Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announces bid for French presidency

Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, presenting himself as an outsider to traditional politics. In a video on X/Twitter, he cited France's public debt, cost of living, and public safety as key issues, and described himself as neither left-wing nor right-wing.

Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner announced on Monday that he will run in France's 2027 presidential election, presenting himself as an outsider to traditional politics. In a video published on X/Twitter, the 37-year-old athlete said France needs 'common sense, firmness, justice, and a state that puts things back in order.' He pointed to France's public debt, the cost of living, and concerns over public safety, arguing that ordinary people have been left to deal with the country's problems. Riner acknowledged that his lack of political experience would draw criticism, anticipating that people would say he was 'crazy' and outside the political establishment. He described himself as neither left-wing nor right-wing and said he wanted to be a unifying figure. According to Le Monde, Riner said he does not intend to abandon his sporting career and hopes to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, provided the responsibilities of the presidency and the French public allow it.