International Olympic Committee Backs French Authorities

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressed “full confidence” in French authorities despite significant disruptions caused by recent arson attacks on Paris’s train network. Despite the disruptions, French authorities continue to receive support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for their response to the situation.

These attacks which targeted several high-speed rail lines, delayed thousands of travelers and affected around 800,000 people.  The rail company SNCF described the incidents as a “massive attack aimed at paralyzing the network,” with fires damaging signal boxes and causing further disruptions expected over the weekend. The Eurostar has advised passengers to avoid traveling and canceled some services due to the chaos.

Despite these challenges, the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, scheduled to begin at 19:30 local time will feature boats traveling down the River Seine. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo assured that the event would proceed without being affected by the disruptions. Bach emphasized his confidence in the French authorities, who receive support from 180 international intelligence services.

Christophe Dubi, the Olympic Games executive director, praised the organizers’ swift response and reassured that they have prepared for various scenarios. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the attacks as “coordinated and prepared acts of sabotage,” and the Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation. Amelie Oudea-Castera, France’s sports minister criticized the sabotage as an attack on the athletes’ Games.

Rainy weather in Paris also caused delays, including the cancellation of a news conference with Games President Tony Estanguet. Nonetheless, the Olympic torch procession continued as planned. This opening ceremony, marking the first time it will occur outside the main athletics stadium will last just under four hours and include the official opening by President Macron and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.