Telegram founder Pavel Durov claimed that French intelligence, specifically DGSE chief Nicolas Lerner, requested he ban conservative Romanian voices on the platform ahead of Romania’s presidential election runoff on May 18, 2025. Durov stated he refused, emphasizing Telegram’s commitment to free speech and citing its history of not blocking protesters in Russia, Belarus, or Iran. He made these allegations public on X, initially hinting at France with a baguette emoji before explicitly naming Lerner and mentioning a meeting at the Salon des Batailles in the Hôtel de Crillon.
France’s foreign intelligence service (DGSE) and the French Foreign Ministry strongly denied these claims, calling them “completely unfounded” and stating no such requests were made to influence Romania’s electoral process. The controversy emerged during a tense Romanian presidential election, where centrist Nicusor Dan defeated nationalist George Simion, a result seen as a relief for EU leaders. Simion, supported by Durov’s claims, requested the Romanian Constitutional Court annul the election, alleging foreign interference, though no evidence has been provided to substantiate Durov’s accusations.
Durov’s statements have fueled online disinformation, with some X posts amplifying the narrative of EU governments, particularly France, acting authoritarianly. However, French authorities maintain their focus was on combating terrorism and criminal activity on Telegram, not geopolitical meddling. Durov’s ongoing judicial supervision in France, following his August 2024 arrest for alleged complicity in illicit activities on Telegram, adds context to the dispute.
No definitive evidence supports Durov’s claims, and the situation remains contentious, with French officials refuting interference and Durov standing by his refusal to censor.
