Report
Latvia Weekly: MP’s Arrest Fuels Populist Narrative Online
Aleksejs Roslikovs transformed his detention by Latvia’s State Security Service on charges of assisting Russia and inciting hatred into a powerful social media narrative of political martyrdom, portraying himself as a persecuted victim fighting government oppression. His TikTok videos reframing the criminal investigation as evidence of his heroic resistance demonstrate how populist politicians can exploit legal troubles to strengthen their anti-establishment credentials and generate massive online engagement.
Weekly Reports
Latvia Weekly: How a Fringe Party Leveraged Disinformation for Political Ascent
The Alliance of Young Latvians, led by Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis, has gained significant social media traction by promoting pro-Kremlin narratives that frame Russian speakers as victims of systematic persecution in Latvia, while simultaneously advancing conspiratorial claims about international organizations like the WHO. As this formerly fringe political entity approaches potential representation in upcoming elections, their strategic amplification of manufactured victimhood narratives and sovereignty-based conspiracies demonstrates the mainstreaming of Kremlin-aligned disinformation within Latvia’s political discourse.
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Estonia Weekly: Europe Day and Victory Day Clash in Narva
Tensions escalated during Europe Day and so-called ‘Victory Day’ celebrations, with Russia intensifying propaganda efforts. Pro-Kremlin social media commentators criticize Europe’s Day as artificial, highlighting 9 May as ‘Victory Day’ for millions of Russians and accusing Estonia of rewriting WWII history.
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Lithuania Weekly: Kremlin-Aligned Media Targets Lithuanian Leadership
This past week, Kremlin-aligned outlets seized on a protest in Vilnius against the proposed real estate tax, using it as a platform for conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric. Alongside slogans portraying the tax as an attack on ordinary citizens, commentary amplified the coincidental timing of a fire at a nearby waste facility, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to suppress protest turnout. The tax itself was framed as a corrupt scheme by political elites, furthering narratives aimed at eroding trust in Lithuania’s leadership and democratic institutions.
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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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Estonia Weekly: Debate Over Expanding Surveillance Infrastructure
Pro-Kremlin commentators on social media have criticised the Estonian government for expanding surveillance infrastructure to disrupt dialogue and spread conspiracy theories. A heated debate has erupted over the use of Russian in medical institutions, sparking a backlash on social media and potential Kremlin propaganda.
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Lithuania Weekly: Protest Against the Planned Real Estate Tax
This past week, Kremlin-aligned outlets seized on a protest in Vilnius against the proposed real estate tax, using it as a platform for conspiracy theories and anti-government rhetoric. Alongside slogans portraying the tax as an attack on ordinary citizens, commentary amplified the coincidental timing of a fire at a nearby waste facility, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to suppress protest turnout. The tax itself was framed as a corrupt scheme by political elites, furthering narratives aimed at eroding trust in Lithuania’s leadership and democratic institutions.
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Latvia Weekly: Weaponizing Identity and Language
Pro-Kremlin Telegram accounts in Latvia push narratives that undermine Latvian sovereignty by portraying it as a Western puppet state with decadent values while glorifying the Russian imperial period. These accounts, including political candidate Roslikovs from the Stability party, also amplify claims of anti-Russian discrimination in Latvia, particularly around language rights, while promoting anti-government sentiment by portraying Latvian authorities as corrupt and exploitative.
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Estonia Weekly: Status of the Orthodox Church Fuels Debate on Discrimination
Estonia’s president has decided not to make changes to the law on churches and congregations, but pro-Kremlin social media groups say the decision is for show. Estonia’s plans to build a military base in Narva have sparked criticism by pro-Kremlin commentators accusing the government of provoking Russia.
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Latvia Weekly: How Outrage Is Fueling a Populist Surge
The previously fringe Union of New Latvians party is now polling to pass the 5% threshold for Riga’s city council. Its leaders Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis are generating social media engagement through content which can be described as “outrage porn.” They are stirring up outrage in their audience using charged and even fake topics to provoke strong emotional reactions. Guess the populist political party which gained the most engagements for its posts on Facebook, TikTok and Telegram? It was not Roslikovs, the leader of Stability! party. It was not Ainārs Šlesers, Trump-like leader of Latvia First party. It was Glorija Grevcova and Rūdolfs Brēmanis from the Union New Latvians.
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