Macron to announce lockdown next steps Tuesday evening

President Emmanuel Macron will give a live televised speech Tuesday, November 24, where he will set out the next phase of lockdown measures, including plans for the Christmas holidays.

The speech comes one week before the lockdown end date December 1, which was initially set by the government at the introduction of the measures.

It is thought that the president will announce an easing of certain restrictions rather than an outright end to lockdown.

The reopening of non-essential shops at the beginning of December and the opening of ski stations are believed to be two measures being considered by the government.

Mr Macron is also expected to set out plans for the Christmas holidays and beyond.

What might France’s progressive deconfinement look like?

Prime Minister Jean Castex said earlier in November that he expects people in France to be able to celebrate the holidays with their families, albeit in smaller groups.

Mr Castex said yesterday while on a visit to Finistère in Brittany that “we are on the right track” regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

But he said that in order for the pandemic to regress, “lockdown rules must be respected”.

He said that he expects non-essential shops to be reopened around the beginning of December.

President Macron is due to speak at 20:00 on November 24. It will be live on most major TV stations in France as well as most major news sites. The Connexion will bring you coverage of all the key points of the speech on the night.

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