No Greens Present at Unveiling of Winter Olympics Organizing Committee
The organizing committee for the French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Games (COJOP) 2030 met on Tuesday in Décines-Charpieu (Lyon metropolitan area) at the Olympique Lyonnais stadium in the presence of Sports Minister Marie Barsacq, the French National Olympic Committee, and the presidents of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions.
The event, organized around the new COJOP president Edgar Grospiron, did not invite the two main elected officials of Lyon, Grégory Doucet and Bruno Bernard, according to sources close to their respective teams, confirming information from BFM Lyon. "We have often reached out to them, but there has never been any response," said a close associate of the mayor of Lyon. The Lyon metropolitan area also confirmed this exclusion, regretting that it had "always been excluded from any discussion."
Contacted by the press, one of the stakeholders in the COJOP launch explained that this "event is not a moment for elected officials, except for the presidents of the two organizing communities, Fabrice Pannekoucke and Renaud Muselier." "The Minister of Sports, the presidents of the various committees and communities gathered around Edgar Grospiron. There was a lunch with these people and their offices. Then they will participate in a press conference together," continued the source.
As early as last November, Bruno Bernard, president of the metropolis, was surprised to see COJOP set up in the metropolitan area without informing the community he presided over. "It would be crazy for these Olympics to be held without the metropolis," he said at a press lunch, arguing for the hosting of skating events in the new Arena de Décines rather than in Nice, where the construction of a new facility "would cost 15 million euros."
Last January, Gregory Doucet explained that he "was ready to discuss" the hosting of the Olympics in the region "but on the condition" that this event "does not disfigure the mountain with reservoirs or by bringing in snow by truck."
Lyon’s Marginalization in Olympic Preparations
The absence of Lyon’s elected officials at the COJOP launch event highlights the ongoing tensions between the city and the organizers of the 2030 Winter Olympics. Lyon, as the second-largest city in France and the economic hub of the region, has expressed its desire to play a significant role in the Games, but its concerns have been largely ignored by COJOP.
Mayor Doucet and President Bernard have repeatedly voiced their opposition to certain aspects of the Olympic plans, particularly the construction of new infrastructure that they believe will have a negative impact on the environment. The mayor has also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and consultation with local stakeholders.
COJOP’s decision to exclude Lyon’s elected officials from the launch event further underscores the organizers’ dismissive attitude towards the city. The organizers’ claim that elected officials were not present due to the event’s focus on sports personalities is a disingenuous attempt to justify their exclusion.
Political Divide over Olympic Plans
The tensions between Lyon and COJOP reflect a larger political divide over the 2030 Winter Olympics. Supporters of the Games, including President Emmanuel Macron and the regional presidents, see the Olympics as an opportunity to boost tourism, create jobs, and showcase France’s sporting prowess.
Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the Games will be a costly burden on taxpayers and will have a negative impact on the environment and local communities. They also question the need for new infrastructure, considering the region’s existing sports facilities.
Uncertain Future for Lyon’s Involvement
The exclusion of Lyon’s elected officials from the COJOP launch event raises questions about the city’s future involvement in the 2030 Winter Olympics. Mayor Doucet and President Bernard have repeatedly stated that they are willing to support the Games but only under certain conditions.
COJOP’s disregard for Lyon’s concerns suggests that the organizers are not willing to compromise. This could lead to a further hardening of positions and potentially jeopardize Lyon’s participation in the Olympics.
The 2030 Winter Olympics are still in the early planning stages, and much could change before the Games are held. However, the tensions between Lyon and COJOP are a reminder that the full involvement of all stakeholders is essential for the success of any major sporting event.
