ABSTRACT
Since March 2020, three factors have created a window of opportunity for conspiracy theories in France: the development of a new coronavirus and related scientific questions, a long-established suspicion of government officials and the media, and the confusing, often contradictory, communications from the French government. These conspiracy theories are similar to those that have circulated during previous pandemics since the end of the nineteenth century. They not only spread on the Internet among far-right groups but also provoked street protests against mandatory vaccination and the introduction of a Covid-19 health pass. Conspiracy theories about an alleged forthcoming “heath dictatorship” are also encouraged by mainstream politicians from the smaller parties in the context of the 2022 presidential election.
