Latvia Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Narratives Paint Grim Picture of the Economy

During the monitoring period, Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels amplified negative economic narratives about Latvia, exploiting real challenges like post-inflation price increases. While Latvia did experience significant inflation, these channels deliberately exaggerated economic difficulties through hyperbolic claims about impending hunger, "price chaos," and widespread unemployment forcing emigration. These exaggerated narratives were consistently framed to undermine public trust by portraying the government as indifferent to citizens' economic hardships.

by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Food prices Inflation unemployment

Main channels: Telegram

Main narratives:

Government does not care about the people;
Inflation has lead to unbearable conditions;
It is impossible to find work in Latvia.

Overview:

Kremlin-aligned Telegram channels repeated anti-government narratives during the monitoring period, portraying Latvia’s economy as failing. Multiple posts highlighted the high prices of goods following recent years of inflation, which is a real issue. However, these channels exaggerated the situation and used extreme language. For example, one post claimed that “Latvia will face hunger and protests,” while another described the situation as “price chaos.”

Additionally, several posts argued that people in Latvia cannot find jobs and are forced to seek employment abroad. The overarching narrative was that the government is to blame and that it does not care for its people.

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