Teddy Riner face à des réactions contrastées suite à l’annonce de sa candidature à l’élection présidentielle alors que Cannes mayor David Lisnard defends the judoka’s surprise candidacy.
The surprise presidential campaign launched by the quintuple world judo champion has triggered intense debate across French politics.
David Lisnard expressed astonishment at the dismissive reaction from political opponents and commentators. The head of the Nouvelle Énergie movement said that he refuses to underestimate the athlete’s political step.
“Je suis une fois de plus effaré de voir avec quelle condescendance certains politiques et commentateurs regardent la candidature de @teddyriner Ils ne comprennent décidément rien à la situation actuelle, aux ressorts profonds du pays, au besoin de changement, de justice et…” said David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes.
Lisnard added that he is waiting to examine the specifics of Riner’s political platform and methodology. He said that the athlete appears to address several core issues and objectives that he has championed for years.
Other political figures launched direct attacks on the champion athlete following his announcement. On Tuesday, November 10, presidential candidate François Ruffin criticized the judoka during an interview on RMC.
Ruffin compared the judoka to the current head of state, labeling him as a heavily muscled version of Emmanuel Macron. The left-wing deputy characterized Riner as explicitly pro-business while expressing doubt about his focus.
“Je suis triste, je compte sur lui pour nous ramener des médailles aux prochains JO. Je crains qu’il soit un peu dissipé,” said François Ruffin, Member of Parliament.
The criticism extended to La France insoumise, where deputy Danièle Obono rejected Riner’s stated political neutrality. Riner previously described his platform as neither left nor right, prompting Obono to counter via social media that the candidate leans firmly to the right.
The political friction coincides with Riner’s stated intention to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, even if he occupies the presidency at the time.
The backlash extended beyond traditional politics into the sports community. Former Olympic 110-meter hurdles champion Guy Drut evaluated the campaign during an interview with L’Équipe, labeling the candidacy as ridiculous.
Drut questioned the political resume of the multi-time Olympic gold medalist. He also expressed skepticism regarding Riner’s ability to secure the necessary financial backing and the 500 mandatory endorsements required to run for the French presidency.
Drut suggested the campaign might simply serve as a publicity stunt to capture media attention, though he emphasized that he maintains his personal admiration for Riner’s athletic achievements.
