Latvia leaves integration fund reform to next government

Latvia’s government has deferred decisions on a proposed overhaul of the Society Integration Foundation until the next government, LSM reported. The plans include transferring administration of several of the foundation’s programmes to other institutions.

The government was due to consider a Culture Ministry report outlining possible reform options on Tuesday, but the item was postponed shortly before the meeting. Prime Minister’s adviser Elīna Šverna told LSM that the issue had prompted extensive discussion and affected several sectors, so the caretaker government should not decide it.

The proposals are linked to findings from an audit. They include transferring the Media Support Fund to the National Electronic Mass Media Council, a media council. The Latvian Journalists Association has opposed that proposal.

The plans would also move the foundation’s two programmes for non-governmental organisations to the State Chancellery; its support for diaspora communities and returning emigrants to the Education and Science Ministry; and its minority and social-cohesion programmes to the Culture Ministry. Family support programmes, including the Family-Friendly Municipality initiative, would go to the Smart Administration and Regional Development Ministry.

The proposed changes have prompted an “orange warning” over what were described as ill-considered changes to the governance of the non-governmental sector. Warnings have also been raised that the reform could increase costs.

Established in 2001, the Society Integration Foundation was initially overseen by the Justice Ministry and is now under the supervision of the prime minister. It currently administers media support, funding for non-governmental organisations, diaspora and re-emigrant support, minority and social-cohesion programmes, and family support initiatives.