Popular in Guadeloupe, Teddy Riner's candidacy will have to comply with the rules governing the presidential election

Teddy Riner, who has not yet retired from sports, wants to become the president who unites, claiming to be “neither right nor left”. A position criticized by some, who denounce a copy of the macronism of 2017, but welcomed by others, notably Emmanuel Macron, who believes that this candidacy "can only bring to the country". In Guadeloupe, where he comes from, his candidacy is very well received.

In Vieux-Habitants, where the champion's father and grandfather live, we only find convinced people. “He will be our spokesperson, Claudine hopes, since he is from here, he certainly understands things better.” Michel, who hasn't voted for two years, will give him his vote: "He's someone upright. And someone who walks straight, we can follow him." Lack of experience? This is not a problem for Joseph. “It will come gradually,” he believes. “If there is a team around that is strong enough, we can move forward!”

“It’s magnificent!”

Cathy can't believe it: "It's magnificent! I can't find the words, I'm still surprised!" To resolve the new social crisis in Guadeloupe, she trusts Teddy Riner, just like Liz. “Maybe he will make things happen for us,” she hopes. The mayor of Goyave remembers a strong image of the champion: "At the Olympic Games, in Paris, he had the Guadeloupean flag in addition to the French flag, recalls Jean-Luc Edom, he is someone who loves what we love, good cooking and being serious in what we do."

To run for president, there are rules to follow. You must be French and be able to vote, therefore be over 18 years old. You must also be able to exercise your rights, that is to say not having been sentenced by the courts to a penalty of ineligibility. And finally, we must bring together 500 sponsorships from elected officials, coming from at least 30 different overseas departments or communities, a way of having a candidacy validated by elected officials from the entire territory. Thus, Teddy Riner will not be able to accumulate more than 50 sponsorships from elected officials in Guadeloupe, the maximum provided for by law. This allows you to filter applications and prevent there being too many.

When it comes to financing, the rules are very strict. The campaign account, which is mandatory, must precisely trace the origin of the revenue and the nature of the expenses incurred. Expenditures capped at just under 17 million euros for a candidate present in the first round, and a little over 22.5 million for the one who reaches the second. It is forbidden to spend more.

The State partly finances campaigns, but not all candidates benefit from the same reimbursement. Those who make less than 5% of the votes in the first round receive around 800,000 euros, those who exceed this threshold, around eight million euros. Candidates qualified for the second round can be reimbursed up to 10.7 million euros.

All French people can make a donation of up to 4,600 euros to finance a campaign. Parties are also allowed to finance the campaigns of their candidates, but businesses are not. And, since 2017, with the Law for Confidence in Political Life, a foreign state or a non-European bank cannot lend money to a party or a candidate.