French President Emmanuel Marcon has attracted criticism of planned epidemiological restrictions against the unvaccinated population of this country, by saying he wants to irritate the part of the society with the measures planned to enter into force from January 15, British news portal The Guardian reports.
«I am not about pissing off the French people,» the president said in an interview with readers of Le Parisien on Tuesday, January 4. «But as for the non-vaccinated, I really want to piss them off. And we will continue to do this, to the end. This is the strategy.»
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Macron’s remarks came as the French parliament debated new legislation that, if passed, will mean only the fully vaccinated – and no longer those with a negative Covid test – will qualify for the country’s health pass from next month. The document is required in France for access to indoor public places such as cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums, concert venues and sports centres, as well as to board long-distance trains and planes.
«In a democracy, the worst enemies are lies and stupidity,» Macron said. «We are putting pressure on the unvaccinated by limiting, as much as possible, their access to activities in social life.» France has vaccinated almost 90% of its population who are eligible, Macron noted, according to The Guardian.