Emmanuel Macron’s vision of a summer filled with sporting pride and celebration in France has been overshadowed by political turmoil. The upcoming Paris Olympics, less than 50 days away, are now at risk of being eclipsed by the aftermath of Macron’s defeat in the European polls and his subsequent call for a snap parliamentary election.

Prior to the Olympics, President Macron had been striving to boost national morale by setting ambitious goals for France’s performance at the games. However, with his political standing weakened and support for the radical right surging, the atmosphere leading up to the event is far from celebratory.

While ticket sales for the Olympics are robust, signs of widespread enthusiasm are scarce. Controversies, such as the now-scrapped plan to displace traditional book stalls along the Seine and concerns about traffic disruptions in Paris, have dampened the public’s excitement. Additionally, skepticism persists regarding the event’s estimated €10 billion cost and its purported economic benefits.

Opposition voices, particularly from Marine Le Pen and the far-right, have criticized the government’s intention to showcase France’s diverse identity during the games. These challenges loom large over Macron’s aspirations for a unifying and pride-inducing Olympic experience.

As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, the focus remains on whether Macron can navigate the political storm clouds and salvage a moment of national unity and achievement amidst the prevailing discord.