It is of course "a crest line" - the expression is from Edouard Philippe - that the government suggests. With, on both sides, two formidable precipices: France, "once the health crisis has passed, will respond to the economic crisis and the general impoverishment that will intervene". A balance to be kept, warns the Prime Minister, from the moment when he announces this Thursday, May 7, from Matignon, that "the progressive lifting of containment can be started this Monday, May 11".
Emmanuel Macron had set that date for April 13, placing maximum pressure on his government. "We are there," echoed his Prime Minister. Remains that Parliament votes the bill extending the state of health emergency linked to Covid-19 on time, which was not fully achieved this Thursday evening.
VIDEO. Edouard Philippe's point on "the stage of May 11" (complete)
Behind his desk, Edouard Philippe appears, literally, as a leader of his government team, distributing the floor to ministers with marked features. The final arbitrations were made until the last minute to deliver “this manual”.
A "perfect agreement" with Macron
The exercise required clarity, as the communication was muddled upstream. And all the more disturbed that the echo of dissension within the executive duo has resonated for several days. Disagreements that the President of the Republic firmly denied, during the majority dinner at the Elysée on Wednesday evening, then at the Council of Ministers on Thursday. "Philippe was drinking whey," swears a participant. The Prime Minister himself certified of their "perfect understanding" during his press conference.
More than ever, it is necessary to restore confidence. Because, if the threat of sanctions continues to loom, the cooperation of the French is essential. While concern remains about the implementation of deconfinement, especially in schools or transport, Emmanuel Macron appeared rather confident to his interlocutors, Wednesday evening, betting on a gradual start with ripple effect.
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It is also a question of the French appropriating the new rules of their daily lives. "I appeal to what will never be the subject of a certificate [...] the spirit of responsibility of each one", underlines the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran. The instructions must still be clear.
"Everywhere vigilance is required"
Clear and clear, the map of France is now: two-color and cut in half. Green, for departments where parks and gardens can reopen, as well as colleges (from May 18). Red, for those who will have to observe more stringent measures. Two red flags, in Mayotte, which remains confined, but also in Ile-de-France, where the number of cases "remains higher" than hoped. And the restrictions are more important than elsewhere, especially in transport.
However, insists Edouard Philippe, no question of "imagining that there is a France at two speeds". As one pillar of the majority says, "the card is a political object that must be handled with great care". The risk ? Let territories feel stigmatized. So Olivier Véran reminds the obvious, red does not amount to "a punishment".
READ ALSO> Is your department in green or red?
“Vigilance is essential everywhere,” insists Philippe, who recalls: “We cannot be clever with the virus. »Chemin de crête oblige,“ prudence ”and“ progressiveness ”are erected in key words. Particularly for the start of the school year, which causes anxiety among parents, teachers, mayors, when it is not opposition. The Ehpad will remain confined, the border restrictions with European countries will be in effect until June 15 at least. Wearing a mask will be compulsory in transport, under penalty of a fine. And a certificate necessary for trips of more than 100 km.
VIDEO. Beaches, 100 km and cafes: 5 things to remember from the deconfinement plan
A new horizon is looming: June 2, when we will know if it is possible to "go to a new phase" of deconfinement or if "bad results" force us to "draw the consequences". Despite the hope that the health situation will improve, a restructuring plan has been prepared "in the event that there is no other solution", says Edouard Philippe. A black scenario in terms of health and economics. But also political.
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