Paris (AFP)
A certificate for each trip, a fine in the event of an offense and 100,000 police and gendarmes mobilized to control: an unprecedented confinement comes into effect in France at noon on Tuesday to try to stem the epidemic of coronavirus.
This March 17, 2020, like other countries before it, France is entering an unprecedented, albeit expected, era, "and for at least a fortnight," declared President Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening.
"France has never had to make such decisions in peacetime." "We are at war," he said.
After the closure of schools and universities, then that of cafes, restaurants and non-essential shops, the measures announced on Monday evening even more directly affect social life, the heart of everyday life, in order to "limit contact as much as possible" and fight against expansion of the coronavirus.
- "Stay home !" -
Faced with the exponential spread of the coronavirus and a sense of discipline not always present at the French, "the watchword is clear: stay at home!" Demanded Monday evening Interior Minister Christophe Castaner .
Concretely, all the people who circulate will have to be "able to justify their displacement", at the risk of being imposed a fine of up to 135 euros.
The tolerated trips will concern those made between home and work when absolutely necessary, to go shopping, for health reasons, or even for "compelling family motive or the assistance of vulnerable people", detailed Mr. Castaner.
Other permitted exceptions, "for short trips, near homes. We can always practice a physical activity or take out our dog ... But everyone should do it sparingly, respecting health instructions and barrier gestures, without ending up in group, "he said. "If I had to sum it up, I would say that we can get some fresh air, yes, but certainly not to play a football match".
If the "confinement" in France leaves a certain flexibility compared to other countries like Italy and Spain, it will affect the life and habits of families. Sunday in the sun, experienced by many French people, especially in the now closed parks, will seem distant.
- Support for the economy -
Pre-coronavirus economic and social controversies too. Macron has decided that all reforms, notably that of pensions, will be "suspended".
And to avoid a multiplication of bankruptcies, the president announced a guarantee of the bank loans granted to companies up to 300 billion euros, as well as an "exceptional device of deferral of fiscal and social charges, of support or deferral of bank and state guarantee maturities of up to 300 billion euros for all bank loans taken out with banks ".
Rents and water, gas and electricity bills "will have to be suspended" for smaller businesses facing "difficulties," he also said.
The Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire assured that there would be "no shortage", while asking not to multiply precautionary purchases. But in Alsace, for example, one of the most affected regions, large areas have been stormed with long lines of carts in front of the entrances. Scenes seen in the capital too.
And the Paris Stock Exchange experienced a new debacle, falling 5.75% while global markets are still in a storm and Brussels is now awaiting a recession for 2020.
Distant, also, municipal elections. After a first round last Sunday marked by a strong abstention, the executive decided to postpone the second round, initially scheduled for next Sunday. It will not concern the elections which were "acquired" in 30,000 of the 35,000 municipalities in France.
The idea of a postponement, which would have spiked a week ago, was widely welcomed on Monday by the unanimous political class. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe proposed the date of June 21 to the party leaders he received on Monday.
burx-ybl / roc
© 2020 AFP