Eric Zemmour in April 2019. – AFP
The journalist of Figaro and CNews star columnist Eric Zemmour will have to retire from the daily if he manages to embark on the race for the Elysee Palace, assured the newspaper’s management at the Society of Journalists (SDJ) of Figaro.
During a meeting organized this week with the editorial director of Figaro Alexis Brézet and devoted to editorial questions, the SDJ reports having prepared “the situation of Eric Zemmour” for two reasons, in a report which AFP obtained a copy on Friday. First of all, concerning the multiple accusations of sexual assault targeting him, revealed in particular by the press, Alexis Brézet confirmed the position of the newspaper, which has so far taken no sanction against the editorialist, just like the CNews news channel which sent it to its antenna.
Internally, “neither the management of the newspaper nor the group’s human resources, nor any of the prevention bodies provided for this purpose have been seized of elements or a problematic situation concerning Eric Zemmour,” he stressed. And outside the Figaro, “There is no complaint, no open investigation, nothing other than press articles of which a certain number of precedents are there to remind us that we cannot without legal risk draw individual consequences from them. He added, according to the SDJ.
“Prevent difficulties” that could arise from this situation
Another point prepared: the question of a potential candidacy of Eric Zemmour for the presidential election. “If Eric Zemmour expressed his intention to be a candidate, the day he crossed the line, we would take the necessary decisions. It’s obvious: you can’t be a journalist at the same time Figaro and candidate for the presidential election, ”assured the editorial director, according to the report. “Things are absolutely clear between us: the day he expresses his intentions, he will no longer be able to write for Le Figaro », Said the official.
Nevertheless the SDJ of Figaro notes about Eric Zemmour “that the manifestations of his intentions are multiplying, in particular through the testimonies of personalities who have been asked for him to prepare a campaign”, and therefore calls on him to “examine possible solutions” with the management in order to “prevent difficulties” that could arise from this situation.