The National Assembly adopted at first reading, Thursday, May 4, the repeal of the obligation to vaccinate against Covid, rather than its simple suspension. With the help of the various opposition groups and against the advice of the government, 157 deputies voted in favor, 137 voted against. The text will continue its parliamentary shuttle with a reading in the Senate.
The vaccination obligation for people working in the medical and paramedical sectors (enshrined in law since 2021) can only be suspended today, provided for by decree. A measure already announced by the Minister of Health, François Braun. According to a ministerial instruction consulted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), caregivers will be considered reinstated “the day after” the publication of this decree, scheduled for May 14.
“[This] decree will only suspend the suspensions, leaving the possibility for the government” to use them again, lamented the deputy of Guyana (GDR-Nupes) Jean-Victor Castor, author of the bill and who has took advantage of the parliamentary niche of the elected Communists to submit it to the vote of the National Assembly. The vaccination obligation had aroused a lot of resentment in the overseas departments.
A definitive repeal “would have dangerous consequences” and “would weaken our ability to respond”, replied the Minister of Health, François Braun, arguing that “pandemics (…) there will be others”. “Things are done in terms of reintegration,” Mr. Braun had also defended.
