France, Dec. 16 -- The figure is "considerably reduced" from the 6.6 billion euros announced by the national audit body in September with the adjustment reflecting the estimated impact on employment and infrastructure.

"By factoring in certain benefits, the climate dimension and legacy value - still measured only partially - the total cost of the Games decreases considerably: it would be more than halved, to under 3 billion euros," the high commission for planning (HCP) said in a "summary note" obtained by AFP on Monday.

'Long-term benefits'

This "net cost" of 2.76 billion euros "would even drop to 1.5 billion euros, a reduction by more than a factor of four," when "less conservative assumptions" are taken into account, the HCP said. ...