Foreign
SPAIN’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Wednesday in Madrid called on parliament to approve a sixth and final extension to the country’s controversial state of emergency.
Lawmakers are expected to approve his request for an extension to run through to June 20, thanks to support from Ciudadanos and several regional parties.
“The virus is an enemy and we must use politics to fight it together,” the leftist prime minister said, directing his comments toward conservative lawmakers, who plan to vote against his call.
“The worst is over,” Sanchez added, noting that the state of emergency had helped to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
He warned that continued caution was needed as restrictions to stem the virus’ spread had been eased.
Spain’s state of emergency is opposed by the conservative People’s Party, the largest opposition group, and the right-wing populist Vox, the third-largest group in parliament, who accuse Sanchez of destroying the country’s economy.
Street protests have been held in defiance of restrictions to prevent the virus from spreading, and opponents have labelled Sanchez a dictator.
Under the current state of emergency, Spaniards may not leave the province where they live.
The country’s borders are closed to tourists until July 1.
Spain, one of the country’s worst affected by the virus, has recorded more than 27,000 deaths and around 240,000 infections.
The figures are steadily improving, however, and Tuesday was the second day in a row when no new deaths related to COVID-19 were recorded. (dpa/NAN)
– Jun. 3, 2020 @ 14:39 GMT |
Tags: Spain’s leader calls on parliament to extend state of emergency
