Emmanuel Macron: Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony Prepared for Terrorism Threat
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that authorities have devised alternative plans in the event of a terrorism threat during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. Macron assured that if security risks are identified, there will be a contingency plan in place, including a Plan B and even a Plan C. Speaking from the Grand Palais in Paris, one of the Olympic sites, Macron mentioned the possibility of restricting the ceremony to the Paris Trocadero square, which faces the iconic Eiffel Tower, or relocating it to the Stade de France stadium.
To ensure the safety of attendees, authorities will establish a security perimeter around the ceremony site days, if not weeks, before the start. This precautionary measure is part of a comprehensive security strategy to mitigate any potential threats. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin had previously announced that the attendance capacity at the ceremony, which will be the first to be held along a river, will be halved due to security reasons. While initial plans aimed to accommodate around 600,000 spectators, the revised capacity will now be around 324,000.
The recent increase in security measures during the Champions League quarterfinal between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona demonstrates the French authorities’ commitment to maintaining a safe environment for major events. The heightened security presence was in response to a threat made by the Islamic State terror group against the Parc des Princes and other European soccer stadiums hosting Champions League matches.
With the safety and security of participants and spectators as a top priority, French authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure a successful and secure Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
