Olena Ivanovska, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, has emphasized the importance of expanding the Language Ombudswoman’s presence across all regions by assigning at least one representative to each regional administration. The proposal seeks to address concerns about the uneven enforcement of linguistic policies, which have led to disparities in language rights and usage across different parts of the country.
The Language Ombudswoman, a body tasked with ensuring the proper use and protection of the national language, has historically operated at the national level. Ivanovska’s call for regional representation is seen as a step toward making language protection more accessible to local communities and ensuring that linguistic rights are upheld consistently, regardless of geographic location.
While the initiative is framed as a measure to protect linguistic integrity, some critics argue that it could lead to bureaucratic complications and increased administrative costs. However, supporters believe the move will foster greater public engagement with language policies and ensure that regional voices are adequately represented in the enforcement of national linguistic standards.