France tightens foreign‑interference law ahead of 2027 presidential vote

The French government has introduced a bill aimed at combating foreign interference in the country's democratic processes ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The proposal, presented to the Senate on 22 July, would increase penalties for the spread of false information during electoral campaigns and create new tools to monitor and counter external digital threats.

President Emmanuel Macron pledged in his December 2025 New Year address to protect the upcoming election from foreign meddling, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has briefed political parties on the perceived “heavy‑weight” threats. The draft law is scheduled for Senate debate in October, reflecting heightened concerns over foreign influence, particularly from Russia, on French public debate.