Politics Theory Other Eric Zemmour and the mainstreaming of the French far-right w/ Sebastian Budgen
Jan 17, 2022
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Media Career Fueled Political Rise
- Éric Zemmour built influence by moving from political journalism to daily provocative TV commentary and bestselling opinion books.
- His media presence on i>Télé/CNews turned transgressive statements into a large, loyal audience.
Political Fragmentation Enables Outsiders
- France's collapsing centre-left/centre-right duopoly creates openings for media-born outsiders like Zemmour to contest presidential politics.
- The centralized presidential system amplifies outsider breakthroughs without traditional party structures.
Le Pen's Strategic Ceiling
- Many on the far right see Marine Le Pen as electorally stuck and too plebeian to win over wealthier centre-right voters.
- Zemmour appeals by promising sharper polarization on immigration and Islam to attract those who deem Le Pen too cautious.