Key Insights:
During the reporting month, the content primarily examined topics such as the incompetence of the Latvian government and the European Union and its negative impact on the Latvian economy. The main narratives are as follows:
- Latvia’s government is corrupt, out of touch and overburdened by bureaucracy
- European Union hurts the Latvian economy
- Support for lgbtq rights is against Latvian values
Overview of findings:
- TikTok, Telegram, Facebook, and X platforms were monitored in the reporting month. Content in video format achieves the most engagement, making TikTok and Facebook the primary channels for disseminating disinformation. A total of 180 posts were examined, and the number of posts has decreased by approximately 20 compared to the previous examined month.
- Similar to prior months, the content primarily revolves around domestic issues such as corruption, language policies, and economic development. In the examined month, a substantial amount of content was related to the European Union, with members from populist parties starting their mandate. Most notably, the Green Deal, the role of the European Commission and the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen have been central to the critique.
- Within the examined platforms, engagement on TikTok and Facebook is largely supportive, indicating that the target audiences are more susceptible to disinformation narratives. In contrast, the content examined on platform X usually receives more critical engagement, often fact-checking the content posted.
Story of the month: Europe has currently been overtaken by pride supporters, climate fanatics and welcomists
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1039176214206991&ref=sharing)
The current European Parliament member Vilis Krištopans from the political party Latvija Pirmajā Vietā (Latvia in First Place) expressed his concerns about Europe, which, in his view, has become overtaken by pride marches, climate fanatics as well as welcomes. The current mEP goes further to explain that he is not a Euro-sceptic. Rather, he views Europe as going to waste. The political party has previously been vocal about not supporting more inclusivity for LGTBQ rights in Latvia, claiming that it is negatively affecting children and goes against Latvian values, thus rather being something pushed by the European Union. Similarly, they have previously been vocal against the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, voicing the same alleged concerns. Additionally, the party has been priorly vocal about its lack of support for the European Union’s Green Deal, with their primary argument being that Latvia is already climate neutral, thus bringing more economic loss for the state. Lastly, the political party has priorly expressed their concern and unwillingness to host migrants from the Middle East and North Africa as, in their view, they have too different values. They will not be able to integrate, which poses a security concern. Despite the narratives not being new for the political party, the language used to describe the issue is concerning as the newly elected MEP
The video posted on Facebook received 2,6k views, 126 likes and 3 supportive comments. In contrast, the same video posted from the political parties X account received 9 comments, all of which were critical, despite a significantly lower engagement. Some comments, even if claiming to support the ideas expressed, are critical of the mEP and the party due to their alleged ties to Russia. Additionally, some comments explicitly state that the narratives expressed in the video are beneficial for Russia.
“Everything was said correctly, but you like Russians and Russian money, so you can go screw yourself. “
“Did you go there to protect Russian interests? This has no concern for Latvia. “
