- The draft law of the French Government will be discussed in the Senate on 28 October. Despite the fact that the majority join the measure, there are many citizens fighting against this measure, organising themselves collectively.
With 135 Members in favour, and another 125 against, the use of the COVID-19 passport continues to be extended until 31 July 2022. After the vote by the French Parliament, the senators will start discussing the bill on 28 October, after it is also voted on. Although there was originally talk of its use until 15 November, the French Government has announced that it wishes to extend its use until next summer.
This document is needed to be in the restaurant or bar, for initiatives that bring more than 50 people together, for public spaces such as museums, cinemas or libraries, for public transport and for access to hospitals and nursing homes. It states that the holder of the document is vaccinated against COVID-19, or has a test indicating that he has been infected by the virus in the last six months or in the last 72 or 48 hours.
After two days of intensive debate, Members voted on the night from 20 to 21 October. In addition to the COVID-19 passport there are also other measures. The health emergency in Guyana is continuing, at least until 31 December.
Organized against the COVID-19 passport
All twelve year old citizens must have this document. Although the majority have this document – 87% of the French population has received all doses of the vaccine and 89% the first dose – a minority does not do so, mainly because of the political discrepancy, that is, because they do not accept the exclusion and control of the document.
The collective Bagabiltza, formed in the area of Garazi and Baigorri, channels various initiatives and occupations against this document. Finally, they occupied Donibane Garazi's mediatheque, entered without COVID-19 passport and there were a dozen people.
No Pass, where are we going? It has also been set up collectively at Iparralde to combat this document which 'shakes' fundamental freedoms and rights. Atharratze, Maulen, Baigorri, Donibane Garazi, Izturitz, San Juan de Luz, Baiona, Angelu... In total, the group, which brings together some forty members, has hung 62 posters with the intention of raising funds. Among other things, the group is denouncing the situation of workers who have had to lose their jobs and their wages because they do not want this document. In particular, those who work in the health field need or do not need the COVID-19 passport and without it, the salary has not been distributed and it is forbidden to go to work.