As parliamentary elections approach in Latvia, migration has once again become a focal point of political debate, but not always in ways grounded in reality. BECID’s latest HOT Report examines how fear-based narratives about migrants are being amplified in political and media discourse, often far beyond what the facts support.
Despite third-country nationals making up only a small share of Latvia’s population, they are frequently portrayed as a major threat to national security, culture, and economic stability. The report highlights how selective use of data, conspiracy narratives such as the “Great Replacement,” and emotionally charged messaging are used to shape public perception. At the same time, evidence shows that migrants are significantly less likely to be involved in crime than local citizens.
The report also explores why these narratives gain traction – pointing to emotional appeal, political incentives, and the amplifying role of social and traditional media. The consequences, however, are significant, which increase social polarisation, normalise extreme rhetoric, and risk policy decisions driven by fear rather than facts.
By unpacking these dynamics, the report offers valuable insights for policymakers, media, and the public on how to recognise and respond to fear-based manipulation.
Read the full Hot Report to understand how anti-immigrant narratives are constructed, why they resonate, and what can be done to counter them: