French presidential race has judo star Teddy Riner taking on his toughest battle yet
A rare path to power
Riner’s sporting success and public profile are considerable: he has more than 3.3 million social media followers and has won five Olympic gold medals. But celebrity candidates have had less success in France than in the United States.
Several French athletes, including judoka David Douillet and fencer Jean-François Lamour, entered parliament and served as sports ministers. Riner is seeking the country’s highest office, a position held by a celebrity only once since World War II, by Gen. Charles de Gaulle.
A demanding ballot hurdle
To appear on the ballot in the first round of voting in April, Riner needs endorsements from at least 500 elected officials. The rule is intended to make entry into the presidential contest difficult.
Political science professor François Hourmant of Angers University said France has complex barriers for candidates outside the establishment. Riner’s bid therefore faces an organizational challenge as well as a political one.
Platform remains unfinished
Riner has not yet clarified the policies he would campaign on. He says he is neither left nor right and argues that France needs common sense rather than professional politicians who argue and recite lessons.
After meeting hospital staff, he said he was still working on his platform and declined to answer questions. His television presence is bolstered by his 2.04-meter height and charisma, but those qualities do not establish what his proposals will be.
Voters weigh broader concerns
Analysts say voters may want an experienced leader to address France’s record public debt and security concerns linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Riner has described himself as prepared for the rougher demands of politics, after years of challenging judo training.
Born in Guadeloupe and raised in Paris, Riner is Black. Analysts said his potential understanding of discrimination could attract voters of color as far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s party, again focus on immigration.
Key points
- Riner has announced a bid for the French presidency after winning five Olympic gold medals.
- He needs sponsorship from at least 500 elected officials to qualify for the April first-round ballot.
- His campaign platform remains under development, and he describes himself as neither left nor right.
- Analysts cite public debt, European security and discrimination as issues shaping the political landscape.