The French political class reacted with displays of support and indifference to the call by the captain of the country’s football team, Kylian Mbappé, to vote against “extremism” in the legislative elections.
“We are at a crucial moment in the country’s history. We are in an unprecedented situation. (…) I appeal to young people to vote. We see that extremism is at the gates of power,” said the French star on Sunday.
From Germany, where the team is competing in the European Championship, the striker defended his teammate Marcus Thuram, who on Saturday had asked for a vote against the far right in the legislative elections.
“Kylian spoke yesterday in an absolutely exemplary way, with his words. He wanted to address the youth at a completely unprecedented and decisive moment for the future”, said the Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra.
Polls estimate a victory for the far-right National Regrouping party (RN) in the legislative elections anticipated by centrist President Emmanuel Macron for June 30th and July 7th.
The main leaders of the RN, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, did not react to Mbappé’s statement, which provoked criticism from other members of the party.
Disconnected from reality
“I don’t expect people disconnected from reality to teach the French lessons,” said the vice-president of RN, Sébastien Chenu, who asked Mbappé for “moderation” on France Inter radio.
Another ultra-right leader, Laurent Jacobelli, declared that he and his party did not feel “concerned” by the word ‘extreme'” and instead accused Macron’s alliance and the left-wing opposition of “dividing” the French.
The party A França Insubmissa (LFI, radical left), which competes alongside other left-wing forces in the New Popular Front and which Macron also considers “extreme” like the RN, does not consider itself part of the player’s criticism.
“I don’t want to put words in his mouth,” Manuel Bompard, leader of the LFI, told Franceinfo, ensuring that he did not feel “in any way” approached by the athlete’s words and accusing Macron of division.
The newly signed Real Madrid striker was supported by former French player Thierry Henry.
The current coach of the French Olympic team agreed that “there is something important, which is to create a barrier to extremes going to vote.” “So vote!” insisted the Arsenal legend and former Barcelona player.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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