Zemmour, French far-right pundit, launches presidential run

By JOHN LEICESTER
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — A far-right former TV pundit with multiple hate-speech convictions has officially entered the race for France’s presidency. The launch of Eric Zemmour’s candidacy made official a campaign that had been gathering steam for months before it stumbled of late. Zemmour warned supporters in a video on Tuesday that they’ll likely be criticized as racists for backing his anti-Muslim and anti-immigration views. The essayist had previously already shaken up the race with his invective and climbed in polls despite having no hands-on political experience. But fresh questions about his temperament and electability were raised over the weekend. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to seek a second term but he has yet to declare his candidacy.