Far-right French political candidate Eric Zemmour gains momentum, sparks alarm

France's President Emmanuel Macron hasn't announced whether he'll throw his beret into the ring for a second term, but the slate of candidates for the April election is growing, with far-right newcomer Eric Zemmour gaining momentum and causing alarm.

Last weekend, the 63-year-old's first rally drew an estimated 10,000 people, including hundreds of counter-demonstrators. The event was marred by both an attack on Zemmour and violence against his opponents, who were chanting anti-racist slogans.

So who is Zemmour and what could he mean for the election? Host Scott Tong talks to NPR correspondent Eleanor Beardsley in Paris.