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Latvia

October 14th - October 20th, 2024 | Week 59 | Month 14

Latvia Weekly: Narratives of NATO Distrust and EU Criticism Amid Migrant Debate

During the examined week, key narratives centered on distrust in NATO unity and negative sentiment toward EU policies on migration and climate change. An opposition party member claimed that while Eastern Europe faces war on its borders, Western Europe battles a "war on its streets" caused by migrants, described as uncivilized and a societal threat. TikTok remained the leading platform for reach and engagement, especially among Russian and Latvian-speaking audiences, while activity on X (formerly Twitter) declined.

by Otto Tabuns
Main channels: Facebook, TikTok

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Main narratives:

  • Anti-immigration sentiments;
  • Incompetence of the current government;
  • Blames of alleged Russophobia;
  • Anti-green deal statements.

Overview:

During the examined week, several key narratives emerged, with particular focus on issues surrounding NATO and European Union policies. One of the main narratives highlighted a growing distrust in the unity among NATO member states, as well as concerns about the transparency of the current government’s handling of national security matters. This was coupled with a general negative sentiment toward the European Union’s policies, particularly those concerning migration and climate change, which continued to be points of contention.

A significant moment during the week came from a member of the opposition party, who expressed strong criticism of the situation in Europe. He stated that while Eastern Europe is grappling with a war on its borders, Western Europe is facing what he described as a “war on its streets,” instigated by migrants, whom he characterized as uncivilized and a threat to society. This statement gained traction and was widely shared, fueling further polarization on the issue of migration.

In terms of social media engagement, TikTok remained the platform with the highest reach, particularly resonating with both Russian and Latvian-speaking audiences. The platform continues to dominate in terms of user engagement, while activity on X (formerly Twitter) has seen a noticeable decline over the week. This shift may reflect changing user preferences or varying levels of interest in specific narratives across platforms.

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