2027 presidential election: what do the French think of Teddy Riner's candidacy?

It is in a video posted on social networks that the Olympic champion declares: “My name is Teddy Riner and today, I tell you it eye to eye. I am a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.”

With a setting reminiscent of presidential speeches, suit jacket, Teddy Riner wants to be serious. But is his candidacy convincing? In Guadeloupe, where he comes from, his approach is debated. “He’s a politician or he’s a high-level athlete, I don’t know,” asks a passerby. Another added: "In any case, it was a good idea that he had. And from what he said, I completely agree with him." Or, for another: "Why not, yes, he will represent France, Guadeloupe at the same time, and I hope that he will take more care of Guadeloupe than the former presidents."

A candidacy that provokes contrasting reactions

In a park in the Ile-de-France region, the application leaves its walkers doubtful. “It’s a bit nonsense to me. Quite simply because he doesn’t have the career of a president,” said a walker. “I admit, I don’t know exactly how it made me feel, but it’s more astonishment,” shares another. But for another walker, this announcement is good news: "I thank him, which shows that we can enter into this game without being a professional politician. But now, we are waiting once again for the proposals to see if it is credible."

Declaring himself neither left nor right, the judoka will in any case remain an athlete. Even if he becomes president, he says he wants to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, if the French allow him to do so.