With barely three weeks left until the Olympics in Paris, France is being thrown into an uncertain political situation. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has therefore offered to stay on until after the games.
Our country is facing an unprecedented political uncertainty and is simultaneously about to welcome the world in a few weeks, he says.
The Left Alliance New People's Front became the largest in the French election, but without an absolute majority, followed by President Emmanuel Macron's center alliance Ensemble and the far-right party National Rally.
Gabriel Attal submitted his resignation on Monday to President Emmanuel Macron, who refused to accept it. It has nothing to do with the Olympics, but Macron wants Attal to stay on until a new prime minister is appointed.
Attal has previously offered to stay "as long as duty calls" since the Olympics are approaching rapidly – the opening ceremony is on July 26.
Fear for the Ministerial Post
But the greatest concern, regarding the French government formation and the Olympics, is likely about the interior minister post currently held by Gerald Darmanin. He is the one who has planned for security during the Olympics.
The interior minister has the most important position. What the Olympic organizers are most worried about is crime and of course terrorism, as well as the traffic situation, says Paul Dietschy, professor of history and sports.
"State Continuity"
To avoid chaos during the Olympics, the organizers have pressed for civil servants with responsibility for critical Olympic issues such as security and transport to remain in their positions even if there are political changes in the departments.
"The games can count on state continuity", the Olympic organizers write in a statement to the news agency AFP.
"We are working day and night to be ready for the Olympics".
