Following the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the event as showing the true face of France during a reception held in the gardens of the Elysée on Monday, August 12. He highlighted the success of the games in terms of security, organization, and popularity, and expressed his joy that the event had been such a positive experience. The President, accompanied by various officials, acknowledged the impact of the games on the country, remarking on the sense of lightness and enthusiasm that had permeated the atmosphere during the two-week event.
Emmanuel Macron reflected on the post-Olympic period, noting the absence of the daily excitement and the feeling of unity that the games had brought. He praised the French athletes for their achievements, finishing in 5th place in the medal standings, and emphasized that the success of the competition demonstrated the validity of his political philosophy of “en même temps” (in the meantime), which seeks to combine creativity with rigor and organization with innovation. He reiterated the importance of unity and solidarity, stating that when everyone works together, they become unbeatable.
During his speech, President Macron also highlighted the crucial role of security measures in ensuring the safety of the games, mentioning that hundreds of potentially dangerous actions had been prevented through over a million administrative investigations conducted by the National Service of Administrative Security Investigations. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining vigilance even after the conclusion of the Olympic Games in order to ensure the safety of all participants. Macron also underscored the sustainability and gender equality aspects of the games, asserting that future events should follow this model and promising that the social and cultural legacies of the Paris 2024 Olympics would endure.
Looking to the future, Macron humorously remarked that it would be hard for any other city to replicate the success of the Paris 2024 Games, given their achievements. However, he also urged all stakeholders involved to continue their efforts until the end of the Paralympic Games on September 8, emphasizing the importance of not letting up in their commitment. As attention shifts to the next host city, Los Angeles in 2028, Macron stressed the lasting impact of the Paris 2024 Games, pointing to accomplishments such as making the Seine River swimmable and ensuring that the social and cultural benefits of the event would endure beyond its conclusion.
In conclusion, Macron’s speech at the Elysée Gardens following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games highlighted the success and positive impact of the event on France. He praised the athletes, organizers, and security personnel who contributed to the games, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving success. Macron also underscored the importance of maintaining the legacies of sustainability and gender equality established by the Paris 2024 Olympics, ensuring that the social and cultural benefits of the event would continue to be felt in the future.
