Latvian parliamentarians treated to sour taste of education reform

Students of Russian schools in Latvia along with members of the Latvian parliament faction For Human Rights in a United Latvia presented lemons to members of the Latvian parliament who voted for recent legislation requiring that 60% of upper class instruction be taught in Latvian. Rosbalt reports that the phrase 'enjoy the taste of reform' was written on each lemon in Latvian. The lemons were placed on the chair of each reform supporter before the opening session of the parliament. In February opponents of reform, including upper class members of Russian schools in Riga and other major cities in Latvia, conducted several mass demonstrations. Commenting on these protests, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freidberga said using children to solve political questions was immoral. She said reform was being conducted in the interests of children who wish to earn a higher education in Latvia and find work. 40% of Latvian residents speak Russia.