French politicians warn of Russian disinformation campaign ahead of election

French security authorities have identified a suspected Russian disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for roughly eight months from now. The operation reportedly involves fabricated documents, manipulated videos, and AI-generated audio recordings designed to spread false claims about prominent politicians.

The campaign appears to target several potential presidential candidates, including Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, both from the center-right, and Raphaël Glucksmann, a left-wing European Parliament member known for his criticism of Russian policy. Security circles suggest the fake campaigns aim to expose perceived weaknesses and damage the public image of these figures.

Édouard Philippe, considered to have strong chances against the far-right Rassemblement National, has been the subject of false claims regarding his health, including allegations of dementia and cognitive decline. Raphaël Glucksmann has also been targeted, with a fabricated story appearing on a website mimicking the French online media Blast. This fake report included forged documents, AI-generated audio, and a completely fabricated video, allegedly aiming to destabilize his candidacy.

Gabriel Attal has been depicted in AI-generated videos making false claims about his father's death and his own struggles with addiction, as well as alleged Parkinson's disease. The disinformation efforts also attribute fabricated statements to him. Paris prosecutors are investigating whether Glucksmann, in particular, has been the victim of a destabilization campaign, highlighting the serious concerns about foreign interference in France's democratic processes.

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Fake documents, fake videos, AI content: French authorities suspect Russia of influencing the presidential election campaign.