Poitiers, France – In a surprising turn of events, double Olympic champion Earvin Ngapeth has lent his support to the reelection campaign of Poitiers mayor Léonore Moncond’huy. The star volleyball player was seen actively campaigning for the ecologist candidate, distributing leaflets in the streets of Poitiers this week, as France prepares for the second round of municipal elections.
Ngapeth, a native of Saint-Raphaël but with strong ties to Poitiers where he began his volleyball career, is backing Moncond’huy, who is seeking a second term. This endorsement comes after a shifting political landscape in the city, where several candidates are vying for the mayoral position. The 35-year-old athlete, currently playing for Turkish club Fenerbahçe, reportedly switched his support from the La France Insoumise (LFI) candidate Bertrand Geay after Geay’s list merged with Moncond’huy’s.
Footage released by the municipal team shows Ngapeth engaging with residents, posing for photos, and generally boosting morale for the campaign. The images depict a smiling Ngapeth, a recognizable face in France following his success with the national volleyball team – including Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024 – actively participating in the political process.
The mayoral race in Poitiers has grow a four-way contest heading into the second round. Moncond’huy secured 26.41% of the vote in the first round, but faces a strong challenge from Anthony Brottier, who received 23.90%. Charles Rangheard of the Rassemblement National and Lucile Parnaudeau, representing the Divers droite, are also still in contention with 10.53% and 10.24% respectively. The campaign took another twist with the withdrawal of François Blanchard, the Parti Socialiste candidate, who garnered 11.48% of the vote in the first round.
Ngapeth’s connection to Poitiers runs deep. He first honed his volleyball skills in the city and recently returned to play for the local club in 2024, shortly after his triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He has since confirmed a move to Tours for the 2026 season, demonstrating his continued commitment to French volleyball. His involvement in the mayoral campaign highlights a growing trend of athletes becoming more politically engaged in France.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Across France, numerous sports personalities are involved in the 2026 municipal elections, either as candidates themselves or as vocal supporters of specific lists. Ngapeth’s decision to publicly back Moncond’huy underscores the increasing intersection between the worlds of sports and politics in the country.
The outcome of the Poitiers mayoral election remains uncertain. With four candidates still in the running, the second round promises to be closely contested. Ngapeth’s endorsement could prove crucial in swaying voters, particularly among younger demographics and sports enthusiasts. His presence on the campaign trail adds a unique dimension to the race, demonstrating the power of celebrity endorsements in local politics.
For Moncond’huy, the support of a national sporting hero like Ngapeth is a significant boost. It provides positive publicity and reinforces her image as a candidate who can appeal to a broad range of voters. The campaign will likely leverage Ngapeth’s popularity in the remaining days leading up to the election.
The second round of the municipal elections in Poitiers is scheduled to take place on [Date to be verified – not provided in sources]. Voters will decide whether to re-elect Moncond’huy or choose a new leader for the city. The election is being closely watched as a bellwether for the broader political climate in France.
Ngapeth’s decision to support Moncond’huy reflects his personal values and his desire to contribute to the well-being of the community where he began his sporting journey. It’s a move that has generated considerable buzz and added another layer of intrigue to the already fascinating mayoral race in Poitiers.
As the election draws near, all eyes will be on Poitiers to see if Ngapeth’s endorsement can translate into votes for Moncond’huy. The outcome will not only determine the future leadership of the city but also offer insights into the evolving role of athletes in French politics.
The next confirmed action for Earvin Ngapeth is his preparation for the upcoming season with Fenerbahçe, whereas also gearing up for his move to Tours in the fall of 2026. Fans can follow his progress on the Fenerbahçe website and through official updates from the French Volleyball Federation.
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