PARIS. As Paris prepares to host the Olympics starting this Friday, the city is witnessing an unprecedented security operation aimed at ensuring the safety of athletes and visitors. A year ago, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics, confidently declared that France’s capital would be “the safest place in the world” during the Games. With just days before the opening, this ambitious claim is taking shape with heavy police presence, fighter jets, and advanced surveillance technology.
The French capital’s security strategy is being driven by a range of challenges, including recent extremist attacks and heightened international tensions related to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Unlike previous Olympic host cities such as Rio de Janeiro and London, Paris has opted to stage many events within its bustling city center and along the River Seine, complicating the security landscape.
In response, Paris has mobilized up to 45,000 police officers and gendarmes, supported by an additional 10,000 soldiers. This marks the establishment of the largest military camp in Paris since World War II, designed to ensure rapid response to any threats. The city is also patrolled by armed military units, though they lack arrest powers and can only detain suspects until police arrive.
General Éric Chasboeuf of the counter-terror military force, Sentinelle, remarked on the public’s evolving perception: “At the beginning, it was very strange for them to see us and they were always avoiding our presence, making a detour. Now, it’s in the landscape.”
Paris skies will be monitored by Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance flights, and Reaper drones. A no-fly zone extending 150 kilometers (93 miles) around the city will be enforced during the opening ceremony. Additionally, AI-equipped cameras will aid in identifying potential security threats, including abandoned items and crowd surges.
The Olympic security measures also involve international cooperation, with over 40 countries contributing at least 1,900 police reinforcements. The recent assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump underscored the risk of lone-wolf attacks, prompting heightened vigilance.
General Philippe Pourqué noted, “No one can guarantee that there won’t be mistakes. There, however, it was quite glaring,” referencing the Trump incident as a stark reminder of security vulnerabilities.
The French government has conducted extensive background checks on ticket holders and personnel, blocking over 3,900 individuals from accessing the Games due to security concerns. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized vigilance towards certain nationalities but refrained from directly linking exclusions to geopolitical conflicts.
Critics, however, are raising concerns about the long-term impact of such extensive security measures. The group Saccage 2024 has denounced the “repressive arsenal” of surveillance technology, questioning whether the security benefits of the Games justify potential infringements on privacy and freedoms.
As the opening ceremony approaches, Paris remains under intense scrutiny, balancing the need for robust security with the rights and freedoms of its residents.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
