This Tuesday at 8 p.m., the President addressed the French people, a speech situated between the health crisis and the electoral campaign.
“We are not done with the pandemic,” emphasized Emmanuel Macron. During his speech, the president announced several measures to combat COVID-19 as well as new developments in unemployment reform and the nuclear sector.
The vaccination campaign is accelerating
To all those over 65, I want to say: you are at greater risk with the virus. That is why we launched a booster campaign this summer. We must speed up. Starting December 15, you will need to show proof of a booster for your health pass. pic.twitter.com/diEdGDsGvt
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 9, 2021
“A vaccinated person is eleven times less likely to end up in critical care,” notes the head of state.
People over 65 will have to receive a third dose of the vaccine, or risk having their health pass deactivated from December 15. Next month, those aged 50 to 64 will also need to get a booster shot.
Emmanuel Macron also called for the vaccination of the 6 million French people who have not yet received any vaccine dose.
For people with comorbidities, a booster vaccination is strongly recommended, but not mandatory.
Mask-wearing is maintained. The health pass remains essential in restaurants, cinemas, and gyms, and its enforcement will be “reinforced” as well.
This time, France is not following the United States: no vaccination for children.
Unemployment regime tightened
To ensure work allows for dignified living and always pays more than inactivity, we are reforming unemployment insurance. Since last month, the rules have started to change to make returning to work more attractive in all cases. pic.twitter.com/3QMzAkTsF1
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 9, 2021
To “make the return to work more active” in the coming weeks, job seekers who refuse two job offers will see their unemployment benefits suspended.
Now, one will need to work 6 months over the past 2 years to qualify for benefits.
New nuclear reactors
For the first time in decades, we will restart the construction of nuclear reactors in our country and continue developing renewable energies. pic.twitter.com/qKjTiNy0dl
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 9, 2021
In order to ensure energy independence and achieve carbon neutrality, a goal committed to during COP 26, the president announced the restart of nuclear reactor construction.
Unemployment reform is not on the agenda
“The conditions are not right today to relaunch this initiative.” For now, the head of state has not made a statement on the matter, but announced “clear decisions will be made” and that “we will have to work longer, in 2022.”
“A new bill”
Early next year, a project is expected to be presented. It aims to “ease bureaucratic constraints for law enforcement.”
“Campaign-like airs”
“Our economy is creating jobs like never before,” Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity in this ninth address to praise the progress achieved during his term, notably economic growth and reduced unemployment.
He also announced new projects such as supporting young people, renovating healthcare facilities, and increasing salaries for home care workers.
The president reaffirmed his desire to strengthen “our ties with the European Union” during his presidency of the EU next year.
