Teddy Riner, the 37-year-old judoka who announced his candidacy for the French presidential election, undertook his first campaign stop on Friday at a hospital in Saint-Denis. Dressed in a white shirt and blue blazer, Riner stated he arrived to listen and learn much, emphasizing that the time for policy responses would come after understanding on-the-ground realities. He began his visit in the pediatric emergency department, discussing reception capacities with healthcare workers. Riner acknowledged his status as a political novice, saying he was there to observe and develop ideas with his experts. He posted on X about the urgent need to address long waiting times and stressed hospitals, stressing that it is urgent to replace health at the heart of national priorities. Although his campaign team initially told the press his first public appearance would be on Saturday at the Made in France Fair in Versailles, the hospital visit became public, sparking mixed reactions among staff. Quoted saying 'J’avais besoin d’entendre ce que les soignants avaient besoin de faire passer comme message pour pouvoir après, moi et mes équipes, continuer à bosser le programme' and 'La santé, l’accès à la santé, c’est la première des choses dont les Français parlent.'
