The French Alps has been provisionally selected to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday. This decision hinges on French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to secure funding and guarantee security measures by October 1.
“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,” Macron stated during the IOC session. “Seven years ago we made the same commitment for the Paris 2024 Summer Games, and we delivered. We will do the same.”
The announcement came just two days before the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
What Happened at the IOC Session?
The French Alps bid was overwhelmingly supported, receiving 84 out of 88 votes. The IOC had secured financial and security assurances from the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur regions, both key areas involved in the bid. However, the IOC emphasized that the host city contract would only be signed upon the delivery of these guarantees.
If finalized, the 2030 Winter Olympics will mark the fourth time France has hosted the Winter Games, following Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992.
A Shift in IOC’s Selection Process
The selection process has evolved due to past corruption scandals and waning interest from potential hosts. The IOC now identifies a preferred bid which is then put to a vote, streamlining the procedure and reducing candidate visits. Wednesday’s vote solidified this new approach, formally confirming the French Alps as the chosen location.
In a related decision during the same session, Salt Lake City, Utah, was selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, further outlining the IOC’s future plans for the Winter Games.
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