The Paris Police Chief, Laurent Nuñez, announced on Thursday that the anti-terrorist protection perimeter will be extended to all buildings overlooking the Seine when the Olympic Games open on July 26. This decision comes as part of the comprehensive security measures being implemented to ensure the safety of participants and spectators during the event.
Enhanced Security Measures
Nuñez emphasized the importance of extending the existing anti-terrorist perimeter to include all buildings with a view of the Seine. This extension goes beyond the security measures already established by the organizers of the Olympic Games. The exact number of state security forces deployed during the inauguration will be revealed at a later date.
In areas near the Seine, metro stations will be temporarily closed during the opening ceremony, as well as museums located along the river, such as the Louvre and Orsay. However, the closure of metro stations will not impact the overall operation of the metro lines, which will continue to operate normally. Visitors to museums in the vicinity will be subject to enhanced security checks, ensuring their safety while enjoying the exhibits.
Hotels situated along the seven kilometers of the Parisian Seine will also be able to operate normally, with appropriate security measures in place to safeguard guests and staff.
Free Attendance and Emergency Plans
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, Tony Estanguet, estimate that approximately 220,000 spectators will be able to attend the inauguration free of charge. Emergency plans and comprehensive controls are being implemented to guarantee the security of the games, particularly the original open-air opening ceremony.
Recent events have highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism, with the arrest of a 16-year-old boy suspected of planning a suicide attack during the games. The vigilance and effectiveness of French security services, in collaboration with international partners, have been crucial in apprehending potential threats.
The authorities are working collectively on a plan to ensure the safety of the inauguration on the Seine, focusing on plan A. This plan takes precedence over alternative plans B and C, which involve holding the ceremony in a restricted area of the Seine or at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. However, contingency plans are in place in case of an attack.
Identity Checks and Collaboration
Exhaustive identity checks will be conducted for both spectators and residents with a view of the Seine. Neighbors who wish to invite friends to their balconies on the day of the ceremony will be required to register on a digital platform, but their presence will not be restricted.
Collaboration with international police officers, as seen in many international events, will be an integral part of the security measures. The City Hall will provide a thousand municipal police officers for the opening ceremony, demonstrating the collective effort to ensure the safety of all participants and attendees.
The security system for the opening ceremony is primarily the responsibility of the French state, with a significant mobilization of forces. The Sentinelle anti-terrorist military system, established in 2015, will also be deployed to enhance security during the Olympic Games.
With these extensive security measures in place, Paris is committed to hosting a safe and successful Olympic Games, providing a memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike.