In response to claims that the Seine River in Paris is safe enough to swim in, social media users are planning a unique demonstration to prove otherwise. The idea stemmed from a report by water charity Surfrider Foundation Europe, which found high levels of bacteria in the water after testing it multiple times over a six-month period.
The initial response from French President Emmanuel Macron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and other officials was to swim in the river to demonstrate its safety. However, this led to an online movement suggesting that the river should be turned into a latrine to highlight the concerns about water quality. This idea has gained traction, with influencers discussing the protest and sharing images of the greenish hue of the Seine.
The planned protest comes just weeks before the Paris Olympics, where open water swim events are scheduled to take place in the Seine River. The timing of the demonstration aligns with growing opposition to the Olympics in the city, making it a potential platform for expressing discontent among Parisians.
A website has been set up to help protesters determine the best time to deposit their waste in the river so that it will flow into Paris at noon the next day. This calculated approach adds a level of organization to what initially seemed like a humorous response to the claims of water safety.
As the clock ticks towards noon in Paris, the anticipation of how many people will participate in this unique protest continues to grow. The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for the demonstration to make a significant impact on the ongoing discussions about the Seine River’s water quality.
The planned demonstration in the Seine River in Paris represents a creative and unconventional way for citizens to voice their concerns about water quality and safety. Whether or not the protest achieves its intended impact, it has already sparked a dialogue about environmental issues and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.