France's Vaccine Pass Introduction Struggles... Authorities Determined to Enforce Despite Opposition

Report by France 24 and Others

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] In France, there is turmoil surrounding the introduction of a vaccine pass that restricts unvaccinated individuals from entering multiple facilities.

France's National Assembly has temporarily suspended discussions on the government's vaccine pass bill, according to reports from France24 and others on the 4th (local time). The Assembly engaged in intense debates over the vaccine pass bill until late the previous day and decided to put the matter on hold at midnight.

If the vaccine pass is introduced, only those who have been vaccinated will be allowed to enter crowded places such as restaurants, cinemas, gyms, museums, or use public transportation like trains. Until now, unvaccinated individuals were allowed if they had a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours, but if this bill passes, vaccination will be mandatory.

The vaccine pass has sparked fierce resistance from anti-vaccine activists and far-right and far-left groups. In fact, lawmakers have reported receiving threats related to the legislation of the vaccine pass. Agn?s Firmin Le Bodo, a member of the centrist-right minority party Agir, posted threatening emails she received on Twitter on the 2nd (local time). Barbara Bessot Ballot, a member of the ruling party La R?publique En Marche, also stated on Twitter that lawmakers are receiving death threats for defending freedom and said, "Such death threats are absolutely unacceptable."

Among European countries, France has a relatively high vaccination rate of 91%, but voices opposing vaccination still exist.

Despite opposition, the French government plans to introduce the vaccine pass as scheduled in mid-January. Foreign media reported that Cl?ment Beaune, Secretary of State for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told LCI TV, "Our goal is still January 15."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.