One hundred days before the Paris Olympic Games, President Emmanuel Macron attempted today to reassure regarding the opening ceremony scheduled on the banks of the Seine, although he presented for the first time “Plan B and Plan C” in case of a terrorist threat.
“This opening ceremony” on July 26 along the river that flows through the capital “will be something that will happen for the first time in the world. We can do it, and we will do it,” stated the president of the Republic in an interview with BFMTV and RMC from the construction site of the Grand Palais, which is set to host events.
However, “there is Plan B, and even Plan C,” “and we are preparing them simultaneously,” he added.
The head of state had already assured that alternative scenarios were being considered. Today, he began to present them for the first time.
“We will conduct real-time analysis” for the risks, he added. The alternative options would mainly be a ceremony “limited to the Trocadero,” which could even “be moved to the Stade de France,” “because it’s a classic venue.”
So far, the government had ruled out a relocation to the Stade de France, which will host events even before July 26.
“A very broad” security perimeter
However, Emmanuel Macron wanted to reassure about the security measures, which will allow the river scenario, which is still preferred, to be implemented. “We have planned, we have created a security perimeter that will be very broad, where everyone entering and exiting will be thoroughly checked,” he insisted.
The dimensions of the celebration have also been revised downwards: the number of spectators who will be able to attend for free has been reduced from 500,000 to 222,000. Together with those who have paid for their seats on the banks of the Seine, a total of 320,000 are expected to attend.
Declaring today the start of the countdown for this global event, and while clouds gather on the international scene, the president also sought to restore the diplomatic utility of the Games.
Only 53% of the French are interested in the Games
France “will do everything to have an Olympic truce,” he promised, pledging to work on this mainly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I asked him to help me,” he added, confirming in passing Xi’s visit to Paris “in a few weeks.” According to diplomatic sources, he 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 swimming pool, the head of state hopes to revive citizens’ expectations for the Games. A survey by Ipsos, published by La Tribune Dimanche, shows that only 53% of the French say they are “interested” in the Games, which is 8 percentage points lower than six months ago. Worse still, a majority of respondents say they are “concerned” about France’s ability to ensure the successful conduct of the Olympic Games.
“Rediscovering” the Grand Palais
“France is a team, it is a united nation, and therefore, we are exemplary at this rendezvous,” emphasized Emmanuel Macron, assuring that he has “confidence in the unions,” while some threaten to strike during the Games.
“They have a sense of responsibility; they will be on our side,” he said.
Subsequently, the President visited the construction site of the Grand Palais. The Grand Palais has been under renovation since 2021 and is set to host Olympic and Paralympic fencing and taekwondo events.
The handover of the construction site to the organizing committee of the Games is scheduled for Friday.
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