2024-04-15 19:29:46
Macron said that instead of ferrying the teams on barges, the ceremony could be “restricted to the Trocadero building across the river from the Eiffel Tower” or “even moved to the Stade de France”. Paris organizers came up with a ceremony that is unprecedented in the history of the Olympic Games, as it differs from the tradition of opening the games in the main stadium.
But the Olympics are being held amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, leaving those attending the ceremony vulnerable – for example, French authorities have hinted at the possibility of a drone attack.
Organizers have so far denied that the July 26 ceremony could be moved if authorities believe there is a possibility of it being targeted. “This opening ceremony … is the most important in the world. We can do it and we will do it,” Macron said in an interview with BFMTV and RMC.
But he added that “there is a plan B and C”, including moving the ceremony to the Stade de France in northern Paris, the main Olympic stadium that will host the rugby sevens and athletics events. “We will analyze it in real time,” Macron added. However, moving the ceremony from the Seine River would be a huge undertaking and would take away from the distinctive image of the Paris Olympics.
More than 300,000 spectators are expected to attend the ceremony, with another 200,000 watching from buildings along the Seine.
So far, all countries, including the most risk-averse United States and Israel, have said they plan to participate in the open-air river parade.
Macron also said he would do “everything possible” to ensure that the Olympic truce, a historic tradition that allows wars to cease during the Olympics, will be in place during the Games. The Paralympic Games will take place after the Olympic Games, they will start on August 28.
2024-04-15 19:29:46