Political scientist: reports of Stepaņenko's father's Russia ties could deter Latvian voters

Political scientist Lelde Metla-Rozentāle believes newly revealed facts about politician Jūlija Stepaņenko's father cooperating with the Russian military could negatively affect how some Latvian-speaking voters view the party she represents.

According to Metla-Rozentāle, the party seeks support both from pro-Putin voters and, through its alliance with "Jaunlatvieši," from Latvian voters primarily concerned with socioeconomic policy. These voters are not always aware of Stepaņenko's background or that the party also includes representatives of the Latvian Russian Union. The political scientist believes the widely publicized information about her father's ties to Russia could prompt this group of voters to reconsider whether to trust "Suverēnā vara" and "Jaunlatvieši" with Latvia's political direction. For pro-Putin voters, however, she said the same information would likely serve as confirmation that supporting Stepaņenko is the right choice.

What is known about the father's activities

Independent outlet "The Insider" reported that Stepaņenko's father, Sergei Fedotov, and his company "Forma ŽBI" provided material support to Russian forces in Ukraine for several years — manufacturing anti-tank obstacles and stoves as early as 2022, and later donating vehicles to a fund supplying the military. Latvian Television reported that Fedotov founded the "Forma" construction company group in Russia more than 30 years ago and previously served as a municipal deputy; this summer he received an honorary award for services to the Moscow region.

In August, Fedotov's factory was visited by convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was running for Russia's State Duma at the time. This week, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže added Fedotov to Latvia's list of undesirable persons, barring him from entering the country indefinitely.

It has previously been reported that Stepaņenko received nearly 420,000 euros in monetary gifts from her father, who lives in Russia and works in construction. She has declined to comment on the origin of these funds, saying law enforcement authorities can verify it if necessary.