French Judo Champion Teddy Riner Announces 2027 Presidential Bid Amid Scrutiny Over Tax Controversies

In an unexpected move on the French political scene, 37-year-old Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner surprised public opinion by announcing his intention to run in the 2027 French presidential election. The announcement came through a video posted on social media platforms, in which he said: 'My name is Teddy Riner, and today I am telling you, looking straight into your eyes: I am a candidate for the 2027 presidential election.'

Riner, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, explained that he anticipates initial skepticism regarding his step, noting that some may view him as an outsider to the political arena or lacking its conventional codes. He added: 'Fighting has always been a part of me, and I know what it means to fall and always get back up. If refusing to bow one's head and refusing chaos makes me crazy, then yes, I am completely crazy.' Speaking to the newspaper 'Le Parisien', the Guadeloupe-born champion confirmed that the idea of running materialized after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when he saw an entire nation unite with pride only to become divided just weeks later. He also indicated his desire to continue his sports career and take part in the Los Angeles 2028 Games if his duties and the choice of the French people allow it.

Key Platform Outlines and 'The France We Want' Movement

Riner enters this race through a movement called 'The France We Want' (La France qu'on veut), asserting a positioning that is 'neither right nor left.' His team is working on crafting a comprehensive platform centered on reforming the pension system by combining the existing pay-as-you-go system with capitalization. He also proposes increasing net wages by narrowing the gap between gross and net pay through reducing social security contributions, allowing those who wish to work more to do so without altering the 35-hour workweek law, and curbing public debt through spending rationalization.

On the international front, Riner emphasized working with France's allies while maintaining the nation's stature. Commenting on a potential first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, he remarked: 'We will see whose handshake is firmer and more assertive.'

Sharp Criticism and Past Tax Disputes

Conversely, the announcement did not pass without provoking sharp reactions across French media. Sports journalist and analyst Daniel Riolo commented sarcastically on 'RMC Story', pointing to Riner's recent legal troubles: 'It seems there are no limits anymore... He was convicted in the Court of Appeal last week, and he should first settle his issues regarding luxury cars.'

In early November, the Versailles Administrative Court of Appeal upheld the tax authority's ruling against the Olympic champion, finding that he had registered two luxury vehicles—a Ferrari and a Rolls-Royce—for personal use under the assets of his private luxury car rental company without utilizing them in actual commercial operations.

Nonetheless, media platforms witnessed varied opinions. Journalist Benjamin Muller argued that Riner's candidacy is no less legitimate than those of political figures who poll in negligible percentages, stressing that the political arena in France needs fresh voices to break out of the current deadlock.