French far-right figure Eric Zemmour has announced his second bid for the presidency, confirming his intention to run in the 2027 election. The 68-year-old author and former television commentator stated he is entering the race to "keep a France that is French," a goal he articulated during an appearance on TF1 television.
Zemmour, who leads the Reconquete party, outlined a platform centered on strict immigration controls. He stated his intention to deport foreign offenders currently serving prison sentences. Furthermore, he proposed the expulsion of foreign residents who have been unemployed for more than six months. Zemmour indicated he seeks to reduce the number of immigrants in France by two million, framing them as key instigators of recent student-led cost of living protests.
The upcoming campaign marks Zemmour’s second presidential effort, following his 2022 run in which he finished fourth. While he managed to secure 7% of the vote in the first round four years ago, current projections suggest a more difficult path. An opinion poll conducted last week indicated that Zemmour would receive between 3% and 4% of the vote if the election were held today.
Zemmour is expected to compete against Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally party. Le Pen is currently considered a frontrunner to replace President Emmanuel Macron, whose term is approaching its end. Meanwhile, the political field also includes far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon of the France Unbowed party, who recently presented his own programme to supporters.
Key facts
- Eric Zemmour is a 68-year-old author and former television commentator.
- The presidential election is scheduled to take place in April 2027.
- Zemmour finished fourth in the 2022 French presidential election.
- Proposed policies include deporting foreign criminals and foreign jobseekers unemployed for over six months.
- Recent polling suggests Zemmour holds between 3% and 4% support among voters.
Why it matters
Zemmour’s entry into the race adds to a crowded field as political parties prepare for the April 2027 election. His focus on immigration and the economy comes following recent civil unrest in France, which has influenced public discourse and the strategies of competing candidates like Le Pen and Melenchon.
Source: Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times
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