The Olympic and Paralympic Games, party or nightmare for Parisians? “A party of course! », enthuses Anne Hidalgo. In a long interview delivered to “New Obs” on the occasion of her 10 years at the head of the capital, the mayor (PS) of Paris returns to the home stretch of preparations for a global event.
Addressing the competition itself but also the legacy that the Games will leave behind them, Anne Hidalgo evokes “the door to the Chapel which has been profoundly renovated” or even “the Seine in which we can swim”. The Games “will serve beyond the time of the Games”, reaffirms the elected official.
Despite the fears and sometimes criticisms of local residents or her political opponents regarding the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the mayor of the capital says she is convinced that “these Olympic Games will be a moment of incredible popular jubilation”. When she talks about the opening ceremony, the mayor of Paris sets the bar very high: “No one will have seen anything like this before! ".
“Activities in each district”
She also reminds that, even without a ticket, Parisians will be able to enjoy the spectacle offered by these Games. 250,000 people will be able to enjoy the opening ceremony free of charge on the high quays, while the Olympic medalists will parade every day during the fortnight at the Trocadéro.
Activities are planned "in each district" recalls Anne Hidalgo, "except the 7th of Ms. Dati who did not want it", she concludes with a dig at her greatest political adversary. Not the only one in his interview by the way.
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Describing the appointment of her best enemy as Minister of Culture as a "joke", the PS mayor considers it "deeply shocking that there can be a form of political and media impunity against someone who so damages the democracy ". As proof, she cites the revelations of “New Obs” according to which Rachida Dati was involved in lobbying activities and payments of money from an opaque company.
A look back at his mandates
Also questioned about her two mandates, the mayor highlights the pedestrianization of the banks, which has caused her to face “the violence of the Parisian and Ile-de-France right, car lobbies or editorialists on motorcycles”. But also its contribution to cycling, which “has increased by 70% since 2019” in the capital, she boasts.
To conclude her interview, the leader of Paris en Commun did not wish to reveal whether she was going to run for a third term or give way to her first deputy (PS), Emmanuel Grégoire. “Let’s stay focused on the Games,” she invites. (...) Let's not waste this moment by skipping steps. I will announce what I will do when the time comes. »