Russia on Tuesday rejected claims that it is trying to influence France's upcoming presidential election, calling the allegations anti-Russian propaganda. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said a French government report on suspected Russian election interference was itself a hostile fabrication.
The remarks came as French prosecutors opened an investigation into suspected disinformation campaigns targeting two former prime ministers now running for president, Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, along with centre-left candidate Raphael Glucksmann.
French intelligence services say Russia has carried out 205 information operations inside France since August 2023. Zakharova countered by suggesting that some candidates are using the perceived Russian threat as a campaign tool to win over voters.
The first round of the presidential election, which will choose Emmanuel Macron's successor, is set for April 2027. Other candidates in the field include Rassemblement National leader Marine Le Pen, widely expected to reach the second round, and La France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, seen as a leading contender on the left.
This account draws on reporting by Le Monde.