Latvian Language Censored on Šlesers’ Party TikTok Livestream

Digital Campaigning and Language Restrictions on TikTok

As the pre-election agitation period gets underway, political parties are intensifying outreach on social media platforms like TikTok. A reader recently contacted LA.LV to share concerns about moderation practices during a Russian-language livestream hosted on August 27 by Ainārs Šlesers, leader of the “Latvija pirmajā vietā” party. According to the reader, after asking the question “Vai latviski var?” (Can you do it in Latvian?), the comment was automatically deleted and she was blocked from asking further questions.

A notification preceding the stream stated that comments were filtered to protect community standards. However, the action raised questions regarding language use in political campaigns, particularly given that Article 4 of the Republic of Latvia’s Constitution and the State Language Law establish Latvian as the sole official state language.

Legal Framework Governing Paid Versus Voluntary Campaigning

Latvian law draws a clear distinction between paid pre-election campaigning and voluntary communication by politicians on social media. According to legal regulations, paid advertising—including television, radio, printed brochures, and paid internet banners—must be conducted exclusively in the state language to protect the position of Latvian and prevent societal division. Conversely, unpaid communications such as voluntary TikTok livestreams, social media posts, or in-person voter outreach are protected under freedom of speech provisions, meaning the law does not explicitly prohibit politicians from using foreign languages in these free formats.

August Party Ratings and Electoral Thresholds

Alongside digital outreach efforts, voter preference polls illustrate fluctuating public backing for various political forces. According to an SKDS survey commissioned by Latvian Public Broadcasting (LSM) and conducted between August 13 and 19, the top-ranked political force remained “Apvienotais saraksts” with 15.2% support.

The survey results detail notable shifts among other parties:

• Suverēnā vara/Jaunlatvieši: Rose from 11.4% in July to 11.8% in August, securing second place.
• Progresīvie: Dropped slightly from 9% in July to 8.8% in August.
• Latvija pirmajā vietā: Decreased from 10% in July to 8.5% in August.
• Nacionālā apvienība: Fell from 5.5% in July to 4.5% in August.
• Jaunā vienotība (JV): Slipped from 4.3% in July to 4.2% in August.
• Zaļo un zemnieku savienība (ZZS): Declined from 2.9% in July to 2.8% in August.
• Stabilitātei!: Rose from 1.9% in July to 2.7% in August.
• Latvijas attīstībai (LA): Increased from 1.7% to 2.5%.

When results are recalculated among decided voters willing to participate, LSM reported that six political forces would clear the 5% parliamentary threshold: AS, “Suverēnā vara/Jaunlatvieši”, “Progresīvie”, “Latvija pirmajā vietā”, JV, and Nacionālā apvienība. Meanwhile, LA and ZZS would fall just below the line, with “Stabilitātei!” trailing further behind. The poll also found that 22.5% of respondents remained undecided, and 11.2% stated they would not participate in the elections scheduled for early October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal for politicians to campaign in foreign languages on social media?

Yes. While paid pre-election advertising must strictly use the state language, unpaid communication on social media platforms like TikTok is protected by freedom of speech, allowing politicians to use foreign languages in voluntary broadcasts.

Which political parties led the SKDS poll in August?

According to the SKDS survey conducted in August, “Apvienotais saraksts” led with 15.2% support, followed by “Suverēnā vara/Jaunlatvieši” with 11.8%.

What is the 5% threshold for the Saeima elections?

Political parties must secure at least 5% of the valid votes cast to enter the Saeima. Recalculated poll results indicate that six political forces currently cross this boundary.