And when you consider the probable sheer social consequences of those severe lockdowns in France, that number is absurdly little to brag about. I mean, really? 585 vs. 539? One country that maintained a policy of normalizing extreme emergency authoritarianism and extreme social isolation (with all its likely consequences to health issues both mental and physical) is only very marginally "better" than another that at least showed a willingness not to treat its citizens like cattle, and you consider this worthy of hailing for a comparison?

There are also a number of countries which have done worse than Sweden despite extreme lockdown measures, so either way, it's far too early to jump to rigid conclusions on what was justifiable for which prices.