Advertisement

France’s Macron stands by remarks, still wants to ‘piss off’ the unvaccinated

Click to play video: 'Macron’s vow to ‘piss off’ unvaccinated people brings mixed reaction in France'
Macron’s vow to ‘piss off’ unvaccinated people brings mixed reaction in France
WATCH: Macron's vow to 'piss off' unvaccinated people brings mixed reaction in France – Jan 5, 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday maintained on Friday his rude remarks about the country’s minority of COVID-19 vaccine refusers, saying he cannot accept them infringing on others’ freedom.

The 44-year-old outspoken president, who is expected to seek re-election later this year, made headlines earlier this week by using the word “emmerder” — rooted in the French word for “crap” and meaning to rile or to bug. He was talking about his strategy for pressuring vaccine refusers to get coronavirus jabs. His vulgar language dominated news broadcasts and provoked angry reactions from his political rivals.

Speaking in a news conference in Paris, Macron acknowledged the term may have upset some, but said he takes full responsibility for it.

Story continues below advertisement

“When some make from their freedom … a motto, not only do they put others’ lives at risk, but they are also curtailing others’ freedom. That I cannot accept,” he said in reference to unvaccinated people. “When you are a citizen you must agree to do your civic duty.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

France’s strategy is to “vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate,” he insisted, as the country reported this week Europe’s highest-ever single-day confirmed infection count. About 77 per cent of the population, including more than 91 per cent of adults, are fully vaccinated.

Click to play video: 'Macron says U.S. should ditch curbs on COVID-19 vaccine exports'
Macron says U.S. should ditch curbs on COVID-19 vaccine exports

Macron also advocated for the new vaccine pass to encourage more people to get the vaccine by restricting the social life of those non vaccinated.

The measure will exclude unvaccinated individuals from places such as restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums and sports arenas. The pass will also be required on inter-regional trains and buses, and on domestic flights.

Story continues below advertisement

The bill is to be debated at the Senate next week. The government hopes to put it in place around mid-January.

Sponsored content

AdChoices