On Saturday, July 31, as they have for several weeks, anti-vaccine advocates and opponents of the health pass marched across France. Particularly numerous in Nice, there were 6,500 people marching this weekend, among them, at the forefront, several firefighters from Nice and the region in uniform.
While France is starting to get used to the protests of anti-vaccine advocates and opponents of the health pass, an image stood out during the demonstration that took place in Nice last Saturday. Indeed, the presence of about ten firefighters from Nice in uniform was notable. They participated in this rally to show their opposition to the health pass and mandatory vaccination.
In the event that the Constitutional Council adopts the anti-COVID bill on Thursday, August 5, the firefighters will need to have a complete vaccination schedule by September 15. According to Nice Matin, already more than half of the firefighters in the region have received their two doses, otherwise, the firefighters would face sanctions.
This is not the only consequence for the firefighters who marched this Saturday, as despite the common right to protest, they are prohibited from protesting in their uniforms. Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the SDIS (Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of the Alpes-Maritimes), commented on this event. For him, the firefighters who protested represent “a tiny minority,” but this action has “tarnished the profession” and now invokes the right to reserve.
Due to this non-compliance with Articles L. 211-1 to L. 211-4 of the internal security code, which state that “wearing a uniform is strictly prohibited outside the exercise of civil security missions,” Charles Ange Ginésy has appealed to the Inspector General René Dies to address this matter and foresee sanctions.
