Olympics: France criticized for lack of accessibility – 04/27/2023 – Sports

Liberty and Fraternity perhaps, Equality, at least in terms of access, not so much. The second value of France’s motto seems more distant to the 12 million people with disabilities in the country. President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of an investment of €1.5 billion (R$8.3 billion) and at least 70 measures to improve the lives of these citizens receives the attention of French newspapers this Thursday (27).

The theme is one of Le Figaro’s headlines, which highlights the French leader’s promises during the 6th National Conference on Disabilities, held this Wednesday (26), at the Élysée Palace.

The head of state’s strong stance towards associations is not gratuitous, since, just ten days ago, France was heavily criticized in a report by the European Council for not respecting the rights of people with disabilities.

A serious issue not only for the 12 million people with disabilities, but also for the 8 million people who work directly or indirectly to help them.

Less than 500 days before the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the difficulties faced by athletes living in the French capital expose gaps in accessibility to public transport.

Around 350,000 people with disabilities will be present in one of the most tourist cities in the world during these events scheduled to take place from July to September 2024, of which between 2,500 and 4,000 per day in wheelchairs, according to local authorities.

just intentions

Among the measures announced by Macron, the newspaper Le Monde cites as examples the full reimbursement for the purchase of wheelchairs and improvements in the working conditions of professionals who accompany children with disabilities in schools.

But the publication also highlights the discontent of the associations, who accuse the French president of little ambition and of not getting past the stage of intentions. Many organizations boycotted the conference.

Libération, on the other hand, reproduces the speech of the French president who admits that “the country does not live up to the ideal of equality of the motto of the Republic”, recalling that, in addition to the criticisms of the European Council, the UN also believes that the rights of people with disabilities are neglected in France.

Proud to have led what he calls “a silent revolution” in the education of students with disabilities, which would have “led to the creation of a real new public service”, Emmanuel Macron admitted that “there is still a lot to be done, because many situations are unsatisfactory”.

sanctions

The website of L’Obs magazine explains how the €1.5 billion package is expected to have a strong impact, especially on smaller establishments, such as small businesses, restaurants and service providers, for whom the cost of adapting the facilities is too high.

The measures also provide for a balance of results in one year, promising serious sanctions to those who do not engage in this project that aims to make the whole country more accessible to the disabled.