French judo star Teddy Riner distanced himself on November 14 from an endorsement by President Emmanuel Macron, describing the presidential backing as a toxic kiss.
The 37-year-old athlete addressed reporters during a visit to the Made in France exhibition in Paris, according to reports by Agence France-Presse and The Daily Telegraph. Riner made his position clear when asked about his ties to the head of state.
“I am not sent by the president, I am not a Macronist,” Riner said, as reported by AFP.
“If I had to describe the president’s congratulations, I would say it’s like a toxic kiss,” Riner told AFP.
The remarks followed a public message of support from Macron issued five days earlier. Riner announced on November 9 that he would run in the 2027 French presidential election under the slogan “The France We Want.”
The five-time Olympic gold medalist and 11-time world champion said that he belongs to neither the left nor the right political spectrum. Macron responded during an appearance on France 5 by welcoming the decision.
“Having someone as great a champion as Teddy Riner decide to take part in the presidential debate, bringing his convictions, his ideas and his talent, can only be good for the country,” Macron said on television, according to Le Monde.
Le Monde reported that Macron sent a text message to an associate before the announcement suggesting that critics should not dismiss the judoka’s chances. The incumbent president currently faces low approval ratings in national polls.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Insoumise, criticized the candidate’s political positioning during a rally on November 11.
Riner continued his campaign schedule on November 13 by visiting the Delafontaine hospital in Saint-Denis to meet with healthcare workers. He spent over three hours at the exhibition in Paris the following day to discuss domestic manufacturing with business representatives.
The campaign also experienced an early departure when former health minister François Braun stepped down from Riner’s campaign team on November 13. Braun offered a brief statement upon his exit, noting that the campaign had begun and he chose to step back.
Riner has not yet released a comprehensive policy platform. French electoral rules require presidential candidates to secure at least 500 signatures from eligible elected officials to qualify for the first round of voting.
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