Fact Check: "Thierry Baudet is paid by Russians"
What We Know
Thierry Baudet is a prominent Dutch politician and the leader of the far-right political party Forum for Democracy (FvD). He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2017 and is known for his controversial views, including his pro-Russian stance regarding Ukraine (source-1). In April 2020, media reports indicated that Baudet received funding from Russian sources, particularly in relation to his campaign against the Netherlands' potential support for an association agreement with Ukraine (source-2).
Furthermore, leaked WhatsApp messages from 2016 revealed Baudet's close contacts with Vladimir Kornilov, a figure described as "a Russian paid by Putin," which suggested a potential financial connection (source-1). In March 2024, Czech intelligence reported that Dutch politicians, including Baudet, were offered cash to promote Russian propaganda, although specific allegations against Baudet regarding direct payments were not confirmed (source-3).
Analysis
The claim that "Thierry Baudet is paid by Russians" is complex and requires careful examination. While there are credible reports suggesting that Baudet has received financial support from Russian sources, the evidence is not definitive. The leaked WhatsApp messages indicate a relationship with Kornilov, who is linked to the Kremlin, but Baudet has consistently denied receiving direct payments from Russia (source-4).
Moreover, a report from Dutch investigative journalists found no indications that the FvD foundation received money from Russia during the 2016 referendum campaign (source-5). This raises questions about the reliability of the claims regarding direct financial support.
The Czech investigation into Russian influence operations did not name specific politicians who accepted money, but it highlighted Baudet's frequent appearances in pro-Russian media, which could suggest a willingness to align with Russian interests (source-3).
Overall, while there are indications of Baudet's connections to Russian figures and potential funding, the evidence does not conclusively prove that he is directly paid by Russians.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Thierry Baudet is paid by Russians" is Partially True. There is credible evidence suggesting Baudet has connections with Russian individuals and has received indirect support that aligns with Russian interests. However, the lack of definitive proof regarding direct payments means the claim cannot be fully substantiated.
Sources
- Thierry Baudet
- Russian funding supported far-right Dutch politician's campaign against ...
- Czech officials say Dutch politicians were offered cash to back Russian ...
- Dutch far-right leader Baudet had ties to Russia, report says
- No indications that FvD foundation received money from Russia in 2016 ...
