French far-right author Zemmour launches second presidential bid

What the report says

French far-right figure Eric Zemmour has said he will run again for France’s presidential election, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP and remarks he made to TF1. Zemmour, a 68-year-old author and former television commentator known for anti-immigrant and anti-Islam positions, previously finished fourth in the 2022 race. He framed his new campaign as an effort to preserve what he called a distinctly French identity.

The article says Zemmour is campaigning on a hardline immigration platform. He wants to remove foreign offenders serving prison sentences and, in some cases, foreign residents who are unemployed for more than six months. He also says he wants to reduce immigration sharply, which he links to disorder and violence.

Al Jazeera reported that Zemmour’s message follows violent unrest during student-led cost-of-living protests last month. The far right has blamed immigrants for those disturbances. The report also notes that the unrest has boosted the profile of Marine Le Pen, the National Rally leader and current frontrunner in the next presidential contest. Jean-Luc Melenchon of the France Unbowed party, who has also faced criticism over the protests, recently presented his programme to supporters.

The election to succeed President Emmanuel Macron is expected in 2027, with Zemmour positioning himself as a challenger to Le Pen and other major contenders.