The Minister of Health in person, Olivier Véran, stepped up to the plate, yesterday at the National Assembly, to oppose the desire of certain deputies to set up gauges proportional to the capacity of the stadiums.
Successfully since the Assembly voted the government amendment confirming the fixed gauges (2,000 inside, 5,000 outside).
The Senate has yet to be consulted.
But the outcome of his vote is not in doubt.
Senators will most certainly follow their fellow deputies ...
The Minister's arguments did not seem convincing, however. Between the evocation of a “
gas plant
” and the constant reference to “
establishments open to the public
” (including, for example, shopping malls) while the amendment was aimed only at outdoor stadiums… Olivier Véran a also insisted on the means of transport. Stressing that it was necessary to take into account "
the risk of contamination in metro line 9
" to access the Parc des Princes, "
in the tram
" to go to the Parc OL.
He went so far as to mention "
the overcrowding of supporters on Boulevard Michelet
" in Marseille. The minister certainly never takes line 13 (for example) during rush hour to go to work. And probably no longer frequent the sidewalks in front of the windows of Parisian department stores to consider that only sporting events are likely to create crowds.
Short.
No matter the bad faith, he got what he wanted: the maintenance of the fixed gauges.
However, with a nuance that could weigh.
It has indeed validated a "
more refined approach
".
"
We will take into account the characteristics
" of the stadiums.
Clear ?
The prefects will be free to grant exemptions.
Remember, however, that the Hauts-de-Seine prefecture has just refused Racing 92 (the Arena with its roof being considered a closed enclosure) an exemption to raise the gauge to 5,000 spectators for the match against Clermont this Saturday evening.
"
Temporary gauges, for a fortnight
", hopes the deputy LREM Sacha Houlié
At the origin of the amendment voted on December 29 in the Law Committee, the LREM deputy Sacha Houlié, guest on Sud radio, however affirmed this Tuesday morning that these gauges "
could only be very temporary, that is to say on a fortnight. days.
Then we could find proportional gauges
”.
Wishful thinking or a happy outcome?
We will quickly be fixed.
We can bet that on the side of the French Rugby Federation, this schedule will be closely followed.
The Six Nations Tournament begins on Saturday February 6 with the reception of Italy.
A meeting that did not fill up.
Unlike the receptions in Ireland and England, which are already sold out ...