Senate overwhelmingly passes Olympics bill with many security measures

has “542 days, four hours and nine minutes” As Macronist Senator Didier Rambaut (Isère) recalled the opening ceremony, the Senate passed the bill on the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (JOP) with an absolute majority in its first reading on Tuesday, January 31.

With many controversial security measures, this text is a “An essential stage in our preparation” For these competitions, where 13 million spectators are expected, the Minister of Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Games, Amelie Oudea-Castera, was welcomed after the ceremonial vote. In the Luxembourg palace, which is dominated by the Republicans (LR) and centrists, the bill was voted 245 in favor, 28 against – communists and environmentalists – and 64 abstentions from mainly socialist ranks.

As was the case during last week’s public session, Tuesday afternoon’s explanations for the groups’ votes revolved largely around Article 7. This allows. “the experiment” Surveillance cameras or drones equipped with algorithms “Prediction in real time” crowd movement “To ensure the security of sporting, recreational or cultural events which (…) are particularly exposed to the threat of terrorist acts or serious attacks on human security”. with them “Intelligent but anonymous algorithms, we can manage the movement of people in transport”Defended Amelie Odea-Castera before the senators since October 12.

Considered by the National Commission for Computing and Liberties (CNIL) as “A turning point that will help define the role these technologies will play in our society,” G.the so-called An intelligent video surveillance system may be implemented as soon as the law enters into force and will be operational before. “June 30, 2025”. This is more than nine months after the end of JOP (July 26 to August 11, then August 28 to September 8). A very broad spectrum that was condemned by left-wing groups in the Senate.

“Safe Trojan Horse”

“Several events presented as temporary experiments are only intended to last beyond the Games.”denounced by the Socialist Senator of Saône-et-Loire, Jérôme Durin, for whom the text “Not the right legislative vehicle to make such hard choices”.

In the process, the Communist Senate of Seine-Saint-Denis, Eliane Assassim, mourned “safety bias” government, “Directly inspired by the management of World Cups in Russia or Qatar”who does not “Only undermines the spontaneous popular momentum for a major sporting event.” will condemn “Safe Trojan Horse” who will put “France under the call”On the other hand, environmental protection senator Guy Benaroche defended “This government’s move towards a surveillance society”.