France is set to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics for the first time since 1992 after an International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the country the 2030 edition subject to financial guarantees.
French President Emmanuel Macron has not been able to finalise his country’s financial commitment to the showpiece because of national elections which mean he will not name a new government until after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The bid by the regions of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur was the only one put forward to the IOC.
And the Olympic Winter Games 2030 will be…
the #FrenchAlps2030 🇫🇷🏔️!!
A delighted French delegation, led by @EmmanuelMacron, with @DLappartient & @FranceOlympique reacts to the election at the IOC Session. PIC.TWITTER.COM/EJGRP7XCFQ
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) JULY 24, 2024
Macron: IOC can ‘trust’ France
Macron had assured the IOC of his personal dedication to the bid and the “full commitment of the French nation”.
“I will ask the next Prime Minister to include not only these guarantees, but also to bring an Olympic law as a priority of the new government… you can resolutely trust us,” he said.
“Seven years ago, we made the same commitment [for Paris 2024] and we delivered. We will do the same.”
Winter Olympics 2030: ‘Full confidence’
IOC President Thomas Bach backed Macron and leaders in the two regions where the Games will be hosted.
“We are now in a situation where, on the one hand, we have full confidence in our French friends,” he said.
“I confirm the full commitment of the French nation, and assure you that I will ask the next Prime Minister to include not only this guarantee but also an Olympic Law in the priorities of the new government.
7 years ago we made the same commitment, and we delivered. We will do… PIC.TWITTER.COM/HTKIBMIQQH
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) JULY 24, 2024
“On the other hand, we have the responsibility to ensure the delivery of the Olympic Winter Games in the interest of the athletes and all stakeholders.
“After careful discussions with the French authorities, the IOC Executive Board has come to the conclusion that the best solution for this extraordinary situation is a conditional [approval].”
Olympics in France
France will stage the event for a fourth time and a first since they took place in Albertville in 1992.
The current Summer Olympics are underway, with the opening ceremony taking place on July 26.
