The political turmoil in France following last month's European elections is clouding preparations for Paris 2024. Instead of improving, the situation is worsening after President Macron's poor, albeit expected, results in yesterday's elections. The country is divided into factions (left and right), at least politically, with all the consequences that entails.

In the midst of this unusual pre-Olympic panorama, LA28 president Casey Wasserman said he hoped France would keep politics out of the Paris Olympics for their duration (26 July to 11 August).

The results show extreme polarisation between the two main parties, with Emmanuel Macron relegated to third place and trying to find a foothold in the centre. Far from bringing calm, the French president had said that the platforms of the leading parties could spark a "civil war".

"I understand the political situation in France, and politics around the world is probably more complicated than it has ever been," Wasserman told AFP in an interview.

"But the truth is, the one thing the Olympics aspires to is not to be political. It's not about the right-wing party or any other party. It's about the country coming together. And while politics may be in the background, I certainly hope for France and the United States and Los Angeles that we can rise above politics and really be something that unites the country, regardless of how people feel about different issues.

Regarding potential protests (which are increasing with the hostile atmosphere on the French streets), Wasserman said, "I hope that whatever people think about politics, they realise that the Olympics are really important for the country, and I hope that at least during this time they will embrace the opportunity for France."

"I certainly hope that the citizens of France, just like the citizens of the United States, realise that these are special moments for the world to come together. How can we let anyone take that away from us?" the American reflected.

Commenting on the upcoming elections in the world's leading economic power, Wasserman said he hoped the outcome of the US presidential election in November would not further divide society and affect the preparations for Los Angeles 2028.

"You can't predict the impact, but our engagement with the government is not about who the president is today," Wasserman said.

"It's about the organisations within the federal government that we need to work with over the next four years. And that started several years ago and will continue all the way through," said Wasserman, who has a degree in political science.

LA28 will have its own segment in the Olympic Closing Ceremony to showcase the 2028 Games, with Hollywood late-night TV producer Ben Winston overseeing the production.