Sarah Knafo: Rising Star of France’s Far-Right and Potential Presidential Contender

Sarah Knafo, a 32-year-ancient French politician, is rapidly gaining prominence as a key figure in France’s far-right political landscape. Initially known for her role in Eric Zemmour’s 2022 presidential campaign, Knafo is now emerging as a potential force in her own right, attracting attention from both within France and from figures in the United States, including those associated with Donald Trump.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 24, 1993, in Pavillons-sous-Bois, Seine-Saint-Denis, France, Knafo comes from a Moroccan Jewish family that emigrated to France in 1967 following the Six-Day War [1]. She received her education at a private Jewish school affiliated with the Alliance Israélite Universelle [1]. Knafo attended preparatory classes in economics, quantitative methods, and management, and later studied at the Institut d’études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), earning a master’s degree in Public Affairs in 2017 [1]. She also graduated from the École nationale d’administration (ENA), now known as the École nationale supérieure d’administration (ENSA) [1], and currently works as an auditor at the Cour des comptes (French Court of Auditors) [1].

Political Career

Knafo first gained national recognition as the campaign director for Eric Zemmour’s 2022 presidential bid [1]. She is also Zemmour’s partner and a key advisor. In 2024, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Reconquête party, sitting within the L’Europe des nations souveraines group [1]. Her political affiliation was previously with the UMP (now Les Républicains) from 2012 to 2015, before joining Reconquête in 2021 [1].

Connections to the United States and “Trumpism”

Knafo has cultivated relationships with figures in the American political sphere, particularly those associated with Donald Trump. She and Zemmour were invited to Trump’s inauguration in January 2020 [2]. She is described as actively aligning herself with the “intellectual architecture of Trump 2.0,” blending U.S. Nationalism, tech evangelism, and anti-establishment sentiment to position herself as a representative of this movement in France [2]. Knafo is a proponent of technology and cryptocurrency and is a supporter of Elon Musk [2], [4].

Potential Future Role and Calls for a Right-Wing Primary

Amid discussions about unifying the French right ahead of future presidential elections, Knafo’s name has been raised as a potential candidate. Conservative figures have suggested a primary election encompassing the entire right-wing spectrum, from center-right Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to Knafo herself [3]. While a broad primary is considered unlikely due to the potential reluctance of other parties to participate, Knafo reportedly hopes for such a contest and believes she would be a strong contender [3]. Some within the National Rally express concern that Knafo could win such a primary [3].

Political Perception

Within French political circles, Knafo is often described with striking metaphors. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally lawmaker, refers to her as “Cleopatra,” praising her strategic abilities [3].