The end of the State of Alarm does not automatically mean a return to normality, as if by magic. We have overcome the uncontrolled and most aggressive phase of the pandemic, but covid-19 remains among us and is causing terrible damage in many countries. The least developed suffer from their weak health system, but some developed nations suffer from populist and foolish leaders who try to deny reality. Here, from now on, it is up to the citizens to continue acting responsibly and observe health and physical distance regulations, so you have to be very careful with crowds and effusive displays of affection.
We are seeing that the end of confinement does not mean that the economy has immediately regained the vitality it had before the coronavirus. The economic activity of companies and employment will gradually recover as borders open in the European Union, trade and travel. So we have to be patient, because the recovery of our tourist locomotive depends on the health status of the countries that send tourists. And, in addition to being patient, we must be prudent, because a relapse at this time can be catastrophic.
In the coming months, extraordinarily difficult times await us. Experts say that an economic and social crisis is looming like nothing seen in Spain since the Civil War. Aware of this, the Government has deployed a broad and powerful social agenda to provide coverage to the most vulnerable people and families so that this crisis leaves no one behind. On the other hand, economic and social reconstruction is underway with the coverage of the European Union, which has enabled exceptional funds to address the effects of the crisis. So no one should doubt that we are prepared to face the crisis and that we will do so decisively.
What does not change, unfortunately, is the irresponsible behavior of the right and the far right, as it seems that they have signed up for a competition between the two to see who says a greater barbarity. The conduct of the extreme right is infamous and destabilizing, but the same can be said of a Popular Party (PP) that has moved away from moderation and sometimes exudes ultra vocation. Nothing is more revealing than the words recently spoken by Angela Merkel in the German Parliament about what the far right intends: "We must not be naive: anti-democratic forces and radical authoritarian movements are waiting for an economic crisis to exploit it politically."
The German Chancellor has pointed out what we should expect from the extreme right. It is clear: under the fallacy of the illegitimate Government, it demands a free bar to alarm and verbally attack. Unfortunately, in the absence of arguments and proposals, we can expect more insults, provocations, hoaxes and intoxications that seek confrontation and social tension, trying to prevent the population from paying attention to the Government's important social agenda. Hopefully, the return to normality will bring a change of course in the PP towards contained and mature positions, joining the great pact for the reconstruction of the country.
Back to normal, we will not enter the game of extremism, we will not fall into their trap. The citizens, the electorate and history will dictate their verdict on the behavior of each one in these tragic and difficult hours that we are living. So let us continue in our task of rebuilding a better country and world, democratically governed by the principles of the welfare state. It is going to be complex, we will have a bad time and they are going to make it difficult for us, but it is in our hands. So we must flee from provocations, get going and avoid remaining with our arms crossed. Effort, solidarity and trust is the recipe for the return to normality.
Fco. Manuel Fajardo Palarea, PSOE senator for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
