Thousands of people demonstrated again in France against the health passport

Thousands of people took to the streets again across France on Saturday to protest against the health passport imposed by the government of Emmanuel Macron.

According to figures published by the Ministry of the Interior, 141,000 people demonstrated across the country, or about 20,000 less than last week.

The police carried out 21 arrests and one official was slightly injured, according to the same source.

In the capital, Paris, Thousands of people marched from the Eiffel Tower to the Invalides shouting “Freedom!”

Every Saturday since July in France, hundreds of thousands of people from various groups demonstrate, such as the “yellow vests”, anti-vaccine activists, those who support conspiracy theories and opponents of President Emmanuel Macron’s government against the health certificate or pass, which is mandatory in bars, restaurants, long-distance transport and even hospitals.

This document certifies that the person has a complete vaccination, a negative coronavirus test of less than 72 hours or a certificate of convalescence of less than six months.

During the walk, some demonstrators booed customers of bars and restaurants, according to a journalist from AFP.

Thousands of demonstrators also marched in Marseille (southeast), the second largest city in the country, most without a mask and waving the French flag. “No to discrimination. No to bullying: freedom” read on a banner.

According to a survey by the consulting firm Odoxa Backbone, 67% of French people approve of the health pass that President Macron does not rule out extending beyond November 15.

The pandemic of Covid-19 has already killed more than 115,000 people in France.

With the start of the school year and the return to work after the summer vacation, doctors prepare for a possible increase in infections, which currently averages 17,000 per day.

Despite the weekly protests, the “health pass” promoted vaccination against covid-19 in a France that was once lagging behind and managed to win the support of the majority of the population, seven months before the presidential election.

A few weeks after President Emmanuel Macron announced his candidacy, some The French are used to showing their certificate in restaurants, bars, gymnasiums and museums.

Totally immune people can access this key to a greater social and cultural life, as well as those who test negative or have overcome covid-19 in the past six months.

(With information from AFP)

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