French President Emmanuel Macron stated on the 15th (local time) that if a real terrorist threat is detected in relation to the Paris Summer Olympics opening ceremony, it could be held somewhere other than the Seine River.
In a radio interview with a local media outlet, President Macron said that they are making the best preparations to successfully hold the opening ceremony on the Seine, but "there are emergency scenarios, Plan B and Plan C."
President Macron said, "We will analyze the situation in real time," and added, "To be honest, in case of emergency, the opening ceremony will be limited to Trocad?ro, not the entire Seine."
The currently scheduled Seine opening ceremony involves boats carrying athletes departing from the Gare d'Austerlitz bridge in the east of Paris, traveling 6 km westward, and arriving at Trocad?ro Square, where the Eiffel Tower is visible.
In the event of a terrorist threat, the water boat procession could be canceled, and the event could be held only at Trocad?ro Square. As another option, President Macron mentioned the possibility of holding the opening ceremony in a stadium like other Olympics.
Regarding concerns that the Seine, where some swimming competitions will be held, has been found to contain coliform bacteria above the standard level, he said, "The Grand Palais, where taekwondo and other events will take place, is also not fully prepared yet," expressing confidence that water quality improvement work will be completed before the opening ceremony.
He also emphasized that his intention to swim in the Seine has not changed. President Macron promised reporters at the Olympic Village opening ceremony in February that he would swim in the Seine.
He also said that even during the Olympics, he will do everything possible to enable a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
