In a move that has sent shockwaves through the French political landscape, Teddy Riner—renowned judoka and Olympic champion—announced his candidacy for president of France on November 14, 2026. Upon receiving congratulations from President Emmanuel Macron, Riner sharply characterized the support as a 'poisoned kiss,' emphasizing his independence from the current administration. 'I am not the president's representative,' Riner declared, while adding he would call it a 'poisoned kiss.'
Riner has stated he is 'neither right nor left,' positioning himself as an independent figure. His campaign's first public engagement involved visiting a hospital in Saint-Denis on his first campaign tour the same day.
Among Riner's key policy proposals is a commitment to pension reform and halting the reduction of social security contributions, a strategy designed to appeal to centrist and right-wing voters.
His campaign's first public engagement involved visiting a hospital in Saint-Denis on his first campaign tour the same day.
Parts of the political class accuse Riner of being a continuation of Macron's policies, but he maintains his independence.