Macron: Russia will target Paris Olympics
French President Macron issued a warning last Thursday about the danger of Russian disinformation during the Paris Olympics, saying his country is prepared for the challenge.”I don’t doubt” that the Games will be targeted by Russia, “including in the field of information,” Macron said while inaugurating the Aquatic Centre, the largest sports facility built for next summer’s Olympics.
French officials have long warned of online disinformation campaigns and the risk of cyber attacks. “The Russians feed the idea every day that we can’t do this or that, that there’s a risk. That’s why we have to be firm. Strength, confidence in oneself, the relationship with the truth, is the power of a democracy and a great nation,” he added.
With relations with Russia in a nosedive over the war in Ukraine, Macron’s comments, made at an event in Paris to mark the opening of the new Olympic aquatic centre, represent his most explicit recognition yet of foreign threats to the security or smooth running of the Olympic Games, the biggest sporting event to be held in France since the 1998 World Cup.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he has no doubt Russia would malevolently target the Paris Olympics, while accusing Moscow of running a disinformation campaign to undermine the Games. pic.twitter.com/CKEeXes0cQ
— DW News (@dwnews) April 5, 2024
The world’s most eagerly awaited event is taking place in a complex global context. Russia’s war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza are complicating efforts to secure the Olympic Games, which will be held in France from 26 July to 8 September and are expected to attract at least 10 million spectators.
“The manipulation of information is part of the arsenal of war used by Russia,” he stressed. Faced with this threat, Macron assured that maximum vigilance would be maintained. However, he warned that concern should not lead to paralysis. “The best way to avoid risks is to do nothing. But that is not France’s project” Macron said.