Latvian Parliament Erupts: Deputy Expelled for Defending Russian

Latvia's Parliament Erupts as Deputy Expelled for Defending Russian Language RIGA, Latvia – A heated debate over the Russian language erupted in the Latvian parliament today, leading to the expulsion of Deputy Alexei Roslikov. The incident occurred during a session considering a declaration aimed at reversing the linguistic effects of Soviet-era Russification. Roslikov, visibly agitated, spoke out against the declaration, claiming it would further marginalize the significant Russian-speaking population in Latvia. "We are half of this country! Without us, Latvia's future is bleak! You constantly try to take something from us," Roslikov stated, before concluding his remarks in Russian: "We are many, and Russian is our language!" His passionate speech and use of Russian, despite Latvian being the sole official language, prompted the parliament speaker to initiate a vote to remove him from the session. The vote passed, with 63 out of 100 deputies supporting Roslikov's expulsion. His actions highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding language rights and national identity in Latvia, where approximately 40% of the population identifies as Russian-speaking.