DZWatch Exclusive: An investigation has revealed a foreign influence campaign, allegedly linked to the United Arab Emirates, targeting France’s left-wing political parties, particularly La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), the largest left-wing bloc in the French parliament.
The investigation, citing sources within French intelligence agencies, describes the operation as a significant instance of foreign interference in French political life in recent years. The alleged aim is to tarnish the image of the left, associate it with political Islam, and fuel a climate of fear and division within French society.
The issue gained prominence after Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, stated that his party had become “a target of the UAE” following the filing of a formal complaint regarding a “foreign influence operation.” He pointed to a controversial opinion poll regarding Muslims in France as part of an effort to link political Islam with the left and spread fear among the French public.
The poll was conducted by the French Institute of Public Opinion (Ifop) and commissioned by Écran de Veille (Watch Screen) magazine. Investigations have reportedly uncovered links between the magazine and UAE-linked media and consulting networks. Reports indicate that the founder and editor-in-chief of the magazine had contact with a former UAE intelligence operative.
Furthermore, it is alleged that the Swiss intelligence firm, Alp Services, conducted influence operations that included collecting data on thousands of European individuals and organizations, falsely labeling them as connected to the Muslim Brotherhood.
La France Insoumise has raised concerns that this network of influence may have infiltrated French state institutions. A parliamentary committee has summoned advisors linked to the magazine to testify regarding so-called “Islamist infiltration.” Mélenchon has criticized the committee’s apparent neglect of the alleged UAE threat, warning that France risks becoming a battleground for regional disputes.
The legal case of MP Carlos Martens Bilongo has resurfaced after the financial investigation against him was closed due to a lack of evidence of wrongdoing, while an investigative report revealed errors in the original report.
