Paris is exerting significant effort in anticipation of the approaching 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are destined to present a multitude of lucrative prospects as well as formidable trials to the metropolis. Nevertheless, these necessary arrangements have concurrently instigated a succession of considerable alterations and controversies.
During these preparations, the century-old wooden carousel located at the Place de la Bastille was dismantled, leading to discontent among certain residents. This esteemed carousel holds significant cultural value for the people of Paris, and its closure has evoked feelings of profound sorrow among a portion of the population.
One resident, named Anne-Marie Bouhelier, has expressed her concern regarding the closure of the carousel as it severs people's longstanding historical connections. The Bouhelier is apprehensive that once the carousel reopens, there is a possibility it may be permanently shut down. Consequently, she strongly advocates for the preservation of the city's invaluable cultural heritage in order to prevent its loss.
Nonetheless, the government has officially articulated its intention to reopen the carousel following the conclusion of the Olympics. Notably, they underscored that the temporary suspensions were solely implemented for construction purposes and should not be misconstrued as a threat to the preservation of our cultural heritage. The esteemed Paris City Council has expressed their profound reverence and admiration for the historical and cultural significance of the city, vowing to adopt stringent measures to safeguard and perpetuate these invaluable legacies.
In addition to the carousel controversy, Paris' urban transformation for the games encounters other challenges and controversies. A certain number of residents express concern that the Olympics will exert additional pressure and congestion on the city's transportation system. The anticipated rise in subway charges and the volume of public transit passengers has led to discontentment. Moreover, to address apprehensions regarding terrorist activities, QR code systems will be implemented for access to specific areas.
Furthermore, certain vendors in Paris are apprehensive about the repercussions of the upcoming Olympics. For security reasons, the outdoor market stalls selling antique books and souvenirs along the Seine River have been temporarily displaced to deter potential terrorists from exploiting them for malevolent purposes. Nevertheless, a subset of vendors is discontented with this measure and has resorted to legal action by filing lawsuits.
Despite the controversies and challenges, the Paris City Council says it will do its utmost to ensure a safe environment for the Olympics. They promise to provide "moments of French pride and celebration" and hope to bring vitality and economic opportunities to the city through this event.
The opinions regarding the Olympics differ among the residents of Paris. Certain individuals aspire to earn income from the Olympics and anticipate the event to generate business prospects. Conversely, there are those who hold the belief that the preparations for the Olympics might lead to the potential loss of the city's distinct cultural heritage.
In any case, Paris will continue to work to ensure the success of the Olympics. At the same time, the government should value the voice of the residents, protect and pass on the city's history and culture. Only by balancing the relationship between urban development and cultural protection can Paris become a truly remarkable world city.