France can provide safe Games in 2024, says Hollande

Los Angeles and Budapest are the only other candidates left in the running to host the 2024 Games after Virginia Raggi pulled the plug on Rome’s bid shortly after being elected mayor of the Italian capital. Boston and Hamburg had already abandoned their bids.

“We want to remind you, and you know it, that France is able to host big events – recently with Euro 2016 but also with some 40 world and European championships across all sports these past years,” Hollande said as he welcomed International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach at the Elysee Palace.

“We have the savoir faire and the technology for big events but we can also ensure appropriate safety. We have ensured security for the events I just mentioned. It is our main priority and everyone can understand why,” he added.

France has been struck by a series of attacks in the past 20 months, with 130 being killed in coordinated assaults claimed by the Islamic State in Paris on Nov. 13 last year before a truck attacker killed 84 in Nice on Bastille Day this year.

“I don’t know how the world will be in 2024 but it will be dangerous. There is no country, no capital that can think they will be protected, immune from this,” said Hollande.

“We have been facing this reality for a while but we have what it takes to protect an event such as the 2024 Olympics. We have a form of preparation than no other country can have given what has hit us.”

The head of state added that the outcome of future elections, starting with next year’s presidential election, would have no bearing on the candidacy.

“I am certain that after the elections that will follow until 2024, all the presidents will want to pursue what we started,” he said after handing Bach a special gift — the flag of the 1924 Paris Olympics.

Bach praised the work done so far. “Your project is excellent and in line with the Agenda 2020, Bach said.

“Congratulations for having gathered the population behind this project. Sport is the best way to unite a society in all its diversity and today more than ever sport plays an important role in education and social integration.

“The IOC is attached to France because the French Olympic movement has perpetuated the tradition of (Games founder) Pierre de Coubertin and has been an efficient and friendly partner of the IOC.”The host city will be elected in Lima on Sept 13, 2017.