A recent post sparked a range of reactions, from sharp criticism to messages of support.
The focus of discussion became the Prime Minister’s pronunciation of English and her public speaking style.
On Thursday, February 27, 2026, the head of government met with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in Brussels.
That same day, she participated in a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and delivered a speech at the opening of the High-Level Conference on Eastern Border Regions. A segment of this speech circulated on social media.
The post quickly garnered attention from internet users – hundreds of likes and dozens of comments, many containing critical remarks.
“What a shame,” “What is this now?” “Only pretty on television,” internet users wrote in harsh replies.
However, there were also those who expressed support, urging people to evaluate the content of the speech rather than the accent.
The speech by the Prime Minister has ignited a public debate regarding language and presentation, highlighting the scrutiny faced by leaders on the international stage. On February 27, 2026, the Prime Minister held meetings with her Latvian and Estonian counterparts, Evika Siliņa and Kristen Michal, respectively, in Brussels. These discussions took place alongside a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and followed the Prime Minister’s address at the High-Level Conference on Eastern Border Regions. The speech quickly became a point of contention online, drawing both criticism, and support. Some social media users expressed disapproval of the Prime Minister’s English pronunciation and delivery, with comments ranging from dismissive remarks to outright criticism. Others defended the Prime Minister, arguing that the focus should be on the substance of her message rather than her accent. The incident underscores the increasing attention paid to leaders’ communication skills in a globalized world, and the potential for social media to amplify both praise and condemnation. The meetings with Siliņa and Michal, as well as von der Leyen, signal continued collaboration among Baltic and European leaders on regional security and policy.
