'Poisoned chalice': French presidential hopeful Riner rebuffs Macron's backing
Summary
French judo champion Teddy Riner rejected President Emmanuel Macron’s endorsement of his 2027 presidential bid, calling it a “poisoned chalice.” Riner says he wants to offer an alternative to France’s political extremes, while his comments on pensions and social security could appeal to centre-right voters and his statements on discrimination could attract left-wing voters.Key Facts
- Riner announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election on Monday.
- Macron said Riner’s entry into the race could “only benefit the country.”
- Riner said he is not Macron’s envoy and described the president’s congratulations as a “poisoned chalice.”
- Riner, 37, has won five Olympic gold medals and is from Guadeloupe.
- Riner has described himself as neither left-wing nor right-wing and says he is concerned France could become deeply divided.
- Riner has indicated support for pension reform and reducing social security contributions, and has criticized barriers facing young people without connections or privilege.
- Opinion polls cited in the report project Marine Le Pen as the leading candidate in the first round and Jean-Luc Mélenchon as qualifying for a runoff.
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