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Paris Olympic Games Under Threat as Macron Calls Snap Elections

The upcoming Paris Olympic Games are facing uncertainty as French President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap elections, casting a shadow over the event. The move has raised concerns about political unrest and the possibility of a far-right government taking charge of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Far-Right Party on the Rise

The far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party is projected to become the largest parliamentary party after the run-off vote on Sunday. If the party wins a majority, its 28-year-old party chief Jordan Bardella could become the prime minister when the Games open on July 26. This has raised concerns among athletes, officials, and security experts about the impact on the event.

Security Concerns

Security experts have warned of big policing challenges for the opening ceremony, which will see thousands of athletes sail down the River Seine watched by around 300,000 spectators along the quays. The pressure on security services will be further exacerbated if anti-RN protesters take to the streets.

Athletes’ Concerns

Dozens of athletes have voiced concerns about the elections. French football star and captain of the national team Kylian Mbappé called on the electorate to vote "against the extremists," while almost 300 sportspeople signed a column in French sports publication L’Equipe opposing the RN.

Image of France

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has expressed concerns about the image of France that a far-right government would present. "The Games are about welcoming the entire world and showing that we are an open country," she said. "That clearly goes completely against what the Rassemblement National wants."

Preparations Underway

Despite the uncertainty, preparations for the Games are underway. The city’s mayor, Pierre Rabadan, said that the main strategic decisions had already been made, but the move had raised "pragmatic and operational questions," including deploying mayoral staff and city police for both the elections and the Games.

Conclusion

The snap elections called by President Macron have cast a shadow over the Paris Olympic Games, raising concerns about political unrest and the possibility of a far-right government taking charge of the event. While preparations are underway, the uncertainty surrounding the elections is a significant concern for athletes, officials, and security experts.

FAQs

Q: What is the Rassemblement National (RN) party?
A: The RN is a far-right political party in France that has gained popularity in recent years.

Q: What are the concerns about the RN party?
A: The party’s anti-immigration and nativist policy platform has raised concerns about its impact on the image of France and the potential for political unrest.

Q: How will the elections affect the Paris Olympic Games?
A: The uncertainty surrounding the elections has raised concerns about the impact on the event, including potential security challenges and the possibility of a far-right government taking charge of the Games.

Q: What are the preparations for the Games?
A: Preparations for the Games are underway, including the deployment of mayoral staff and city police for both the elections and the Games.

Q: What is the response from athletes and officials?
A: Athletes and officials have expressed concerns about the elections, with some calling on the electorate to vote "against the extremists" and others opposing the RN party.

Author: www.ft.com

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