FRENCH MPs have passed a controversial law placing tough restrictions on people not vaccinated against coronavirus.

Members of the lower-house National Assembly approved the legislation, which will require people to show a “vaccine pass” to enter public places including restaurants, cinemas and long-distance trains, by 215 to 58 on Sunday.

At present, those who have not been vaccinated can gain entry by showing the result of a negative Covid-19 test.

Huge protests against the measures have been seen in the capital Paris and there have been similar demonstrations in other European cities.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who faces an election in April, has said previously that he wants to “piss off” unvaccinated people and make their lives so complicated that they end up having the jab.

According to the Health Ministry, 78 per cent of the French population is fully vaccinated.

France is now struggling with its fifth wave of coronavirus infections, with more than 300,000 new cases a day being registered – a record level.

The law is expected to be introduced in the next few days.