Mbappe says ‘urgent’ need to vote after ‘catastrophic’ French results

France captain Kylian Mbappe emphasized the urgency of voting in the second round of the country’s legislative elections after the far-right National Rally emerged as the leading party in the first round last weekend.

Speaking at a press conference in Hamburg before France’s Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Portugal, Mbappe stated, “I think more than ever we need to go out and vote. We can’t leave our country in the hands of these people. It is really urgent. We have seen the results, they are catastrophic. I hope it changes and that everyone goes out and votes, and votes for the right people.”

The second round of voting is scheduled for Sunday, with the National Rally (RN) aiming to secure a majority of the 577 seats in France’s National Assembly. If successful, their 28-year-old leader Jordan Bardella could become the country’s prime minister. However, recent polls suggest that the RN might not achieve a total victory as centrist and left-wing groups form local alliances to prevent the far-right from gaining power.

Mbappe, 25, has been vocal against the far-right within the France team at the Euros. “This is a crucial moment in the history of our country, an unprecedented situation,” he remarked just before France’s opening match at the tournament last month. He added that he opposes extremes and divisive ideas.