Kremlin: Reports of Russia’s involvement in France protests ‘pure slander’

Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the allegation on Monday, after the French Foreign Ministry claimed to have launched an investigation into possible Russian influence on the “yellow vest” demonstrations, which have been gripping the country since November 17.

“Russia considers the current developments in France to be the country’s own affair. We did not meddle and do not intend to meddle in the internal affairs of any country, including France,” Peskov said.

“We consider the improvement of relations with France to be very important. Both countries are working hard on this. We respect France’s sovereignty. We appreciate it when France reciprocates this. So, I reiterate that any claims about Russia’s alleged involvement are pure slander,” he added.

In an interview with German broadcaster RTL on Sunday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian claimed that France’s Secretariat General for National Defense and Security had launched the probe following reports that hundreds of Russia-linked Twitter accounts had been using the #giletsjaunes hashtag, which is the French name for "yellow vests," in an attempt to encourage unrest in the European country.

For several weeks, people in France have been protesting the economic policies of President Emmanuel Macron, who has been labeled as the “president of the rich.” Spurred by rising fuel prices, the protests have grown into a broad movement against Macron’s policies and governing style.

The embattled president gave in to some of the protesters’ demands earlier in the week regarding measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including by scrapping a planned fuel tax hike.

The move marked a major departure for a French president who had vowed not to be swayed by mass protests.

The French government has, however, vowed “zero tolerance” for anarchists, far-right groups, or other trouble-makers seeking to wreak further havoc during the protests.

More than 1,700 protesters have so far been detained and over 130 others sustained injuries in clashes across the country, according to the Interior Ministry.

A French government spokesman has said Macron is due to make major announcements in the coming week.

The unrest has inspired similar protests in Belgium and the Netherlands.