Sudden emergency alerts regarding security measures for the upcoming Paris Olympics startled residents of the French capital on Monday night, prompting surprise and disruption on social media and even interrupting a parliamentary session.
The alert, titled “Extremely serious alert” and accompanied by a loud ringing tone, appeared on mobile phones across Paris at 8:00 pm local time. It notified recipients about security perimeter measures for the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, urging them to obtain a QR code for access to the secured area.
Sent out during peak evening hours to maximize outreach, the alert disrupted a parliamentary debate between Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and members of the France Unbowed (LFI) party. Even Darmanin’s phone, responsible for the alert, rang alongside others in parliament, leading to a moment of interruption and laughter.
With the Paris Games scheduled to commence on July 26, an unprecedented security operation is anticipated, particularly for the unique opening ceremony set to take place on the River Seine. The interior ministry emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing that “an exceptional event requires exceptional action.”
Despite attempts to resume the parliamentary session, the disruption persisted, highlighting the unexpected impact of the emergency alerts.
