A French security source reports that the Storm-1516 network is spreading false health claims about presidential candidate Édouard Philippe.
Key facts
- •A French security source identified Storm-1516 as the network behind false health claims targeting Édouard Philippe.
- •The campaign is the first reported instance of such interference against a declared French presidential candidate.
- •Storm-1516 is allegedly linked to Russian military intelligence and includes former staff from Yevgeny Prigozhin’s "troll factory."
- •Édouard Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre and former prime minister, announced his candidacy in September 2024.
- •France’s next presidential election is scheduled for April 2027.
A French security source told AFP that the Russian disinformation network known as Storm-1516 has targeted former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe with false health claims. The operation is reportedly part of an effort to interfere in the upcoming French presidential election. This marks the first time such an operation has been directed at a declared candidate for the presidency.
Details of the alleged campaign
False claims regarding Philippe’s health began appearing on social media platforms this week. While the specific nature of the allegations remains unclear, the security source linked the activity to Storm-1516. The source noted that these campaigns often go unnoticed because they rely on narratives that are easily debunked.
Background on Storm-1516
Active since 2023, the Storm-1516 network is believed to have ties to Russian military intelligence, the G.R.U. Its membership reportedly includes former employees of the "troll factory" once led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. The network has faced previous accusations of interfering in elections within the United States, Germany, and Hungary.
Context of the French election
Édouard Philippe, the current mayor of Le Havre, announced his candidacy for the French presidency in September 2024. He previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020 under President Emmanuel Macron. France is scheduled to hold its next presidential election in April 2027, a contest in which Macron cannot participate due to term limits.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
