A series of announcements in the form of a counter-attack.
For ten days the executive has been cornered by the suspension - temporary but suffered - of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the deterioration of the health situation which has forced it to tighten the screws in sixteen departments.
A true-false containment whose implementation has led to a series of hiccups and boondoggles, internal dissension as a bonus.
"We have the ability to screw it up on our own ..." sighs a Macronist.
So at the beginning of the week, at the top of the State, the time has come to try to regain control.
By reframing the troops, clarifying the message, new slogan and eleven commandments in support.
By promising, above all, once again, to press on the accelerator of the vaccine campaign, "the heart of the battle" against the Covid-19 hammered Emmanuel Macron this Tuesday, during a visit to Valenciennes (North) .
VIDEO. Emmanuel Macron: "Vaccination will open for over 70s" from March 27
His strategy is criticized for its slowness, now the president calls for vaccination "every day", "morning, noon and evening".
Including, from this Saturday, the 70-75 year olds without comorbidity.
As for the over 75s who have not yet been vaccinated or who are struggling to get an appointment, "a priority number" will be dedicated to them.
While refraining from making a specific commitment on this point, the Head of State also opens up the prospect of “campaigns targeted at exposed professions”, such as teachers.
READ ALSO>
Vaccination of teachers: "Even if mid-April is far away, the idea is there"
"We will change dimension from April," he nevertheless assures.
Yes, but with what doses?
In particular that of the Johnson & Johnson serum, which will arrive in the course of that month.
"We are fighting", also certifies Macron, "in particular" with AstraZeneca, "a little below its commitments to us".
In the background, the specter of competition, rather than coordination, between European countries.
On this point, "there can not be a rider alone", warns Jean Castex to the Parisian - Today in France.
Including the Russians and their Sputnik serum.
The network of 22,000 pharmacies
"I think that we will not have a problem of doses", entrusts us the Prime Minister who counts on "the increase of deliveries in April".
Therefore, to avoid replaying the slowness of the beginnings, will it be necessary to appeal to the army, an expert in logistics, when the weakness of the Ministry of Health in this area is pointed out from all sides?
This is not Jean Castex's plan.
"Beyond the doctors, the soldiers of vaccination in France, it will be the pharmacists", he says, noting "the large network" of some 22,000 French pharmacies "of which 98% have applied to vaccinate" .
Not to mention the vaccinodromes.
The executive did not want to hear about it.
With increasing pressure, he totally changed gear.
"Now we must free up arms to do it, students, firefighters, veterinarians", continues the head of government.
Politics Newsletter
Our analyzes and indiscretions on power
Subscribe to the newsletterAll newsletters
Jean Castex does not dare to argue, like European Commissioner Thierry Breton, that Europe will have achieved collective immunity on July 14.
“I hope so, but it is premature to set such a precise deadline,” he tells us.
Faced with the virus, the former Mr. Déconfinement, forced to close the country in the fall, then sixteen departments this spring, is avoiding long-term commitments.
There is only one deadline on its agenda for the moment: mid-April, and the target of 10 million vaccinated.
“We must at all costs have succeeded by this date.
I am optimistic !
"Breathes the tenant of Matignon, who is aware that by then, the period will" be very hard in the intensive care units ".
Because the game is far from won "I know that by then, we will suffer a lot.
I hope with all my heart that the situation will improve quickly, and that we will not be forced to resume harsher measures at the national level.
"