France rules out possibility of riots affecting 2024 Paris Olympics

Olympic symbol in Paris, France

Despite admitting to being “concerned about the situation” in France, Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire insisted he was “not worried about the impact” the issue would have on the Olympics. The deputy mayor stressed that the international sporting event was still a year away, so the city government should not adjust its plans.

Meanwhile, speaking at the event announcing the Olympic torch relay routes for next year, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the torch relay is "an extraordinary opportunity to bring hope" to France in the current context.

Pierre Rabadan, the official in charge of sports in Paris, affirmed that security requirements will be ensured during the Olympics, while emphasizing that there will be no disruption in the planning of the event.

Previously, on July 3, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera announced that the government had taken many measures in recent days to strengthen security for infrastructure serving the 2024 Paris Olympics. Minister Amelie also said that the riots over the past week are damaging France's image in the eyes of international friends.

The statements came as France has seen days of violent protests in the suburbs of Paris and other parts of the country following the police shooting of a teenager who disobeyed traffic laws last week.

In related developments, on July 3, mayors across France held marches, calling for an end to violence. There are now signs that the unrest is gradually easing. According to the Paris Police Department, as of 10 p.m. on July 3 local time (3 a.m. July 4 Vietnam time), there were only 11 arrests in Paris and its suburbs. However, all bus and tram services in Paris remain suspended from 9 p.m. every day.

The Justice Department said about 3,900 people have been arrested since June 30, including 1,244 minors.

According to VNA