Five-time Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner rejected comparisons to French President Emmanuel Macron during a campaign appearance on Saturday, November 14, at the Made in France exhibition in Paris.
The 37-year-old athlete walked the exhibition floor for nearly four hours surrounded by cameras and photographers before addressing reporters about his recently announced presidential candidacy.
“I am not the president’s envoy,” Riner said.
Rejecting political labels
Riner pushed back against media and competitor characterizations that paint him as an heir to the central political block led by Macron.
“I do not come from any political family,” Riner said, adding that presidential congratulations amounted to a poisoned chalice. “I come with my ideas, my ambitions.”
The judo champion maintained that France belongs neither to the left nor to the right, but rather to citizens who wake up early and work hard.
Business ties and political distancing
Political links between Riner and Macron have drawn scrutiny as the campaign develops. Business partner Philippe Veran has supported Riner’s political venture after previously backing Macron in 2016 before breaking away.
“Teddy’s program will be very far from Macron’s,” Veran told La Provence.
Former Health Minister François Braun, a historic Macron loyalist, has also distanced himself from the campaign.
Tax disputes and polling shifts
Tax authorities are currently seeking more than 244,000 euros from one of Riner’s real estate companies, according to L’Equipe. The Versailles administrative court of appeal backed tax authorities in November regarding a separate luxury car rental company linked to the athlete.
“I have always paid my taxes,” Riner said when questioned on Saturday.
An Odoxa poll conducted for Winamax and RTL shows Riner’s popularity has dropped 11 points compared to May 2023. While 78 percent of respondents maintain a favorable opinion, 61 percent view his candidacy negatively, and 57 percent oppose him attempting a dual role as president and competitor at the 2028 Olympic Games.
The 2027 presidential field
Riner joins a crowded field ahead of the first round of voting scheduled for April 18, 2027. By Sunday, November 15, thirty-seven candidates had declared their intentions, including sixteen listed in the miscellaneous category alongside Riner.
Candidates must secure at least 500 endorsements from elected officials by March 18, 2027, following the opening of the filing period in February.
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