French politicians and officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, came together for the inauguration of the Saint-Denis Aquatic Centre in April 2024, as part of the preparations for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. The communities in Seine-Saint-Denis, where the Games will be held, have begun to eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Olympic flame, with mayors proudly displaying the Olympic rings in their municipalities. The mayors of Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, and l’Ile-Saint-Denis are looking forward to the economic and social benefits that the Games will bring, with Saint-Denis even having a countdown clock on their website.
The Committee for the organization of the Games, along with national and local authorities, have been actively promoting the various new facilities that have been inaugurated leading up to the Games. The mayors of the host cities have been praising the benefits of the Games, touting them as a “tremendous asset” for Paris and the surrounding areas. Despite past criticisms of the Games for being excessive in cost, the current narrative from left-wing politicians is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the values of peace and self-improvement that are associated with the event.
The perceived positive impact of the Games extends to the investment in infrastructure in Seine-Saint-Denis, with a significant portion of the expenditures for Olympic-related projects being directed towards the region. While some progressive forces have historically criticized the Games for various reasons such as wasteful spending, tax breaks for investors, high ticket prices, greenwashing by sponsors, and corruption within organizing bodies, the focus this time around is on highlighting the potential for positive change and development. Local leaders in Seine-Saint-Denis are optimistic about the long-term benefits and legacy that the Games will leave behind.
The hosting of the Games has prompted significant urban renewal and environmental initiatives in both Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis. While Paris has seen improvements in areas like La Chapelle and the cleanliness of the Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis has witnessed the construction and refurbishment of sports facilities and accommodations for athletes, which will be repurposed as housing after the Games. This has been an opportunity for the department to address longstanding issues and catch up on infrastructure development that has been lacking in the past. The Games are seen as a catalyst for revitalization and ecological transformation in the region, with local leaders highlighting the positive impact on urban planning and community development.
The enthusiasm for the Games is shared by various political figures in the region, including those from the Socialist Party, who see the event as a valuable tool for advancing their own agendas and projects. The idea of leveraging the Games to support other initiatives and create a positive legacy for the region is a common theme among local mayors and officials. The optimism surrounding the Games is fuelled by the belief that hosting the event will lead to long-term benefits for the communities in Seine-Saint-Denis, with improvements in infrastructure, public spaces, and sustainability practices being key outcomes. Despite past concerns and criticisms, the focus is now on making the most of the opportunities presented by the Games and ensuring a positive impact on the region.
