In "green zones", where the coronavirus epidemic is under control, local elected officials sent a letter to the Prime Minister, calling on him to loosen the noose of containment. Some even plead to leave mayors responsible for reopening places of life.

Mayors, presidents of regions and presidents of departments placed in green zones have launched an appeal to the Prime Minister to speed up deconfinement. They plead for a faster reopening of beaches, hiking trails but also, under certain conditions, restaurants and places to live, in these areas less affected by the coronavirus. "At some point, it is everyone's responsibility. So of course there will be barrier gestures, but today we have to find life," said Patrick Vignal, MP for Hérault, at the microphone from Europe 1.

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Leave mayors responsible for deconfinement

In regions rather spared from the coronavirus epidemic, elected officials stress the paradox of seeing supermarkets open but beaches closed. "There is quite the possibility of reconciling the taking into account of this health risk and the return to water", argues the deputy of the Channel, Bertrand Sorre, also signatory of the letter sent to Edouard Philippe. He hopes that nautical activities will soon be authorized and the marinas reopened.

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Some even hope to go further and want to leave mayors responsible for deconfinement. This would give them the opportunity to decide, on a case-by-case basis, about the reopening of restaurants and living spaces. "In areas like Occitania where there is only 3% of cases, I think we have to go further", explains Patrick Vignal, adding: "I want a conquering France, in green areas we have to open the way."

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The Prime Minister is for the moment very opposed to this idea, but the signatories hope to make him change his mind by May 7, the date on which Edouard Philippe must confirm the deconfinement plan.