French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour appeals to Muslims amid Putin-linked polls slump

French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has appealed to Muslims to back him in France’s upcoming elections, amid a slump in his popularity in the polls.

Zemmour's campaign has been characterised by his anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric, however, he recently appealed directly to France's Muslims at a recent campaign rally.

"If you do not like our people, our culture, our way of life and you do not want to be French, well it's your right, but assume it. I am honest with you, be honest with France. It is not up to France to adapt to your culture," Zemmour said.

After cheers from supporters, he went on to claim that his views had been misrepresented by rivals and the media.

"They have often lied about my intentions, they have often played on fears with my words. Journalists and politicians lie to you... they make you believe that I want to prevent you from practising your religion, it is false."

Recent polling has placed the pundit-turned-politician at fourth place, with observers speculating that he has struggled to shake off controversy from recently resurfaced comments he had made in praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For several weeks last year, opinion polls indicated that Zemmour had a chance of placing second in the presidential poll and facing Macron in a run-off. 

The first round of France's 2022 presidential election will take place on 10 April.