Macron is hugging France’s icons as though he dare not let the Olympics go
The amount of political capital Macron may earn from the Olympics remains to be seen. Before the Games, public opinion was marked by pessimism, anxiety and confusion over national politics, with a lack of comprehension, especially on the left, about why Macron had called a sudden snap election and then ignored the result by not appointing a new government in time for the event.
Sporting euphoria does not always have a lasting impact on French politics, as Macron discovered in 2018, a year after his first election victory, when France won the men’s football World Cup. Months later, the gilets jaunts protests over fuel tax led to the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.
Who stands to benefit the most politically from the Games also remains to be seen. The Paris bid was largely prepared by the left, and local left-wing leaders – including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the Socialist mayors of surrounding towns such as Saint-Denis and Saint-Open – have been at the forefront. But Valerie Pérezes, the right-wing leader of Île-de-France, the region in which Paris is situated, also played a major role, alongside Macron’s centrists.
Macron has tried to suggest this shows how French politicians from different parties can work together. But with the new parliament deeply divided and facing a difficult battle to pass a budget in the autumn, the Olympics boost is unlikely to be enough to smooth over political cracks in the long term.
Who stands to profit the most politically from the Games also remains to be seen. The Paris shot was largely prepared by the left wing, and original leftism leaders – including the Socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the Socialist mayors of girding municipalities similar as Saint- Denis and Saint- Ouen – have been at the van. But Valerie Pérezes, the rightwing leader of Île-de-France, the region in which Paris is positioned, also played a major part, alongside Macron’s moderates.
Macron has tried to suggest this shows how French politicians from different parties can work together. But with the new congress deeply divided and facing a delicate battle to pass a budget in the afterlife, the Olympics boost is doubtful to be enough to smooth over political cracks in the long term.
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