Zemmour and the channel he works for, CNews -- derided by critics as a "French Fox News" -- announced Monday the 63-year-old would step down from his role as a prime-time commentator.

The move was sparked by France's CSA media regulator ruling last week that Zemmour should be considered a politician, not a journalist, meaning his access to TV and radio should be subject to limitations.

"I'm sad," Zemmour said on Monday, while declining once again to rule out a run for the presidency. "I think it was inevitable. I think the CSA did it on purpose, did it voluntarily."

Known for his anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric, Zemmour has teased his political ambitions since the start of the year and is to begin a national book tour this week "to meet the French people".

He is also reported to be seeking financial backing for his candidacy, while posters have appeared around Paris and other cities bearing his face and the slogan "President Zemmour".

- A 'stone in Le Pen's shoe' -