Beyond the rings #3 - may 29th

Here we go again, same time, same place! The weekly newsletter crafted by the Weber Shandwick France team is coming to you with a fresh load of stories and news.?

Paris is buzzing, and so are our internal experts. They are following all relevant developments for our clients, and for YOU who have subscribed to our newsletter. Each week we are seeing the number of subscriptions grow, and we are immensely grateful!??

Because it’s not all about sports, it’s also about communication, reputation and influence. And that’s where we come in. This week's edito is brought to you by Charline Quillérou , SVP Public Affairs.?

Let’s dive into this week’s content!?

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WHAT’S FLAMING THIS WEEK? By @Charline Quillérou?

Organizing an international event such as this summer’s always brings its share of constraints, challenges and delays. And because it’s France, we can add to it: criticism, demonstrations and strikes!??

While French interest in the sports event is going down, influencers are warning the international community about “the Paris chaos”, concerns remain over the Seine River water quality and railway workers have negotiated a bonus for those working over the summer.??

But the Paris Mayor has had enough! She called for an end to the bashing and announced she will swim in the Seine River in late June to silence concerns over water quality. More than a swimming exercise, it’s a political move that may (or not) be followed by President Macron. Stay tuned…?

HEALTH?

Gathering millions of people from all over the world is a challenge. It is a challenge from an organizational standpoint, but what about health risks? The first obvious one is the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. Healthcare professionals and authorities are getting ready to ensure optimal care. However, concerns have been raised about the capacity of the French healthcare system to absorb these exceptional medical needs while it is already strained. Other (more manageable) risks include heat strokes or food poisoning. Nothing original for an international event of that scale. The more these risks are anticipated, the better their management will be. That’s why healthcare professionals will be mobilized on-site throughout the summer.??

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?

Many concerns have been expressed by media and observers regarding the Paris transportation facilities. The metro and bus networks are late in their adaptation to welcome and transport the important flow of expected visitors and athletes. In this context, railway workers are in a strong position to negotiate bonuses and pay raises as they will be the cornerstone of this summer’s transport plan in Paris and across the country.?

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“Fed up with Games bashing” two months before the opening ceremony, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took advantage of the Paris Council on May 22 to address “those who have not yet understood the major popular event” that is coming up. Unsurprisingly for those who have been following the debate over whether the water quality of the Seine River will be good enough by then, she also announced that she will swim in the Seine on June 23. Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nu?ez and Regional Prefect Marc Guillaume will also be taking to the water. Will Emmanuel Macron take part in this unprecedented swimming event as announced? To be continued...?

Anne HIDALGO??

The "bonus race" is on. SNCF (national rail company) CEO Jean Pierre Farandou announced on May 22, a bonus of 95 euros gross per day for railway workers who will be working from July 24 to August 11, and from August 28 to September 8, following major strikes. This means a maximum of 1,900 euros gross over the 20 days "to ensure the smooth implementation of [this summer’s] transport plan". The trade unions have until Tuesday June 4, to sign the agreement.?

Jean-Pierre FARANDOU?

“French interest in this summer’s sports event is waning” according to a survey carried out in April and published a few days ago. The proportion of French people declaring that they intend to follow the sports event fell by 8 points between January and April, to 51%. Concerns have been raised about security, transport and access costs. Will time change the minds of even the most skeptical as we get closer to the Grand Opening??

??Influencers are warning about the Paris chaos?

??Many videos are circulating on social media to dissuade tourists from coming to Paris this summer. These videos highlight the chaotic organization and anticipate some mess for visitors. For instance, Léo Nora’s TikTok video went viral!?

?Follow her TikTok account here:?

https://www.tiktok.com/@leo_is_trying?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc?

But if you don’t have TikTok, we’ve got you covered with this article:?

https://www.francetvinfo.fr/les-jeux-olympiques/paris-2024/ne-venez-pas-a-paris-pour-les-jo-des-influenceurs-dissuadent-les-visiteurs-etrangers-sur-les-reseaux-sociaux_6543404.html?

?? The king of all times is excited for this sports season!?

Kylian Mbappé is gearing up for a busy summer: preparing for his move to Real Madrid, the Euro 2024 Championship under the French flag, and hopefully for the summer Games, but only the future will tell if Mbappé will take part in the Games.?

It’s quite interesting to follow him on his Instagram account:?

https://www.instagram.com/k.mbappe/?

But if you don’t have Instagram, we’ve got you covered:??

https://www.20minutes.fr/sport/football/4092605-20240524-jo-paris-2024-kylian-mbappe-souhaite-toujours-disputer-jeux-veut-laisser-faire-choses?

??And here are celebrities/influencers to follow this season:?

The brilliant Teddy Riner, a French judoka widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport's history.??

Here’s his Instagram account:??

https://www.instagram.com/teddyriner/?

??♂? Kevin Mayer, a French athlete who carried the flame and will participate in the European Championships in Rome. Follow his Instagram for sports-related content!?

Here’s his Instagram account:?

https://www.instagram.com/mayer.deca/?

But in case you’re not on Instagram, we’ve got you covered:?

https://www.lequipe.fr/Jo-2024-paris/Athletisme/Actualites/Kevin-mayer-disputera-les-championnats-d-europe-de-rome/1469705?

https://www.sudouest.fr/sport/jeux-olympiques/autour-des-jo/jo-2024-des-primes-pour-certains-pourquoi-pas-pour-d-autres-la-cfdt-regrette-une-absence-de-methode-19819340.php?

Inconsistent bonuses spark controversy… and strikes, because… this is France!?

While RATP workers receive substantial bonuses, SNCF employees are offered far less, prompting strikes.??

https://www.foot01.com/jo-2024/mbappe-aux-jo-emmanuel-macron-propose-un-deal-deroutant-437956?

Macron's Bold Move: Securing Mbappé for this Summer’s Event Amid Real Madrid Transfer?

The French president is fighting to secure Mbappé despite the Real Madrid’s transfer. Will the football star join the summer games?"?

https://www.ouest-france.fr/jeux-olympiques/jo-2024-deux-nouvelles-dates-pour-le-test-technique-de-la-ceremonie-douverture-b982c5e4-18dd-11ef-89e1-9d0ea397ae43?

The opening ceremony’s rehearsal has been postponed... again!??

Postponed for the second time, the technical rehearsal for the ceremony will take place in the second half of June.?

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