Soccer star Kylian Mbappé has voiced strong concerns over the political situation in France, calling the recent first round of legislative elections 'catastrophic.' The anti-immigration National Rally (RN) party led the first round with 33.15% of the votes, prompting Mbappé to urge the French public to vote in the second round to prevent the far-right from gaining power.
Mbappé, who is currently captaining the French national football team in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, emphasized the urgency of voting, stating, 'There is an emergency, we cannot leave our country in the hands of these people.' His comments come in the wake of President Emmanuel Macron's call for early parliamentary elections, which has plunged France into political uncertainty.
The French football team's captain is not alone in his sentiments. Teammates Jules Kounde and Marcus Thuram have also publicly opposed the RN, urging voters to block the far-right party. Kounde expressed disappointment in the direction France is heading, emphasizing that the RN goes against the country's values.
Adding to the political discourse, Ethan Mbappé, Kylian's younger brother, has recently signed with LOSC after ending his trainee contract with PSG. While Ethan's move is focused on his football career, Kylian's statements highlight the intersection of sports and politics in France.
The second round of elections, which will take place this Sunday, is critical as the RN could become the first far-right party to enter the French government since World War II. Polls and surveys suggest that while the RN may not win an absolute majority, their significant presence could still lead to political turmoil in France.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and other political leaders have called for a united effort to prevent the RN from gaining more power, warning of the potential consequences for the country's future. Marine Le Pen, leader of the RN, has dismissed these concerns, urging her supporters to vote for 'long-awaited change.'
The upcoming elections have not only stirred political debate but have also seen French footballers like Mbappé and his teammates using their platforms to influence public opinion. As the country approaches the second round of voting, the urgency and stakes are higher than ever.
- Ethan Mbappé, who recently signed with LOSC, expressed his excitement about joining the club and continuing his development in France. 'For me, at my age, staying in France was the best option to progress. I think LOSC was the best project. It's a club that is one of the best in France. It’s a real pride to be able to play here,' he said.
- The political climate in France has become increasingly tense, with a high voter turnout of 60% in the first round. The 'National Union' needs to win 289 seats to gain an absolute majority, but current polls suggest they will fall short, leading to potential political instability.
- Marine Le Pen has criticized the efforts of center and left parties to block the RN, calling it a 'coalition of disrespect.' She remains optimistic about her party's chances, urging voters to participate in the second round to bring about change.
- The elections are being closely monitored, with around 30,000 police officers expected to ensure security. Preliminary results will be announced on Sunday evening, and the outcome could significantly impact France's political landscape.
