Nearly 200 French athletes sign a manifesto against the far right

Nearly 200 French athletes, including long-term athletes Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Retired in 2022, became world number 5 and won 18 ATP titles) and Marion Bartoliwinner of eleven WTA titles, Julien Benneteaubronze at the London 2012 Games, and Yannick Noathe last French male champion of a Grand Slam (Roland Garros 1983), have signed a manifesto against the extreme right.

The former Milan footballer has also signed the manifesto, Vikash Dhorasoointernationally with France at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and second in the Champions League with the club Rossonero in 2005, alongside the former PSG footballer, Candice Prevost. In athletics the names of Benjamin CompaoréEuropean triple jump champion and Olympic champion Florence Masnada. Finally, the fencer and Olympic medalist, Ysaora Thibus.

For his part, Kylian Mbappeone of the great stars of world football, warned this Sunday that “the extremes are at the door of our power. I call on everyone to vote, to become aware of the situation.”

“There is no need to hide. They say you should not mix politics and sport. The country is in an important situation and I am against division,” the future Real Madrid player added.

“I want to be proud to defend a country that represents my values. This is more important than tomorrow’s match,” said the great figure of the French team about today’s match against Austria, in which both teams make their debut at this EK. from Germany.

Thierry Henry, the French under-21 coach, also took part in these demonstrations on Monday. “I share everything that has been said on this matter and you know it well,” the former star of clubs such as Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona said at a press conference about the French Olympic team for the Paris 2024 Games.

‘I can quote Marcus (Thuram), Ousmane (Dembelé)Kylian (Mbappe), the coach (Didier Deschamps). What can stop the extremes is voting. Therefore, go and vote,” he added. Henry emphasized that he is “against anything that divides and for anything that can unite.”

These calls are not liked inside National Group (RN)from where, above all, they have asked Mbappé for “a little restraint” and not to give “political lessons” that they believe is not his responsibility to deliver.

The Vice President of the National Group, Sebastien Chenu, stated that “if you have the honor of wearing the shirt of the French team, you have to show a little restraint.” Chenu stated in an interview on France Inter that “many” supporters of his party follow the national team and “like Mbappé”. “They don’t expect political lessons from him. He has the right to have an opinion, but I don’t think people who I consider disconnected come to give lessons to the French,” he said.

For his part, the National Group spokesperson said: Laurent Jacobelli, has reinterpreted Mbappé’s words and even made sure he is ‘right’. “I don’t think I, nor our party, is meant by the extreme term,” he argued in an interview on Franceinfo.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister, Gabriel Attalwho aspires to re-election in the parliamentary elections of June 30 and July 7, believes that Mbappé is “in his role” and has justified the capacity of these types of figures when it comes to being a “model” for young people .

In Spain the PSOE has praised the French star for his statements. “Any action that makes the population aware of the importance of stopping the far right is good, it is positive and in the case of Mbappé I think it could be his best goal,” he said at a press conference on Monday.

The PSOE spokesperson stated: “I wish there were more voices like him” and also welcomed the formation of the left-wing coalition in France, in which the Socialists participate.