Istanbul Convention Debate Signals Saeima Election Campaign
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Kalniete Warns Latvian Parties Against Aligning with Kremlin-Linked Figures Amidst Istanbul Convention Debate
Table of Contents
Context: The Istanbul Convention and Latvian Politics
European Parliament (EP) member Sandra Kalniete (JV) has voiced concerns that the debate surrounding Latvia’s potential withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention - a Council of Europe treaty designed to combat violence against women and domestic violence – is serving as a prelude to the upcoming Saeima (Latvian Parliament) election campaign.Kalniete specifically criticized the willingness of the National Union (NA) party to potentially collaborate with parties perceived as having ties to Russian interests.
On Thursday,the Saeima conceptually supported a draft law proposing latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention,backed by votes from the opposition and the Green and Peasant Union (ZZS). This move has sparked controversy and raised questions about Latvia’s commitment to international agreements protecting women’s rights and its broader geopolitical alignment.
Kalniete’s Concerns: Kremlin Influence and Latvia’s reputation
Kalniete expressed surprise at the NA party’s potential alignment with figures like Aleksej roslikov, a former Saeima member and current Riga City Council member representing the ”For Stability” party. She highlighted Roslikov’s past statement - “we are more, the Russian language is our language” - as indicative of a potentially problematic ideological stance.This statement, she argues, raises concerns about the direction of Latvian politics.
The MEP stated that she is frequently questioned by the EP regarding the political situation in Latvia and whether there is a risk of a shift towards a pro-Kremlin orientation. While she currently dismisses these concerns, Kalniete urged politicians from NA, the United List (AS), and ZZS to carefully consider the potential consequences of their campaign rhetoric and alliances. She emphasized the Kremlin’s long-standing efforts to divide and influence European societies.
Kremlin’s Tactics: A Multi-Faceted approach
Kalniete detailed the Kremlin’s diverse toolkit for exerting influence, citing the utilization of intelligence networks, disinformation campaigns, financial resources, and modern technologies. She explained that these methods are employed to cultivate governments within the EU that are favorable to Russian interests. This isn’t a new development; Russia has a long history of employing such tactics.
According to a 2023 report by the European External Action Service (EEAS), pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives have increased by 70% since the start of the war in Ukraine, with a notable portion targeting EU member states. These narratives often exploit existing societal divisions and aim to undermine trust in democratic institutions.
| Tactic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Disinformation | Spreading false or misleading details. | claims that the istanbul Convention undermines traditional family values. |
| financial Support | Providing funding to political parties or organizations. | (Details are often opaque, but allegations of russian funding have surfaced in several EU countries). |
| Cyberattacks | Disrupting critical infrastructure or spreading propaganda. | Targeting Latvian media outlets with DDoS attacks. |