Is Paris ready for this summer's Olympics?

Logistical challenges can become overwhelming

On February 29, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron, surrounded by officials, visits the 2024 Paris Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.

Don't look now, but the Paris Olympics are getting closer and closer. This year's Summer Olympics are scheduled to open on July 26, but as with many major sporting events, there have been some controversies along the way. (The fate of the city's riverside bookstore is one high-profile example.) And there's also evidence that this summer's Olympics could face serious logistical problems, including when the city plans to hold the event itself. It's enough to make some observers wonder how it will survive.

At least, that's the big conclusion from Air Mail's Alexandra Marshall's analysis of the range of issues facing the city in the lead-up to the Summer Olympics. Marshall points to several issues related to public transport, from infrastructure that may not be ready to the possibility of an outright transport strike.

As Marshall points out, these reports have had something of a trickle-down effect, with Paris tourism industry representatives predicting fewer people will travel to the City of Lights for the Olympics. I am concerned that this may be the case.

Additionally, some Paris residents are unhappy with the disruption to their daily lives. “Permanent roadworks, terrible things everywhere, and obviously a lot of noise during the tournament,” one city resident told Airmail.

There are other issues going on here as well. Marshall wrote that Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has faced criticism for many Olympic-related issues, but that some of those issues (such as transportation) are outside of her jurisdiction. Hidalgo's long-standing conflict with Emmanuel Macron further complicates matters. It's a surprising combination of international, domestic and local politics – in other words, a uniquely Olympic challenge.