- Teddy Riner, 37, a 6ft 8in judo Olympic medallist and one of France's best-loved sportsmen, announced in a surprise video his candidacy for president, aiming to unite a country scarred by protests, riots, and looting.
- Riner won heavyweight gold at the 2012, 2016, and 2024 Olympics, mixed team gold in 2020 and 2024, and 11 world titles.
- In a surprise announcement on social media, Riner declared: "I am a candidate in the 2027 presidential election."
- Riner criticized France as collapsing under debt, parents struggling with shopping trolleys, and the disappearance of state authority in the face of 'thugs'.
- Riner's campaign, under the slogan 'La France qu'on veut' (The France We Want), promises to restore national unity and says, 'I am standing to say we can get France back on its feet.'
- Analysts are skeptical: Dani Podgoretskaya (Eurasia Group) said Riner addressed 'the right pain points' but lacks experience, party, and a detailed programme; Erwan Lestrohan (Odoxa) said he starts 'from zero in terms of political credibility.'
- Riner must obtain 500 endorsements from elected officials to qualify for the ballot.
- Riner expressed concerns about national debt and economic hardship: 'collapsing under the weight of debt' and seeing 'a father or mother gritting their teeth while filling a shopping trolley.'
- Riner lamented that 'state authority has disappeared' in the face of 'thugs.'
- Riner criticized excessive bureaucracy and unequal opportunities: 'a young person's future can be destroyed simply because they don't have the right network, the right name or the right skin colour.'
- Political experts note Riner's appeal spans Left and Right, with Ariane Ahmadi Kermanshahani saying he borrows from both, and Philippe Moreau-Chevrolet comparing him to Macron's 2017 campaign but warning he has 'picked the wrong era.'
- Riner defended his decision, saying, 'I will not be among those who watch the country burn while making excuses.'
- Riner faces potential scrutiny over a tax dispute involving his luxury car-hire business and business ties to billionaire Philippe Vran, including a co-owned luxury riad.
- Pollster Erwan Lestrohan warned that Riner's popularity may not translate into votes, and that he could fragment the vote against the National Rally; he also must obtain 500 endorsements to qualify, with recent polls showing his support dropping from 18% to 3%.
Teddy Riner, the celebrated judo champion, declared his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election in a surprising announcement aimed at addressing the nation's challenges. Riner, who has won five Olympic golds and 11 world titles, expressed deep concerns about France's current state, stating, "I fear that tomorrow we'll be living in confrontation."12
He criticized the country for being "collapsing under the weight of debt" and highlighted the struggles of families, saying he was troubled to see "a father or mother gritting their teeth while filling a shopping trolley." Riner's campaign slogan, “La France qu’on veut” (The France We Want), reflects his desire to rekindle national unity amidst societal unrest.5
Political analysts have noted that while Riner addresses significant issues, his lack of political experience may hinder his credibility. Erwan Lestrohan from polling firm Odoxa remarked, "He's starting from zero in terms of political credibility," suggesting that Riner's popularity as a sports icon may not translate into electoral support.
Riner's candidacy comes at a time when France is grappling with ideological polarization, and he aims to bridge divides by borrowing ideas from both the Left and Right. He stated, "I will not be among those who watch the country burn while making excuses," emphasizing his commitment to action.
To qualify for the ballot, Riner must secure endorsements from 500 elected officials, a challenging task for a newcomer in the political arena.
“Riner, who has won five Olympic golds and 11 world titles, joins about 50 declared or potential candidates in the race. He must secure 500 endorsements from elected officials to qualify, and his support has dropped from 18% in June to 3% in December 2024.”
