French Election: Centrists Look to Judo Star as Central Banker Seems Less Likely
Riner enters the race
Teddy Riner, a judo champion and one of France’s most popular athletes, announced this week that he would run for president. The 37-year-old is unlikely to win the race to replace Emmanuel Macron next spring.
His candidacy has offered centrists a diversion, but not a likely change in the contest’s direction. Christine Lagarde, the central banker, is considered less likely to run.
Le Pen leads amid unrest
Marine Le Pen, the leading far-right candidate, has maintained a commanding polling advantage over her rivals for months. Weeks of protests, marked by violence, have further strengthened her position.
Édouard Philippe, the most prominent center-right candidate, has lost ground in polls. The unrest has sharpened the appeal of far-right calls for law and order and left-wing demands for social justice.
Centrists seek another choice
Some centrist voters fear a presidential runoff between Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, said Jean-Daniel Lévy, deputy director of polling firm Toluna France. Lévy described these voters as an “orphan electorate” without an inspiring candidate. He said they are still searching for someone to support.
Key points
- Teddy Riner announced a presidential run this week but is unlikely to win.
- Marine Le Pen has led her rivals in polls for months.
- Unrest has weakened center-right candidate Édouard Philippe.
- Christine Lagarde is less likely to enter the race.