The government wants to amend the Language Act. Films dubbed in foreign languages cannot be shown in cinemas. This applies to adult films. Children's films may remain dubbed.
Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas spoke at the government press conference. She said that films in cinemas must be in their original language. Adult films must have subtitles.
The Language Act will also change in other areas. For example, knowledge of Estonian will not be required within five years of arriving in Estonia. This applies to academic staff and temporarily arriving teachers.
The government wants to simplify language learning. The Ministry of Education and Research will be responsible for this. This will help end fragmentation and create better solutions.
The use of Estonian will be strengthened in the public sector. Compliance with language requirements will be monitored more strictly. Rural municipality councils and city council committees must work in Estonian.
Kristina Kallas said that Estonia has become a destination for migration. Therefore, it is important to require Estonian-language communication in the public sector. This applies to all institutions and local governments.
Exceptions to language requirements will remain in force for top specialists and temporarily arriving teachers. There are also plans to increase fines and give the Language Inspectorate more oversight.