Former Health Minister François Braun has joined the developing campaign team of five-time Olympic judo medalist Teddy Riner for the 2027 presidential election.
Teddy Riner announced his candidacy for the presidential election on Monday, November 9, becoming the 36th candidate in the race. While the announcement prompted an avalanche of comments on social media, few public figures have taken a position for him.
François Braun, who serves as a advisor to the general management of the CHR de Metz-Thionville and previously served as Minister of Health in the Borne government from July 4, 2022, to July 20, 2023, announced he wants to campaign for the judo champion to promote a figure from civil society with new ideas.
Explaining his decision by telephone, the former minister stated: Il prône le rassemblement et non pas la culture des oppositions, il est de la société civile, il est capable de porter des idées neuves
. Braun added: Il incarne la France que je voudrais voir gouverner et je pense qu’il peut séduire tout le monde tout en ayant le courage de ses idées
.
Following Riner’s campaign launch, questions have emerged regarding potential ties to the macronists, driven by the candidate’s statement that he is ni de droite ni de gauche
and reports that Philippe Veran, an early supporter of Emmanuel Macron, chairs the funding association for Riner’s campaign.
Dismissing the idea that the candidate could be influenced, Braun remarked: vous imaginez manipuler les fils d’une marionnette pareille !
He also noted: personnellement ça n’est pas parce que j’ai été ministre (sous Macron) que je me considère comme macroniste
.
Emmanuel Macron was among the first to react to the entry into the race, calling it une bonne chose
in an exclusive statement on #CàVous. Gabriel Attal welcomed Riner to the campaign, alongside Horizons candidate and former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
As Riner becomes the 36th candidate to enter the 2027 presidential election, additional candidates may follow. However, all prospective contenders must clear the threshold of 500 signatures to officially run.
