Judo star Teddy Riner targets 500 signatures for French presidential race

Teddy Riner, the five-time Olympic judo gold medalist, has formally entered the race for the French presidency. The 37-year-old athlete declared on Monday that he will seek the independent ballot in the election scheduled for April and May of next year. He positioned himself as a candidate outside the traditional left-right divide, stating that his primary objective is to unite the French people. Riner described his goal as restoring a sense of common sense to national governance.

The announcement comes with more than five months remaining until the vote that will determine the successor to President Emmanuel Macron. Current polling data shows a shrinking political center. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, currently leads in the polls. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the radical left leader, trails behind her in recent surveys. Analysts describe the upcoming contest as a likely battle between these political extremes.

Political observers view Riner's campaign as a long shot. He lacks prior experience in elected office and does not have the backing of a major political party. In a video released on social media, Riner addressed the skepticism surrounding his background. He acknowledged that critics might argue he is not part of the establishment and does not follow traditional political codes. He emphasized values of steadfastness and justice in defining his candidacy.

The timing of the declaration follows a wave of online harassment Riner faced roughly six weeks ago. The backlash occurred after he expressed anxiety on a television sports program regarding the rise of the far right in France. The political climate remains tense due to ongoing cost-of-living protests. These demonstrations have also drawn in schoolchildren complaining about overcrowded and deteriorating classrooms.

Riner was born in Guadeloupe and raised in Paris. In an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien, he argued that existing candidates fail to offer a credible vision for unifying the populace. He criticized the current climate for pitting one side against the other. He stated that France does not need a professional politician who merely recites lessons and engages in daily quarrels. Instead, he cited his combat sports background as relevant preparation for the presidency, noting that he knows how to fight, fall, and get back up.

French law requires candidates to gather 500 sponsorship signatures from elected officials to be eligible for the ballot. Riner is now beginning this process. He said his motivation is driven by the struggles of citizens who find it difficult to envision a future. He noted that he hears anger and negativity from people who have lost their ambition. If elected, Riner indicated he would balance his political duties with his athletic career. His specific goal is to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Dani Podgoretskaya, an analyst at Eurasia Group, told Agence France-Presse that there is little chance Riner will be considered a serious contender. She noted that the French take the presidential election very seriously given the power of the office. She pointed out that Riner lacks a detailed program and party support. While she acknowledged the possibility of a providential figure emerging to unite the anti-populist vote, she expressed doubt that Riner will be that figure. Riner joked about a future meeting with US President Donald Trump, adding with a laugh that the two will see who has the firmer grip.