The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, so feared by some, finally left their mark on France in an unexpected way. Against all expectations, they brought a moment of national happiness, reinforcing the feeling of communion among the population and transforming the image of the capital. Several initiatives put in place for the Olympics seem destined to last, while others could disappear as quickly as they appeared.
Reinforced security and a police force reconciled with the public
Thanks to an impressive security system, with up to 45 agents deployed during the opening ceremony, France got through the Olympics without major incident. This success fostered an unexpected rapprochement between law enforcement and the public. Parisians and tourists gave a warm welcome to the police and gendarmes, recalling the outpouring of solidarity following the 000 attacks. This Olympic effect, which strengthened cooperation between the different security units, could encourage the authorities to maintain this level of collaboration and efficiency.
Modernized and more responsive justice
The Olympics allowed an acceleration of legal procedures, with the increase in emergency hearings and the widespread use of rapid procedures. These innovations have streamlined the functioning of justice, particularly in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, where digital tools have been improved. However, magistrates remain cautious about the announced budgetary restrictions, fearing that the progress made will be compromised in the future.
Rehousing the homeless and migrants: temporary solutions?
Before the Olympics, the state rehoused many homeless people and moved migrants to the provinces to free up space around the Olympic sites. If these initiatives made it possible to respond to an emergency, they risk only being temporary. Many associations fear that these people will return to the streets once the Games are over, due to a lack of lasting solutions.
Transport accessibility: progress still insufficient
Despite notable efforts to improve public transport accessibility, including a four-fold increase in accessible metro stations, the Paris network remains a challenge for people with disabilities. The minibuses deployed for spectators with disabilities should be maintained, but the associations are calling for a generalization of accessibility measures across the entire network.
A decontaminated Seine and soon open to swimming
The depollution of the Seine, a major project financed to the tune of 1,4 billion euros, is one of the most tangible legacies of the Olympic Games. From 2025, Parisians will be able to swim in the river in several places in the capital. Other towns in the Ile-de-France region are also planning to create bathing sites, taking advantage of the decontamination work which will continue in the years to come.
Traffic: towards a more pedestrian city and less accessible to cars
Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, intends to capitalize on the Olympic Games to continue her policy of reducing the use of cars in the city. The pedestrian zones set up during the Games, such as at Concorde and Trocadéro, are expected to remain in place. Similarly, some lanes reserved for public transport during the event could be maintained, particularly for carpooling and buses. However, these measures are not unanimous, particularly among the police chief, who has expressed reservations about the development of the ring road.
In short, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games leave behind a complex legacy, made of undeniable progress but also persistent challenges. The future will tell whether these advances will be strong enough to sustainably transform the city and the country.
