Paris Mayor to Swim in Controversial River Amid Pollution Concerns
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to Fulfill Promise of Swimming in Seine River
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is set to fulfill her promise of swimming in the Seine River on June 23, according to the news of Le Parisien newspaper. This decision comes after discussions arose claiming that the river was “unsuitable for swimming due to pollution” before the Olympics.
Hidalgo will be accompanied by Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez and Paris Governor Marc Guillaume on this swim. The plan, scheduled for June 23, may be postponed in case of adverse weather conditions or increased pollution in the river. The final date will be determined with the approval of the governor.
There have been speculations that French President Emmanuel Macron may join Hidalgo on the same date for the swim, however, there has been no official statement confirming this.
In February, Macron announced his intention to swim in the Seine River, but did not specify when he would do so.
Environmental organization Surfrider Fondation raised concerns in April about the river’s bacterial pollution levels exceeding the standards set by the International Swimming Federation. The Paris Governorship assured that work on the river is ongoing and the issue will be resolved before the Olympics.
