French PM Jean Castex slammed after testing positive for Covid-19 as maskless videos circulate

The prime minister is being singled out as an example of what not to do in the pandemic, after being seen shaking hands with officials in an enclosed space

Some note Castex called the French territory of Guadeloupe ‘irresponsible’ in the enforcement of pandemic measures when he himself did not abide by the rules

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French Prime Minister Jean Castex gives a statement after a Belgian-French security consultation meeting at Egmont Palace in Brussels on Monday. Photo: AP

Published: 2:25am, 24 Nov 2021

After testing positive for Covid-19, France’s prime minister is being singled out on social media and beyond as an example of what not to do in the pandemic.

Multiple videos are circulating of a maskless Prime Minister Jean Castex vigorously shaking hands with elected officials in an enclosed space at a Paris mayoral congress on November 16.

Many people are pointing out that goes against France’s official stance that everyone should keep taking preventive measures, especially as infections surge.

They also noted that Castex, who tested positive Monday, had called the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe “irresponsible” in the enforcement of Covid-19 measures when he did not abide by the rules himself.

Residents, elected officials and journalists gather in front of the remains of a burnt building and car in a street of Pointe-a-Pitre, on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe on Sunday, following days of rioting against Covid-19 measures. Photo: AFP

The prime minister’s office said the issue was being exploited for political ends and that he “tries to respect the rules as much as possible”.

Castex’s office says the 56-year-old prime minister tested positive after his 11-year-old daughter contracted the virus, and he is self-isolating for 10 days.