France is preparing for possible foreign disinformation campaigns ahead of its presidential election, with Russian networks identified as a particular concern. Raphaël Glucksmann, a left-wing candidate, reported a fabricated video that falsely portrayed his wife, presenter Léa Salamé, as seeking to bribe journalists. The video used an imitation of journalist Edwy Plenel’s voice and was described as typical of the Russian network Storm-1516. Glucksmann’s campaign says he has been targeted several times by foreign interference.

The French government has warned that manipulation and interference could increase as the election approaches. The agency Viginum, established in 2021 to detect and counter foreign interference, has investigated networks including Storm-1516 and Matryoshka. Researchers say such campaigns can blur the distinction between true and false information, although their actual effect on voters remains unclear. Glucksmann’s party, Place Publique, is responding by emphasizing direct contact with voters.