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River Seine’s Water Safety Remains a Concern Ahead of Paris Olympics

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Weeks before the Olympic Games in Paris, the River Seine is still unsafe for swimming on most days due to high levels of E. Coli bacteria, according to official data. Testing at Alexandre III Bridge, the planned start for the triathlon events, showed E. Coli levels were above acceptable limits on 22 out of 30 days from June 3 to July 2, potentially risking athletes’ health.

Despite these findings, authorities are optimistic. Antoine Guillou, Deputy Mayor of Paris, noted that recent weather improvements have led to better water quality. Mayor Anne Hidalgo even announced plans to swim in the Seine next week to demonstrate its suitability for the Olympics.

However, rainfall continues to cause E. Coli spikes. On June 30, following rain, E. Coli levels at Alexandre III Bridge reached around 2000 CFU/100mL, double the threshold for “good” water quality set by World Triathlon standards. If E. Coli levels exceed 1000 CFU/100mL, the swimming portion of the triathlon will be canceled unless deemed safe by the organization’s medical committee.

Efforts to clean the Seine include a new rainwater storage basin, operational since June, which can hold water equivalent to 20 Olympic pools. This basin prevented 40,000 m³ of wastewater and rainwater from entering the Seine after rain on June 17 and 18. Yet, E. Coli levels still reached 10,000 CFU/100mL on the second day of rain.

Fluidion, a technology company, has shown significant improvement in water quality since early April, despite occasional spikes. Paris 2024 has contingency plans for postponing events or moving marathon swimming to an alternative venue if necessary.

Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, attributing improvements to better weather and ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at reducing pollution. They stress the need for vigilance due to the unpredictable weather and potential for future rain-related contamination.

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Paris Welcomes Back Iconic Café Waiters’ Race After 13-Year Hiatus

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The iconic Parisian event known as the Café Waiters’ Race, where service staff speedily navigate through the city while balancing trays of hot drinks and croissants, has made a triumphant return after a hiatus since 2011.

Originating in 1914 as the Course Des Café, this tradition has seen nearly 300 Parisian waiters, donned in their work attire, racing a 1.2-mile course to and from the city hall adjacent to the Seine river. The challenge mandates participants to carry the tray, laden with a quintessential French breakfast of coffee, croissant, and water, with precision and poise, ensuring not a single drop is spilled. Upon reaching the finish line, judges meticulously inspect trays for any spillage.

This year, Samy Lamrous claimed victory in the men’s category, completing the course in a swift 13 minutes and 30 seconds, while Pauline Van Wymeersch triumphed in the women’s division with a time of 14 minutes and 12 seconds. Both winners were honored with medals bestowed by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, along with a complimentary night’s stay in a luxurious hotel.

Eau de Paris, the city’s water authority and the event’s sponsor, expressed their delight, stating, “This Sunday, nearly 300 waitresses and waiters took on an original challenge in the heart of Paris and brought a legendary event back to life! Here are the medal-winning athletes. Congratulations to all!”

While the Parisian race holds historical significance, similar events were once popular in London and Berlin. However, the inaugural race in 1914 cemented Paris as its birthplace. Following a pause in 2011 due to sponsorship issues, other French towns like Marseille continued the tradition, keeping the spirit alive.

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Paris Mayor Hidalgo trains sights on SUVs after e-scooter rental ban

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Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, fresh from her success in banning rental electric scooters, is now targeting SUVs. She plans to hold a city referendum in February to decide on increasing parking fees for SUVs, similar to the e-scooter referendum where she achieved an easy victory. Hidalgo assures that Paris residents won’t be affected, as SUV ownership within the city is relatively low. The main impact would be on suburbanites who drive SUVs into Paris for work or leisure, and they won’t be part of the voting process.

Critics suspect that Hidalgo’s focus on SUVs is a diversion from controversy surrounding her own overseas trip to New Caledonia and French Polynesia. During this two-week visit in October, she extended her stay to visit her daughter, raising eyebrows. Opposition council members criticize the timing, especially during the aftermath of the October attacks in Israel, when concerns about the Middle East conflict were high in Paris. Hidalgo’s office denies any wrongdoing, stating that extending official visits for personal reasons is a common practice, and she covered the costs for the personal portion of her trip.

Officially, Hidalgo’s visit included paying respects at a cemetery in New Caledonia and holding meetings in French Polynesia, where protests disrupted plans to view the Olympic site at Teahupo’o. Right-wing members of the Paris Assembly criticize the trip’s appropriateness, citing the €60,000 cost. They argue that it was unnecessary for Hidalgo to visit the Olympic site, as key officials involved in organizing the Games had already been there. Critics also highlight the environmental impact of Hidalgo’s long-haul flight, contrasting it with her emphasis on environmental concerns related to local transportation in Paris.

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Paris administration fined for being ‘Too Feminist’

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In a dramatic development, the administration of the European city of Paris has been filed for being ‘Too Feminist’.  

The fine has been imposed as against the action of the administration to appoint women to at least 69 per cent of the managerial roles under the administration.

The action contradicts the 2013 rule which requires the city administration to respect the gender equality in the area of employment.

The information regarding the fine has been publicised by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo herself. While speaking in the council, she has mocked the decision to impose fine against her administration.

She has expressed her happiness in the development.

The surprising development has triggered a serious discussion in the social media platform.

It is the first time that a city administration in the country has been fined for being ‘Too Feminist’.

It seems that the Paris Mayor considers the fine as a credit.

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