Several thousand people gathered this Tuesday (11/09/2021) around the New Zealand Parliament, in Wellington, to protest the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine and the harsh restrictions imposed in the oceanic country during the pandemic.
In the midst of an important police presence, the protesters carried banners with messages such as “Freedom” (Freedom), “No more control” (No more control) or “My body, My choice” (My body, my decision), as they showed images from local media.
In the march, which took place peacefully and in which numerous flags of former US President Donald Trump were seen, a concentration of bikers participated and harsh criticism was launched against the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.
The president, who from the beginning of the pandemic opted for harsh restrictions such as the closure of borders or selective confinements to get rid of the coronavirus, announced last month that it would make the vaccine mandatory for workers in contact with clients, as well as teachers and health personnel.
Auckland reopening
Ardern, who was highly praised for her management of the pandemic at first, said she would not abandon her zero-infection policy until 90 percent of the population was vaccinated.
“What we have seen today was not representative of the opinion of the vast majority of New Zealanders. So, actually, my message would be for them. It would be to thank them. Thank you for being vaccinated and doing whatever it takes to take care of each other. the others, “the prime minister said in response to the protests.
New Zealand, one of the countries that has fought most effectively against the new coronavirus, has only about 7,650 infections and 32 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
According to the latest figures, about 80 percent of the population has already received the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The government announced on Tuesday the start of the reopening of Auckland, the most populous city in the country, although it will maintain restrictions until the 29th, when the confinement of the city most affected by the delta variant is expected to be completely lifted.
mg (efe, Reuters)
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