Eric Zemmour, leader of the far-right party "Reconquest," announced on Thursday that he will be a candidate in the upcoming French presidential election. These statements ended the rumors about his possible withdrawal in favor of his partner, Sarah Knafo.
Zemmour's Political Plans
Zemmour, known for his anti-immigration stance, has previously called for the mass expulsion of immigrants, reduction of government spending, and a ban on Islamic headscarves in public places. In an interview with BFMTV, he said: "I am the candidate of the Republic" and clearly stated his intention to participate in this competition.
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Zemmour's popularity in France peaked early in his 2022 election campaign. His harsh statements against immigrants and promotion of the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory, which claims that immigrants are deliberately entering Western countries to reduce the white population, made him internationally famous. He was even seen as a threat to Marine Le Pen, the well-known face of the far-right in France. However, his campaign ultimately garnered only 7% of the votes in the first round of elections due to a lack of support.
Sarah Knafo and Her Political Future
Zemmour's partner, Sarah Knafo, who is currently rising in the French political scene, has fueled rumors about her potential candidacy in the presidential election despite failing in the Paris mayoral election in March. She recently published a book accusing the government of mismanaging public finances, which quickly became a bestseller.
With Zemmour returning to the political arena and announcing his candidacy, he seems to be continuing his campaign for next year with more seriousness. He is looking to gain voter support and establish a stronger position in the French political scene. This move may lead to increased tensions within the far-right in France, where competition for voter attention is fierce.
With Zemmour entering the election arena, it remains unclear whether he can succeed against his rivals, especially Marine Le Pen. Time will tell if Zemmour can garner enough support to win in this competition.
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