Russia uses immigration to help populists in Latvia

European Union governments have accused Russia of using the immigration issue as a weapon, helping illegal immigrants cross into the EU to fuel political tensions in countries such as Finland, Poland and Latvia. Political analysts in Latvia say this tactic, in part, led to the victories of far-right parties in this year's European elections. Latvia's capital, Riga, has been embroiled in strong debates over the issue of immigration in the country, just like in Lithuania and Poland. Latvian experts say this was partly caused by the use of immigration as a “weapon” by Russia and its ally, Belarus. “Russia and Belarus paid thousands of Iraqis, Syrians and flew them to Minsk. Then they sent them by bus to the border with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia,” says Veiko Spolitis, former Latvian Deputy Defense Minister. Migrants began piling up near the borders in 2021. Mr. Spolitis says Russia and Belarus had a clear goal. “To create debates in Latvian politics, which would help populist parties come to power”. he says. The leader of the First Latvia party, Ainars Slesers, has benefited from these debates, says Mr. Spolitis. He organized protests against the use of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Mr. Slesers is also …

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Russia uses immigration to help populists in Latvia

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