How will France's snap elections impact the Paris Olympics?

Sarah Elzas

15 June 2024 at 2:34 am·2-min read

France is heading into an electoral campaign just weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics, and organisers are worried about managing polls amidst preparations for the Games. They also have questions about the impact of a change in government if the presidential party loses.

“France is used to running elections and it will do it again, we will have a new government and a new parliament, and everyone will support the Olympic Games,” assured Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee.

He was speaking in Paris on Monday, the day after French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved parliament following the far right’s historic showing in European elections.

“It is a democratic process that will not disturb the Games,” said Bach. “We feel the clear enthusiasm here. We see a great unity in favour of the Olympic Games in Paris.”

The city has “worked a lot, we are ready”, said Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who was with Bach when she assured reporters that “nothing will ruin the party”.

The Socialist mayor criticised Macron’s decision to call new elections so close to the Games – the second of the two rounds of voting, on 7 July, comes three weeks before the 26 July opening ceremony.

“A dissolution right before the Olympic Games is extremely troubling, but like all political leaders I will be on the ground,” Hidalgo said.

Running campaigns, organising Olympics

“Polling stations and ballot boxes will need to be secured, public order assured and there might be gatherings and protests.”

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Running campaigns, organising Olympics

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