The message is clear. Anne Hidalgo is “fed up” with criticism of the Olympics. She took advantage of the Paris Council on Wednesday, May 22 to address “those who have not yet understood the major popular event that the Olympic and Paralympic Games represent.”
“Hands off to all those struggling to enjoy things who don’t want to be able to celebrate something together at all. Either way, we’re here and we’re doing it,” she said. Traveling to Montpellier on May 13, the mayor of Paris said she felt “popular fervor” during the passing of the Olympic flame.
“The flame is something that attracts, makes you want. This popular enthusiasm will rise and come to Paris,” she assured the Parisian assembly. And to add for those who are not yet convinced two months before the Olympics: “Let yourself be surprised because it is going to be an absolutely exceptional moment.”