Presidential election 2027: Emmanuel Macron welcomes the surprise candidacy of Teddy Riner, who "can only bring benefits to the country"

Teddy Riner didn't have to wait long for a reaction from the highest levels of government. Just hours after announcing his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election, Emmanuel Macron welcomed the five-time Olympic champion's entry into politics on Monday evening. Interviewed on the France 5 program "C à vous," the President of the Republic expressed his delight at seeing one of the most prominent figures in French sport enter the presidential race. "I am very happy that someone like Teddy Riner, who is a great champion, has decided to engage in this presidential debate and contribute his convictions, his ideas, and his talent. It can only benefit the country," he declared.

The 37-year-old judoka surprised everyone this morning by announcing his intention to run for president under the banner "The France We Want." Claiming a candidacy that is "neither right nor left," Teddy Riner asserts his desire to unite the French people beyond party lines. In a video posted on his social media, he began to outline his initial priorities: increasing net wages through payroll tax reductions, taking a firm stance against crime, and reforming the pension system while maintaining the pay-as-you-go model and incorporating a funded component. The former champion also emphasized the fight against racism, which he refuses to leave to any single political party.

Support for commitment, not political endorsement

Emmanuel Macron's remarks do not constitute electoral support for Teddy Riner. The president, who is ineligible to run again in 2027, welcomed the commitment of a figure from civil society, without commenting on his proposals or his chances of convincing the French public. This distinction is important, as the athlete specifically asserts his independence from traditional political parties. His candidacy also comes in an already crowded political landscape, where Gabriel Attal, Édouard Philippe, Bruno Retailleau , and David Lisnard are still struggling to agree on a potential primary.

For Teddy Riner, sporting fame is a valuable asset in terms of visibility, but it doesn't exempt him from building a political organization. The candidate will need to gather the 500 endorsements from elected officials required to participate in the election and outline his commitments on public finances, immigration, Europe, and international relations. He claims to have been preparing his campaign since the Paris Olympics and to have assembled an initial team that blends figures from civil society with former public officials. Meanwhile, his entry into the campaign has at least achieved one initial result: eliciting a personal response from Emmanuel Macron on the very day of his announcement.