'We can't give power to those who want to divide people' - Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate makes emotional plea for France to vote against far-right in upcoming election

Speaking ahead of France’s last-16 game against Belgium in the European Championship, Konate expressed his deep concern over the rise of far-right politics in France. He emphasized the importance of unity and diversity, urging citizens to vote against divisive ideologies.

French people will lock their votes on June 30 and July 7 after President Emmanuel Macron called for snap elections. The President was forced his hand to schedule elections as the far-right achieved notable success in the European Parliament elections. The stakes are high, as this parliamentary election could see the country’s far-right nationalists gain significant power, even though Macron’s presidential position is not up for grabs.

“Of course what is happening in France worries me,” said Konate to the media.

"We can’t leave power in the hands of people who want to divide people. Diversity is France’s strength. I come from an immigrant family. Prejudice and stereotypes have to stop, we all have to be together in all circumstances. I’m saddened by the ban on wearing the veil in the public space. You never hear from the people affected by these issues…You have to look beyond appearances, beyond skin colour, you have to go and meet the other person. You can’t make a jigsaw puzzle with just the same pieces, you need diversity, and different pieces to build something solid.

"There’s always a minority who will harm the majority. My parents have (had) jobs as cleaning ladies, and binmen, with impossible working hours, and when I see that we don’t highlight these kinds of people who have given their health for France, it saddens me. I encourage everyone to go and vote, I know it’s a personal choice, I don’t tell people what to vote for, but we have to be together in all circumstances. Life is short, it’s beautiful and we have to enjoy it and be together and not be divisive.”

Konate is not alone in his campaign for a more inclusive France as France captain Kylian Mbappe has echoed the defender's thoughts.

“I don’t want to represent a country that doesn’t correspond to my values or our values," he said.

Konate continues to focus on his performance in the European Championship as Les Bleus are set to face Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday.