How does Russia aim to influence the French presidential race?

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Russia's Interference Aims to Influence the French Presidential Race

Russia is actively seeking to influence the French presidential election by spreading salacious rumors and employing cyberstrikes against Emmanuel Macron's campaign. The overarching objective of these actions is to foster a fragmented and weakened Europe, with a particular desire for France to leave the European Union, a scenario referred to as 'Frexit'.
Dissemination of Salacious Rumors

Russian propaganda efforts, notably through the website Sputnik, have been instrumental in circulating unsubstantiated rumors about Macron's personal life. These rumors include allegations of him being a closet homosexual supported by a powerful gay lobby and living with the head of Radio France instead of his wife. Further claims have been made that Macron, a former investment banker, is a "US agent lobbying banks' interests."
Cyberstrikes on Campaign Website

In parallel with the rumor campaign, Russia has utilized cyberstrikes against Macron's campaign website. These attacks are designed to gain unauthorized access to his email accounts, mirroring tactics previously employed against the Democratic National Committee's servers in the United States. The aim is to potentially uncover sensitive information or sow further discord.
Strategic Goal of a Fragmented Europe

The underlying strategic motivation for Russian interference is to promote a fragmented and weakened Europe. With the United Kingdom's departure from the EU (Brexit) already a reality, Russia now specifically desires a 'Frexit' given France's crucial role as a pillar of the European Union. Emmanuel Macron's pro-European stance contrasts sharply with Marine Le Pen's desire to break from what she perceives as the EU's dictatorial tendencies.
Support for Marine Le Pen

Marine Le Pen maintains a cordial relationship with President Vladimir Putin, and her party has received financial support from Russia. Notably, Putin's party provided a €9 million loan to Le Pen's party at a time when other French banks refused to do so. This financial backing, coupled with Le Pen's visit to Moscow, highlights a connection that Russian interference efforts may seek to leverage.

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How does Russia aim to influence the French presidential race?

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