Games organisers will hope for peaceful reaction to French election: ex-IOC executive

PARIS – The key risk to the Paris Games from the political uncertainty gripping France is public disturbances that could impact the already stretched security services, a former International Olympic Committee executive said on July 1.

The far-right National Rally (RN) party of Marine Le Pen won a resounding victory in the first round of snap legislative elections on June 30, with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists trailing in third behind a left-wing coalition.

A second round of voting takes place on July 7, just 19 days before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

A hung parliament could lead to months of political paralysis and chaos – just as Paris is hosting the July 26-Aug 11 Games.

Paris 2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet said on July 2 he was focused on preparations, rather than the political turmoil.

He said: “We are now in the final phase... I want us to respect this major democratic moment and we need to stay in our place so that French people can enjoy these Games which they can’t wait to see.”

Paris’ Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, in response to RN’s successes, added: “The party will not be spoilt. The festival will be a beautiful one. I say to visitors from all over the world – come over! Because Paris is the city which still stands up for freedom and is a city of resistance.”

Meanwhile, Michael Payne, former head of marketing at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said the level of support politically and around France during the ongoing torch relay suggested “the Olympics themselves are not going to be caught in any political crossfire”.

However, on the streets it may be a different matter if a section of the electorate take the results badly.

“The key risk is whether the election results lead to any form of public disturbance. That might impact the security and the already stretched services,” Payne said.

Payne said security services would already be focusing on the potential for trouble due to two crises happening outside France which have stirred emotions across the world.

He said: “The geopolitical lead-up to these Olympics, from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Palestine situation, makes for the most complex and sensitive international situation for more than three decades.”

Payne’s fellow former IOC marketing executive Terrence Burns agreed but said he had confidence in the security services.

“I would politely note that the French authorities have a great deal of experience in dealing with civic disruption,” he said.

“Internal political unrest does indeed add another wrinkle to the Games security planning, but I highly doubt it is something that no-one there has considered and planned for.”

As for the likely change in government, both agree it should not have an effect on the Olympics except for different faces occupying the ministerial positions.

Payne, who in nearly two decades at the IOC was credited with overhauling its brand and finances through sponsorship, said apart from the glad handing at the opening ceremony the Games were out of the politicians’ hands.

“All of the major decisions involving politicians – capital construction, venue location, environmental planning – had already been taken long ago,” said the 66-year-old Irishman.

“Final delivery is left to the organising committee and civil servants, not the politicians.”

Payne says, though, the IOC would want everyone involved to keep their eye on the ball as “national elections do have a habit of distracting people”.

“There is a need for leadership to be focused and able to take quick, fast decisions, as the situation arises.”

Burns, though, believes the Olympics – the greatest sporting global spectacle – will be a pleasant, albeit temporary distraction.

“The Games always bring a 17-day snowstorm of ‘Olympic pixie dust’ to the host city,” said Burns, who after leaving the IOC played a key role in five successful Olympic bid city campaigns.

“It’s quite remarkable and always a pleasant surprise, though it shouldn’t be.

“The host city or country knows the world has stopped by for a visit at a level and intensity that is different even for a global centre of tourism like Paris.”

Burns cites Sydney in 2000 and London in 2012 as examples “of entire nations suddenly stopping their complaining about the Games to become Olympic evangelists for the entire Games period.”

“Even taxi drivers, waiters, and journalists – the three key barometers of public discourse and attitudes towards any and everything – are not immune,” he said.

“So, yes, I believe the Games will remain a significant point of pride for the vast majority of the French nation and her people.” AFP, REUTERS