TODAY.AZ / Politics

Paris on eve of Olympics - ANALYSIS

15 July 2024 [17:00] - TODAY.AZ
By Ibrahim Aliyev, Day.Az

Paris, once one of the most beautiful and famous capitals in the world, is preparing to host the 2024 Olympic Games. However, despite the large-scale preparatory work, the city is facing a serious problem: garbage fills the streets, and the authorities are powerless before this challenge.

These problems are not new. Back in the 19th century, the city suffered from unsanitary conditions that contributed to the spread of epidemics. In the 20th century, with the growth of the population and the development of industry, the volume of waste increased significantly. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent decades due to several factors.

Infrastructure problems: The waste disposal infrastructure in Paris is outdated and cannot cope with modern volumes of garbage. Many waste recycling plants are operating at the limit of their capabilities.

Social protests: In recent years, the French capital has become the epicenter of numerous social protests. Strikes by public utility workers, including garbage collectors, lead to waste not being removed in a timely manner, accumulating on the streets of the city.

Tourist influx: Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. Every year, millions of tourists generate a huge amount of garbage, which city services simply cannot cope with. Despite the efforts of the authorities to implement waste recycling and separate garbage collection programs, many residents and tourists do not follow these rules. This exacerbates the problem and complicates the recycling process.

Senseless attempts by the authorities to correct the situation

The Macron government is trying to make a lot of efforts to solve the problem, new laws and fines have been introduced for non-compliance with waste disposal rules, budgets have been increased to modernize infrastructure and increase wages for utility workers. And this is not done out of good intentions, but because the Olympics are coming soon and Macron does not want to disgrace himself. But judging by the latest situation, it is inevitable.

The 2024 Olympic Games are seen as a chance to make a difference. Millions of tourists are expected to come to Paris, and the authorities are obliged to show the city from the best side. Paris has a long way to go to deal with the problem of garbage. Drastic changes are needed in the waste disposal system, increasing environmental awareness of residents and tourists, as well as more active participation of society in solving this problem.

According to forecasts, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris promise to be not a grandiose event attracting millions of viewers from all over the world, but a total failure. The world's media, in particular the New York Times, report that with vibrant sports competitions and cultural events, guests of the Olympics may face a number of dangers. For example, the Olympic Village is located in the most criminal and polluted area. Therefore, it is important that tourists are advised to take appropriate precautions.
Paris, like many other major cities, has been subject to terrorist attacks in the past. During major events such as the Olympic Games, the risk of terrorist attacks increases. The authorities are obliged to increase security measures, but no one believes that Macron will cope with the task.

Major events attract not only tourists, but also criminals. Pickpockets and scammers can use the crowd for their own purposes. The media, by the way, have already noted a sharp increase in crime. Visitors are advised to be careful with their personal belongings, avoid displaying valuable items and keep money and documents in safe places.

With the 2024 Olympic Games approaching, Paris will continue to be buried in garbage. Outdated infrastructure, utility strikes and low environmental awareness will increasingly complicate the situation. President Emmanuel Macron, who was not only defeated in the elections, but also failed to solve the garbage problem, will be under great pressure. With the increase in the number of tourists, the volume of waste will increase, creating even greater challenges that the authorities may not be able to cope with. Questions about Paris' readiness remain open.
URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/250687.html

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