In a powerful open letter published in L'Équipe newspaper, over 200 French athletes and sporting personalities have urged voters to reject the far-right parties in the upcoming snap parliamentary election called by President Emmanuel Macron. Signatories of the letter described voting against the far right as not only a civic duty but also an act of love for their country.

As the official election campaign kicked off with just two weeks remaining before the first round of voting, the appeal called for a more inclusive and democratic society. The letter accused right-wing politicians of exploiting differences and diversity, as well as manipulating fears to divide the nation.

The signatories, including well-known figures such as former tennis player Yannick Noah, former rugby player Serge Betsen, Olympic gold medallist sprinter Marie-José Perec, and Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, expressed their concern about the extreme right coming to power. They emphasized the importance of not wanting their children to live in a society characterized by fear, suspicion, and violence, such as those under authoritarian regimes governed by the far right.

The athletes called on everyone with a passion for sports to take action against the rise of the far right by casting their votes on June 30 and July 7. They emphasized that voting would not only be a civic duty but also an act of love for their country, their loved ones, and all those more vulnerable to discrimination if the far right were to gain power.

This call to action from respected athletes was joined by France's football captain, Kylian Mbappé, and his teammate Marcus Thuram, who also urged voters to reject Marine Le Pen's National Rally and Eric Zemmour's Reconquest party. Mbappé shared his concern about the extremes of both the far right and far left, urging voters to make a difference by choosing the future of their country.

While left-wing parties welcomed the public alerts from the football stars, they were met with dismissive responses from right-wing politicians. Sébastien Chenu, an MP for the National Rally, criticized the athletes for being out of touch with reality, while Julien Odoul, a spokesperson for the party, expressed his frustration with what he called "privileged preachers."

The French football federation, responding to the political statements made by the players, called for the national team's neutrality to be respected and emphasized that players were free to express their own views.

President Macron's decision to dissolve parliament following the National Rally's victory in the European elections has plunged France into political turmoil. Polls indicate that the National Rally is expected to win the two-round vote but fall short of an absolute majority, possibly necessitating the formation of a coalition government.

Former Europe minister Clément Beaune praised the involvement of sports stars in the political discourse, describing it as brave and necessary at such a serious moment in the country's history. With the election drawing closer, the influence of these athletes and their call for a more inclusive society could potentially sway voters' decisions.