Beyond the rings #8 - July 3rd
Welcome to the 8th edition of our weekly newsletter, curated by the Weber Shandwick France team, as we count down to the much-anticipated opening of the Great Games.??
In this edition, we delve into the latest developments surrounding the Paris Games, examining their significance amidst ongoing discussions about their organizational intricacies and broader societal impacts. Join us as we explore how these Games continue to serve as a global stage for France to showcase its cultural diversity and hospitality. Get ready for an insightful journey ahead!?
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WHAT’S FLAMING THIS WEEK? By Lauriane Durand
Paris is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming 2024 Olympics amidst a flurry of developments. Early parliamentary elections saw an impressive turnout of 66.7%, showcasing significant voter engagement. The National Rally emerged as frontrunners in the first round, while debates on political alliances intensify ahead of the results on July 7.?
Simultaneously, controversy surrounds the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympics, with the Russian Judo Federation protesting IOC quotas for neutral athletes. Despite these challenges, an additional €33 million boost for the Paralympic Games underscores France's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.?
Meanwhile, Paris remains vigilant against digital disinformation threats aimed at destabilizing the event, with authorities ramping up security measures. However, concerns over tourism setbacks and political tensions loom large, highlighting the complex backdrop against which the Games will unfold. As anticipation builds, athletes worldwide gear up to showcase their talents, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and competition.?
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Geopolitics??
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned the Russian and Belarus Olympic committees from the Paris 2024 Olympics, though some athletes from these countries may compete as neutral athletes without national symbols. Ukraine has called for a complete ban on Russian athletes, which the IOC has not fully implemented. Additionally, the IOC rejected requests from Russia and Palestinian sports organizations to ban Israel from the Games, emphasizing its stance against discrimination. Meanwhile, the Russian Judo Federation has announced its athletes' withdrawal from the Olympics in protest the IOC's quotas for neutral athletes, despite recent reinstatements allowing 50 Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, with 20 confirming their participation and eight declining.?
France's involvement in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict has also drawn criticism from Azerbaijan, highlighting the complex geopolitical backdrop of the Games. These developments underscore several issues to monitor, including the impact of neutral athlete status, international diplomatic tensions, potential athlete protests, and the effectiveness of anti-discrimination measures. The evolving situation requires close attention to how these factors will influence the unity and success of the Paris 2024 Olympics.?
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First round of early parliamentary elections?
The first round of early parliamentary elections took place on Sunday, June 30. These unexpected elections saw a remarkable turnout, reaching 66.7%, marking a 15-point increase from European elections last June.?
In the first round, the National Rally and its allies led with 33% of the vote and secured 39 seats. According to initial projections, the National Rally and its allies could win between 250 and 300 seats on July 7.?
The New Popular Front? came in second with 28% of the vote and 32 seats. Projections indicate the Gathering of the Left could win between 130 and 170 seats.?
The Presidential Majority, with 21% of the vote, came third. With high turnout and three blocs each surpassing 20%, the number of triangular contests reached an unprecedented level in these legislative elections with just over 300 currently in play.??
Nothing has been decided yet, as withdrawals and endorsements will be crucial in determining the composition of the future assembly.?
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An Olympic Games without Russian judoka, despite authorization from the International Olympic Committee? That's what the Russian Judo Federation announced in a press release on Friday, June 28, in protest of the quotas for selected judokas authorized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) under a neutral banner.?
This decision follows the publication of a new extended list of athletes reinstated in Olympic competitions on the same day.?
Since Friday, two Russians and two Belarusians have also been allowed to participate in the Olympic canoeing event. This means that a total of 50 athletes from these two countries will be able to compete at this summer's Games. So far, only 20 have confirmed their presence, while eight have officially declined, according to the IOC's updated list.?
An additional €33 million for the Paralympic Games - that's what Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra announced on Wednesday, June 26, at the French Cabinet meeting. Local and regional authorities are also expected to contribute.?
While last December, the French government had already allocated an extra €45 million to the €80 million already earmarked for this summer's Paralympic events, this latest announcement is linked to the uncertainties surrounding ticket sales.?
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?Shining Light on Paralympic Excellence: The Power of Visibility!??
Last week, the Arc de Triomphe, one of France's grand symbols, was illuminated with the colors of the Paralympic Games, adorned with the Agitos. The Games also include the Paralympics, and it's important to give visibility to these incredible events. Paralympic athletes and their guides are equally active on social media, sharing their journeys and inspiring stories.?
In the midst of preparing for his sixth Paralympic Games, the long jumper Arnaud Assoumani unveils "Bras d'Or, Bras d'Art," a creative project centered around his prosthesis designed by Dimitry Hlinka. The goal of this project is to explore the relationship between the body and differences.?
领英推荐
Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech shares his participation in the film Rising Phoenix: A New Revolution and explains, "I’m humbled to be part of a documentary film that not only aims to ignite a conversation on disability equality but was made by a crew of which half identify as having a disability."?
??Athletes across the globe are getting ready:?
"I want to enter the Olympics with the whole country knowing, like, that's Frederick Richard, like this man is going to do it," Frederick "Flips" Richard?
Frederick "Flips" Richard who has grown a huge following on social media, has no shortage of dreams for men’s gymnastics and for himself. He shares his preparation and ambitions for the Games with his community.?
View more: https://www.instagram.com/frederickflips???
The Australian team is not left behind; visit the official Instagram account to meet the athletes and learn more about their ambitions.?
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Paris on High Alert: Battling Digital Disinformation?
With less than a month until this summer’s event, authorities are intensifying efforts to counter foreign-led digital disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the event. Fake videos, articles, and websites have already emerged, prompting vigilant surveillance from media and state agencies to protect the integrity of the event.?
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Paris tourism faces setbacks ahead of this summer?
Paris hotels are seeing significant drops in occupancy rates just 60 days before the event. Despite promotional efforts, many hotels are only half full, down from over 90% last year. Accessibility issues in the city are compounding the situation, with tourism professionals urging better communication to attract visitors.?
Macron's Dissolution Gamble: this summer’s event at risk?
Anne Hidalgo accuses Emmanuel Macron of spoiling the Olympics by dissolving the Assembly, while Marine Le Pen predicts leftist protests if her party wins. The police prepare for unrest, and Fran?ois Hollande eyes a mediator role in a divided government.?
Final ush for Private Security Staff?
?With just weeks until this summer event, Paris must fill 22,000 private security roles. Recent efforts, including job fairs aimed at students and retirees, strive to meet this demand amid concerns about staff reliability on event days. Enhanced training and incentives such as higher wages and accommodations are being rolled out, supported by a government-funded certification program to expedite game readiness.?
BBC's Enchanting Trailer Captures the Heart the event?
Discover now the outstanding animated BBC trailer that moved us with Edit Piaf's Hymne à l'Amour in the background?
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