French Parliament Approves Macron’s COVID Vaccine Pass

France’s parliament has approved President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for a COVID vaccine pass. This is to help curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

Earlier this week, Emmanuel Macron told Le Parisien newspaper that he wanted to make the lives of those refusing the COVID-19 vaccine so complicated by squeezing them out of public places that they would end up getting jabbed.

After Macron’s comments were published, Health Minister Olivier Veran said a record number of people since received a first shot on Wednesday.

For months, French nationals have had to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter venues such as cinemas, cafes and also use trains.

Legislators in the lower house passed the vaccine plan on Thursday, Al-Jazeera reported. Many of those who voted against the bill were from the far right or hard left.

The legislation will go to the Senate before a final vote in the National Assembly. The vaccine pass rules will apply to individuals aged above 16.