Paris 2024 Olympics: a success with multiple political repercussions
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games end this weekend with the closing ceremony scheduled for Sunday evening at the Stade de France. This event, which turned out to be a real success, could well benefit several political figures. Indeed, certain managers, having invested many years in the preparation of these Olympic Games, are now in a position to benefit from the success of this edition.
Anne Hidalgo and Valérie Pécresse: the big winners
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, is one of the main beneficiaries of this craze. Its urban policy, marked by increased pedestrianization of the capital and major development work, seems validated by the success of the Games. Visitors enjoyed the revamped city, and this success may well encourage Hidalgo to consider a new run for City Hall in the 2026 elections.
For her part, Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, is also doing well. Responsible for public transport, she was able to avoid the dreaded chaos, despite the criticism received a few months ago following the increase in the price of metro tickets during the Olympics. This success helps to restore its national image, somewhat tarnished after its defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
Emmanuel Macron: an impact limited in time
Within the government, Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior, can rejoice in the smooth running of the Games in terms of security. This event was a crucial test for him, and its success is a strong point of his record in Beauvau.
As for President Emmanuel Macron, he will certainly be able to capitalize for a while on the fervor and national unity generated by the Olympics, but this dynamic risks being short-lived. The current political situation and the absence of a Prime Minister could quickly eclipse the medium-term benefits that the President could hope to derive from this event.
So while the Paris 2024 Olympics were a triumph, the political fallout will vary for the officials involved, with some benefiting more than others.
