Just three weeks before the Olympics, anxiety in Paris mingled with concern about France’s political future, according to AP News.
The results of the national-oriented National Rally in the first round of snap elections marred the atmosphere for many in Paris. While the outcome is unclear, the second round of legislative elections on 7 July could mark a significant shift in the country’s political environment. The left fears that Marine Le Pen could potentially rise to power.
In Paris, where the National Rally won only 10 per cent of the vote in Sunday’s first round (compared with 33 per cent across the country), the prospect of France getting its first far-right government since World War II diverted attention away from the Olympics. Marius Rumillat, a 28-year-old screenwriter, stated that the Games had become a minor issue for him.
I’m tensed, stressed, and anxious to see how things will turn out. Even after the elections, I’m not sure my interest will grow back.
The Paris Olympics will open on 26 July with a historic four-hour opening ceremony with a boat parade on the Seine River. Organisers insist that everything would be ready on time and that the elections would not interfere with preparations, chief organiser Tony Estanguet assured.
“France is experiencing a major democratic moment. We have to stay in our places so that each and every French citizen can enjoy the games they’re looking forward to.”
While Parisians worry about the election, many foreign visitors seem unaware or unconcerned about political developments in the country. Young Mook Park, a 44-year-old tourist from South Korea, said:
I think that most people care about the Olympics, not politics.
President Emmanuel Macron called early elections after losing to the National Rally in last month’s European Parliament elections. He had bet that the national-oriented parties would not repeat their success in the internal elections.
However, his plan appears to have failed, with his party now desperate to prevent Le Pen’s party from gaining an absolute majority in the second round.
