The public operator of the train network, SNCF, denounced a criminal act to damage its facilities, which forced it to cancel departures and delay others.

According to the entity, the disruptions in TGV traffic should last throughout the weekend, in order to repair the problems, with reports indicating at least 800,000 passengers affected and a tense situation in the Parisian Montparnasse station, one of the busiest in the country.

The sabotages, described as criminal acts against the railways, do not affect the Olympic Games directly, but do affect people leaving the city for their summer vacations.

In statements to reporters, Minister of Transport Patrice Vergriete insisted on the criminal nature of the fires, due to evidence found on the ground and the coordination, since they all took place at the same time.

For his part, the Paris police prefect, Laurent Nunez, announced a reinforcement of security in the capital’s train stations, where users are concentrated.

The Minister of Sports (resigned), Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, also reacted to the sabotage with a condemnation.

It is worrying, to act against the Olympic Games is to act against France, against its own camp, against its country, she considered.

jg/arm/jha/wm