France’s 2030 Winter Olympics plunge into crisis amid scandals, protests PHOTO

As global attention focuses on the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, preparations for the 2030 Winter Games in France are increasingly overshadowed by internal turmoil and mounting public opposition.

In recent months, tensions have escalated following a series of high-profile resignations, culminating in an open conflict between former Olympic champion Edgar Grospiron, who heads the Organising Committee, and Chief Executive Officer Cyril Linette, who is now stepping down, Caliber.Az reports via American media.

The clash marks the latest episode in a string of disruptions that have weakened the project. Earlier departures included Chief Operating Officer Anne Murac, Communications Director Arthur Richer, and Bertrand Méheut, who chaired the remuneration committee.

France’s bid to host the 2030 Winter Games was rapidly assembled in 2023 and approved by the International Olympic Committee on the eve of the Paris Summer Olympics. However, a governance crisis erupted shortly after the French parliament adopted legislation regulating the event’s organisation, raising concerns among lawmakers. 

The French Senate’s Culture Committee voiced apprehension about the organisers’ ability to “successfully deliver an event of major importance” for the country.

The total budget for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is estimated at approximately €3.4 billion ($4.04 billion), including €2.1 billion ($2.48 billion) allocated for organising the Games and €1.3 billion ($1.53 billion) earmarked for infrastructure.

Beyond internal disputes, the French project is also facing legal and civic challenges. A citizens’ group has filed a lawsuit demanding a public debate on the Games. On February 14, activists are set to stage a protest in Grenoble, followed by a symbolic “closing ceremony for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

“Between the enormous budgetary waste of at least €3.5 billion, the destruction and concreting over of our mountains, confinement in an outdated and unjust all-ski model, generalized surveillance, and the exclusion of the most vulnerable, this so-called ‘celebration’ already appears to be one for a handful of wealthy tourists — while the people of the Alps will be left to pay the bill,” the organization Collectif Citoyen JOP 2030 said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada