
Reactions in the French capital are negative when there are about 100 days left until the opening of the Olympic Games. Many Parisians are planning to leave, anticipating that the capital will become uninhabitable and overcrowded. The transport system will be paralyzed by the influx of 16 million expected visitors, or a terrorist attack that will damage the opening ceremony on the Seine River.
Olympic organizers and city officials have tried to reassure residents that the city is ready. Much has been said about how "magical" the historic center of Paris will be when it is transformed into an outdoor sports arena with events at landmarks such as the Tour Eiffel and Place de la Concorde.
Almost every issue related to the Olympic Games is refracted through the prism of the cultural, racial and economic divisions that run through the country. There are many questions about whether France will be able to host the Games, given the pressures on infrastructure and the risks of terrorism. Undoubtedly, some challenges will be more pronounced in Paris due to local culture, geopolitics and the bold choice to host races in temporary yet unbuilt venues in the center of the city.
Public sector unions, from rail workers to museum staff, are threatening strikes to get compensation for their sacred summer holidays. The terror alert level was raised again in March.
With parts of the capital closed to car traffic and public transport crowded, officials have created an advertising campaign and website with the slogan 'Prepare for the Games'. Users can enter their route and see how it will be affected.