Is France Signaling Trouble for Paris Olympics 2024? Spectator Counts Slashed by Half for The Opening Ceremony

The Paris Olympics 2024 is here to stay and the sporting realms are high on excitement. Starting from gymnastics to swimming, from equestrian to track and field, this year would be one-of-a-kind. The biggest event is all set to kick off in July, and more focus is on the families, friends, and fans, who’re all set to cheer on their favorite picks. On a mission to break boundaries and conventions, the organizers will create history with the opening ceremony this year.

Spanning 15 days, the Olympic frenzy is sure to leave fans at the edge of their seats. But a little change in the primary plan has stirred the internet a little. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin’s decision has changed without any prior notification. So, is there any underlying cause that we’re overlooking?

Paris Olympics 2024 has some news ahead of the opening ceremony

Initially, the organizers had settled for 600,000 spectators for the opening ceremony. But now, the number has reduced to 300,000. Set to take place outside of the usual closed setting to boot. Meandering through the city, the ceremony will not be confined this year. But the sudden reduction in audience count has not left a good taste in the internet’s mouth. 100,000 paying spectators will get a water-side view and most of the rest will manage a place on the upper embankments. Even though Darmanin had been sleeping well ahead of the big event, he didn’t have a reason for his abrupt decision alteration.

“I know that we have the best security forces in the world and we’ll be able to show that France is capable of winning medals and, above all, of hosting the world without any problems”, said he, willing to make big strides in Paris in July. But there may be a reason why the host nation is being more mindful this time.

The French President hints at something murkier and clandestine

Extremist attacks that ravaged Paris in 2015 still haunt people of the French capital, especially the President Emmanuel Macron. Last December, he had said that the opening ceremony can be moved for security reasons, so the lessening of audience count may be due to that. Though nothing is confirmed yet, let’s have a brief idea of the pomp.

READ MORE: Is Paris Ready to Host the Olympics? The Struggle to Clean Up the Seine in the Host City

Along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route, the participating athletes will tour Paris on boats on the Seine. Security has been multiplied this time and around a thousand forces will look into maintaining maximum peace. On French TV channel France 2, the organizers have shared their change of plans. Check out this space for more such Paris Olympic updates.

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