French Police Union Threatens to Disrupt 2024 Olympic Torch Relay in Protest Over Unpaid Bonuses

The French police trade union Alliance has threatened to disrupt the Olympics torch relay ahead of the Paris Games in July 2024 unless officers are given bonuses. The union claims that the French prime minister's office and economy ministry are holding up special Olympics payments of up to 1,900 euros ($2,032) promised to police.

The torch relay is set to begin in Marseille on May 8, and the union has warned that they "do not rule out disturbing the torch relay" if the bonuses are not paid. In a statement, the union said that "the cup is full" and they are planning a demonstration on Thursday to express their dissatisfaction.

This threat highlights the challenge for French authorities as they negotiate Olympics bonuses for public sector staff. The CGT union, representing civil service staff, has also issued a strike threat during the Olympics. Additionally, the country's militant air traffic controllers and workers at the national mint producing the medals have announced strikes, further complicating the preparations for the first Paris Olympics in 100 years.

Why this matters: The potential disruption of the Olympic torch relay and strikes by public sector workers could have significant implications for the successful execution of the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the first Olympics in Paris in a century, the event holds great importance for France on the global stage.

The organizers of the Paris Olympics, which are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, have expressed hope that the events will be held in the "best possible conditions" without any disruptions. However, they are concerned about the risk of stoppages in the strike-prone country.

Key Takeaways

• French police union threatens to disrupt Olympics torch relay over bonus pay
• Union claims promised 1,900 euro bonuses for police are being held up
• CGT union and other public sector workers also threaten Olympics strikes
• Disruptions could significantly impact successful execution of Paris 2024 Olympics
• Organizers concerned about risk of stoppages in strike-prone France