Paris Lockdown Begins Ahead Of Opening Ceremony

By: Gyang Dakwo

French security forces began locking down central Paris on Thursday in preparation for the complex Olympics opening ceremony next week on the River Seine.

The six-kilometre parade route led to the closure of riverside districts to most vehicles from 5:00am. Access to the high-security “grey zone” along the Seine now requires a security pass in the form of a QR code.

As the City of Light transforms ahead of the Games, temporary sports stadiums have been erected at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, and Place de la Concorde. New Olympic VIP lanes have also contributed to traffic congestion.

“We’re entering a very operational phase of hosting the world’s biggest event,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said, outlining security measures. Many central Metro stations closed on Thursday and will remain shut until after the opening ceremony, which will feature 6,000-7,000 athletes sailing down the Seine on about 100 barges and boats.

This marks the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 500,000 people expected to watch in person. The vast security operation, involving 45,000 officers, 1,900 foreign police, 10,000 French soldiers, and thousands of private security agents, has raised concerns.

Meanwhile, athletes are arriving at the newly built Olympic Village in northern Paris. The village, showcasing innovative construction techniques, will host 14,500 people, including 9,000 athletes, at full capacity.