Main narratives:
- Russophobia in Latvia;
- The government is corrupt and wasteful.
Overview:
The pro-Kremlin Telegram accounts promote several consistent narratives about Latvia. “Antifascists of Pribaltics” portrays contemporary Latvian art as decadent, using it to advance the claim that Latvia lacks true independence and is merely a puppet state implementing Western liberal values. This narrative aims to undermine Latvia’s sovereignty and frame liberal values as bad foreign impositions.
Another prominent narrative glorifies the Russian imperial period, suggesting Latvia’s achievements are attributable to Russian influence. The post about Riga Balsam exemplifies this by claiming the famous Latvian liqueur owes its existence to a German immigrant working in the Russian Empire and the patronage of Catherine the Great, while dismissing native Latvians as “aborigines” who weren’t even allowed to stay in the city overnight.
Political candidate Roslikovs from the Stability party amplifies claims of anti-Russian discrimination in Latvia, particularly focusing on language issues. He portrays himself as a victim of systematic persecution, claiming Riga’s mayor is personally targeting him and preventing his Russian-language political advertisements. His rhetoric uses dramatic language and formatting (capital letters, exclamation points) to heighten emotional response.
Roslikovs also promotes anti-government sentiment by portraying Latvian authorities as corrupt and exploitative, claiming they waste “billions” of public money while suggesting voters should remove them from office in retaliation.
