Last week Sánchez’s decision to tighten the coronavirus lockdown to include all non-essential workers angered Casado, as well as regional leaders who complained that they were not consulted beforehand. Sánchez believes that the PP will support an extension of the state of the alarm, it is less clear whether the party will back the government’s recent economic and social measures aimed at those affected by the total lockdown.
Lockdown extension is grim news for Spain
Spain government announce on Saturday 4 April to extend the state of alarm, the lockdown has been declared until 26 April. Pedro Sánchez Spanish Prime Minister made the decision after speaking with opposition leaders, and meeting with committee for the technical management of Covid-19 and scientific experts, who have been analyzing the spread of the pandemic. Although the number of Covid-19 cases has been stabalising, health authorities warned on Friday that the situation could worsen if the confinement orders were eased.
The exceptional measure was approved by the Spanish Cabinet on March 14 and came into effect the following day. It was set to last until March 29 but was extended by Congress for another 15 days until April 11. Sánchez cannot extend the state of alarm without the approval of the Congress of Deputies. The coalition government led by his Socialist Party (PSOE) and junior partner Unidas Podemos does not count on a working majority in Congress, meaning he needs votes from other groups to pass legislation.
