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French judo star and five-time Olympic gold medallist Teddy Riner has announced plans to run in next year’s presidential election. Describing himself as neither leftwing nor rightwing, he stated his goal is to unite people and bring common sense, steadfastness, and justice to France.
A Crowded Field and Political Outsider Status
With more than five months remaining before the April-May ballot to choose a successor to Emmanuel Macron, the presidential race is shaping up as a showdown between political extremes. Polling indicates a decline in the political centre, suggesting that anti-immigrant National Rally leader Marine Le Pen could lead the race, while radical-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon trails behind.
Riner enters a crowded field of candidates, with analysts viewing him as a long shot due to his lack of political experience and absence of party backing. Addressing critics in a social media video, Riner acknowledged people would call him crazy, note his lack of establishment ties, and point out that he has never done politics.
He highlighted national challenges including soaring debt, the rising cost of groceries, and uncertain futures for individuals lacking the right network, family name, or skin colour. He stated that refusing to bow his head and rejecting chaos makes him completely crazy.
Motivation and National Division
The announcement follows a wave of racist abuse and online harassment directed at Riner about six weeks prior, after he told a TV sports show that he felt anxiety regarding the rise of the far right in France. The campaign also launches amid cost-of-living protests and ongoing student demonstrations over overcrowded and crumbling classrooms.
Aged 37, Riner was born in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe and raised in Paris. He drew upon his athletic background of throwing and pinning judo opponents to justify his presidential bid, stating that fighting is part of him and that France does not need a professional politician who quarrels all day long.
In an interview with Le Parisien, he reiterated that his political views are neither right nor left. As reported by World news | The Guardian, he stated that the country faces deep divisions and that current candidates offer visions that divide rather than unite the French people.
Signatures and Future Plans
To qualify for the ballot under French law, Riner must gather 500 sponsorship signatures from elected officials. He explained that his motivation stems from citizens of all ages struggling to envision a future for themselves, noting a lack of ambition and hope in the country.
If elected, Riner hopes to balance his presidential duties with competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He follows another French judoka into politics, as David Douillet was elected to parliament in 2009 and later served as sports minister.
Dani Podgoretskaya, an analyst at Eurasia Group, told Agence France-Presse that Riner is unlikely to be treated as a serious contender given the power of the French presidency, his lack of elected experience, absence of a party, and lack of a detailed programme. Asked about international diplomacy, Riner joked about a potential handshake with the US president, laughing and remarking that they would see who has the firmer grip.
