On the Rivera, at the border, checks on the Italian side but not on the French side

• Controls are carried out by the Italian authorities on the border between Menton and Ventimiglia.
• The measure is taken as part of the quarantine decided to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
• MP Eric Ciotti requests that France organize the same controls in the other direction.

Armed soldiers and masked riflemen who must be shown a white leg. Since Wednesday at the Italian border, between Menton and Ventimiglia, the transalpine authorities control the vehicles which appear at the entry of the country.

The measure is taken as part of the quarantine decided earlier this week to combat the spread of the new Covid-19 coronavirus. And according to the directives of the Italian government which provide that "only travel for professional reasons or to reach your home is currently authorized".

A self declaration to be able to circulate

Clearly, the Italians and the French who work on the other side, and who are able to present a self-declaration (to download on the Italian government sites) allowing them to circulate, can pass. Visitors looking for tourism or shopping, on the other hand, are invited to turn around.

At the Franco-Italian border of Pont Saint Ludovic (Menton), the transalpine authorities wear protective masks and repress the French who have no good reason to go to Italy pic.twitter.com/pugcorzdij

In fact, the checks seemed rather random on the spot, causing at certain times some slowing down at the Saint-Victor bridge. At least in the Menton-Vintimille direction. Because in the other direction, the French police did not question the drivers.

Eric Ciotti denounces “inconsistent” border management

An "inconsistency" raised by the deputy Eric Ciotti, who announces having written to the Prime Minister. "Why such an absence of precautions when the virus spreads quickly in France and paralyzes Italy", questions the elected official, calling for "a common position on both sides of the border".

Italian authorities block French entry at the Menton border, but Italians enter France without any control while Italy is in quarantine

Total inconsistency @EPhilippePM why this lack of precautions? Ideology? Taboo borders? pic.twitter.com/bHjMjYTQbn

"At this stage, the French government has not taken any special measures," said the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes on Wednesday evening. On the Italian side, "arrangements have been made to ensure the proper implementation of the quarantine decree," said Bernard Gonzalez.

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