The French footballer Kylian Mbappé referred this Sunday to the French legislative elections scheduled for the end of the month and called on youth to participate in the process. He has also positioned himself against the “extremes.”
“I do not want to represent a country that does not correspond to our values,” Mbappé declared at a press conference from Germany, where the European Football Championship is being held. The French star has also spoken out “against extremes, against ideas that divide.”
“I hope to be proud to wear this shirt on July 7,” he added in reference to the scheduled date of the second round of the legislative elections. The first round will be held on June 30 and polls point to a possible victory for the far-right National Regrouping.
“I believe that we are at a crucial moment in the history of our country. That is why I want to address all the French people and especially the younger generation. I believe that we are a generation that can make a difference,” he argued.
For Mbappé “the extremes are at the doors of power and we have the opportunity to choose the future of our country.” “That is why I ask all young people to participate, vote and become aware of the importance of the situation,” he stated.
“I hope my voice reaches as many people as possible. We need to identify with this country, identify with our values, which are the values of tolerance, diversity, respect. I trust the French. Every option counts. I hope we make the decision correct and that we are proud to wear this shirt on July 7,” he said.
The French Football Federation published a statement this Saturday in which it appealed for the team’s neutrality, but both Mbappé and his teammate Marcus Thuram have fully positioned themselves in the political debate. Thuram asked on Saturday to “fight so that the National Regrouping does not go” to the second round.
“I share the same values as Marcus. I am with him. For me he has not gone too far. He has given his opinion and I am with him,” Mbappé stressed.