With just four days to go until the highly anticipated start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France is fully prepared to host this global sporting event. During his visit to the Olympic Village in Saint-Denis, located north of the capital, Macron opened both a police station and a fire station to serve the more than 10,000 athletes expected during the Games.
“We are ready and will be ready throughout the entire event,” Macron affirmed, emphasizing France’s commitment to security, which is vital for the successful execution of the Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11 amidst increasing global challenges.
The French government has mobilized 45,000 police officers to secure the heart of the city, effectively placing it under tight security measures. This heightened security has sparked complaints from local merchants and restaurateurs, with a reduced number of spectators expected to around 300,000, halving the original estimate.
Addressing the deployed police and firefighters, President Macron expressed gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices aimed at ensuring a safe environment for the Olympic Games. The opening ceremony will take place along the Seine River, adding another layer of complexity to the security arrangements. “If we can collectively take pride as a country, it’s because you are making this sacrifice,” he said, acknowledging the importance of cooperation in preparing for the Games.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority,” Macron stated during a review with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. “We have implemented exceptional measures to protect both athletes and spectators.” Security was central to planning, with Macron and Darmanin examining confidential details of the security device, which includes the installation of 44,000 two-meter-high metal barriers—popularly termed the “Iron Curtain”—to separate critical areas of the city and deter any potential terrorist threats.
An officer, who recently arrived in Paris to assist with the operation, noted, “Everything is secured.” The opening ceremony, scheduled for Friday, July 26, along the Seine, marks the centenary of when Paris last hosted the Olympics. This event aims not just to celebrate the global sports spirit but also to showcase French unity and culture to the world, according to the president.
Macron stated, “One hundred years ago, Paris experienced a unique celebration, which now returns with renewed energy and commitment.” He added, “It is an honor for us to host these Games and show the world what we are capable of achieving.”
However, this monumental security operation has negatively impacted local businesses. Parisian café, restaurant, and hotel owners are facing unprecedented challenges in a city reliant on tourism. With empty terraces and canceled reservations due to security restrictions, many are labeling the situation as “catastrophic,” uncertain whether to remain open during the event.
Additionally, there are health measures in place, including mandatory QR codes to monitor access to establishments within restricted areas. The visible police presence is overwhelming, with numerous European officers and over 30,000 police forces deployed daily to maintain order.
On top of this, organizers are facing backlash and concerns regarding the use of AI-equipped surveillance technology and the potential risks of cyberattacks. Despite these hurdles, Paris has chosen to host many events in the city’s heart, with temporary stadiums in public spaces and an opening ceremony along the Seine—complicating logistics and security.
With millions of spectators expected and thousands of athletes participating, France is determined to deliver a memorable and safe event, navigating unprecedented challenges amid escalating diplomatic tensions and other global issues, including international terrorism.
In a demonstration of the stringent security measures, the area surrounding the Argentine embassy in Paris illustrates the extent of the operation. Preparations for an exhibition marking Argentina’s 100 years of participation in the Games have been hindered by strict protective measures. The arrival of Argentine President Javier Milei for the inauguration adds another logistical challenge amid the heightened security.
“The safety and success of this event are our top priorities,” Darmanin stated alongside Macron. Despite recent diplomatic tensions following comments made by Vice President Victoria Villarruel, Milei plans to attend the opening ceremony, maintaining a decent relationship with his French counterpart.
The Argentine government has formally apologized to France for Villarruel’s remarks, which labeled the European country as “colonialist” and the French as “hypocrites” in the context of a recent controversy. Last week, Milei’s sister, Karina Milei, personally visited the French embassy to clarify that Villarruel’s comments were a “personal expression” and did not represent the official stance of the Argentine government.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/internacional/emmanuel-macron-blindo-paris-para-garantizar-la-seguridad-durante-los-juegos-olimpicos.phtml
