Far-right Zemmour lets slip French presidential bid
The controversial pundit is running for president for the second time.
Paris — Far-right French politician Eric Zemmour announced on Thursday his intention to run for the presidency next year, seemingly putting an end to rumors that he might cede his potential candidacy to his partner, MEP Sarah Knafo. As the head of the far-right party Reconquest, Zemmour has advocated for mass deportation of immigrants, state budget cuts, and a ban on Muslim headscarves in public areas.
In a statement to BFMTV, Zemmour confirmed his candidacy for the presidency of the Republic, further solidifying his reputation as a polarizing figure in French politics. His popularity surged in the initial phases of his 2022 presidential campaign, as his inflammatory comments about immigration and the dissemination of the great replacement conspiracy theory gained international attention.
However, his momentum eventually fizzled, as he managed to secure only 7% of the vote in the first round of voting. Although Zemmour's partner, Sarah Knafo, has seen a rise in her political influence despite a failed effort to become the mayor of Paris in March, it was her recent book criticizing state financial management that sparked speculation about her potential presidential aspirations.
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