As debate continues in France over foreign interference in elections ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Green Party leader and presidential candidate Marine Tondelier’s proposal concerning X brought her into conflict with Elon Musk.
Tondelier said that the US-based platform X could be shut down if foreign interference were detected during election periods. In a response posted on his X account, Musk said of Tondelier’s proposal: "I want her shut down for betrayal of France."
Responding to Musk’s remarks, Tondelier said France did not need lessons in patriotism from a foreign billionaire who believed he could decide which European leader should be silenced.
Tondelier also criticized Musk’s approach, saying she would rather be accused of defending democracy than of trying to buy it.
Concerns over foreign interference ahead of elections in France
France is debating possible foreign interference ahead of the presidential election planned for next year, following the end of President Emmanuel Macron’s two-term tenure.
It had been alleged that disinformation linked to Russian foreign interference was spread about former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Gabriel Attal. During local elections held in March, it also emerged that an Israeli company had conducted smear campaigns targeting candidates from the Boyun Eğmeyen France party, which supports Palestine.
The French government had pledged to take steps to strengthen efforts to counter the possibility of foreign interference in elections.
Musk backs Marine Le Pen
In June, Musk described Marine Le Pen, one of the leading figures of the far-right National Rally party and a presidential candidate, as “France’s last hope.”
