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Éric Zemmour

Éric Zemmour is a French journalist, essayist, political commentator, and politician born in 1958.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Éric Zemmour is a French journalist, essayist, political commentator, and politician born in 1958. He became known for his newspaper and television commentary, later founded the right-wing party Reconquête and ran in the 2022 French presidential election, finishing fourth in the first round.

Early life and career

Éric Zemmour was born in Montreuil in 1958 and has Algerian Jewish family origins. He built his career in journalism and opinion writing before becoming widely known as a media commentator.

Media and writing

Zemmour wrote for French publications including Le Figaro and became a prominent television and radio pundit. He also published polemical essays and political books on French identity, immigration, and social change.

Political activity

In 2021, Zemmour founded Reconquête and entered the 2022 presidential race. His campaign focused on immigration, identity, and national sovereignty, and he placed fourth in the first round.

Zemmour has been repeatedly associated with controversial statements on immigration, Islam, and other social issues. Several sources report that he has faced convictions or legal penalties related to hate speech or incitement.

Key facts

  • Éric Zemmour is a French journalist, essayist, political commentator, and politician.
  • He founded the right-wing party Reconquête in December 2021.
  • He ran in the 2022 French presidential election and finished fourth in the first round with 7.07% of the vote.
  • He has been described as far-right or extreme-right by multiple sources.
  • He has authored several political essays and books, including Le Suicide français.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Zemmour mainly as a prominent French far-right public figure whose views on immigration, identity, and Islam have attracted international media attention.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Éric Zemmour?
Éric Zemmour is a French journalist, essayist, political commentator, and politician known for his far-right positions and his 2022 presidential campaign.
What party did Éric Zemmour found?
He founded Reconquête in December 2021.
How did Éric Zemmour perform in the 2022 French presidential election?
He finished fourth in the first round with 7.07% of the vote.
What is Éric Zemmour known for in media?
He is known for newspaper columns, television and radio commentary, and polemical books on French identity and immigration.
Has Éric Zemmour faced legal trouble?
Yes. Sources report that he has been convicted or fined in cases involving hate speech or provocation to racial hatred.
What is Éric Zemmour's political self-description?
He has described himself as Gaullist and Bonapartist.

References

  1. Treccanihttps://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/eric-zemmour/
    Supports: Birth year, French writer/journalist/politician, career background, publications, and 2021 party founding/presidential run.
  2. Radio Francehttps://www.radiofrance.fr/personnes/eric-zemmour
    Supports: Reconquête founding, 2022 presidential result, legislative campaign, and legal controversies.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58954015
    Supports: Public profile, political rise, media background, and controversy around immigration and Islam.
  4. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60022996
    Supports: Hate speech conviction/fine and related context.
  5. Wikipedia (Italian)https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89ric_Zemmour
    Supports: 2022 election placement, party founding, and self-description as Gaullist-Bonapartist.