VIDEO. Paris 2024 Olympics: the IOC and Thomas Bach are “not worried” about the political situation in France and assure that everything “is ready”

Thomas Bach spoke about the situation in France and its impact on the Olympic Games. KEYSTONE – MARTIAL TREZZINI

The president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach estimated on Friday June 14 that Paris was "ready" to host the Olympic Games, once again ensuring that the holding of early legislative elections in France in the meantime did not worry him.

"42 days before the opening ceremony", July 26, "we can say it with great confidence: Paris 2024 is ready", judged the head of the IOC, returning from a visit to the French capital, notably to Roland-Garros.

He praised "the enthusiasm that can be felt throughout the city" and which "begins at the airport", between flags announcing the Games, "spectacular sites" competition and Olympic rings hanging on the Eiffel Tower for a week.

“No, we are not worried”

While the early legislative elections of June 30 and July 7 plunge the host country into uncertainty, he once again put into perspective the impact of the vote on the upcoming major sporting event.

With less than 50 days to go for the Olympic Games @Paris2024, IOC President Thomas Bach says he witnessed first-hand the awe in people's eyes as they saw the Olympic rings up on the Eiffel Tower. pic.twitter.com/dnnaQaBdZb

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) June 14, 2024

"No, we are not worried, and for good reason: Monday, I saw with my own eyes […] a total unit. Both the government and the opposition have expressed their wish, and even their determination, to see France present itself in its best light during these Olympic Games", he affirmed.

"It’s just a legal question"

The dissolution announced on Sunday evening of the National Assembly also impacts the expected designation of the French Alps to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will be made official by the IOC on the 24th. July, only if in the meantime financial guarantees from the State and regions are presented.

"There is a constitutional procedure to follow, which prevents the government from providing these guarantees" in the&rsquo ;immediately, explained Thomas Bach, but "it’is just a legal question".

"All the indications are in the right direction" and suggest that these documents "will be delivered very quickly after the second round of elections", assured the boss of Olympism.