The first “partygate” ban fell: London Police on Tuesday 29 March announced twenty fines for violating anti-Covid rules during parties held in British governing bodies. The scandal plunged into an unprecedented crisis with Boris Johnson, who came to power triumphantly in July 2019 and whose popularity had long been considered stagnant.

Considered an ejection seat in the face of defection to his majority in January, the conservative leader has overcame the crisis, particularly regarding his leading role in sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. In telling. But the findings of the police, which therefore believe that the crimes have actually occurred, could restart the case, especially if it turns out that Boris Johnson is directly targeted by the fine.

Scotland Yard investigated a dozen gatherings in 2020 and 2021. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is believed to have attended some of them. Revelations of occasional celebratory incidents in places of power during the pandemic, when the British were asked to significantly curtail their social interactions to fight against the spread of Covid-19, have shaken power.

Boris Johnson, whose popularity fell sharply after the scandal, had made his foreign minister before the deputy, but denied any resignation, relying on the findings of the police investigation. The police have not yet completed their investigation in this case and have promised to put “everything” to pursue it “Quickly”. Further fines may be imposed if there is sufficient evidence of the violation.