The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is facing significant turmoil, and the latest twist involves a proposed “poop protest” by Parisians. This unusual form of protest stems from anger over plans to have triathletes and marathon swimmers compete in the historically polluted Seine River. Tensions escalated when Mayor Anne Hidalgo offered to swim in the river, prompting a website with a poop emoji mascot to coordinate a mass defecation protest along the riverbanks.
While it’s uncertain if these pledges will be fulfilled, the Paris 2024 organizing committee has numerous other issues to address. With the opening ceremony just two weeks away, concerns include budget overruns, worrisome poll numbers, a government investigation, and political upheaval both domestically and internationally.
Despite these challenges, Paris promises to offer a stunning backdrop for the Games, featuring beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower and equestrian events at Versailles. These will be the first post-pandemic Games, expected to draw large crowds and create a vibrant atmosphere.
French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the inevitable “inconveniences” that accompany hosting the Olympics. History shows that while some cities like Los Angeles in 1984 successfully navigated these challenges, others, such as Montreal and Athens, accrued massive debt.
The main concern for Paris is funding. The budget has ballooned to a reported $10 billion, prompting scrutiny and an investigation into construction contracts and the high salary of president Tony Estanguet. The French Court of Auditors warned last summer of “uncertainties” in the budget, suggesting that the Games might require an additional $3.2 billion in government funds. Polls show that 44% of Paris residents now view hosting the Olympics as a “bad thing.”
Unions representing public-sector employees, including police and air traffic controllers, are demanding bonuses for working during the Games, which coincide with France’s traditional summer holiday. Threatened strikes could severely impact the city. Activists have also raised concerns about the displacement of homeless people and restrictions on Islamic dress for visiting athletes and spectators.
Amid these domestic challenges, international tensions also loom large. The Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts have spurred street protests and debates over athlete participation.
Despite these issues, the organizing committee remains hopeful. Michael Payne, a former International Olympic Committee executive, noted that controversies often surround the Olympics in the lead-up but tend to fade once the competitions begin. The opening ceremony on July 26 will feature officials and athletes cruising down the Seine, and Hidalgo plans to swim in the river, citing recent acceptable bacteria level tests.
As the Games commence, the focus typically shifts to the athletes and their performances, with public opinion often turning more favorable. Payne summed it up: “The organizers and the IOC are praying for the sports to start. Once they start, that becomes the story.”
