Debate Heats Up Over Paris 2024 Olympics Spending

France's court of auditors has unveiled the first official estimate of public expenditure for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, pegging it at close to €6 billion.

The Cour des Comptes detailed in a preliminary report that expenses include €2.77 billion for organizational efforts and €3.19 billion for infrastructure.

However, Paris 2024 organizers disputed this summary, highlighting that certain costs should not only be connected to the Games. They argue the true financial burden is less severe.

Former organizing committee head Tony Estanguet criticized the court's methodology, arguing that the report does not accurately reflect potential savings if the Games were not hosted. He estimates the actual cost at about €2 billion.

While the Cour des Comptes emphasized that their findings are preliminary, they called on the state to evaluate the economic impact of the Games, citing a lack of comprehensive data.

(With inputs from agencies.)