Paris Mayor Criticizes Ceremony Critics

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has attributed the rising divisions in French society to the far right, following backlash against the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The event, which included a segment titled “Festivity” featuring dancers and drag performers, drew criticism for allegedly resembling Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” This interpretation was denied by the organizers, but it sparked outrage from Christian groups and conservative leaders, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled the ceremony as tasteless and blasphemous. Hidalgo defended the ceremony, expressing pride in how it showcased Paris as a city of freedoms and a refuge for LGBTQI+ individuals. She emphasized that the Games have provided a hopeful counter-narrative to the far-right rhetoric gaining traction in France and across Europe. “The far right’s messaging has been crushed by these Games,” she stated, highlighting the positive impact of the event on the city’s image. Despite the celebration, Hidalgo has faced criticism for her urban policies, particularly her initiatives aimed at reducing car usage and promoting greener practices in Paris. Additionally, her plan to clean the Seine River in preparation for Olympic water sports has been met with skepticism, as public swimming in the river has been prohibited for a century. The city aims to allow swimming in the Seine by next summer, a move that has drawn both ridicule and support.