French intelligence services have issued warnings about a high risk of disinformation operations targeting local elections on March 15 and 22. These online campaigns aim to manipulate public opinion by spreading fake news, creating false narratives, and amplifying social conflicts, without directly interfering with electoral systems.
There are concerns about coordinated efforts using fake websites and social media to disseminate misleading information, particularly at the local level, where trust in local media is high. Some operations are linked to the Russian disinformation network, Storm-1516, which employs digital tools and troll farms to amplify specific narratives and create an illusion of public support.
This strategy forms part of a broader Russian geopolitical goal to weaken democratic institutions and foster division in European states. Similar warning signs are also emerging in Germany, highlighting an increase in disinformation activity ahead of elections scheduled for 2026. Analysts suggest that such operations are becoming a consistent aspect of geopolitical competition, especially during election periods.
