Pre-election debate: Stepaņenko and Bite trade accusations over wind farms

A sharp exchange took place during the pre-election debate show “Runāsim atklāti!” on TV24 between Jūlija Stepaņenko, prime ministerial candidate for the “Sovereign Power/Union of Latvians” alliance, and Andris Bite, president of the Latvian Employers' Confederation (LDDK).

Dispute over wind farms

Discussing business topics, the conversation turned to wind farms, which have drawn public criticism in Latvia. Stepaņenko argued that protecting people's health and untouched nature was most important, claiming that electricity produced by wind farms does not stay in Latvia and that its supporters are effectively harming the country.

Bite initially responded by shaking his head with a slight smile, saying he did not wish to comment on such claims. This prompted Stepaņenko to accuse him of arrogance, pointing out that he too lives off taxpayers' money and receives state funding, just like the people she believes he was mocking.

Mutual accusations

Bite asked her to clarify what funding she meant, but no full answer followed in the debate — Stepaņenko began referencing a study led by Prime Minister Kulbergs but was cut off as Bite continued speaking.

Bite countered that wind farms have been successfully integrated into urban areas in other European countries, including Poland, generating renewable energy while keeping the revenue within those countries. He stated he believed Stepaņenko was spreading unfounded claims about the health effects of this type of energy. Stepaņenko, in turn, insisted such accusations of disinformation should be backed by evidence rather than simply asserted.

The debate ended without resolution, with Bite concluding that Latvia needs to learn from the experience of other countries in the field of renewable energy.