One hundred days before the Paris Olympics, President Emmanuel Macron today sought to reassure the opening ceremony planned on the banks of the Seine, although he presented for the first time “plans B and C” in the event of a terrorist threat .
“This opening ceremony” on July 26 along the river that runs through the capital “will be something that will be done for the first time in the world. We can do it and we will do it,” said the president of the Republic in an interview with BFMTV and RMC stations from the construction site of the Grand Palais, which is to host matches.
But “there is a plan B, even a plan C”, “and we are preparing them in parallel”, he added.
The head of state had already assured that alternative scenarios are being considered. Today he started presenting them for the first time.
“We will do real-time analysis” of the risks, he added. The alternatives would mainly be a ceremony “confined to the Trocadero”, which could even be “moved to the Stade de France”, “because it is traditionally done there”.
Until now, the government has ruled out a return to the Stade de France, which will host matches even before July 26.
“Very wide” security perimeter
Emmanuel Macron, however, wanted to reassure about the security measures, which will allow the river scenario, which is still being qualified, to take place. “We have foreseen, we have created a security perimeter that will be very wide, in which we will screen everyone who enters and exits,” he insisted.
The dimensions of the celebration were also revised downwards: the number of spectators who will be able to watch it for free was reduced from 500,000 to 222,000. Together with those who have paid for their place on the docks of the Seine, they are expected to reach a total of 320,000.
Announcing the start of the countdown to this global event today, and as clouds gather on the international stage, the president also sought to restore the diplomatic utility of the Games.
France “will do everything to have an Olympic truce,” he said, promising to work on it primarily with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I asked him to help me,” he added, casually confirming Xi’s arrival in Paris “in a few weeks.” According to diplomatic sources, it is expected in early May.
With this interview and this new inspection of the construction site after the inauguration of the “athletes’ village” and the Olympic pool, the head of state hopes to revive the citizens’ anticipation of the Games. An Ipsos poll published by La Tribune Dimanche shows that only 53% of French people say they are “interested” in the Games, down 8 points from six months ago. Worse, a majority of respondents say they are “concerned” about France’s ability to ensure the Olympics go well.
“Rediscovering” the Grand Palais
“France, it is a team, it is a united nation and therefore we are exemplary in the appointment”, emphasized Emmanuel Macron, assuring that he has “confidence in the unions”, at a time when some are threatening to carry out strikes during the Games.
“They have a spirit of responsibility, they will be on our side,” he declared.
Then the President of the Republic visited the construction site of the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais is being renovated from 2021 and is set to host the Olympic and Paralympic fencing and taekwondo events.
The delivery of the construction site to the organizing committee of the Games is expected on Friday.
Source: ertnews
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