Populist Historical Reason on the French Far-Right: The Case of Éric Zemmour and Reconquête

Résumé

This article examines the significance of history in the political strategy of French far-right populist Éric Zemmour and his party, Reconquête. It argues that Zemmour’s discourse is a textbook example of 'populist historical reason’. A media-pundit turned politician, Zemmour’s notoriety largely stems from radical historical revisionism spanning antiquity to the contemporary era. He narrates French history in grim terms as a story of original greatness followed by decline and betrayal. As a proponent of Great Replacement theory, he accuses (Muslim) migrants and politically correct elites of conspiring to destroy the French people. The article shows that Zemmour’s self-declared ‘war of history’ prioritizes a polarizing philosophy of history over factual accuracy and plays a crucial role in his authoritarian agenda. The article shows that Zemmour mobilizes history to incite fear and paranoia, redefine and restrict popular sovereignty, showcase his patriotism, cast himself as a providential leader capable of saving the nation, and ultimately undermine democratic norms and the rule of law.