Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party achieved a significant victory in the first round of snap legislative elections on Sunday. President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party came in third, behind a left-wing coalition.

The second round of voting is scheduled for next Sunday, just 19 days before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. A hung parliament could result in months of political paralysis and chaos, coinciding with Paris hosting the Games.

Michael Payne, former head of marketing at the IOC, told AFP that the level of political support and enthusiasm around France during the ongoing torch relay suggested "the Olympics themselves are not going to be caught in any political crossfire." However, the situation on the streets could be different if a segment of the electorate reacts negatively to the election results.

"The key risk is whether the election results lead to any form of public disturbance," Payne said. "That might impact the security and the already stretched services.

"The geopolitical lead-up to these Olympics, from the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel/Palestine situation, makes for the most complex and sensitive international situation for more than three decades." Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) marketing executive Terrence Burns agreed.

"I would politely note that the French authorities have a great deal of experience in dealing with civic disruption," he said. "Internal political unrest does indeed add another wrinkle to the Games security planning, but I highly doubt it is something that no-one there has considered and planned for."

Both agree that the likely change in government should not affect the Olympics, aside from different individuals occupying ministerial positions. Payne, who spent nearly two decades at the IOC and is credited with overhauling its brand and finances through sponsorship, said that beyond the ceremonial appearances at the opening ceremony, the Games are beyond the control of politicians.

"All of the major decisions involving politicians, capital construction, venue location, environmental planning, had already been taken long ago," said the 66-year-old Irishman. "Final delivery is left to the organising committee and civil servants, not the politicians."