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Reports

5
Saeima
May 26th - June 1st, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: the Use of Social Media to Cast Government as Threat

The Alliance of Young Latvians positioned themselves as sole defenders of public safety and minority rights by highlighting criminal incidents in Riga, promoting anti-immigration sentiment, and repeatedly showcasing anonymous hateful comments towards their leaders. They were constructing an anti-establishment narrative that portrays them as the only politicians genuinely concerned about public safety, environmental risks, and persecution of Russian speakers.

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5
Alliance of Young Latvians
May 19th - May 25th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Exploiting a Viral Video to Reinforce Ethnic Bias Claims

The Alliance of Young Latvians extensively exploited a viral video of a woman at a judo competition shouting "Wipe your tears! It doesn't matter! He's Russian!" to her son, with both leaders making multiple posts attacking the woman personally and investigating her political connections. This coordinated response demonstrates how the party amplifies isolated incidents to construct broader narratives about systematic anti-Russian discrimination within Latvia's political establishment.

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5
Glorija Grevcova
May 12th - May 18th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: Using TikTok to Amplify State Criticism

The most popular TikTok content from Latvia's leading populist politicians centered on victimization narratives, minority rights advocacy, and exaggerated claims of government overreach. These politicians successfully leverage TikTok's algorithm by combining personal drama, anti-establishment messaging, and minority advocacy to create emotionally engaging content that positions them as protectors of marginalized groups against an establishment.

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5
Glorija Grevcova
April 28th - May 4th, 2025 by Martinš Hiršs

Latvia Weekly: The Rise of the Union of New Latvians

The previously fringe party Union of New Latvians, led by Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis, has gained significant social media traction and is now projected to potentially enter the Riga city council in June elections. Their viral content focuses on portraying Latvia as failing economically, alleging anti-Russian discrimination, promoting anti-globalist conspiracy theories, and positioning Grevcova as the authentic representative of Russian-speaking Latvians.

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