Russia is exerting significant influence on French domestic politics, affecting President Emmanuel Macron’s approval ratings and preparations for the upcoming nationwide municipal elections, Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Vice President of the Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF), told Kyiv 24.
“Russia is getting full support from both far-left and far-right forces, who are doing everything they can to lower President Macron’s ratings and portray him as incompetent,” Kogutyak said.
While local elections will be held in March, the presidential election is scheduled in April.
Kogutyak added that far-left candidates have little chance of winning, as their platforms focus on supporting Palestine and social promises that fail to be in favor to the majority of voters.
Among far-right politicians, including Marine Le Pen, Moscow also exerts influence. However, Kogutyak noted that her party leader, Jordan Bardella, has greater prospects and could be nominated in her place.
Potential pro-Ukraine candidates include Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne’s allies, such as Prime Minister-designate Sébastien Lecornu, and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who has Ukrainian roots, Kogutyak said.
The Ukrainian community in France is working to ensure that support for Ukraine and countering Russian influence become key topics in election debates.
Kogutyak highlighted that measures to counter Russian influence have included banning certain Russian media outlets, such as Russia Today, and the uncovering of three Russian spies, an action not seen since the Cold War.
“Russia has been shaping its influence over French elections for decades, but today our community is helping to limit propaganda and make the truth more visible,” Kogutyak said.
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