France 2027 Presidential Election: Why Are Right and Center Leaders Avoiding Attacks on Champion Teddy Riner?

The French political scene is experiencing a state of anticipation as the 2027 presidential election approaches, amid a growing trust deficit between citizens and the traditional political class. In the midst of this climate, the name of Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner has emerged as a potential candidate, receiving unexpected praise and courteous, conciliatory treatment from leaders of the right and the center, in stark contrast to the fierce clashes typically witnessed between rivals in the arena.

Preferential Treatment from Right and Center Candidates

Positive reactions followed from prominent figures; on November 10, former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin welcomed Riner's endeavor on BFMTV, noting that he possesses experience and a voice worth listening to. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal took a similar stance, considering that the French athlete has something to say about the country, while Édouard Philippe expressed his admiration for him, and David Lisnard urged not to underestimate his move. In contrast, Bruno Retailleau maintained a more cautious tone, considering that time will sort out candidacies and clarify the path forward.

This softness is partly due to ideological alignment; in statements to the newspaper 'Le Parisien', the Olympic champion hinted at right-leaning sensibilities, promising to reduce social charges and proposing the introduction of a partial capitalization system in the pension file. Despite his complete lack of government experience or a detailed program, Riner was not subjected to the same sharp criticism leveled at other political figures over lack of experience.

Popularity Shielding from Criticism

Teddy Riner benefits from being France's third favorite public figure in 2024, making any attack against him a high-risk political gamble. Political actors are aware that directing any blame toward a champion of such stature could be interpreted as an expression of condescension and elitism toward outsiders from beyond the traditional halls of power, especially given the declining credibility of the ruling political class.

His latest appearance on Friday following a visit to Delafontaine Hospital in Saint-Denis was brief, as he merely told the press that the time for reflection would come and questions would be answered later. The lack of detail did not provoke his potential rivals in the center and the right, who preferred to emphasize that democracy is open to all citizens.

The Math Behind the Polling and Direct Confrontation from the Left

In addition to his shield of popularity, current data indicates that Riner does not yet pose an imminent threat to right-wing forces; an OpinionWay poll conducted for CNews gave him only about 4% of voting intentions. Observers explain this tolerance by candidates' desire not to alienate a potential electoral reservoir as long as his political weight remains limited.

In contrast to this friendly consensus, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of 'La France Insoumise', broke the silence by directing direct criticism at the sports champion. He described him as representing the choices of the right, considering his visit to the Saint-Denis hospital an ill-advised move resulting from poorly calculated political advice leading him into a political trap. This leaves the radical left as the only camp opting for an early, direct confrontation with Riner.