The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, celebrated as a major global event, are about to open their doors amid substantial criticism and challenges. With only a few days to go before the long-awaited opening ceremony, several major issues continue to surface, highlighting significant shortcomings in the planning and execution of the necessary infrastructure.
Urban resistance
Urban redevelopment for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has generated strong opposition from residents and community groups. Plans to transform the banks of the Seine into party zones have fueled debates about the impact on traffic, public safety and quality of life. The initial decision to temporarily relocate 428 bouquinistes boxes for safety reasons was hotly contested by the Association culturelle des bouquinistes, which threatened legal action. After negotiations, the Élysée announced in February that the bouquinistes would not be moved during the Games, a decision hailed as a “victory” by the association. The case also raises questions about the preservation of the cultural heritage of 19th-century book stalls, symbols of Paris's literary identity.
Delays and infrastructure problems
Delays in the construction of essential infrastructure are jeopardizing Paris' preparations for the Olympic Games. The Olympic swimming pool, in particular, has suffered watertightness defects requiring prolonged repairs, casting doubt on its availability for competitions. In addition, projects to upgrade metro lines and road facilities are also significantly behind schedule, hampering the progress needed to ensure adequate accessibility during the Games.
Additional budget costs
Ongoing budget overruns have increased financial pressures and raised concerns about the management of the Games' finances. The costs of temporary facilities such as spectator zones, catering areas and media centers increased due to design changes and heightened safety standards, resulting in significant additional expenditure. The reallocation of funds to meet emergency backlogs exacerbated the financial challenges, requiring frequent budget adjustments and increased support from public and private partners.
Housing crisis and social cleansing
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games exacerbated the housing crisis in the capital, triggering a wave of evictions and lease non-renewals among residents. These measures were aimed at freeing up housing for athletes and visitors, leading to a dramatic rise in the cost of temporary accommodation. Many Parisians were forced to leave the city temporarily due to high rents and the scarcity of affordable housing. Criticism was fierce, particularly after the alarming report by the “Le Revers de la Médaille” collective, which reported a significant increase in evictions, mainly affecting migrants and including a worrying number of minors. This policy of “social cleansing” has provoked growing indignation among associations, raising major concerns about fundamental rights and the lack of lasting solutions for displaced people.
High transport costs
During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the price of public transport tickets has doubled to 4 euros, making access difficult for residents. This increase is intended to cover increased provision for visitors, contrary to initial promises of free travel for ticket holders, athletes and media, abandoned due to lack of funding. Although Navigo pass subscribers are exempt, this decision has a negative impact on Parisians and contradicts commitments to accessible transport for the Games.
Persistent problems with the Seine
Despite efforts to improve the water quality of the Seine, the river still faces persistent pollution, posing risks to athletes and tainting the ecological image of the Games. Yet on July 17, 2024, Anne Hidalgo and Tony Estanguet swam in the river in front of the media to show progress, citing a Surfrider study that indicates a reduction in levels of bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci thanks in part to a new retention basin near the Austerlitz station. Despite this improvement, chemical pollution remains a challenge, requiring ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water quality and avoid any perception of surface communication maneuvers.
A major safety challenge
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games approach, security becomes a crucial priority despite persistent challenges. With nearly 8,000 private security guards missing in April, France must guarantee effective surveillance of Olympic venues in the face of terrorism threats and the risk of civil unrest. It will mobilize 35,000 police, gendarmes and military personnel, reinforced by international forces from over 80 countries, integrated into the French security system. Although these foreign forces have no judicial powers, they will actively support efforts to ensure the safety of participants and the success of this global event.
Negative impact of international reviews
In addition to local challenges, Paris 2024 is suffering from severe international criticism, tarnishing the overall image of the event and the host city. Construction delays, budget overruns and controversies have attracted negative international media attention, eroding Paris' reputation as a top tourist destination and calling into question the city's ability to stage a smooth Olympic Games.
Controversy and speculation over the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony drew fierce criticism over the possible choice of Aya Nakamura as the main artist. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the participation of Céline Dion, Yseult, and Dua Lipa, although only Marc Cerrone's presence has been confirmed. However, popular artists such as Daft Punk, M Pokora and David Guetta will not be taking part, disappointing many fans.
Hyper-polluting flying cabs
The “Volocity” flying cab project to link various strategic points in Paris has met with firm opposition from Paris City Hall and the Environmental Authority. These machines raise concerns about noise pollution and environmental impact, described as “a totally useless and hyper-polluting gadget”.
Not-so-green sponsors
Sponsors of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are coming under heavy criticism for environmental practices that run counter to the Paris Agreement. Carbon Market Watch and Éclaircies point to six major sponsors, including ArcelorMittal, AccorHotels, Air France, Danone, Saint-Gobain and Vinci, for their inadequate climate trajectories. The BPCE group is criticized for its support of oil and gas expansion, while Coca-Cola is accused of “greenwashing”. Despite announced efforts to reduce the use of plastic, a confidential document reveals that although fountains and eco-cups will be made available, three-quarters of the drinks distributed during the Games will still come from plastic bottles.
Despite the tensions between the Games' ecological ambitions and logistical challenges, Paris appears ready for the 2024 Olympic Games, actively preparing to manage costs, resolve infrastructure delays and address local and international concerns. Hope persists that these Games will be a success, celebrating sportsmanship and international conviviality through essential collaboration between local authorities, organizers and the population.