Aurélien Tchouameni declared that he “hates extremism” while urging citizens to cast ballots in the parliamentary elections in his nation.
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 5: Aurélien Tchouaméni of France (R) celebrates his goal with Kylian Mbappé of France during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between France and Republic of Ireland at Parc des Princes on September 5, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
Following the triumph of Marine Le Pen’s right-wing National Rally in elections held throughout Europe, President Emmanuel Macron announced the calling of an early election earlier this month.
Since then, multiple French National Football Team players have opposed the idea of “extremist” right-wing principles for France’s administration. Notable names like Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Thuram, and Benjamin Pavard have urged the youth to stand up and vote in the upcoming elections.
Previously, Mbappe’s comments made the news. He openly shared his thoughts on the upcoming elections and urged his intentions of not representing France if Le Pen comes to power. “Extremes are on the brink of power,” the France captain cautioned in his pre-match press conference, adding: “I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t align with my values or our values.”
Tchoumeni: “I hate extremism”
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JUNE 21: Aurelien Tchouameni of France speaks to the media in the flash interview after the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Netherlands and France at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 21, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
French defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchoumeni had shared similar opinions with his teammates regarding France’s ongoing political turmoil. “In daily life, I hate extremism, I am more for a politics of unity. I think this is what best represents France,” said Tchoumeni at a Euro 2024 press conference.
He further added, “So as it has been said before, I do it again, I urge everyone to go out and vote and to be aware that each vote has an essential importance.”
Tchouameni did not play in France’s victory over Austria, but he did participate in the 0-0 tie with the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifier. On Tuesday, his team will play Poland in their last group match.
France are the favourites to win the UEFA Euro 2024, and regardless of the situation in their home country, players like Mbappe and Tchoumeni will look to win yet another major international tournament under Didier Deschamps’ guidance.
UEFA Euro 2024