Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister of European Affairs, has warned that France is being “bombarded” with attempts of political interference by Russia.
The minister alleged France was increasingly becoming the target of co-ordinated international efforts aimed at disrupting public discourse, especially concerning the forthcoming elections in June.
“We are bombarded by propaganda from [President] Vladimir Putin’s Russia,” he claimed, arguing there was evidence the Kremlin was looking to “interfere in the [European Parliament elections] campaign”.
“Hardly a week goes by without France being the target of co-ordinated and deliberate manoeuvres to disrupt public debate.”
Such attempts, Barrot said, must be considered by European Union Member States as an “attack against our democracies”.
The threat of Russian “interference” in the upcoming EU elections is a serious risk, the European Commission’s Vera Jourová has warned. https://t.co/pNQ90uKrU6
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) April 19, 2024
Barrot cited the recent Slovakia general elections won by populist Robert Fico as a cautionary tale for France, alleging that Russia had a hand in the result.
“In the 48 hours leading up to the vote, a false audio recording implicating one of the candidates in a vote-rigging operation went viral on social networks,” the minister said.
“That candidate lost.”
Barrot also referred to several incidents of fake news that impacted France in recent months, claiming they were the work of the Kremlin.
He in particular highlighted the hacking of a website belonging to France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces, where a fictitious call for 200,000 men to fight in Ukraine was issued, as well as fake news reports about the resurgence of tuberculosis in France as a result of Ukrainian soldiers being sent to French hospitals.
“The risk is proven,” he declared.
He went on to assure the public that France was now prepared to confront any further alleged attempts by Russia to destabilise the country.
Czech secret services and media link AfD candidate to Russian influence-peddling scheme, but as long as @KrahMax doesn’t see any evidence, he stands by his party colleague. Read the full story here 👇https://t.co/jRxZtC6Xvx
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) March 29, 2024
