Tatjana Ždanoka: investigation launched into Latvian MEP’s alleged ties with Russian Intelligence

The European Parliament has found itself embroiled in a serious investigation following explosive allegations of ties between Latvian MEP Tatjana Ždanoka and the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

This development comes in the wake of media reports accusing Ždanoka of collaborating with Russian intelligence services, prompting Parliament President Roberta Metsola to take decisive action.

Metsola expressed deep concern over the accusations leveled against Ždanoka and promptly referred the matter to the Advisory Committee on the Code of Conduct.

This move signifies the commencement of an extensive investigation within the European Parliament, with Metsola slated to lead discussions on the issue at the Conference of Presidents scheduled for January 31st.

While the Parliament’s press service refrained from issuing a direct statement on Zdanoka’s case, it underscored the uniform application of rules governing MEPs’ independence and ethical conduct.

Violations of the code of conduct, it stressed, could result in sanctions imposed by the President of the European Parliament, while decisions regarding the removal of an MEP from office fall within the purview of competent national authorities.

The allegations against Tatjana Ždanoka stem from a collaborative investigation conducted by Re:Baltica, The Insider, Delfi.ee, and Expressen, which allege her recruitment by the FSB and ongoing collaboration with its operatives since as early as 2004.

These reports suggest that Ždanoka, representing the “Russian Union of Latvia” party, has been actively engaged in soliciting funds from FSB handlers for various activities.

Details emerging from the investigation point to a series of correspondences between Ždanoka and her purported handler, Dmitry Glady, implicating her in the organisation of conferences and public hearings.

Notably, these activities include efforts to shape perceptions of Estonian government actions, shedding light on potential attempts at influence peddling within the European Parliament.

Ždanoka denies allegations.

In response to these damning allegations, Tatjana Ždanoka vehemently denies any involvement or cooperation with Russian intelligence services.

Instead, she attributed the publication of these findings to an orchestrated attempt to discredit her, citing her participation in an event commemorating Holocaust victims as the catalyst for these allegations.

The unfolding scandal has reignited scrutiny over previous expulsions of Russian nationals from Latvia for non-compliance with immigration laws, underscoring the broader geopolitical ramifications of Ždanoka’s alleged ties with the FSB.

As investigations continue, the European Parliament finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of these allegations on its integrity and the trust of its constituents.

In conclusion, the initiation of an investigation into Ždanoka‘s alleged ties with Russian intelligence represents a critical juncture for the European Parliament.

As the truth behind these accusations is unearthed, the outcome of this probe will undoubtedly reverberate across the political landscape, shaping the future trajectory of EU-Russia relations and the integrity of European institutions.

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Read more: I Spy….. by Chris White.

“Nor should we forget that Russia has for decades been infiltrating western establishments both political and corporate.

“The facts are emerging and questions are – at last – being asked.”

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Tatjana Ždanoka, born 8th May 1950, has has been a prominent figure, serving as the co-chairwoman of the Latvian Russian Union and its predecessor parties, including Equal Rights and For Human Rights in a United Latvia, since 1993.

From 1988 to 1989, she played a key role as one of the leaders of the Interfront, a political front organisation vehemently opposing Latvia’s bid for independence from the Soviet Union and advocating against rapid market reforms.

Even after the Communist Party of Latvia called for a coup against the Latvian SSR government in January 1991, she continued her active involvement with the party.

She faced setbacks in 1999 when she was stripped of her mandate in the Riga municipal council and barred from future nominations for election to the Latvian Parliament or local councils under Latvian law.

The prohibition stemmed from her allegiance to the Communist Party after January 1991, a stance that contradicted the country’s pursuit of independence.

Her political restrictions took an interesting turn as, along with Alfrēds Rubiks, she found herself confined to European Parliament elections exclusively.

Government documents from 2024 further fueled the controversy, linking her to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), raising questions about her potential ties to Russian intelligence.

As the accusations swirl and the political drama unfolds, Tatjana Ždanoka’s past and present raise eyebrows, adding a layer of complexity to her political career.

The alleged connection to Russian intelligence opens a new chapter in the ongoing saga, leaving observers and constituents alike wanting answers.

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