France's Bachelot: I asked for extra 35 mln euros aid to cultural sector

I told the prime minister that we would need an extra 35 million euros to help the sector go through the end of the year.

French Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said on Friday she had requested an extra 35 million euros ($42 million) to help cultural venues that will not reopen as planned on Dec. 15 as France seeks to stave off a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

"We already provided 7.5 billion in aid to the sector. I told the prime minister that we would need an extra 35 million euros to help the sector go through the end of the year. I know I will get that," Bachelot told BFM television.

France will not reopen museums, cinemas and theatres next week as planned because COVID-19 infection rates are not falling as fast as the government had hoped, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday.