Kremlin Message from Russian TV Commentator Sparks Concern in France

As France braces for crucial elections, authorities and disinformation experts are increasingly alarmed by a Kremlin-aligned commentator's messaging. Ksenia Fedorova, who once led the French branch of Russia's state-controlled channel RT before its ban, now holds a prominent position as a commentator for media outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré.

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Russia can help the French economy.

Fedorova regularly appears on CNews and Europe 1, and writes for Le Journal du Dimanche, consistently disseminating the Kremlin's perspective on Ukraine and Western relations. Her recent statement suggesting Russia could aid the French economy and emphasizing the need for good relations with Moscow has particularly drawn concern.

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You are simply carrying out Vladimir Putin's will.

Despite the unease, French authorities face a dilemma. Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged that while giving Fedorova a platform serves Vladimir Putin's interests, "In a democratic society, you can spread lies and not be sent to the gulag." This highlights a fundamental tension in France's commitment to freedom of speech, where legal liberties clash with anxieties over foreign propaganda.

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In a democratic society, you can spread lies and not be sent to the gulag.

Valerie Hayer, leader of the Renew group in the European Parliament, has filed a complaint with the media regulator Arcom, arguing that repeating claims from a propaganda apparatus of a sanctioned state cannot be justified by freedom of expression. Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, which owns CNews, defended Fedorova, stating she is a journalist, not an agent, and that CNews will continue to present diverse viewpoints. Fedorova herself declined to comment.

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The systematic repetition of claims from the propaganda apparatus of a foreign state subject to European Union sanctions cannot be justified by freedom of expression.