According to a report by Le Monde, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concerns about the procedure through which Telegram CEO Pavel Durov obtained French citizenship. The ministry reportedly believes that the conditions required for granting a passport under the “outstanding citizen” category were not fully met.
The citizenship, which was granted last year through a rare and exceptional procedure, typically requires initiation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although it is often influenced by high-ranking officials or even the president. Prior to receiving his citizenship, Durov reportedly held several meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which Durov requested citizenship. In response, Macron suggested relocating Telegram’s headquarters to Paris, but Durov declined the offer.
Although Durov demonstrated proficiency in the French language, the Ministry reportedly concluded that he did not sufficiently contribute to enhancing “France’s influence,” a key criterion for the “outstanding citizen” designation.