Government
What It's Like to Hold an Election in the Middle of a Pandemic
France is going ahead with plans to hold municipal elections in almost 35,000 cities and towns this weekend, despite worries over Covid-19.
This week, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised address to the nation on efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Following the lead of neighboring Italy — as well as Greece, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Denmark — universities, day care facilities and schools will close on March 16.
But on March 15, the first round of local elections will go ahead as planned in 34,968 cities and towns across the country. The government was advised by the scientific community that nothing is standing in the way of French people voting, Macron said.