French President Emmanuel Macron has stepped in to stop the removal of hundreds of booksellers from the banks of the Seine for the Paris Olympics, his office said on Tuesday.

The booksellers, who sell second-hand and antique books from green boxes along the river, were due to be temporarily moved before the Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26.

However, after failing to reach an agreement with the traders, Macron decided to keep them at their historic locations, saying they were part of the “living heritage of the capital”.

The relocation plan was driven by security reasons, as authorities feared the boxes could hide explosives among the expected crowds during the Games.

The plan faced backlash from critics who complained about the disruptions caused by the Olympics, such as security, transportation, and housing issues.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has encouraged residents to welcome the event, stressing the city’s readiness and its importance for the nation and the world.

While most French people support the Olympics, some still worry about the effect of the event on their daily life and infrastructure.

The Paris Olympics, followed by the Paralympics, will run from July 26 to September 8, with a focus on sustainability and environmentalism.