The President of the Republic has voiced his support for athletes who published an open letter in L’Équipe, criticizing the proposed reductions in the 2025 sports budget.
Emmanuel Macron swiftly addressed the concerns raised by 425 athletes who signed the column in L’Équipe this Wednesday, opposing the anticipated decline in the 2025 sports budget. These cuts come shortly after the triumph of the Olympic Games and the government’s repeated emphasis on the lasting impact this event should have on French sports.
“You are correct.Since 2017, I have ensured that the sports budget increases annually. We hosted extraordinary Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the President stated in the newspaper, adding: “We must honour our commitments and provide the necessary resources for our athletes, ensuring the Games’ legacy benefits everyone.”
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Sports account for 0.2% of the budget
This was a direct reply to the signatories of the open letter, who expressed concerns over a potential 33% reduction in the sports budget, from 909 to 607 million euros. “Yet, this already constitutes only 0.2% of the total state budget. Additionally, there is a 50% decrease in funding from certain local authorities, which are crucial for our clubs,” the athletes argued.
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They highlighted the potential consequences of such a decision, including fewer local facilities, reduced club access, limited physical education in schools, fewer trained educators for inclusive practices, a disrupted high-performance system, less support for athletes, and the disregard for millions of club volunteers. Their frustration was encapsulated in one statement: “This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a sabotage of community cohesion!”
The President of the Republic has publicly backed the athletes who penned an open letter in L’Équipe, condemning the proposed cuts to the 2025 sports budget.
Emmanuel Macron quickly responded to the outcry from 425 athletes who signed the column in L’Équipe this wednesday, opposing the anticipated decline in the 2025 sports budget. These reductions follow the success of the Olympic games and the government’s repeated promises about the lasting legacy this event should leave for French sports.
“You are right.Since 2017, I have ensured that the sports budget increases every year. We organized magnificent Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the President told the newspaper, emphasizing: “We must keep our commitments and provide the means for our athletes, ensuring the legacy of the Games benefits everyone.”
Also read
School sports: “It’s difficult to believe in a legacy after the Paris 2024 Olympics”
Sports represent 0.2% of the budget
This was a direct response to the signatories of the open letter, who are concerned about a potential 33% drop in the sports budget, from 909 to 607 million euros. “However, this already only represents 0.2% of the total state budget. Added to this is a 50% drop in credits in certain local authorities, which are nevertheless real pillars for our clubs,” the athletes protested.
Also read
The Olympics in retrospect: what legacy for the host cities?
They warned of the numerous consequences that such a decision could have, including fewer local facilities, fewer clubs and practice slots accessible to the greatest number of people, fewer physical activities at school, fewer educators trained to supervise inclusive practices, a broken high-level chain, athletes less well supported, and the non-respect of millions of club volunteers. Their frustration was summed up in one sentence: “It’s not just an economy, it’s a sabotage of living together!”
the President of the Republic has expressed his support for the athletes who authored an open letter in L’Équipe, criticizing the planned reductions in the 2025 sports budget.
Emmanuel Macron promptly addressed the concerns raised by 425 athletes who signed the column in L’Équipe this Wednesday, opposing the anticipated decline in the 2025 sports budget.These cuts come shortly after the triumph of the Olympic Games and the government’s repeated emphasis on the lasting impact this event should have on French sports.
“you are correct. Since 2017, I have ensured that the sports budget increases annually. We hosted spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the President stated in the newspaper, adding: “we must honor our commitments and provide the necessary resources for our athletes, ensuring the Games’ legacy benefits everyone.”
Also read
school sports: “It’s hard to believe in a legacy after the Paris 2024 Olympics”
Sports account for 0.2% of the budget
This was a direct reply to the signatories of the open letter, who expressed concerns over a potential 33% reduction in the sports budget, from 909 to 607 million euros. “Yet, this already constitutes only 0.2% of the total state budget. Additionally, there is a 50% decrease in funding from certain local authorities, which are crucial for our clubs,” the athletes argued.
Also read
The Olympics in retrospect: what legacy for the host cities?
They highlighted the potential consequences of such a decision, including fewer local facilities, reduced club access, limited physical education in schools, fewer trained educators for inclusive practices, a disrupted high-performance system, less support for athletes, and the disregard for millions of club volunteers. Their frustration was encapsulated in one statement: “This isn’
The text discusses concerns raised by athletes regarding proposed cuts to the 2025 sports budget in France.Here are the key points:
- Budget Reduction: The athletes highlight that the sports budget already constitutes only 0.2% of the total state budget. Despite this, there is a proposed 33% reduction from 909 million euros to 607 million euros.Additionally,there is a 50% decrease in funding from certain local authorities,which are crucial for supporting local clubs [1].
- Consequences of Cuts: The athletes warn that these cuts could lead to:
– Fewer local sports facilities.
– Reduced access to clubs and practice slots.
– Limited physical education in schools.
– Fewer trained educators for inclusive practices.
– A disrupted high-performance sports system.
– Less support for athletes.
– Disregard for millions of club volunteers.
They emphasize that this is not just an economic issue but also a “sabotage of community cohesion” [1].
- Government Response: President Emmanuel Macron has publicly backed the athletes, responding to their open letter in L’Équipe. He acknowledged their concerns and emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Macron stated that since 2017, the sports budget has increased annually and stressed the need to continue supporting athletes to ensure the Games’ benefits reach everyone [1].
- Broader Implications: The athletes argue that the cuts undermine the government’s promises about the long-term benefits of hosting the Olympics. They call for sustained investment in sports to preserve the legacy of the Games and ensure that all citizens can benefit from improved facilities and opportunities.
the athletes are advocating against the proposed budget cuts,emphasizing their potential negative impact on both grassroots and high-performance sports,and also community well-being. President Macron has expressed support for their cause,highlighting the importance of maintaining sports funding to uphold the legacy of the Olympics.
