Paris 2024: ‘Plans B and C’ on Seine parade mentioned by Emmanuel Macron raise questions

Emmanuel Macron confirmed: it really is “Reverse scenarios, plans B and even plans C” At the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games (OG) scheduled for July 26 on the Seine. Alternative options include the event “It will be limited to the Trocadero, not the whole Seine”said, on Monday, April 15, the President of the Republic gave an interview to BFM-TV and RMC. “In the repatriated Stade de France”, “Because that’s what’s done classically.”

This is not the first time that the head of state has officially spoken about plan B, or even plan C. The use of the contents of Saint-Denis (Saint-Saint-Denis) is not the preferred scenario, insisted Emmanuel Macron, who reaffirmed his desire to follow Plan A: “This Opening Ceremony” on the Seine “This is the first in the world. We can do it and we will do it”he argued.

The opening ceremony on the river that runs through the capital presents a huge logistical and security challenge. About 45,000 police and gendarmerie are responsible for the 6-kilometer maritime parade of the Olympic delegations along the coast. More than 320,000 spectators are expected – 104,000 with paid tickets on the lower platforms, 222,000 with free admission, compared to the 500,000 originally planned for the higher platforms. There should be dozens of heads of state at the Trocadero.

If the Elysee decided to “repatriate” the festivities to Saint-Denis due to the terrorist threat, it would be a rejection of one of the main commitments of the Paris Games: for the first time in Olympic history, the opening ceremony was held outside the stadium. . “We will analyze in real time” Risks, argued Emmanuel Macron.

The president’s announcement on Monday, however, adds many unknowns to the equation. The Trocadero or the Stade de France, the reserve perimeters mentioned do not have the same impact In terms of artistic ambition or audience gauge.

“Custom Show” at the Trocadero

What would be the show and the big national story that director Thomas Jolly and his teams had been working on for months for the opening ceremony? A technical rehearsal has already taken place on the Seine – more should be organized at the end of May – other artistic rehearsals are taking place in hidden sheds out of sight, many dancers and choreographers have already been hired…