Lithuanian minister questions Russian language policies, urges focus on integration

Lithuanian Minister I. Ruginienė has expressed reservations about recent decisions concerning the Russian language, advocating for a more inclusive approach that respects all citizens, regardless of their linguistic background. Speaking to "Žinių radijas," she highlighted the need to consider the elderly population, many of whom have lived in Lithuania their entire lives and may not speak Lithuanian fluently.

"I am for all of us to truly speak our state language and know it, but equally, we have citizens and corners of Lithuania where perhaps an elderly person, 90 years old, for example – well, they speak as they speak," Ruginienė stated. She questioned the fairness of penalizing older individuals for their language use, emphasizing that younger generations are naturally moving away from Russian.

“

I am for all of us to truly speak our state language and know it, but equally, we have citizens and corners of Lithuania where perhaps an elderly person, 90 years old, for example – well, they speak as they speak.

The minister stressed that this stance is not about devaluing the Lithuanian language but about fostering respect and avoiding societal stratification. "This seems to me to be also about respect. Are we developing a divide and, you know, sorting people into better and worse – with us or not with us? I don't particularly like such an attitude," she said, underscoring her opposition to creating divisions based on language.

“

This seems to me to be also about respect. Are we developing a divide and, you know, sorting people into better and worse – with us or not with us? I don't particularly like such an attitude.

However, Ruginienė maintained a firmer position regarding third-country nationals arriving in Lithuania. She believes that immigrants should be integrated into Lithuanian society, with proficiency in the Lithuanian language being a cornerstone of this integration. She criticized proposals to waive Lithuanian language requirements for certain foreigners, especially those in the service sector who interact directly with the public.

"We must truly respect the Lithuanian language and we must cherish our culture," Ruginienė asserted. She warned that easing language requirements could inadvertently encourage the influx of cheap labor, potentially undermining Lithuania's cultural standards and values. The minister concluded that Lithuania should aim to attract necessary workers while ensuring their successful integration into the nation's cultural fabric.

“

We must truly respect the Lithuanian language and we must cherish our culture.