Shelter for all who ask for it

The prime minister has promised that no homeless person who asks for shelter this New Year’s Eve will be refused it.

This has been announced as the government’s new policy on homelessness this winter, replacing controversial suggestions of “forcing” rough sleepers to take up shelter places.

This morning, checks are being made on available accommodation, to get ready to meet demand.

Also for this evening - known in France as le Réveillon du Nouvel An or la Saint-Sylvestre - the government has announced extra security measures. A total of 35,000 police will be mobilised, up 7,000 from last year, and 50,000 firefighters.

Following on from the recent tragic death of a heart-attack victim due to many intensive care services not operating for staffing reasons, the government has promised about 95% of intensive care beds will be available tonight.

Photo: Damir Cudic