TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from France: TF1 INFO, Le Monde.
UK coverage: POLITICO Europe.

French football player Kylian Mbappé has expressed his concerns about the rise of the far-right in France ahead of the legislative elections. Mbappé called on people to vote against extremists who want to divide the country. Other players from the French national squad, including Jules Koundé and Ibrahima Konaté, have also spoken out against the far-right, highlighting their worries about discrimination and division.

In a press conference held on the eve of the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Portugal, Mbappé emphasized the urgency of voting, stating, ‘Now more than ever, we must go out and vote. There is a real sense of urgency. We cannot entrust the country to these people, it is truly urgent. We have seen the results, it’s catastrophic.’ Although Mbappé did not explicitly mention the National Rally party, his remarks were seen as a call to vote against them.

Mbappé’s concerns were echoed by other members of the French team. Jules Koundé, in particular, clearly positioned himself against the National Rally, stating, ‘It will be important to block the far right and the National Rally. It is not a party that will lead our country towards more freedom and living together.’ Koundé expressed disappointment with the support the party received in the first round of elections and emphasized the need to reach out to those who did not vote.

The French Football Federation has asked politicians not to use the French team’s image for their own purposes, but its president, Philippe Diallo, expressed his support for the players’ comments. Diallo assured that the players have the freedom of expression while reminding them of the duty of neutrality of the national team.

In contrast, England’s John Stones stated that their team’s camp remained a ‘politics-free zone’ despite the UK’s general election.

The legislative elections in France have garnered significant attention, with the rise of the far-right party causing concern among many, including prominent figures like Kylian Mbappé. As the second round of elections approaches, the call to vote against extremists who seek to divide the country has become even more urgent. The French football players’ statements highlight their worries about discrimination and their commitment to promoting unity and inclusivity. While the French Football Federation has urged politicians not to exploit the team’s image, its president has shown support for the players’ stance. This development underscores the intersection of sports and politics, as athletes use their platform to advocate for social issues and engage in the democratic process. As the world watches, the outcome of the legislative elections will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of France and its social fabric.