Following French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also swam in the Seine River in an attempt to end the pollution debate. Keeping her promise from January, Hidalgo swam in the river wearing a diving suit and goggles.
An Important Step
The event, in which Paris Mayor Hidalgo swam in the river, took place together with Paris Olympic Organizing Committee President Tony Estanguet. In a statement released by Hidalgo’s office, it was emphasized that it was a demonstration of the efforts made by the municipality and government to improve the ecological status and water quality of the Seine River.
Investments and Concerns
Around 1.4 billion euros have been spent to make the Seine suitable for the Olympics and prevent pollution. However, daily water quality tests have yielded negative results, causing concern among the French public. Last month, Hidalgo’s swimming event was postponed because bacteria in the river were 10 times higher than the limit for faecal bacteria.
