Security concerns: Macron contemplates relocating Olympics opening
For the first time, Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that in the case of a security breach, the Paris Olympics opening ceremony may take place in the national stadium rather than beside the Seine River. The French President stated that the ceremony may be “limited to the Trocadero ” building across the river from the Eiffel Tower or “even moved to the Stade de France” in place of teams going down the Seine on barges. Instead of starting the Games at the main stadium as is customary, the organizers in Paris have created a ceremony that has never been seen before in an Olympic Games.
Macron’s consideration
However, teams may be attacked on July 26 due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Ukraine. For instance, French officials have alluded to the potential for a drone assault. Organizers have not yet acknowledged that it may be relocated to a different location if police thought there was a chance it would be attacked. “This opening ceremony is a first for the world,” In an interview with BFMTV and RMC, Mr. Macron stated, “We can do it and we will do it.” However, “there are Plan Bs and Plan Cs,” he continued, mentioning relocating it to the Stade de France, the Olympic major arena that will host the athletics and rugby sevens competitions, which is located north of Paris. Mr. Macron continued, “We will analyze this in real time.” Relocating would be a massive project that would take away the Paris Olympics‘ distinctive identity.
Heightened security threats
The event is anticipated to draw over 300,000 attendees, with an additional 200,000 expected to observe from buildings along the Seine. Thus far, every nation, including the most risk-averse ones like the US and Israel, has declared its intention to participate in the river march in the open air. Additionally, Macron pledged to do “everything possible” to ensure an Olympic ceasefire during the competition. Peace is maintained during the Olympics thanks to an ancient practice known as the ceasefire. “We want to work towards an Olympic truce and I think it is an occasion for me to engage with a lot of our partners,” he stated. Starting on August 28, the Paralympics follow the Olympics. Macron stated that his goal was for France to place in the top eight countries at the Paralympics and in the top five in the Olympic medal standings. Following the fatal assault at a Russian music hall and the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility last month, the French government raised the highest level of security alert. Security perimeters would be set up “days, even weeks” prior to the opening ceremony, according to Macron. In order to ensure safety, he continued, vehicle traffic in the high-security area would be stopped, and French officials would employ “drone systems, coding, and cyber protection.” Macron responded, “If there’s one place where your son will be safe, it’s here,” to a viewer who voiced worries about her son attending the opening ceremony.
Macron’s deliberations
In the course of the hour-long interview, Macron also expressed his desire “to do everything possible to have an Olympic truce” for the Paris Games, given the likelihood of a worsening Middle East conflict, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, and Sudan’s impending mass starvation and death after a year-long conflict. The Olympic Truce is a contemporary resuscitation of the antiquated Greek custom that guaranteed athletes’ safe transit to the games among warring city states. “I think it is an occasion for me to engage with a lot of our partners as we work towards an Olympic truce,” Macron stated, adding that he would encourage Xi Jinping, the leader of China, to weigh in and use his influence. Macron declared, “In a few weeks, the Chinese president will be in Paris, and I’m going to ask him to help me.” “This is a peaceful diplomatic moment.”
Boycott Pairs Olympics 2024
As the Olympics 2024 is coming to a head, things are going worse day by day. Boycott is now a very necessary part for the security of fans and the public. Athletes are also threatened due to their security issues. Every two years, the nation that will host the next Olympics presents a resolution to the UN that other members of the organization may choose to co-sponsor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Macron also supported the choice to let Russian athletes compete in the Olympics, although flying a neutral flag in spite of the invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, he supported Israeli athletes competing under their national flag in spite of the country’s onslaught in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of 33,000 Palestinians and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more.
