On the eve of France's first game at the European Championship, star striker Kylian Mbappé called on French citizens to exercise their right to vote and cautioned against the rise of extremist ideologies in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Mbappé, who leads the French national team, emphasized the importance of young people participating in the electoral process, highlighting the potential impact of their votes.
Without directly naming any specific politicians or parties, Mbappé expressed concern about the current political climate in France, characterizing it as a critical juncture in the country's history. He underscored the significance of the younger generation in shaping the future and urged them to be proactive in safeguarding democratic values.
Addressing the media ahead of France's Euro 2024 opener against Austria, Mbappé stressed that the political situation in France transcended the football match scheduled for the following day. He dismissed the notion that discussing politics would detract from the team's performance on the field, emphasizing that both issues could coexist without interference.
The French soccer federation issued a statement urging restraint in questioning players about domestic politics while they were in Germany for the tournament. The federation affirmed its commitment to freedom of expression and civic engagement, encouraging voter turnout as a fundamental democratic principle.
France's President Emmanuel Macron has called for national assembly elections on June 30 and July 7 in response to the recent success of far-right parties in European parliamentary elections. The French team's president, Philippe Diallo, who also serves on UEFA's executive committee, emphasized the importance of avoiding political manipulation of the national team.
As France prepares to compete in the European Championship, Mbappé's advocacy for civic participation serves as a reminder of the broader societal issues at stake beyond the realm of sports. The convergence of sports and politics underscores the interconnectedness of public discourse and national identity, highlighting the role of athletes as influential voices in shaping public opinion.
For more information on Euro 2024, visit AP Euro 2024.
