The leader of Russia’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), Leonid Slutsky has long been a figure surrounded by controversy. A hardline nationalist, Slutsky’s career has been marked by allegations of corruption and harassment. Recently, his intensified rhetoric against labor migrants – including proposed restrictions on labor migrants bringing their families into the country, a requirement for foreign workers to learn Russian, and attacks on the former head of the Uzbek National and Cultural Autonomy Council in Moscow – have further spotlighted his controversial political career.

“Our people… should not suffer from boors and criminals who consider themselves masters here, gather in packs and attack people,” Slutsky stated regarding migrant workers. “If you want to make money in Russia, learn Russian, and respect our laws and traditions. In any other case, go home. We will not experiment on ourselves or our children. Our great country must be respected.”

This shift to the far-right aligns with a broader nationalist trend in Russia and raises questions about Slutsky’s intentions and the potential impact on the country and those working there.

Slutsky’s Scandal-Ridden Career

Slutsky’s political reputation has been marred by allegations of sexual harassment that surfaced in 2018, with multiple female journalists accusing him of inappropriate conduct, including a BBC correspondent whom he reportedly touched inappropriately and whom he was recorded calling a “bunny”. Despite public disquiet, a State Duma ethics panel dismissed the complaints, leading to a media boycott but no political repercussions.

This episode, as well as reports of hidden assets and extravagant wealth, including luxury properties and cars, point to a broader culture of impunity within the Russian political elite. Investigations have revealed that Slutsky’s family enjoys a lavish lifestyle, including stays at a luxury Turkish villa, private jet travel, and an elite education for his children in Switzerland, despite his declared income in 2020 of $77,000. Additionally, reports link him to high-end vehicles such as Bentleys and a Mercedes-Maybach, often financed through questionable means. To paraphrase a piece by David Szakonyi in the American Political Science Review, in Russia, corrupt politicians work less but support the regime more.

A member of the State Duma since 1999, Slutsky succeeded Vladimir Zhirinovsky as head of the LDPR in 2022. Under his leadership, the party has increasingly leaned on ultranationalist rhetoric and populist measures that appeal to disillusioned voters during times of economic strain. His recent attacks on labor migrants echo this strategy.

Weaponizing Anti-Migrant Sentiment

Slutsky’s outspoken criticism of labor migrants fits into a growing narrative in Russia that blames foreign workers for economic and social problems. Migrants, particularly those from Central Asia and the Caucasus, have been routinely scapegoated in nationalist circles, accused of taking jobs, disrupting social harmony, and contributing to crime.

While there is little evidence to support many of these claims, Slutsky is capitalizing on prevailing anxieties as a means to rally support for his party. By portraying himself and the LDPR as defenders of a nostalgia-fueled Russian identity, he hopes to appeal to conservative voters who view migrants as a threat to their way of life.

Slutsky’s rhetoric is not isolated but reflects a broader nationalist shift in Russian politics, where official messaging has increasingly emphasized “traditional values” and “Russian heritage” to consolidate power in the face of growing internal challenges. State media outlets and high-profile politicians have amplified anti-migrant rhetoric, creating a fertile ground for ultranationalist figures such as Slutsky to thrive. Nationalist groups and vigilante organizations have even begun collaborating with law enforcement to crack down on migrants, exacerbating societal divides. Slutsky’s statements have served to reinforce this divisive tone, promoting policies that deepen xenophobia while distracting from systemic issues such as corruption and declining living standards.

The Risks of Scapegoating Migrants

While Slutsky’s anti-migrant rhetoric may bolster his image among certain voters, it comes with significant risks, both at home and abroad. Migrant labor is vital to key sectors in Russia, such as construction and agriculture. Given its military actions, Russia is currently suffering from a major labor deficit estimated at five million people; alienating this migrant workforce could worsen labor shortages and strain the already fragile economy.

Nations such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, meanwhile, heavily rely on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, with remittances contributing 32%, 20.5%, and 17.8% of their GDPs in 2022, respectively. These funds are vital for their economies and families’ livelihoods. However, recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and stricter migration policies have led to a sharp decline in remittances, dropping by 42% in Uzbekistan, 12% in Kyrgyzstan, and 8% in Tajikistan in 2023.

By focusing on migrants, Slutsky is diverting attention from pressing issues such as corruption, economic stagnation, and the erosion of personal freedoms. Furthermore, such rhetoric fuels racist violence, as seen in the rise of attacks targeting migrant communities. This tactic might serve Slutsky’s immediate political ambitions, but in the long term, it risks undermining societal cohesion and stability, and driving a wedge between Russia and its neighbors.

A Populist Move in Tumultuous Times

Slutsky’s recent anti-migrant campaign can be seen as part of a calculated strategy to harness nationalist sentiment to maintain his political relevance. By stoking fears about migrants, the head of the LDPR is positioning himself as a defender of perceived traditional Russian values, even as his personal history of scandals undermines his credibility.

However, this approach underscores the growing convergence of nationalism, populism, and state policy in Russia. Whether this strategy will solidify Slutsky and his party’s political future or simply exacerbate societal tensions remains to be seen. For now, however, his rhetoric is a stark reminder of the dangerous path Russian politics is treading, and how Central Asian migrants remain caught in the crosshairs.