French leader claims unawareness of Telegram founder's Paris visit

French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that he was unaware of the arrival of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France and had no plans to meet with him.

President Macron made this statement during a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on August 29, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Earlier, according to Le Canard Enchaîné satirical weekly, during Durov's detention, he said he was expected at the Élysée Palace for a dinner with Macron. "I was completely unaware of Mr. Durov's arrival in France... I had no plans to meet with Mr. Durov either at the end of last week or in the days that followed," Macron said.

He repeatedly emphasised that he was not informed of the businessman's plans to visit France. Additionally, Macron stated that he "fully accepts responsibility" for granting French citizenship to Pavel Durov and expressed full support for this decision. "Durov rightfully received French citizenship. We made this decision in 2018, and I consider it fully justified... I believe it is appropriate to grant citizenship to outstanding entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists." 

During his detention on August 24, Pavel Durov asked the police to inform French entrepreneur Xavier Niel about the incident. The first phone call made by the Telegram founder after his detention was directed to Niel, who is considered close to Emmanuel Macron. However, it is unknown if they managed to speak.

Niel's representatives have not commented on the matter. Xavier Niel is a telecommunications magnate and the principal owner of the French holding company Iliad, which owns the internet service provider and mobile operator Free. He is also a co-owner of the newspaper Le Monde. Forbes estimates Niel's net worth at $10.5 billion.