Teddy Riner’s First Presidential Campaign Visit Ends Without Answering Journalists’ Questions

Teddy Riner’s first official campaign visit as a presidential candidate has attracted considerable media attention, but offered little insight into his political ambitions. The French judo champion visited Delafontaine Hospital in Saint-Denis on Friday, 13 November, where journalists gathered in large numbers hoping to question him about his 2027 presidential bid.

The visit followed his announcement of a presidential candidacy, which has generated widespread reactions across France’s political landscape. Arriving at approximately 11am, Riner spent several hours at the hospital before addressing the media outside the building.

However, despite the considerable wait and the number of reporters present, the sporting star declined to take questions about his candidacy or the policies he intends to pursue.

Instead, he thanked hospital staff for welcoming him and spoke briefly about the importance of healthcare.

“You can’t get up in the morning if you’re not in good health,” he said, referring to concerns about shortages of resources and healthcare professionals that “we hear” about “everywhere”.

“I needed to hear what message they [at the hospital] had to convey” so that I could “continue working on the programme,” the judoka explained.

Teddy Riner Avoids Questions About His 2027 Presidential Campaign

After praising the hospital workers, Riner said he had “tipped his hat” to the teams with whom he had “had a pleasant time”. He also apologised to journalists “for the wait” before quickly getting into his car and leaving.

His departure came before reporters could properly question him about his political ambitions. One journalist attempted to ask about people who might “have difficulty seeing him as a candidate” and those questioning his “credibility”, but received no response.

The issue is particularly relevant to Riner's presidential ambitions. Although he is among France's most recognisable and popular public figures, converting his sporting reputation into political support will require more than public recognition. Concrete policy proposals will also be important as the campaign develops.

Teddy Riner’s Political Position Draws Comparisons With Emmanuel Macron

When announcing his candidacy on Monday, Riner described himself as “neither right nor left”. He also said he refused to accept a political choice limited to “choosing between two possibilities, those of the extremes”.

However, his interview with Le Parisien, published alongside the launch of his campaign, presented positions that have been viewed as closer to the centre-right.

His political positioning has attracted criticism and mockery from figures on the left, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Comparisons have also been drawn between Riner and French President Emmanuel Macron.

His first campaign appearance in Saint-Denis did little to clarify where he intends to position himself politically or how he plans to address questions about his suitability for the presidency.

Teddy Riner’s Hospital Visit Receives Mixed Reactions

Despite the brief media appearance, Riner appeared to make a strong impression on some people he encountered during the hospital visit.

According to journalist Paul Larrouturou, who was present, the judoka did not give reporters an opportunity to ask their questions but did take “hundreds of selfies” during the visit.

Several people at the hospital described his appearance as “heartwarming” and “pleasing” when speaking to the media.

Others, however, declined to engage with journalists and criticised what they considered a “PR stunt”. Some questioned the practical value of the visit, arguing that the candidate would not help them “any more than anyone else”.

Whether Riner can turn his popularity into meaningful political support remains to be seen. His first campaign outing has already demonstrated the media attention surrounding his candidacy, but questions about his programme, political positioning and presidential credibility remain unanswered.