French President Emmanuel Macron has raised the possibility of relocating the Paris Olympics opening ceremony away from the River Seine amidst concerns over heightened security risks. Macron suggested that the ceremony might be relocated to the Trocadéro, situated opposite the Eiffel Tower, or even to the traditional venue, the Stade de France.
The move comes as a precautionary measure in response to potential threats, particularly from the Islamic State group. Originally planned to encompass a 6km stretch of the Seine, hosting over 10,000 athletes aboard 160 barges, organizers have scaled down attendance from an anticipated 600,000 to 300,000 spectators. Furthermore, access to the event will be by invitation only, abandoning the initial plan for open registration.
Macron also disclosed the existence of contingency plans, underscoring the gravity of security concerns following recent threats to major sporting events across Europe. In addition to addressing security measures, Macron expressed his commitment to upholding the Olympic truce, reaffirming the tradition of peace during the games. With the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the events remains paramount.
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