The manufacture in China of the “freedom hats”, mascots of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, caused discomfort in France, whose government recognized on Thursday (17) a “structural problem” for its production.
“We would love to have enough raw materials and textile factories in France to produce 2 million stuffed animals in a few months,” government spokesman Olivier Véran told France 2.
Liberal President Emmanuel Macron’s spokesman acknowledged that this is currently not possible. “What we can do instead is put pressure on French companies that manufacture in China to move to France,” he added.
“It’s a structural problem linked to the fact that France has lost its factories for years,” added Véran.
On Monday (14), the organizers of the Olympic Games unveiled their mascots: red Phrygian caps – a kind of hat – which, according to organizers, are a way of celebrating the spirit of the French revolution. The items will go on sale starting this week at the official store located in central Paris.
Its presentation already gave what to talk about, in addition to where they will be manufactured. Social networks quickly filled with ironic messages comparing the shape of these mascots to that of a clitoris.
Almost all of these plush items, which have a Paralympic version, will be made in China.
The manufacture was entrusted to the French companies Gipsy, which produces in the Asian giant, and Doudou et Compagnie, which plans to produce 15% of its quota at its factory in Guerche-de-Bretagne (western France).
The filling, assembly and sewing of the mascot will take place in this factory, but the raw material and preparation of the pieces will be made in China.
The Ethic Business movement denounced “an insult to all French companies” and an “international and economic slap”.
Ecological Transition Minister Christophe Béchu said he hoped the problem would be “corrected” in the coming months, before the Olympic event takes place.
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
