Far right politician Éric Zemmour enters French presidential race

French far-right politician Éric Zemmour has announced that he will stand in the upcoming French presidential election. Speaking on television, the leader of the Reconquête! party vowed to curb immigration and preserve the country's national identity. France 24 and Al Jazeera both reported on his official campaign launch. [1][2]

The candidate set out plans to expel unemployed foreigners even if they are legal residents, alongside foreign offenders currently in prison. France 24 noted that he aims to reduce the number of immigrants by two million during a five-year term. Al Jazeera reported that these proposals follow recent violent protests across the country. [1][2]

Éric Zemmour is a 68-year-old author and television commentator known for his anti-Islam and anti-immigrant views, according to Al Jazeera. He previously placed fourth in the 2022 French presidential election before launching this second bid for office. [1][2]

The announcement follows months of political tension in the country. Demonstrations and nationwide civil unrest over economic and school conditions have taken place across France since September 2026. As FTMQ News reported earlier, France has also experienced severe rioting and looting in Paris, drawing sharp criticism from rival far-right figures. [9][10]