DISINFO: Western elites are afraid of beating coronavirus
SUMMARY
Western elites fear victory over the Coronavirus [...] because in "advanced democracies", the authorities uses lockdowns not only for the sake of citizens' health, but also to tighten control […] The "new reality" is characterised by an increase in social stratification, as there is inequality in the availability of the vaccine compared to the “chosen group” that has priority in vaccination. [...] European elites believe that removing barriers and prohibitions is a serious challenge to them. Even with restrictions in places, protests against them continue on a large scale, and a tremendous amount of police violence has been recorded.
RESPONSE
A pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the coronavirus global pandemic, and the demise of human rights and democracy in the West at the hands of a global/secret elite. Claims were neither challenged nor counterbalanced in the article.
It is not true that there is favoritism in European countries' vaccination strategies as all member states have a strictly implemented plan with objective criteria of starting with the highest risk groups (older people, people with underlying conditions, medical staff, etc.). There is also no evidence that Western elites are trying to slowdown the vaccination race against Covid-19.
The EU Vaccines Strategy aims to ensure "equitable and affordable access for all in the EU to an affordable vaccine as early as possible", as well as "identifying priority groups which should gain access to vaccines first". There have been no credible reports proving that anything to the contrary had taken place.
Furthermore, the so-called tightened controls are not a sign of abandoning democracy or human rights, but are temporary emergency measures in response to a global unprecedented health crisis, and are in full compliance with the law. For example, the restrictions on travel in response to an emergency situation is mentioned in the Schengen border code governing the management of borders within the EU zone:
"Where there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security, these countries may exceptionally reintroduce border controls at its internal borders for a period of no more than 30 days (possible to prolong under conditions established by the code) or for the foreseeable duration of the serious threat. This action should be seen as a last resort. If such controls are to be reintroduced, the other EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area and the European Commission must be notified without delay with a view to possible consultations. The European Parliament and the Council must be informed at the same time."