return of end-use products to the production cycle;
5.4.2. reducing the income gap between the poor and the rich;
5.4.3. in those areas where this is possible and does not entail an increase in prices for the end consumer, it is necessary to use internal resources to the maximum and purchase external ones if it is impossible to produce or purchase them on the domestic market.
5.5. LRU stands for the promotion of goods of local producers with high export potential to the international market. For this, it is necessary to use not only the EU market, but also the markets of neighboring countries as a priority.
5.5.1. High value-added goods and knowledge-intensive services should become priority export products.
5.6. LRU – for the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the provision of state support to them. To this end, the party proposes:
5.6.1. adapt the conditions for participation in state and municipal tenders to the opportunities of small and medium-sized businesses;
5.6.2. provide state grants for the development of high-tech and innovative industries and start-ups, as well as for the opening of industries or service enterprises offering new products;
5.6.3. allocate subsidies and provide preferential loans under state guarantees for enterprises for the development and expansion of production;
5.6.4. exempt from paying income tax the enterprises in the first year of their work, as well as introduce a reduced tax rate and provide the possibility of interest-free deferral of payments for enterprises during the period of expansion or renewal of their production for up to 3 years;
5.6.5. develop and apply individual plans for tax incentives and government support for each investor;
5.6.6. reduce the bureaucratic burden and simplify financial reporting for small and medium-sized businesses.
5.7. In relations between entrepreneurs and the fiscal authorities, the main content should be the provision of assistance, information, and advice to entrepreneurs on reporting and taxation issues.
5.8. The Latvian Russian Union is for strengthening the system of social partnership and strengthening the role of stakeholders in the development and adoption of important decisions that are directly related to them.
5.9. The Latvian Russian Union notes that a critically significant part of the Latvian economy is in the shadow sector. To bring Latvian business into the legal segment, a set of measures is required, including:
– achieving a regime of trust between state authorities and various groups of economically active residents;
– harmonization of tax legislation;
– legal education of employees;
– a system of tax credits and other incentives for companies providing a growing number of jobs with competitive salaries.
5.10. We are for stabilizing the country’s tax system and fixing tax rules for the long term.
5.11. LRU stands for the introduction of a mechanism of state support for the marketing of products of local agricultural producers.
5.12. The Latvian Russian Union is in favor of improving the well-being of the people of Latvia by reducing the tax burden. For this purpose, we consider it necessary:
5.12.1. gradually raise the non-taxable minimum for the calculation of personal income tax to 80% of the minimum wage;
5.12.2. include in the list of eligible expenses for income tax refunds the interest paid on a mortgage loan for a single dwelling;
5.12.3. gradual increase in the maximum amount of eligible expenses for income tax refund up to 2000 euros.
5.13. The Latvian Russian Union considers as an important strategic goal to create favorable conditions for investment in the real sector of the economy.
5.14. The development of tourism in Latvia is one of the priority sectors of the Latvian economy. In order to support this industry, it is necessary:
5.14.1. positive positioning of our country and advertising of its tourist sites both in the EU and in all neighboring countries;
5.14.2. introduction of a simple and quick procedure for obtaining single-entry visas for tourists from countries subjects to visa requirements;
5.14.3. introduction of a unified system of insurance for tourist services, which requires the creation of a separate fund to overcome crisis situations;
5.14.4. development of domestic tourism, including the improvement of existing infrastructure and the creation of new sites for visiting;
5.14.5. encouraging foreign tourists to visit different regions of Latvia.
5.15. The amount of energy resources in Latvia is limited, and the country cannot do without their import. The Latvian Russian Union is in favor of a rational approach to energy imports that is minimally dependent on geopolitics.
5.15.1. The decision to select an energy supplier should be made solely based on price, reliability of supply and available infrastructure.
5.16. For the development of agriculture, the LRU will seek:
5.16.1. increasing the number of subsidies to Latvian peasants from European funds until they reach the level of support for peasants in Western and Central Europe;
5.16.2. state support for the development of various forms of business in rural areas, including rural tourism and the production of ecological food and other local products;
5.16.3. development of a unified system of insurance of agricultural and livestock risks, taking into account the climatic features of the region.
6. Goals of the LRU in the social sphere
6.1. Latvia should become a social state. The state is obliged to provide effective and comprehensive support to vulnerable categories of the population – children, the elderly, the disabled, the temporarily disabled, the unemployed and the homeless.
6.1.1. The LRU advocates the development and implementation of a long-term effective strategy in Latvia to combat poverty and social exclusion, the goal of which will be to improve the quality of life of the country’s inhabitants and radically reduce the risk of poverty.
6.1.2. The LRU is for a gradual increase in the statutory subsistence minimum to the level of the real subsistence minimum, which includes a consumer basket that takes into account high-quality food, the possibility of acquiring necessary non-food items, housing and medical care.
6.2. The LRU advocates the introduction of a fair system of social guarantees, as well as a consistent increase in wages and improved labor protection.
6.3. LRU is for increasing of the size of pensions to a level not lower than the real subsistence level and their annual indexation, corresponding at least to the level of inflation, as well as for reviewing the size of social benefits, which in total should provide income reaching the subsistence level.
6.4. LRU stands for the introduction into the legislation of the concept of a minimum income and its guarantee for every inhabitant of Latvia.
6.4.1. The size of the minimum income should be 100% of the real subsistence minimum for the disabled.
6.5. The LRU advocates the introduction of a progressive reduction in personal income tax for families with children.
6.6. LRU – for the revision of the minimum wage amount established by the law, which should be determined on the basis of the real subsistence minimum and should not be lower than this minimum.
6.6.1. We are in favor of annual indexation of the minimum wage, corresponding at least to the inflation rate in the country.
6.7. The Latvian Russian Union believes that the growth of the minimum wage should be equal to or outstrip the growth of salaries of high level state and municipal employees.
6.8. The Latvian Russian Union is for initiating a public discussion on the introduction of an unconditional basic income.
6.9. The Latvian Russian Union believes that every resident of the country who has sufficient work experience has the right to a pension that ensures a decent life. In the field of pension legislation LRU acts:
6.9.1. against a further increase in the retirement age;
6.9.2. for the right to retire five years before reaching the general retirement age for all employees who have worked at least a quarter of their work experience in especially dangerous or difficult conditions, employees with at least 40 years of experience and parents who have raised three or more children;
6.9.2.1. when calculating the amount of a pension upon reaching it before reaching the general retirement age, the same predicted life expectancy coefficients should be used as when calculating the pension upon reaching the general retirement age;
6.9.3. for the payment of a pension in full to unemployed persons entitled to retire before reaching the general retirement age;
6.9.4. for equal rights for all pensioners, regardless of the time of retirement, citizenship and place of accumulation of pension experience, including for equalizing all residents of Latvia with citizens in the right to offset Soviet periods of employment accumulated outside Latvia into the insurance record;
6.9.5. for the right to early retirement for both men and women who have been assigned a lifetime disability;
6.9.6. against imposing personal income tax on pensions;
6.9.7. for the unconditional inheritance by a spouse or partner of savings in the second pension pillar.
6.10. LRU advocates the implementation of an effective program to protect workers of pre-retirement age.
6.10.1. It is necessary to introduce separate educational programs for workers over 50 years of age to improve their skills or to retrain in accordance with the demands of the labor market. Training should be in Russian as well.
6.11. The Latvian Russian Union notes that young people face the problem of employment due to the lack of necessary experience. To help young professionals enter the labor market, it is necessary to:
6.11.1. quality audit and expansion of the scope of the European program “Guarantee for Youth”;
6.11.2. the introduction of subsidized jobs for young people, allowing them to gain the experience necessary for employment.
6.12. The Latvian Russian Union is for strict controls preventing wage discrimination based on age or gender.
6.13. LRU – for ensuring the re-socialization and retraining of the long-term unemployed, taking into account their skills, talents and personal preferences, as well as the demand for their professions and regional specifics.
6.14. We stand for guaranteeing the right of every worker to maintain a balance between work and private life, as well as the right to disconnect from work duties outside of working hours.
6.14.1. Employers who require employees to work additional hours must fully compensate for all overtime financially or by providing additional free time.
6.15. The Latvian Russian Union opposes the increase in the cadastral value of housing and advocates the introduction of a 100% discount on real estate tax on the first 50 square meters of any housing.
6.16. LRU – for the inclusion in the Constitution the statement that the right to housing as an inalienable human right.
6.17. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the payment of adequate compensation for the loss of housing to all residents of denationalized houses who were such at the time of January 1, 1993 and have not yet received any payments or assistance in resolving the housing issue from the state.
6.18. The Latvian Russian Union is in favor of lowering the VAT rate on basic foodstuffs, ecological products, baby food, life-saving medicines, books and other printed publications, as well as on medical services.
6.19. LRU – for state support for improving the energy efficiency of housing.
6.20. The Latvian Russian Union considers the health of people as an important priority and advocates state reimbursement of expenses for visits to private clinics if a person is diagnosed or suspected of having a life-threatening disease, but according to quotas, cannot undergo an examination for three months.
7. Objectives of the LRU in the field of human rights and prevention of discrimination
7.1. Human rights cannot be ensured without the state abandoning the policy of separation, aimed at discriminating against a part of the population. The Latvian Russian Union is for recognizing the existence of two main linguistic communities in the country – Latvian and Russian, as well as national minorities that have the right to preserve their language and culture.
7.2. The Latvian Russian Union opposes discrimination against the inhabitants of the country on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or other belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation in accordance with Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
7.3. Discrimination is unacceptable not only at the legislative level, but also at the everyday level, and statements degrading the dignity of a person according to those grounds listed in paragraph 7.2., should be completely excluded from use in the public sphere, suppressed and punished.
7.4. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the Latvian society based on equal rights and solidarity, as well as respect for the culture and language of the Latvian majority and national minorities.
7.5. As long as the institution of statelessness exists in Latvia, the country cannot be recognized as a truly democratic state, and elections to the Saeima, municipalities and the European Parliament cannot be recognized as universal. The best way to return political rights to non-citizens is to recognize them as citizens of Latvia by a one legislative act. Restoring justice in this matter is the principal goal of the Latvian Russian Union. In the process of moving towards this goal, the LRU supports:
7.5.1. granting to non-citizens the rights to take part in elections of local governments and the European Parliament, as well as the right to participate in local referenda and submit the petition. This right is granted through the declaration of the state on the equalization of the rights of non-citizens with the rights of citizens in each specific issue;
7.5.2. equalization of the rights of citizens, non-citizens and other permanent residents of Latvia in their of social and economic rights;
7.5.3. granting to non-citizens the full scope of the rights of EU citizens at the level of the European Union in the areas within the competence of the EU;
7.5.4. simplification of the naturalization procedure, automatic granting of citizenship to all those born in Latvia after 1991 and persons over 70 years of age.
7.6. The Latvian Russian Union is for gender equality and considers discrimination based on gender in any area of life unacceptable. In particular:
7.6.1. discrimination in the labour market is unacceptable – when hiring, in case of employment and working conditions. The state, through legislative guarantees and educational programs, must ensure equal treatment of workers in both the public and private sectors.
7.6.2. women and men have equal rights in matters of family relations and parenthood, as well as the right to state support in matters of reproductive health.
7.7. Domestic violence is unacceptable. To solve this problem, in addition to strict legislative regulation, it is necessary to develop a system of assistance to victims of violence, as well as conduct educational and information campaigns.
7.8. The withdrawal of children from families is possible only as a last resort, when their health or life is threatened.
7.9. The LRU advocates giving the Russian language official status at the municipal level in those regions where it is native to at least 10% of the population.
7.10. The Latvian Russian Union stands for ensuring freedom of speech and protecting the independence of the media by the state.
7.11. LRU – for state financing on a project basis of mass media produced in Latvian, Russian and other languages demanded by the inhabitants of the country.
7.12. The Latvian Russian Union will achieve the recognition of Orthodox Easter, Christmas, Victory Day, as well as other dates of significance for the Russian community in Latvia, as holidays or memorable days.
8. The goals of the LRU in the field of demography and family support
8.1. The demographic problem is one of the main existential threats for Latvia in general and for the Russian community of the country in particular.
8.1.1. The solution to this problem should combine educational, organizational, social, economic and medical measures.
8.2. The Latvian Russian Union stands for the creation of an effective state mechanism for consulting assistance in the field of social support, finance, psychology, medicine for young people and families. This assistance should be aimed at supporting family relations, solving family problems and preventing conflicts. As well as creating favorable conditions for family planning, for the birth and upbringing of children.
8.3. The LRU advocates for increased state financial support for young families, and families with children. To this end, we propose to:
8.3.1. raise child benefits in the first year of life to the minimum salary;
8.3.2. increase the amount of the childbirth allowance;
8.3.3. increase the allowance for carers;
8.3.4. increase the amount of the additional payment for the care of a disabled child at least to the level of the real subsistence level;
8.3.5. simplify the conditions for providing state guarantees for mortgages for the purchase of first homes by families;
8.3.6. create a system of municipal assistance to young families in renting housing.
8.4. LRU stands for the development of a system of preschool institutions and an increase in the number of kindergartens throughout the country to fully meet the need for them and eliminate waiting times.
8.5. The Latvian Russian Union supports the development within all local governments of a system of accessible free subsidized activities for children – hobby groups, youth interest clubs, sports clubs.
8.6. The LRU considers it necessary to increase the level of youth employment; for this, separate and effective employment programs should be developed for each region.
8.7. The Latvian Russian Union stands for full gender equality in all spheres of life, including education, employment, social activities, and family life planning.
