Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. In today’s report: Local news may be struggling, but local disinformation is on the rise — with Russia’s help. We need your support to continue exposing campaigns like this one: become a premium member today.
By Isis Blachez
An article on a fabricated campaign site for French mayoral candidate Pierre-Yves Bournazel (right), seen here with Emmanuel Macron (left), falsely claims that Bournazel wants to turn the Pompidou Center into a homeless migrant facility. (Translated from French with Google Translate)
What’s happening: A Russian disinformation campaign is targeting local elections in France, pushing out its first known false claim targeting one of the top mayoral candidates in Paris. The Russian effort takes advantage of one of the most divisive and sensitive issues in France today: immigration.
Context: On March 15 and March 22, 2026, French voters will go to the polls to elect municipal councillors, who in turn choose mayors in their jurisdictions. French officials have warned of Russian disinformation attacks ahead of the local votes, stating, “This election is a target for foreign actors seeking to destabilize online public debate.”
A closer look: Less than two weeks before the first round of the mayoral elections, NewsGuard identified a fake site mimicking the campaign website of Paris mayoral hopeful Pierre-Yves...
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