The founder of the Telegram application Pavel Durov said that he was pressured by French intelligence services to limit Romanian conservative votes before the country's presidential election. According to Durov, he refused to obey such demands, Reuters reports, News.bg reports.
“We did not block protesters in Russia, Belarus or Iran. We will not start doing it in Europe“, Durov stressed, stating that Telegram will continue to defend freedom of expression, regardless of geography or political pressure.
The French Foreign Ministry categorically denied the allegations. In an official statement, the ministry said France rejected the accusations and stressed its commitment to democratic processes. "We call on all parties to show responsibility and respect for Romanian democracy," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Nicucor Dan, the current mayor of Bucharest, won the presidential election in the second round, sparking new political reactions and increasing tensions in the context of internal and external interference.