France extends Covid health emergency until June

PARIS (Feb 10): The French Parliament on Tuesday approved an extension of the state of health emergency until June 1, Anadolu Agency reported.

The bill was approved with 278 votes in favour, 193 against, and 13 abstentions. 

There was heated debate on the matter between left- and right-wing politicians, with the latter deriding the move as an attack on public freedom. 

On Jan 20, the lower house, the National Assembly, gave the green light to extend the state of emergency, which has been in force since March 23 last year.

It has since been extended several times and was due to lapse next week on Feb 16.

The Senate initially approved an extension until May 3, but the matter came up again as Health Minister Olivier Veran said the June timeline was essential for the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive to be effective. 

The state of emergency gives the government unbridled power to implement measures such as curfews and travel curbs.

The government argues such authority is necessary for it to mount a successful fight against the virus, which has claimed over 80,000 lives and infected more than 3.3 million people in France.

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