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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made key statements about protests in France and the results of Israel’s general election in an interview with broadcaster France 2.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the French minister said demonstrations in the country were being distorted by foreign actors to damage France’s image abroad.
“This concerns activities originating in the United States, and sometimes Israel, Iran and Russia. We have seen an increase in social media posts linking the demonstrations to mass migration or radical Islam. We know that the reasons behind what is happening in our country are entirely different,” Barrot said.
The minister added that two-thirds of content about migration in France is produced outside the country, and that foreign partners and rivals are advancing disinformation narratives to weaken France.
The foreign minister also addressed the results of Israel’s parliamentary elections. Assessing the high voter turnout, he said, “The people of Israel had something to say.” He noted that Arab parties had achieved a historic result, which would significantly influence the decisions of the future coalition government.
Barrot said France would continue to support a two-state solution regardless of the election results. “There is no alternative to a two-state solution, with the two states living peacefully side by side, to ensure peace and stability in the region.” The minister also expressed concern about the seizure of Palestinian land and rising violence in the West Bank.
France’s Yellow Vests movement held large-scale nationwide demonstrations on October 17 and 24 to protest the rising cost of living.
