Welcome to the exclusive gala dinner “dei presidenti” currently taking place under the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, with 80 heads of state and government in attendance, including Sergio Mattarella as the honored guests of the presidential couple, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, and the President of the IOC, Thomas Bach. The total number of guests at the event is approximately 500.
Prior to the dinner, which features the top chef in France, Alain Ducasse, at the helm of the kitchen, Macron addressed the guests expressing France’s pride in hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics. The dinner, attended by industrialists and Olympic sponsors, was preceded by a summit focusing on sports and sustainable development.
Stringent security measures are in place, with 300 special agents deployed solely for the close protection of the leaders. The service staff has been carefully selected, with their criminal records thoroughly examined. Contrary to earlier reports, official food tasters to check for poisoning are not present, as there is no guarantee that delayed-effect substances would not be used in a hypothetical attack. In case of any doubts, representatives of the heads of state can choose to refuse a dish or swap it with other guests.
The event is shrouded in secrecy, with the names of attendees or last-minute absences not disclosed.
The Eve:
Paris welcomes heads of state and government for the inaugural ceremony of the Olympics scheduled for tomorrow with a gala dinner tonight under the Louvre pyramid. Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron will play host for this dinner organized by the IOC and the French presidency, with around 500 guests, including Sergio Mattarella and approximately 80 heads of state and government, international organization leaders, sports authorities, and Olympic Games sponsors. Among the guests, are the King of Belgium, Philippe, with Queen Mathilde, who arrived with their children on the Eurostar, the Spanish royal couple, Felipe VI and Letizia, Princess Anne, sister of Prince Charles of England, and the American First Lady, Jill Biden, representing her husband.
Leading the culinary team for this extraordinary event, held amidst unprecedented security measures, will be Alain Ducasse, the most starred chef in France specializing in international diplomatic dinners. The menu remains a mystery and, for security reasons, will be tasted in advance by some “tasters” to prevent any poisoning risks. The attendance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Isaac Herzog at the dinner is still uncertain, as they will be seated among dignitaries at the Trocadéro tomorrow for the inaugural ceremony. Given the international tensions, the decision on their participation in the dinner will be made in the coming hours.
Prior to the dinner, guests are invited to attend a summit at the Carrousel du Louvre co-chaired by Thomas Bach, IOC President, and Macron, focusing on the role of sports in development. The Elysée Palace anticipates “concrete financial commitments” to be signed during this meeting.
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