Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has acknowledged this Tuesday evening that the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic "is going to be serious". Announcing the basic points of an action plan to combat the crisis which "will contain strong and decisive measures", he said that efforts must be centred on reducing the impact as much as possible.
"To combat this emergency, we will do what is needed, where it is needed and when it is needed," said Sánchez, "and together, without a doubt, we will overcome this crisis". He said that resources would be devoted to maintaining the welfare of Spanish families, protecting workers to avoid layoffs, and supporting the liquidity of small businesses to avoid problems of solvency. He also commented that specific measures would be implemented for the transport and tourism sectors.
The Spanish PM also called on the European Council - the body representing the heads of government of EU members - to increase the flexibility of the Stability and Growth Pact when it meets this Wednesday, so that taxation measures could be taken to address the coronavirus crisis. He also said that European leaders have discussed other measures such as the allocation of European funds to people who lose their jobs due to the health crisis, something the European Commission has agreed to study.
Respect health recommendations
The head of Spain's coalition government has appealed to the "civic duty" of all citizens to adhere to health recommendations and to protect others, especially those who are most vulnerable to the current coronavirus epidemic.
After making it clear that the epidemic is not standing still and is "dynamic", Sánchez did not want to respond on whether Valencia's Falles festival would be cancelled due to the situation. It is a decision that would be taken, he said, like others were yesterday, with the closing of schools in the Madrid region and in certain locations in the Basque Country, in accordance with the recommendations of health experts and in coordination with the authorities of the Valencian Community.