French riots used for disinformation

French riots have become a target for foreign disinformation networks, including Russian operations known as Matriochka, which have been active since early October. These groups are using the unrest to spread false information and manipulate public perception.

False reports spread by fake media

Disinformation networks have circulated false reports, including a fake report attributed to Deutsche Welle claiming 54 teachers were killed during demonstrations. They also created a fabricated article from Le Monde accusing Gabriel Attal of funding the riots and a false report from AFP suggesting the Pope had to cancel a visit in France after an attack by Muslims.

Russian disinformation strategy

The Matriochka strategy involves fabricating fake reports by impersonating reputable media and producing fake videos at an industrial pace. These operations are occurring just months before the 2027 French presidential election, with over 100 foreign interference operations targeting the election already detected by Viginum, the French service monitoring foreign digital interference.

Clandestine operations linked to Russia

In addition to disinformation, clandestine operations have been reported, including Star of David tags on walls in Paris, coffins placed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and pig heads placed in front of mosques. These incidents have been linked to networks connected to Russia, exploiting societal fractures and tensions.

French unrest as opportunity for influence

The current unrest among high school students and the associated violence provides a new opportunity for Russian influence operations. The attractiveness of France, a key aspect of Emmanuel Macron's record, is also under threat. The Choose France summits in Versailles, aimed at attracting foreign investors, are at risk of being undermined by Russian destabilization efforts.

Trump aligns with disinformation narratives

Donald Trump has seized on the situation, posting on social media that "France is burning" and blaming immigration for the country's decline, urging the closure of borders. Trump's narrative aligns with his National Security Strategy, which refers to the risk of "civilizational erasure."

Rhetoric from Trump's allies

This aligns with similar rhetoric from his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently spoke on the defense of Western civilization in Greece. The French riots thus provide fertile ground for both Trump and Russian disinformation efforts to amplify their narratives.