France's sports minister reassured the public on Wednesday that there were no "specific" terror threats targeting the Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26, despite renewed fears following a recent attack in Moscow.
Amelie Oudea-Castera stated that the opening ceremony, planned to take place on the Seine River, remained the primary arrangement, with contingencies being considered behind the scenes. The ceremony is set to feature a flotilla of river boats carrying sporting delegations, providing a picturesque spectacle for up to 500,000 spectators.
Despite security concerns, all participating countries, including risk-averse nations like the United States and Israel, have affirmed their participation in the open-air river parade. However, French security forces remain vigilant, screening up to a million individuals in preparation for the Games.
In response to budgetary concerns raised by the state auditor, Oudea-Castera defended the Olympics' financial management, stating that there were no hidden costs or budgetary drift. The current budget stands at 8.8 billion euros, with rigorous controls in place to prevent overspending.
While past Olympics have often exceeded initial budget estimates, Oudea-Castera emphasized that Paris 2024 aims to avoid such pitfalls, with the budget being closely monitored to ensure financial prudence.
Despite security challenges and budget scrutiny, preparations for the Paris Olympics continue, with the opening ceremony scheduled to proceed as planned, showcasing France's commitment to hosting a memorable and safe sporting event.
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