French President Emmanuel Macron assured this Thursday that the “preferred scenario” remains the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on the River Seine, despite the threat of attack.
Emmanuel Macron also addressed the recent controversy surrounding French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, guaranteeing that she would be “in her place” at the opening ceremony if chosen by the organization.
“The preferred scenario that we are preparing and that we want is obviously the one that was planned by all the organizers and the details of which will be revealed in due time,” Macron said on the sidelines of the opening of the new aquatic center. in Saint Denis.
The French head of state said that we must “take responsibility for this opening ceremony,” although he is aware that “France, unfortunately, has been under a terrorist threat for several years.”
“We are preparing several scenarios. If the threat develops, if we consider that circumstances require it, we have alternative scenarios,” Macron explained, without going into details.
The President also assured that he has no doubt that Russia is targeting the Olympic Games, especially “in terms of information.”
“Strength of soul, self-confidence, an attitude of truth—this is the strength of democracies and great nations,” he added.
Asked about the possibility of French-speaking singer Aya Nakamura participating in the festivities surrounding the Olympic Games, Macron referred the decision to the artistic director of the opening and closing programs, Thomas Jolly.
“It speaks volumes to many of our compatriots, and I think it has its place at the opening or closing ceremony of the Games. I won’t reveal details here, but if she participates in this ceremony along with other artists, I think it’s good,” he said.
The singer’s possibility of taking part in celebrations surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked outrage from the right and far right, who see the opportunity as a way to “divide” and “humiliate” the French and criticize the language she uses in her performances. , songs.