French prosecutors probe foreign interference targeting pro-Palestine candidates

Prosecutors open investigation

The Paris Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into alleged foreign interference targeting candidates from the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), focusing on politicians who have been outspoken regarding Gaza and Palestinian issues. The inquiry was initiated “on its own initiative” without any prior complaint or official referral from other authorities, according to statements released Wednesday.

Investigators are working to determine whether campaigns of certain LFI candidates were subjected to an operation conducted “in the interest of a third state,” the prosecutor's office stated. The probe comes amid heightened scrutiny of digital influence operations in the lead-up to electoral contests.

Viginum findings

The investigation draws upon findings from Viginum, France's service for vigilance and protection against foreign digital interference, which identified an “artificial or automated dissemination system” used to spread “inaccurate or misleading” content online. According to media reports, the suspected operation involved coordinated disinformation campaigns using fabricated content and automated social media accounts.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed last week that judicial action had already been initiated regarding suspicions of foreign digital interference targeting LFI candidates. Several outlets, including Mediapart, reported that the campaigns specifically targeted candidates who had publicly expressed positions related to Gaza and Palestine.

Targets identified

LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said on social media that three party figures were affected by the alleged operation: Sebastien Delogu, Francois Piquemal, and David Guiraud. The targeting appears linked to the candidates' vocal criticism of Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and their advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The probe represents one of the first major judicial responses to alleged foreign interference in French domestic politics connected to the Middle East conflict. Authorities have not publicly identified which foreign state may be behind the alleged operation.