Barely more than one third (37%) of French citizens are looking forward to the Paris Olympics (26 July – 11 August) with "some" or "considerable" excitement, a survey published on Monday reveals.
In fact, the general attitude towards the major sporting event is rather less enthusiastic, with over half (57%) of respondents expressly "unexcited" or explicitly "not looking forward to" the Games. It will be the first time in a century that Paris hosts the prestigious event.
The anticipation only diminishes when public opinion towards the Paralympic Games was tested; a mere 30% of the 1,000 individuals surveyed expressed that they are looking forward to this. The online survey was conducted by Viavoice between 29 February and 4 March.
The Olympic Games will lead to multiple traffic restrictions in Paris and its suburbs. Doubts remain about the organisation of the event and the ensuing constraints. Unions of multiple sectors have threatened strike actions.
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About 16 million tourists are expected in Paris during the Games, raising fears of the capital being overwhelmed. The Socialist Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo urged Parisians in February not to abandon the capital during the Olympics.
In the wake of the Moscow attack, France is again on maximum alert to the threat of terrorist attacks. Paris reports "multiple recent attempts" of attacks by the Islamic State group on French soil as the country prepares to host this global sports event.
