France: Castex defends measures taken by the government to stem the pandemic
French Prime Minister Jean Castex during a press conference in Paris, August 27, 2020. CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT / POOL / AFP
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6 min
Prime Minister Jean Castex defends the measures taken by the French government to try to stop the progression of Covid-19.
Guest of the political program of France 2, the Prime Minister assumes to close bars and restaurants - in Marseille in particular - despite the anger expressed by professionals, elected officials and part of the population.
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Steps now, to avoid re-containment later.
This is the message the Prime Minister wanted to convey.
Faced with the deluge of criticism from elected officials for 24 hours, Jean Castex assumes an unpopular but necessary choice, according to him.
In compensation, he announced aid for restaurateurs.
Partial unemployment, exemptions from social charges, solidarity fund.
"
We will not let you down
" launches Jean Castex.
"
There is no question that you will suffer the consequences of these health measures
," assured the Prime Minister to a Marseille restaurateur who called out to him.
I asked the Minister in charge of SMEs, TPE, Alain Griset, to go to Marseille to discuss these conditions with professionals.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex
Anthony Lattier
To those who call for disobedience, he replies that they are wrong and that we do not play with the virus.
He admits, however, that he himself did not follow the government's instructions to download the Stop-Covid contact tracing application.
An admission that sounds like the swan song of an initiative deemed of little use so far.
Another announcement from the head of government - which this time concerns the theme of security - the justice budget will be increased by 8%.
It is currently one of the lowest in Europe.
Jean Castex promises a better penal response to delinquents.
A way also to provide support - a "proof of love" as he said - the new Minister of Justice Eric Dupond-Moretti, battered by the judiciary.
Young people need to go out, what are they going to do?
They will meet in apartments.
It will be even more dangerous than finding them at home, where we have them under control.
Demonstration of bar owners in Paris against the closure at 10 p.m.
Pierre Olivier
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On the same subject
New measures against Covid-19: Marseille city hall requests a 10-day delay