Durov, the founder of Telegram, said in a statement on X that he is proud the French are using his messenger for strikes and protests against the policies of the French authorities. The statement comes at a time when protesters demonstrated across France on Wednesday. The protests disrupted traffic, clashed with police, and aimed to “block everything.”
Security forces deployed across the country attempted to clear blockades as quickly as possible. Nearly 200 protesters were arrested amid widespread scuffles that broke out in various parts of the country.
Demonstrators vented their anger at President Emmanuel Macron, who is already facing political turmoil after parliamentary opposition forces united to defeat his government on Monday.
The parliament recently ousted Prime Minister François Bayrou in a confidence vote over his plans to address the country’s surging debt. Macron responded on Tuesday by appointing his fifth prime minister in less than two years, choosing close ally Sébastien Lecornu-a move that has outraged left-wing politicians.
Pavel Durov has long been vocal about political interference and censorship. In May 2019, he accused the head of France’s foreign intelligence agency of asking him to ban Romanian conservative voices ahead of that country’s elections. Durov added that he refused the request.
The Russian-born entrepreneur had previously been under judicial supervision, and it was during that period that he was reportedly approached by Nicolas Lerner, a senior official in France’s foreign intelligence services.
