100 days before the opening of Paris 2024 and on the eve of lighting the Olympic flame in Athens, French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off the countdown to the highly anticipated international sporting event. In a televised speech on Bfmtv and Rmc radio, Macron emphasized respect, tolerance, and safety for all athletes.
With global instability looming over the event, including armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe, Macron assured that France has contingency plans in place. He expressed his determination to showcase the best of France through successful opening and closing ceremonies for both the Olympics and Paralympics.
Macron addressed terrorism concerns, emphasizing that France will not be deterred from dreaming and that security measures are in place to ensure everyone’s safety. He advocated for an Olympic truce to promote respect and tolerance among competitors, highlighting that athletes from countries involved in conflicts should be able to compete peacefully without being involved in politics.
Setting ambitious goals for French athletes, Macron aimed for a top 5 finish with 80 medals at the Olympics and a top 8 finish with 40-50 medals at the Paralympics. He recognized challenges in making Paris accessible for disabled individuals but announced measures such as providing taxis for people with reduced mobility during the Games.
Macron addressed controversies surrounding racially charged reactions to singer Aya Nakamura’s participation by promising a diverse and entertaining show featuring various artists. With a focus on creating lasting legacies, he highlighted new structures and infrastructure that will benefit communities like Seine-Saint-Denis’ water sports centers in future years.
Macron confirmed his presence at Marseille’s welcoming ceremony of the Olympic flame while expressing his commitment to swimming in Seine before games begin, underscoring his dedication towards this event legacy building efforts.
As we move closer towards Paris 2024, it is clear that our country is committed to making this Olympic Games a resounding success while prioritizing respectful competition among participants regardless of their background or nationality.
