Far-right figure Zemmour announces presidential run to 'save' France

FILE PHOTO: A woman walks past posters in support of French far-right commentator Eric Zemmour, probable candidate for the French presidential election next April, posted on a wall in Paris, France, October 13, 2021. Picture taken October 13, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - Far-right French pundit Eric Zemmour announced his candidacy for president on Tuesday with a video in which, to ominous music and footage of street violence, he said he wanted to save France from decadence and minorities that "oppress the majority".

A former journalist who has been convicted of inciting racial hatred, he is the top contender to challenge Marine Le Pen, leader of the more established far-right National Rally, for a place in a second round against President Emmanuel Macron.