100,000 march against France’s vaccine pass plan

VIOLENCE erupted across France yesterday as tens of thousands of people protested in the major cities against new anti-Covid measures, including vaccine passports.

Riot police in Paris fired tear gas and used their batons after they came under attack by crowds who had forced their way through a barrier close to the Champs-Elysee.

‘There have been attacks on officers all over the city,’ said a police spokesman. ‘Gangs intent on trouble are isolating patrols and then attacking them.’

Police estimates suggested 100,000 people had marched across France against Emmanuel Macron’s drive to increase vaccination levels.

An emergency bill – imposing the need for a health pass to enter cafes, restaurants, shopping centres and transport – is set to be passed by parliament today and come into effect next Sunday.

Polls suggest the move is supported by 65 per cent of the population but there is a vocal minority opposed to Macron’s stance.

More than 47 per cent of the French have now been fully vaccinated, a jump of six percentage points since Mr Macron announced the new vaccine pass.