Thousands Protest Against Mandatory Vaccinations and Vaccine Passes, With Police Using Teargas
On Bastille Day, clashes broke out between protesters and police in Paris, as thousands took to the streets to voice their opposition to new Covid-19 restrictions. The protests began in the morning, coinciding with the annual military parade on the Champs-Élysées, which was being watched by President Emmanuel Macron.
The demonstrations were sparked by a recent announcement that health workers in France would be required to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, and that a vaccine health pass would be mandated for access to most public places. Those who are unvaccinated will need to provide a negative Covid test to enter venues like restaurants.
The protests quickly turned violent as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, and police used teargas to disperse the crowds. While the protests grew in intensity, the French government saw a surge in vaccine appointments following the announcement, as many citizens rushed to comply with the new requirements.
