His relationship with the French media was also poor.
The French media have done little to hide its horror at his presence in the race.
A fixture in the French media, he has also published a handful of books for a general audience about his work.
His 60th birthday was celebrated in grand style by the French media.
The little publicity their works received came only in the French media, and even there publicity was minimal.
In January 2012, he became a freelance writer with several French media.
He later admitted making the comments in interviews with French media and complained that the fine was too high.
The French media has criticised his judgment in taking it.
Asselineau has claimed to be the victim of censorship by the French media.
The French media and diplomatic corps viewed the result as a humiliation.