Pedro Sánchez to hold meeting with political parties, social stakeholders and public authorities to reach a major pact for economic and social reconstruction

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

While speaking after his weekly videoconference with the heads of regional governments and autonomous cities, the President of the Government of Spain stressed that the country has now diagnosed 166,019 cases of infection by the new coronavirus, 16,972 deaths and 62,391 people have recovered. He said that these numbers speak of the anguish and hope of real people and also reflect the magnitude of the challenge being faced by Humanity.

Pedro Sánchez added that the last four weeks of confinement since the State of Emergency was decreed have allowed the curve of new infections to be flattened, the growth of which has slowed from 38% to 3%, as well as to relieve pressure on the healthcare system. Spanish society is still a long way from victory, but the first decisive steps have been taken towards that win, he said.

The President of the Government said that the measures against COVID-19 should combat contagion while also avoiding economic collapse and job losses. For that reason, on Monday or Tuesday of next week (according to the labour calendars of each region), certain economic activities that were put in "hibernation" on 30 March will be able to resume, but no others.

Public confinement

Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la BellacasaPedro Sánchez stressed that the other activities that were suspended when the State of Emergency was decreed will remain on hold. Similarly, the general confinement of the population will remain in effect for at least the next two weeks, with the only exception being those trips outside that are linked to authorised work or shopping.

Furthermore, according to expert criteria and recommendations from the World Health Organisation, the most vulnerable people and those showing minor symptoms or who have been in close contact with a confirmed case should continue to refrain from going to work; all workers should protect themselves while travelling; and work centres must provide the utmost levels of protection to all concerned.

Pedro Sánchez said that entering the de-escalation stage will require progress to be made against the virus and a recovery of strength by the healthcare system. If these conditions are not met, the Government of Spain will maintain or reinforce restrictions because its priority will always be the lives and health of its citizens. The de-escalation, which will begin no sooner than two weeks from now, will be gradual and extremely cautious. It will be steered by indicators recommended by experts to measure both the spread of infection and the response capacity of the healthcare system, said the President of the Government.

New Moncloa Pacts

Pedro Sánchez stressed there should be an immediate de-escalation in political tensions since COVID-19 represents the greatest threat to social well-being and health in a century, a challenge that can only be overcome with the support and talent of everybody involved at national, European and global levels.

Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la BellacasaWithin the European Union, the President of the Government said an agreement was reached this week that does not meet all of Spain's demands but does represent an initial injection of energy for its economy. Pedro Sánchez called on that same spirit of unity, dialogue and consensus to be applied domestically in order to mitigate economic and social harm via a major pact capable of putting the country back on track.

He said that politicians should learn the lessons being taught by the Spanish people, a responsibility that he as President of the Government accepts. "This will be my focus and I will devote myself to it", said Pedro Sánchez, who expressed his gratitude to all the political forces that have already expressed their willingness to enter into that great agreement for the social and economic reconstruction of Spain. The President of the Government announced that he will call all political forces, social stakeholders, regional governments and local council authorities to a first meeting on the "new Moncloa Pacts" before the end of next week.

"I have always said since this crisis began that I have not had, nor will I have, any other enemy except the virus. Nobody can win this war alone. Only together can we beat the virus and devastation that it threatens to leave in its wake", said Pedro Sánchez.

Non official translation