Spain extends state of emergency

Spain has extended the state of emergency imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic for two more weeks from Sunday, allowing the government to control people's movements as it gradually relaxes a national lockdown.

Parliament approved the measure after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who heads a fragile coalition government, mustered enough support from opposition parties to carry the vote.

Parliament voted by 178 votes to 75, with 97 abstentions, to give a two-week extension to the so-called state of alert, which grants the government sweeping powers to rule by decree and to limit mobility. It had been due to expire on May 10.

Spain, where more than 25,000 people have died from Covid-19, has been under a lockdown since 14 March and the current state of emergency ends at midnight on Saturday.

Although the situation is improving, Mr Sanchez says it is necessary to maintain some restrictions on movement to keep the infection at bay.

 

Dhaka/Mukul