Amir Ben Thayer
As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic games in Paris continues, a series of concerns are emerging around the highly anticipated event with just weeks to go before the opening ceremony, stakeholders are voicing worries ranging from financial burdens to security challenges.
One of the biggest problems for now are the concerning results of the tests done on the Seine river that will be holding several disciplines including triathlon, open water swimming, marathon swimming etc. The results show the poor quality of the water, historically known for its pollution and the recent discovery of catfishes that populate the river and that can reach up to 2 meters of length.
Anne Hidalgo Maire of Paris and French president Emmanuel Macron are facing critics regarding accommodations for the athletes : moving students out of their accommodations with little return on their money and discount vouchers for some events during the Olympic games, the French public are raising concern to their government , the main complaint is the rise of the prices of the public transport during the Olympic games as well as the prices of the rent. Home owners in Paris are also taking advantage of the high prices to amend rental prices and change tenants for more profit. The Paris games are also set experience a lot of pressure due to the sheer amount of visitors attending the event which will attract 15 million visitors between the Olympic and Paralympic Games (from 28 August to 8 September)
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be on the 26th of July and will conclude on the 11th of august.