French foreign minister denounces CNews decision to keep pro-Kremlin commentator on air

Jean-Noël Barrot said he was distressed to see Bolloré-owned media continue giving airtime to Xenia Fedorova, a Russian commentator described as pro-Kremlin and expelled from France in July.

CNews has announced that Fedorova will soon return to the channel remotely. The decision prompted a sharp reaction from the French foreign minister, who spoke about it on France Inter.

“I'm very surprised and, I must say, quite distressed to see major media groups, where editorial freedom is sacred, open their columns or studio to someone whom all the political forces in this country consider we were right to expel, since the facts were proven,” Barrot said.

The minister's criticism focused on the decision to continue broadcasting Fedorova after her expulsion. He characterized her as someone working against French interests, while acknowledging the importance of editorial independence.

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I'm very surprised and, I must say, quite distressed to see major media groups, where editorial freedom is sacred, open their columns or studio to someone whom all the political forces in this country consider we were right to expel, since the facts were proven.