“Ironically, this amendment was introduced into the Consumer Protection Law, even though in reality it does not protect consumer rights but rather infringes upon (restricts) them,” notes the Latvian website bb.lv
Later, during the third reading, the bill’s authors made some revisions, allowing sellers to communicate with buyers in the official languages of the EU.
The Ministry of Justice has prepared an alternative proposal, the essence of which is that a service provider, such as a seller, is required to begin the conversation with the buyer in the official language and only then, if the seller has no objection and the buyer requests it, may switch to foreign languages.
At the same time, all written information—such as menus in restaurants or cafes—must be provided only in the official language, as well as in the official languages of EU member states, EU candidate countries, and OECD member states.
