French President Emmanuel Macron has disclosed contingency strategies for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, addressing apprehensions surrounding potential security risks. Macron’s announcement of ‘plan B’ and ‘plan C’ comes amidst uncertainties regarding the smooth conduct of events, particularly the planned boat parade along the Seine. While specific threats are yet to be identified, Macron stressed the paramount importance of prioritizing safety measures.

Under the proposed measures, the opening ceremony might be downscaled to a restricted event at Trocadéro, opposite the iconic Eiffel Tower, or even relocated entirely to the Stade de France in the event of severe disruptions. These cautious preparations follow recent opinion polls indicating only 55% of French citizens expressing confidence in the success of the opening ceremony.

Despite these reservations, Macron expressed faith in the capability of security services to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators during the Games scheduled from July 26 to August 11. The diverse array of events is slated to unfold across Parisian landmarks, including the Hôtel des Invalides, the Grand Palais, and the Palace of Versailles, with open-water swimming competitions set to grace the Seine’s waters.

Macron also underscored the diplomatic dimension of the Games, revealing plans to enlist support from the visiting Chinese President to foster a ceasefire during the Olympics, underscoring the event’s ethos of peace and diplomacy.

Security preparations for the opening ceremony are extensive, with 45,000 law enforcement officers mobilized across the Paris region. Attendance figures for the event have been prudently capped at over 300,000 to ensure stringent safety protocols. Encouragingly, all participating nations, including Israel and the United States, have confirmed their participation in the river parade.

In a departure from tradition, the Paris Games will feature a groundbreaking innovation: a purple athletics track at the Stade de France. This departure from the conventional red and blue colors of the tartan track serves as a poignant symbol of the Games’ uniqueness, promising an unparalleled experience for athletes and spectators alike.