Prime Minister Addressing Jēkabpils Protest With Child in His Arms Sparks Social Media Debate

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs ("Apvienotais saraksts", the United List party) took part on Saturday in a protest in Jēkabpils called "No to Blood Grain!", directed against the transit of Russian grain through Latvia. He addressed the crowd while holding a child in his arms. The scene has prompted a sharp exchange of views on social media over whether this was appropriate.

Criticism online

The debate on Facebook was started by a post from theatre critic Zane Radzobe. She asked whether the prime minister was in his right mind, citing unprofessionalism and disregard for the child's privacy. She called the event a "clownery" and compared it with his earlier attempts to highlight his role as a father in public.

In the comments, some people agreed, pointing to the child's safety and emotional state in a tense protest atmosphere. One commenter wrote that the child looked frightened. Others accused the prime minister of populism and of using the child to build his image, and drew comparisons with billionaire Elon Musk appearing at public events with his son. Another view was that, with a child in his arms, the prime minister may have been protecting himself from protesters.

Defenders

Kulbergs's defenders stressed that it is normal for a father to spend a day off with his child. One commenter noted that the prime minister had not been officially invited and came of his own good will. Others recalled that world leaders and monarchs have often been photographed with children, and another user said protest is one way to influence decisions in a democracy.

What the prime minister promised

At the rally Kulbergs said a bill is planned for submission to the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, that would let Latvia halt Russian grain transit by barring new contracts. Coordination between ministries is expected next week. He also noted that a ban at Latvian level alone is not a sustainable solution and must be achieved together with the European Union.