French citizens split on measures taken to prepare Paris for the Olympics
The countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is on, with final preparations underway in the French capital. From bed bugs to terror threats, the road to Paris hasn't been easy for organisers, who set out to host a 'new-age Olympics' on a budget.
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00:00Excitement is building here in Paris as the city prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic
00:06Games from next month.
00:08Now Paris is promising a modern Olympics that will attract a new young audience.
00:12And that all starts with the addition of breakdancing as an Olympic sport for the very first time.
00:18It's not only about gymnastics, it's not only about you know showing crazy power moves and
00:25spinning 2,000 times on your shoulders, it's a whole culture.
00:31The summer games will also feature volleyball under the Eiffel Tower and swimming in the
00:35Seine if they can get the river clean.
00:38More than 15 million tourists are expected to visit Paris for the Games.
00:42While they'll bring much-welcomed tourist dollars, the crowds also increase security concerns
00:47and there are fears the city's ageing transport system won't keep up.
00:51It's going to be a big mess, there are works everywhere, there are lots of accesses that
00:56are closed.
00:57I don't think I will be here, no, I will go holiday.
01:01Preparing the city has also come at a cost to some of its most vulnerable residents.
01:05We've been trying to raise awareness about social cleansing.
01:09The words can be harsh but that's really what's happening.
01:11It's been a year that every tent city, every slums, every squat place, everybody that leaves
01:17or relies on the streets is being kicked out or pushed away from Paris.
01:21Paris is hoping to make this year's Games a positive experience with a lasting legacy
01:25for the city and the Olympics.
01:28It's pioneering a lean approach that uses existing facilities where possible and is
01:32expected to keep costs close to budget.
01:35It's a model it hopes future host cities can replicate.
01:38My advice and only advice I try to share with Brisbane is try to be ready as early as you can.
01:45Eight years looks far away but it's tomorrow and you have to manage things already now.
01:52As Paris grapples with the challenges of hosting such a major global event, the lessons learned
01:57here could help shape Australia's approach as Brisbane steps up to host the Olympics
02:01in 2032.