When he's not knocking down his rivals on the tatami, Teddy Riner fights for the causes that are dear to him. Recently, the native of Point-en-Pitre in Guadeloupe expressed his anger about the situation overseas. Residents protesting against the high cost of living in Martinique and the other islands.
As protests continue against the cost of living, the five-time French Olympic champion exploded at the microphone ofOverseas the 1st. He called on the local government to find solutions and put an end to the current situation.
Teddy Riner would like more recognition for the overseas departments
“I would like to understand why it is more expensive for us”Teddy Riner initially asks himself at the microphone of our colleagues as pointed out The Parisian. Before continuing and asking again: “I would like to understand why we are treated differently. Are we French or are we not French? There are islands nearby, they do the same things”.
The judoka takes the example of these “islands next door” who use various means “like the boat to bring the goods”. Despite everything, products sold after importation would not be 30% more expensive: “So, explain to us!” he loses his temper once again.
The judoka recognizes some progress
The 35-year-old athlete nevertheless recognizes that the meeting in Matignon between Michel Barnier and the president of the executive community of Martinique Serge Letchimy is “a first start”. But he is still waiting for other decisions and, above all, results.
“Now, we are going to follow. We are going to ensure that certain things change, and I think that we must remain united. For once, I would like us to show that we are united, that we are a united people. Often, too often, I have heard, we are not united. This is the time to show that we are united.he warns, determined.
Born in Pointe-en-Pitre in Guadeloupe, Teddy Riner admits that he does not live in the West Indies even if he remains Guadeloupean. However, he still has a “large part of [sa] family”and its “father lives there”. “I can’t tell myself that tomorrow I’m going to let go of my people, I’m going to let go of my origins, where I was born, where it all began, no, it’s impossible!”he assures, determined to move the situation forward through his status.
