After a slow start, the European Union has surpassed the United States in vaccinating its citizens against COVID-19. Vaccine resistance persists, and in France, where the government estimates more than 200,000 people took part in the weekend’s demonstrations. to protest a mandatory fitness pass.
Carrying banners proclaiming “freedom” and “pass from shame,” tens of thousands of people protested Saturday in Paris and other French cities opposing government measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
Although many protests were peaceful, several police officers were injured while trying to restore order in Paris. In the south of the country, protesters destroyed a coronavirus testing shop, shouting “murderers” and “collaborators. “
The protests marked the third consecutive weekend of protests and were the largest yet. Some protesters wore yellow Stars of David similar to those Jews were forced to wear in former Nazi Germany, a move criticized by Holocaust survivors. Among the protesters were members of the far left and the far right, as well as representatives of the Yellow Vest movement for economic justice, which was born a few years ago.
“We are protesting against the government formula that has been in place for decades,” one protester told French radio, calling the new coronavirus measures an example of bad governance.
The new policies aim to address the rising wave of infections, driven by the highly contagious delta variant. Among them: making COVID vaccines mandatory for fitness staff and requiring fitness passes that prove others have been vaccinated or tested negative for the infection, for restaurants, movie theaters, trains and tourist spots.
President Emmanuel Macron has said he respects the right to protest, but that vaccines are a weapon in the fight against the coronavirus and that the French also have civic responsibilities, rights and duties.
Unvaccinated people now account for about 85% of hospitalizations in France and 78% of COVID-19 deaths, but some here remain skeptical or concerned about the shooting.
While backing the new fitness pass, conservative lawmaker Philippe Bas told French radio on Sunday that the government needed to increase public trust.
Like France, Italy has witnessed protests against vaccines and other measures aimed at curbing the pandemic. However, the public reaction has been more positive in Europe, especially in Denmark and Spain.
And despite the protests here, polls show that the majority of French people pass fitness. More than a portion are now fully vaccinated. Macron, who is up for re-election next year, has also noticed that his approval ratings have risen in recent times. months due to his handling of the pandemic.
After a slow start, the European Union has surpassed the United States in vaccinating its citizens against COVID-19. Vaccine resistance persists, and in France, where the government estimates more than 200,000 people took part in the weekend’s demonstrations. to protest a mandatory fitness pass.
Carrying banners proclaiming “freedom” and “pass from shame,” tens of thousands of people protested Saturday in Paris and other French cities opposing government measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
Although many protests were peaceful, several police officers were injured while trying to restore order in Paris. In the south of the country, protesters destroyed a coronavirus testing shop, shouting “murderers” and “collaborators. “
The protests marked the third consecutive weekend of protests and were the largest yet. Some protesters wore yellow Stars of David similar to those Jews were forced to wear in former Nazi Germany, a move criticized by Holocaust survivors. Among the protesters were members of the far left and the far right, as well as representatives of the Yellow Vest movement for economic justice, which was born a few years ago.
“We are protesting against the government formula that has been in place for decades,” one protester told French radio, calling the new coronavirus measures an example of bad governance.