The official Paris Olympics poster has come under fire from French conservatives for omitting a cross from the iconic site of Napoleon’s tomb. Critics on the Right have labelled the designs as “woke” and accused organisers of erasing a symbol deeply embedded in the historical significance of the Domes des Invalides.
The controversy has intensified as the French government considers hosting a Saudi “Olympic village” at the same historic landmark, sparking outrage from both conservatives and liberals alike. The move has raised concerns about the potential compromise of national symbols and values for the sake of diplomatic considerations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been facing criticism following confirmation from one of his ministers that Paris is actively considering Saudi Arabia’s request to establish a national pavilion within the military complex, a decision that has stirred controversy across political spectrums.
The contentious posters were unveiled on Monday at the Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station transformed into a museum along the Seine River.
Present at the event were Paris 2024 director of design Joachim Roncin and the artist behind the posters, Ugo Gattoni.
The designs feature the Olympic flame arriving on a three-mast tall ship in the French port of Marseille after sailing from Greece.
Additionally, the posters depict high-rolling waves representing surfing events in Tahiti and showcase some of Paris’ iconic monuments, including Les Invalides, the Grand Palais, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Château de Versailles.
However, it is the omission of the cross from the Domes des Invalides that has drawn widespread criticism.
Right-wing critics argue that the decision to exclude the cross amounts to political correctness gone too far, with accusations of pandering to a perceived “woke” ideology.
The Domes des Invalides holds the tomb of former French emperor Napoléon Bonaparte, making it a symbol of national pride and history.
