Teddy Riner enters French presidential race with call for unity
The 37-year-old judo champion announced his candidacy on Monday, citing deep social divisions and a lack of unifying vision among current political candidates.
By Vikram Harrison ·
Teddy Riner, a 37-year-old multiple Olympic judo champion, announced on Monday that he is running for the presidency of France. The athlete, who is currently ranked among the country's most popular public figures, used social media to launch his bid. He positions himself as a centrist figure who is neither right-wing nor left-wing.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Riner described his goal as becoming a president who brings people together. He stated that silence and inaction would be irresponsible given the current events in France. The presidential election is scheduled for next year, occurring during a period of heightened social tension.
Protests have drawn large crowds in Paris and other cities across France for several weeks. Demonstrators are demanding higher wages and supporting student protest movements. These actions have increased pressure on the current government. Riner acknowledged these tensions, noting that both young and older generations struggle to envision a future for themselves.
He said he hears anger coming from people who have lost ambition. Riner argued that France has allowed him to dream big, but that ambition and hope are currently missing. He expressed a desire to restore that drive. The 2.04-meter heavyweight has also stated he intends to end his athletic career with a fourth individual Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Riner told Le Parisien he will not give up on the Olympics if he becomes president. He said he would compete if his presidential duties allow it and if the French people support the decision. In September, French authorities investigated online racial abuse directed at Riner after he voiced concerns about the rise of the far right. He described the rise of extremism as frightening and specified that his concern was focused on the far right.
Current opinion polls show Marine Le Pen as the front-runner to replace Emmanuel Macron. She leads hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Other candidates include two former prime ministers of Macron, along with representatives from the moderate left, the right, the Green party, and conservative parties. Riner believes the country is deeply divided and that no single candidate currently offers a credible vision for unity.
He said, "I'm running for president to show that we can get France back on its feet." To officially stand in the election, Riner must collect 500 sponsorship signatures from elected officials, a requirement set by French law. If elected, his first international initiative would focus on working well with allies and commanding greater respect.
Riner joked about his first handshake with Donald Trump. He said, "A lot of people around me have been talking about my first handshake with Donald Trump. We'll see who has the firmer handshake."
Riner's entry into the race adds a new dynamic to a crowded field. The candidate is a known figure in French sports and public life. His campaign emphasizes a return to optimism and collective action. The next step in his campaign is gathering the required signatures from elected officials.
