Paris (AFP)
Jean Castex vigorously defended Wednesday the French strategy to fight against the coronavirus, in the face of criticism surrounding "the lack of anticipation" of the vaccination campaign, urging senators not to "self-flagellate" and to be "proud".
"France does not have to be ashamed of its global strategy to fight this pandemic", assured the Prime Minister in a long tirade during the questioning session to the government.
"I ask that we not self-flagellate ourselves. It is not self-satisfaction: it is the French who made the necessary efforts as we had requested between Christmas and New Year's Day who are largely responsible, "he continued.
Mr. Castex was challenged by the boss of socialist senators Patrick Kanner, who invited him to explain the "lack of anticipation" of the government in the vaccination campaign.
"We must involve local elected officials more closely and trust the intelligence of the territories rather than call on private consulting firms," argued Mr. Kanner in particular.
"Our vaccine strategy will be deployed, it is ramping up," Mr. Castex assured in return, adding that "things are being done in order, in all territories".
Recalling that vaccination would be open from Monday to people over the age of 75, Mr. Castex has increased the calls for patience.
"Honesty commands to say that this vaccination will take several weeks, they are several million, 5 exactly and it will not be done in 8 days", he argued.
"It is not worth asking us at the end of the first week by telling us: + how is it that you have not vaccinated 5 million people", he insisted.
In order to illustrate his point and before the weekly press conference of the executive, Mr. Castex will go to Metz and Nancy on Thursday morning, the day of the national launch of the appointment setting for the vaccination of people aged 75 and over. more.
He will also visit a vaccination center in Nancy, a pioneering city in this area since these elderly people can receive an injection there since Wednesday morning.
© 2021 AFP