Paris Olympics chief Tony Estanguet expressed confidence on Sunday, stating that the city is "ready" for the Games, despite some local residents and businesses voicing concerns about the event's impact. "We are ready as we head into the final phase," Estanguet declared at a press conference in Paris, just five days before the opening parade next Friday. He continued, "For as long as the closing ceremony hasn't finished, we need to remain vigilant. But today we are exactly where we would have dreamed of being a few years ago."
Final preparations are underway at venues across Paris, with thousands of athletes and officials arriving, and the weather has improved significantly after a rainy period. Additionally, the water quality of the Seine River, which will host outdoor swimming events, has greatly improved since the beginning of July. "All the indicators for the Seine are positive at this stage," Estanguet noted. The river will also host the opening ceremony, featuring 6,000-7,000 athletes on 85 barges and boats, marking the first time a Summer Olympics opens outside the main stadium. Up to 300,000 spectators are expected to view the event from stands and riverbanks, with another 200,000 watching from nearby apartments. Estanguet revealed that around 4,000 tickets remain available.
However, the extensive security measures for the opening ceremony have led to some tensions, with large areas of central Paris closed off. Trade associations representing Paris businesses have complained of a significant drop in business and customer traffic, partly attributing this to the heavy security presence. Estanguet acknowledged the challenges, stating, "It always a choice made in full conscience that the success of Paris 2024 would mean having the Games in the city. That was the completely unprecedented concept for Paris 2024."
