Paris Olympics 2024: Residents question their value
Is the affection of Paris residents for their own Olympic Games waning?
It might appear unavoidable to reach that conclusion following a string of negative reports in the past few weeks.
Unexpectedly, the city's Mayor Anne Hidalgo declared that the transportation for the upcoming summer Games will not be prepared on schedule.
It was then revealed that contrary to the assurance given in the Paris proposal for the Games, that competition ticket-holders would have free access to buses and metros – the fares will in fact increase two-fold during the six-week period of the Olympics and Paralympics.
The chief of police disclosed that his safety strategy includes four distinct restricted areas around each Olympic site. This led to the leader of the hoteliers' union commenting that the plan was "so intricate, it gives me a headache just by glancing at it".
An Odoxa survey indicated that almost half of the Paris region's residents, known as Franciliens, now believe the Games to be detrimental. The negative perception, at 44%, has doubled since 2021.
The identical survey discovered that over half (52%) of the Parisians were contemplating vacating Paris for the length of the Games. "Attitudes towards the Games are hitting a critical point," Odoxa conveyed.
This doesn't even take into account the conflict with the 230 waterfront book vendors, also known as bouquinistes – who consider themselves protectors of Paris' history – as they oppose efforts to remove their stalls in preparation for the opening ceremony on July 26.
Undoubtedly, it is not challenging nowadays to encounter Parisians who are more than willing to criticize the Games and everything associated with them.
"Evelyne, aged 65, declares that she will cast her vote in the European elections on the morning of June 9 and then she will be away until September," she was found at the Place de la Concorde, a location known for hosting numerous events including break-dancing, or 'le breaking' as it's charmingly referred to in French.
"She insists that Paris will be intolerable. It will be extremely difficult to find parking, navigate the city, or accomplish anything. Madame Hidalgo has ruined Paris, and she wants nothing to do with the Games."
"When will the police chief just tell us Parisians to vacate the city?" questioned another resident on social media.
Naturally, during a typical year, a significant portion of Paris's residents abandon the city in July and August. They opt for their secondary residences in rural areas or along the shoreline. This is why tourists often find the city refreshingly devoid of crowds during these months.
The summer of 2024 is expected to bring about a massive exodus, largely due to the enticing offers available on Airbnb and similar services. The prices for rentals during the Games could be quadruple the standard rates, making it difficult to locate a Paris resident who isn't contemplating this lucrative opportunity.
There has consistently been a significant portion of French citizens who, from a left-wing perspective, have objected to the Games. They argue that they're an enormous misuse of funds and primarily benefit large multinational corporations.
Now, everyone who thinks they will also become a significant burden is included.
Do the event coordinators really need to be concerned? Likely no. Majority of the issues are either overly dramatized or can be fixed without much hassle. Besides, isn't it common for such large-scale events to be accompanied by immense anxiety leading up to it?
Regarding transportation, Mayor Hidalgo definitely stirred up concern among the Olympic community with her serious caution about inadequate readiness.
However, the situation matters completely. The city's leader is facing political challenges. Not only that, she is a known adversary of the sports minister as well as the conservative leader of the Ile-de-France region, who oversees the suburban railway system.
An anonymous Olympic insider informed Le Parisien newspaper this week: "Anne Hidalgo has always desired to claim these Games as her own. However, it's not within her jurisdiction, and she lacks the necessary funds. Therefore, she constantly resorts to making snide remarks."
Indeed, there are concerns about the timely completion of the extensions to RER E and Metro line 14, both integral components of the 20-year Greater Paris project. However, even if they aren't finished on schedule, it won't spell disaster.
The Ile-de-France transport authority maintains that, as assured, this will be the first instance in the Games' history where attendees can access all events via public transportation.
The debate over the cost of transportation tickets isn't expected to deter Paris locals from the Games. This is primarily because Paris residents with monthly or annual passes won't see any changes. The financial burden of additional Olympic buses and trains will mainly fall on tourists, and their concern is not a major focus.
The numerous police boundaries and the complex administrative processes for exceptions are undeniably intricate (and very characteristic of the French!) and individuals will need to understand them. However, they were able to comprehend the yellow-vest demonstrations and the Covid limitations, so it's difficult to think they won't be able to do so this time.
The claim of the bouquinistes, that the true intention of the authorities is to eliminate them, is just not credible. These scholarly antiquarians may be loved by the public, but they won't halt the first-ever river-based opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Undeniably, it is challenging to dispute the perspective of experienced French sportsman and IOC member, Guy Drut, who asserts, "Trust me, the closer we approach the actual Games, the more these disagreements will arise."
Anticipate increased grumbling from the people of Paris in the upcoming months. Followed by, an exceptional Games.
Further information provided by Matthias Colboc.
Associated Subjects
Further details on this narrative
Paris in uproar as bedbug infestations skyrocket
After a century, Paris is reintroducing swimming in the Seine.
Law enforcement officials search the office of those organizing the 202
Headlines
Israeli troops advancing into southern Gaza
A man from Germany was fatally attacked in Paris with a knife and
Footage 'depicts armed law enforcement advancing towards Paris suspect' Video
Characteristics
Is there a possibility for X to face bankruptcy under Elon Musk
The nation where Kissinger left behind a trail of destruction and pandemonium
A harmonizing Irish-English voice amid times of explosives and gunfire.
Chance for bankruptcy following the student loan dilemma
Antagonists from Bond movies under scrutiny
Prominent feminist figure Gloria Steinem discusses the 'deadly' compulsion to regulate female reproductive organs.
How researchers are combating diseases intensified by climate change
White viewers are overly content with stereotypical portrayals of black individuals.
Oreo doughnuts to mini pizzas: Indian street cuisine becomes fashionable
In another section of the BBC, it discusses why US voyagers are avoiding low-cost carriers.
Berlin's impressive indoor community swimming pools
The notorious female rulers of 1910s New York
Top Viewed
Services Provided by BBC News
© 2023 BBC. The BBC does not bear any liability for the material found on outside websites. Learn about our policy on linking to third-party sites.
