French football star Kylian Mbapp? repeatedly urged voters to make wise decisions ahead of the second round of the early general election.
On the 4th (local time), Mbapp? said at a press conference held a day before the Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against Portugal, "I saw disastrous results" regarding the first round of voting, and added, "We must go to vote more than ever."
Mbapp? stated, "This is a truly urgent situation. We cannot entrust the country to these people," and "I hope everyone will unite and vote on the right side."
Although he did not directly mention any specific political party during the press conference, he hinted at one with humor during the subsequent Q&A session.
When a reporter about to ask the next question was not immediately located by Mbapp?, the reporter said, "I'm on your left. The far left," and after spotting the reporter, Mbapp? laughed and said, "Good thing you're not on the opposite side." This caused laughter among the press. This appeared to be aimed at far-right politician Marine Le Pen of the RN party.
On the 16th of last month, he also raised his voice, saying, "I clearly see extremism at the door of power," and "Young people who will choose the country's future must vote."
Mbapp? was born into an immigrant family with a father from Cameroon and a mother of Algerian descent.
Marine Le Pen, who seems to be the target of Mbapp?'s remarks, criticized in an interview with CNN reported on the 5th, "Mbapp? is a very excellent player, but millionaires like football players or singers telling French people how to vote are no longer welcomed in our country."
She added, "The French are tired of being lectured or instructed about voting," and "The French want to vote for what they believe is right."
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