63,700 people marched in France during the 11th Saturday of mobilization
Eleventh consecutive Saturday of mobilization for opponents of the health pass in France. According to figures released Saturday, September 25 by the Interior Ministry, 63,700 people marched in France, against 80,000 the previous week.
In Paris, 7,200 people have a market denounced the health pass and the vaccination obligation of caregivers. A total of 197 actions were triggered across the country. In Marseille, 800 people were cited, according to the Bouches-du-Rhône police headquarters. In Reims (Marne), 650 people marched waving signs with the slogan “Freedom”, according to the police. According to figures communicated by the prefectures, 2,000 people reported in Montpellier, 1,200 in Strasbourg, a thousand in Lyon, 950 in Metz, 900 in Lille (against 2,100 last week) and 650 in Nancy.
In Nice, where some 1,500 people marched, according to the police quoted by France Bleu Azur, dDemonstrators tried to approach the home of the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, police officers formed a roadblock to prevent them and used tear gas to disperse them. An individual was arrested.
This news works as the health pass must be extended to 12-17 year olds from September 30. A bill to extend the health pass beyond November 15 will also be presented on October 13 in the Council of Ministers.
“We’re here, even if Macron doesn’t want to, we’re here”, chanted the demonstrators leaving the esplanade of the Gare de Lyon, according to an AFP journalist on the spot. “I demonstrate every weekend because our freedom has been robbed”, explains Annick Gauthier, 65, living in a group in Val-de-Marne with a few “yellow vests” friends. “I am demonstrating against Macron and his liberticidal measures. I am not vaccinated, I do not have confidence. But I may be obliged if the tests become paid”, a recounted Tristan, 72-year-old retiree, “‘yellow vest’ from the first hour”.
The health pass became compulsory on July 21 in places accommodating more than 50 people. It was then extended to hospitals except emergencies, bars and restaurants, large shopping centers by prefectural decision and on August 30 to 1.8 million employees in contact with the public.
While more than 50 million French people have received at least one injection of the vaccine, Public Health France has seen a decline in the number of Covid-19 patients. As of Friday, 8,107 people were hospitalized, against more than 9,000 a week earlier. Among these patients, 1,586 are in escalation of care.