In the heart of Paris, the upcoming Olympics stand in stark contrast to the poverty and crime-ridden neighborhoods just a stone’s throw away. Samia Achoui, a resident of the Francs-Moisins estate, will be listening to the cheers of the Games from her window, unable to attend.
With a focus on regenerating the area and tackling its image of crime and poverty, the Olympics aim to transform Seine-Saint-Denis, where a third of the 1.6 million residents live below the poverty line.
While some, like mayor Mohamed Gnabaly, are optimistic about the potential for change, others like Cecile Gintrac of Vigilance JO are concerned about the impact of road closures and restrictions on the community.
Despite the economic gains and infrastructure improvements, there are doubts about the promised jobs and the lasting legacy of the Games in Seine-Saint-Denis. But as the region prepares to welcome the world, there is hope for a new chapter that showcases its diversity and potential.
As residents like Karene look ahead with anticipation, the future of Seine-Saint-Denis post-Olympics remains to be seen.
© 2024 AFP