Concerns Mount Over Paris’s Preparedness for Olympic Games One Month Before Opening Ceremony

As the Paris Olympics approach, concerns are mounting over France’s preparedness for the event, with particular emphasis on security measures and environmental conditions. With only a month to the opening ceremony, scheduled to take place along the River Seine—a first of its kind outside a traditional stadium—questions arise regarding the massive security operation required. Additionally, the suitability of the Seine for swimming events is under scrutiny due to pollution and recent heavy rainfall, raising doubts about the river’s readiness. Furthermore, the lack of air conditioning in athletes’ accommodations amid a heatwave has sparked debate over whether this decision was environmentally motivated or a cost-saving measure.

• There is widespread nervousness about Paris’s readiness for the Olympics, especially concerning the ambitious plans for the opening ceremony along the River Seine.
• France is still recruiting security personnel, with 45,000 police and other security staff expected to be deployed on the day of the opening ceremony.
• Security zones around the River Seine will be established starting July 18, eight days before the ceremony.
• Recent threats have put France on high alert for potential terrorist activities targeting the Olympics.
• The Seine’s pollution and the impact of recent heavy rains pose a challenge for swimming events planned in the river, with alternatives being considered.
• Billions of Euros have been spent attempting to clean the Seine, but it remains unlikely to be ready for open water swimming and triathlon events.
• The absence of air conditioning in athletes’ accommodations has raised concerns, particularly in light of France’s current heatwave and the expected high temperatures during the Olympics.
• Questions arise whether the lack of air conditioning is a genuine environmental consideration or a measure to cut costs.

France 24 is an international television network and news website owned by the French state.

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