Pierre-Édouard Stérin Acquires Cerfia, Stirring Controversy and Backlash
Pierre-Édouard Stérin's acquisition of Cerfia raises concerns over far-right media influence in France.
Key Points
- • Pierre-Édouard Stérin acquires Cerfia, leading to a loss of 50,000 followers within a day.
- • Cerfia is owned by DM News, linked to Stérin's investment firm Odyssée Impact.
- • The acquisition aligns with Stérin's strategy to shift municipalities to far-right control before elections.
- • Calls for a boycott of Cerfia have emerged following the acquisition.
On June 16, 2025, conservative billionaire Pierre-Édouard Stérin's acquisition of the alternative news account Cerfia sent shockwaves through the media landscape in France. Cerfia, which boasts over 1.2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), has been noted for its unverified information and controversial stance, drawing criticism for its reliability and content.
In the wake of the acquisition, Cerfia experienced a significant drop of approximately 50,000 subscribers within just 24 hours, underscoring the backlash against Stérin's far-right affiliations and media control strategies. Reports indicate that Cerfia is now owned by DM News, a company linked to Stérin's investment firm Odyssée Impact. Despite claims of separation, many view Stérin's influence as a potential threat to media impartiality and transparency, particularly as he has a history of trying to amplify his political agenda through various media channels.
Stérin's broader objectives are evident in his plans ahead of the upcoming 2026 municipal elections, where he seeks to shift 1,000 municipalities under far-right influence. This acquisition aligns with his previous endeavors to manipulate the media landscape in favor of his beliefs. Notably, Cerfia generates over 10 million views per month, contributing to its financial success and increasing its potential as a platform for disseminating far-right ideology.
Calls for a boycott of Cerfia erupted soon after the acquisition announcement, illustrating public discontent with the idea of a far-right billionaire controlling a prominent news platform. Furthermore, Stérin has not responded to inquiries from a commission investigating election organization in France, citing safety concerns.
Reflecting on Stérin's media ambitions, he stated, "When I run a company, I decide the line; I don't see the problem." This declaration underscores the risks associated with the growing influence of far-right figures in French media, stirring concerns about political integrity and media independence.