Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was re-elected by a majority of legislators to form a new government after&nbsp;successfully navigating&nbsp;the controversy over providing amnesty to Catalonia’s separatists.

During a parliamentary vote on Thursday (Nov 16),&nbsp;179 of the 350 members backed Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018.

Sánchez cemented his position after gaining support from six smaller parties, including two Catalan separatist parties, in recent weeks.

Sanchez received their backing after he agreed to grant amnesty to hundreds of people facing legal action for their role in Catalonia's separatist movement over the past decade.

<h2>Spanish PM defends move&nbsp;</h2>

During the two-day parliamentary debate preceding the vote, the Spanish leader defended his move, arguing it was constitutional and necessary to "heal the wounds" opened by the wealthy northeastern region's independence push.

"We will guarantee the unity of Spain through dialogue and forgiveness," the 51-year-old said.

The amnesty scheme announced by Sanchez had triggered massive protests across the Spanish streets, with nightly protests that attracted far-right activists turning violent.

Before Thursday’s votes, protestors gathered around the parliament, some hurling eggs at Socialist politicians.

<h2>Two-day session centered around amnesty to&nbsp; Catalan separatists</h2>

During the debate, the opposition slammed Sanchez saying that the amnesty scheme was nothing but a political gamble adopted by him to remain in power and accused him of trampling on the rule of law.

"Adopting measures that go against the general interest in exchange of personal benefit is political corruption," the leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, said during the debate.

The general elections on July 23 had thrown a highly fractured parliament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wont-resume-trade-talks-with-india-unless-modi-govt-cooperates-in-nijjar-killing-probe-minister-659310">Canada won’t start trade talks unless India cooperates in Nijjar killing probe</a>

The centre-right Popular Party received the most votes in the elections but fell short of the majority to form a government because of its alliances with the far-right Vox party, which finished third.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-xi-dictator-after-us-china-strategic-meet-before-on-the-sidelines-of-apec-summit-659161">Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet</a>

The Sanchez-backed Socialist party finished second with 121 seats.

The speaker of the house will apprise King Felipe VI of the result. Once published in the State Gazette, Sánchez will be sworn as the new prime minister before the king, most likely on Friday, reported AP news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was re-elected by a majority of legislators to form a new government after successfully navigating the controversy over providing amnesty to Catalonia’s separatists.

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was re-elected by a majority of legislators to form a new government after successfully navigating the controversy over providing amnesty to Catalonia’s separatists. During a parliamentary vote on Thursday (Nov 16), 179 of the 350 members backed Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018. Sánchez cemented his position after gaining support from six smaller parties, including two Catalan separatist parties, in recent weeks. Sanchez received their backing after he agreed to grant amnesty to hundreds of people facing legal action for their role in Catalonia's separatist movement over the past decade. Spanish PM defends move During the two-day parliamentary debate preceding the vote, the Spanish leader defended his move, arguing it was constitutional and necessary to "heal the wounds" opened by the wealthy northeastern region's independence push. "We will guarantee the unity of Spain through dialogue and forgiveness," the 51-year-old said. The amnesty scheme announced by Sanchez had triggered massive protests across the Spanish streets, with nightly protests that attracted far-right activists turning violent. Before Thursday’s votes, protestors gathered around the parliament, some hurling eggs at Socialist politicians. Two-day session centered around amnesty to Catalan separatists During the debate, the opposition slammed Sanchez saying that the amnesty scheme was nothing but a political gamble adopted by him to remain in power and accused him of trampling on the rule of law. "Adopting measures that go against the general interest in exchange of personal benefit is political corruption," the leader of the conservative Popular Party (PP), Alberto Nunez Feijoo, said during the debate. The general elections on July 23 had thrown a highly fractured parliament. Also read | Canada won’t start trade talks unless India cooperates in Nijjar killing probe The centre-right Popular Party received the most votes in the elections but fell short of the majority to form a government because of its alliances with the far-right Vox party, which finished third. Also read | Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet The Sanchez-backed Socialist party finished second with 121 seats. The speaker of the house will apprise King Felipe VI of the result. Once published in the State Gazette, Sánchez will be sworn as the new prime minister before the king, most likely on Friday, reported AP news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Pedro Sanchez re-elected Spanish prime minister as he braves Catalan amnesty row

Spain's Socialists have reached a deal with the Catalan separatist Junts party for government support, a source close to the negotiations told Reuters on Thursday, a pact which could draw strong criticism if it involves amnesties for separatist activists.

The Socialist Party (PSOE) did not immediately respond to request for comment, while a spokesman for Junts declined to comment. Asked about a deal, Acting Economy Minister Nadia Calviño said on Thursday: "I hope we have a government as soon as possible."

Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Socialist Party are trying to form a government after a July&nbsp;election&nbsp;produced no outright winner.

He reached a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to govern in coalition with the hard left Sumar platform last month but also needs several other smaller parties - who have supported him in the past - to back him in an investiture vote that could take place as soon as next week.

Junts has said during negotiations that it would give its seven votes in parliament in exchange for an amnesty law that could exculpate as many as&nbsp;1,400 activists&nbsp;and politicians involved in a failed attempt to separate Catalonia from the rest of Spain that reached a head in 2017.

The potential&nbsp;amnesty&nbsp;has met fierce condemnation from Sanchez's conservative opponents who have organised large&nbsp;protests&nbsp;and accused him of putting the rule of law in Spain on the line for his own political gain.

Reacting to the news of a deal on Thursday, the main opposition centre-right People's Party spokesman Cuca Gamarra said Spain was looking at "a shameful and humiliating deal," while the popular - and populist - PP Madrid leader Isabel Ayuso told Antena 3 TV station: "I am worried that we are becoming a dictatorship."

<h2 data-testid="Heading">'Serious concerns' about amnesty plan&nbsp;</h2>

On Wednesday, the European Commission's Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders wrote to the Spanish government asking for more details about the amnesty agreement being negotiated.

"Serious concerns are now being voiced as regards ongoing discussions on the possible adoption of an amnesty law," he wrote in a letter to Spanish Presidency Minister Felipe Bolanos.

"While for the time being there is no formal proposal, this has become a matter of considerable importance in the public debate and the Commission has been contacted on this matter, including by a large number of citizens."

Bolanos responded on Wednesday, saying: "Should an amnesty bill be registered [in parliament], be assured that we will explain to you all the details of such a law, as well as the position of our government."

The potential amnesty has also drawn&nbsp;fire&nbsp;from Spanish judges who warned this week it could undermine the rule of law - a shot across the bows for a law that Catalan separatist parties fear could be watered down by judges in its implementation in individual cases, regardless of what the socialists and Junts agree.

Pablo Simon, a political expert at the Carlos III University in Madrid, said that fear was legitimate.

"Unlike the pardons which the governments gave out to (individual) Catalan separatists, the amnesty law will take much longer to be processed, going through parliament, with each case reviewed by judges," he told TVE television on Thursday.

Spain's Socialists have reached a deal with the Catalan separatist Junts party for government support, a source close to the negotiations told Reuters on Thursday, a pact which could draw strong criticism if it involves amnesties for separatist activists.

Spain's Socialists have reached a deal with the Catalan separatist Junts party for government support, a source close to the negotiations told Reuters on Thursday, a pact which could draw strong criticism if it involves amnesties for separatist activists. The Socialist Party (PSOE) did not immediately respond to request for comment, while a spokesman for Junts declined to comment. Asked about a deal, Acting Economy Minister Nadia Calviño said on Thursday: "I hope we have a government as soon as possible." Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Socialist Party are trying to form a government after a July election produced no outright winner. He reached a deal to govern in coalition with the hard left Sumar platform last month but also needs several other smaller parties - who have supported him in the past - to back him in an investiture vote that could take place as soon as next week. Junts has said during negotiations that it would give its seven votes in parliament in exchange for an amnesty law that could exculpate as many as 1,400 activists and politicians involved in a failed attempt to separate Catalonia from the rest of Spain that reached a head in 2017. The potential amnesty has met fierce condemnation from Sanchez's conservative opponents who have organised large protests and accused him of putting the rule of law in Spain on the line for his own political gain. Reacting to the news of a deal on Thursday, the main opposition centre-right People's Party spokesman Cuca Gamarra said Spain was looking at "a shameful and humiliating deal," while the popular - and populist - PP Madrid leader Isabel Ayuso told Antena 3 TV station: "I am worried that we are becoming a dictatorship." 'Serious concerns' about amnesty plan On Wednesday, the European Commission's Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders wrote to the Spanish government asking for more details about the amnesty agreement being negotiated. "Serious concerns are now being voiced as regards ongoing discussions on the possible adoption of an amnesty law," he wrote in a letter to Spanish Presidency Minister Felipe Bolanos. "While for the time being there is no formal proposal, this has become a matter of considerable importance in the public debate and the Commission has been contacted on this matter, including by a large number of citizens." Bolanos responded on Wednesday, saying: "Should an amnesty bill be registered [in parliament], be assured that we will explain to you all the details of such a law, as well as the position of our government." The potential amnesty has also drawn fire from Spanish judges who warned this week it could undermine the rule of law - a shot across the bows for a law that Catalan separatist parties fear could be watered down by judges in its implementation in individual cases, regardless of what the socialists and Junts agree. Pablo Simon, a political expert at the Carlos III University in Madrid, said that fear was legitimate. "Unlike the pardons which the governments gave out to (individual) Catalan separatists, the amnesty law will take much longer to be processed, going through parliament, with each case reviewed by judges," he told TVE television on Thursday.

Spanish Socialists reach deal with Catalan separatist party for government support: Report

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister&nbsp;Pedro&nbsp;Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.&nbsp;

"It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news.&nbsp;

"We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-of-spain-presents-grenades-to-ukraine-sends-sausages-with-victory-letter-475249">Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter</a>

"In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention.&nbsp;We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said.

He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-a-two-year-hiatus-due-to-pandemic-partygoers-return-to-ibiza-475479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year.&nbsp;

"A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added.

"There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates."&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-show-solidarity-village-in-spain-renames-itself-to-ukraine-471509">To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' &nbsp;</a>

The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft.

Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.&nbsp;

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention. "It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news. "We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said. Also read | Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter "In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention. We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said. He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it. Watch | After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year. "A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added. "There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates." WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities. Also read | To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft. Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.

Spain says mobile phones of PM, defence minister tapped

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020.

“The situation is different this time, and because of that, we’re taking different measures,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this week, adding that he understood his people had grown impatient with the pandemic and that he was “fully aware of the fatigue.”

Across Europe, that fatigue is as palpable as the dampened Christmas spirit. The fatigue of another named variant of the coronavirus and another wave of infections. The fatigue of another grim year watching New Year’s Eve gatherings get canceled or curtailed, one by one.

But along with the exhaustion, another feeling is taking root: that the coronavirus will not be eradicated with vaccines or lockdowns, but has become something endemic that people must learn to live with, maybe for years to come.

“We’re tired, we’re inoculated and it’s not going anywhere,” said Caroline Orieux, who, despite surging COVID cases, had visited Paris with her nephews and nieces for a few days of vacation.

This week, the rough outlines of how Europe might manage its latest outbreak were taking shape, at least for now, driven by everything from politics to people’s desperation to move on, especially at Christmas. Full lockdowns have mainly given way to less intrusive — and less protective — measures.

Spain kept a light touch, issuing limited new requirements Thursday, like mandating masks outdoors and increasing the vaccination drive.

Even Italy, which suffered a particularly cruel first wave, introduced new rules Thursday that were far less rigid than those imposed during its worst days, shortening the time frame that health passes remained valid, making third shots indispensable; banning large outdoor events until the end of January; and opting for an outdoor mask mandate.

“Vaccines are and remain a fundamental weapon,” said Roberto Speranza, Italy’s health minister.

Beyond that, there is growing evidence that the new variant is more mild, at least for those who are vaccinated. Three studies — in South Africa, England and Scotland — all suggested that while the variant is more contagious, it likely results in a more mild illness.

And vaccines appear to be doing their jobs — reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, according to recent studies.

Still, not everyone agrees with a scaled-down approach to fighting the virus, and it remains unclear if that notion will survive the possible omicron crush of hospitalizations that many scientists fear. Even if most cases are mild, they argue, omicron’s quick-fire spread could still lead to huge caseloads and overwhelming hospital admissions.

Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health in Geneva, said France’s strategy — which went little beyond health passes and had stopped short of imposing stricter measures like bar closures — was nowhere near what was needed to stave off a wave of omicron cases.

“I think it’s not the most successful one from a health perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective,” he said, noting that a surge of new infections could disrupt health services as well as the country’s manufacturing and supply capacities.

Giovanni Maga, director of the Institute of Molecular Genetics at Italy’s National Council for Research, noted that while hospitalizations were five times lower than they were last year — largely thanks to vaccines — that does not mean that the country is out of the woods.

“As omicron is more infectious, contagions will rise,” he said.

Yet as the pandemic drags on, scientists are often losing out to politicians. And in the political and economic calculus that has become the core of public health messaging for weeks now, the Christmas season has loomed large.

Switzerland recently backtracked on travel restrictions to try to salvage a winter tourism season that is a cornerstone of its economy. In late November, it issued quarantine orders for travelers from Britain, the Netherlands and other countries where omicron had spread — only to remove them, even as cases rose.

On Monday, the country also removed a requirement that travelers test after arriving, though it still requires negative tests before travel.

Asseghid Dinberu, marketing director of the Victoria Hotel in the Swiss ski resort of Villars, said the Christmas season was feeling like “a lucky escape,” with only six of the hotel’s 138 rooms still vacant for Christmas Day, and the hotel fully booked for New Year’s.

“I’m glad that Switzerland has finally opted for a very pragmatic approach that will allow us to benefit economically compared to other countries,” he said.

Germany is coming out of a dramatic fourth wave that began in November, and although it is bracing for a wave of omicron infections, government officials have played down the possibility of a surge in infections around Christmas gatherings. Many see that as an attempt to spare Germans from restrictions before their most important holiday.

“At the moment, we are in a strange interval,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday at a news conference. “The measures we put into place at the end of November are working.”

However, just before Scholz and state governors met to hammer out new measures this week, the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called for strict lockdown measures to start immediately. The government did not adopt the measures.

(STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.)

The many conflicting messages have caused confusion among Europeans pining for the ease of Christmases past. Some carried on despite pangs of anxiety.

“I worry a bit because we don’t know much about omicron,” Susanne Sesterer, 63, a retiree in Hanover, Germany, said on Thursday as she was doing her last shopping before Christmas. “But how much worse can it get?”

Others were giving up.

Dorotea Belli, a 42-year-old Italian who has had two vaccine doses, said she would not go to a family gathering for Christmas and instead stay home in Rome. Many of her colleagues had tested positive for the virus, she said, and her children, 4 and 1, are not eligible for vaccination.

“They and I will miss my parents very much,” she said. “But I don’t want to bring COVID around, and even if my husband and I are vaccinated, who knows?”

Spain’s calculus on new restrictions is not only factoring in the all-important holidays, but also legal barriers that emerged after measures taken by the government in 2020.

In July, Spain’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government did not have the authority to impose the lockdown measures that began in March 2020, which restricted Spaniards from leaving their homes except for essential trips like food shopping. Instead, the judges said, the measures required a full parliamentary vote, which few see passing with a majority in the future given how controversial the previous restrictions were.

“The government has its hands tied now,” said Luis Galán Soldevilla, a law professor at the University of Córdoba.

Spain’s lighter measures announced Thursday received criticism from some sectors, like the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration, a group that includes many health professionals.

“These measures don’t help much,” said Ildefonso Hernández, the group’s spokesman, saying limiting capacity indoors would be more effective. “It makes no sense that people walk the street with a mask and then take it off when they enter a bar.”

In Madrid, residents were charging ahead with their Christmas plans, despite the rising caseload and risks.

Fernando Sánchez, 55, a taxi driver, lost his mother and brother to COVID-19 six months ago. Nevertheless, he was unwilling to cancel his Christmas plans, which this year take place at the home of his in-laws, much as they had before the pandemic.

Antonio Jesús Navarro, 33, a software engineer, had been looking forward to spending Christmas with his girlfriend, who had traveled to Spain for the holidays from the United States. The two had not seen each other since before the pandemic began.

But then Navarro learned he had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple were isolating until he could get his own test results. He said he was frustrated with public messaging on how to stay safe from omicron.

“Is an antigen test acceptable?” he said by telephone. “What happens if there are no symptoms?”

Hours later, Navarro called back to say he and his girlfriend had tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020.

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020. “The situation is different this time, and because of that, we’re taking different measures,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this week, adding that he understood his people had grown impatient with the pandemic and that he was “fully aware of the fatigue.” Across Europe, that fatigue is as palpable as the dampened Christmas spirit. The fatigue of another named variant of the coronavirus and another wave of infections. The fatigue of another grim year watching New Year’s Eve gatherings get canceled or curtailed, one by one. But along with the exhaustion, another feeling is taking root: that the coronavirus will not be eradicated with vaccines or lockdowns, but has become something endemic that people must learn to live with, maybe for years to come. “We’re tired, we’re inoculated and it’s not going anywhere,” said Caroline Orieux, who, despite surging COVID cases, had visited Paris with her nephews and nieces for a few days of vacation. This week, the rough outlines of how Europe might manage its latest outbreak were taking shape, at least for now, driven by everything from politics to people’s desperation to move on, especially at Christmas. Full lockdowns have mainly given way to less intrusive — and less protective — measures. Spain kept a light touch, issuing limited new requirements Thursday, like mandating masks outdoors and increasing the vaccination drive. Even Italy, which suffered a particularly cruel first wave, introduced new rules Thursday that were far less rigid than those imposed during its worst days, shortening the time frame that health passes remained valid, making third shots indispensable; banning large outdoor events until the end of January; and opting for an outdoor mask mandate. “Vaccines are and remain a fundamental weapon,” said Roberto Speranza, Italy’s health minister. Beyond that, there is growing evidence that the new variant is more mild, at least for those who are vaccinated. Three studies — in South Africa, England and Scotland — all suggested that while the variant is more contagious, it likely results in a more mild illness. And vaccines appear to be doing their jobs — reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, according to recent studies. Still, not everyone agrees with a scaled-down approach to fighting the virus, and it remains unclear if that notion will survive the possible omicron crush of hospitalizations that many scientists fear. Even if most cases are mild, they argue, omicron’s quick-fire spread could still lead to huge caseloads and overwhelming hospital admissions. Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health in Geneva, said France’s strategy — which went little beyond health passes and had stopped short of imposing stricter measures like bar closures — was nowhere near what was needed to stave off a wave of omicron cases. “I think it’s not the most successful one from a health perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective,” he said, noting that a surge of new infections could disrupt health services as well as the country’s manufacturing and supply capacities. Giovanni Maga, director of the Institute of Molecular Genetics at Italy’s National Council for Research, noted that while hospitalizations were five times lower than they were last year — largely thanks to vaccines — that does not mean that the country is out of the woods. “As omicron is more infectious, contagions will rise,” he said. Yet as the pandemic drags on, scientists are often losing out to politicians. And in the political and economic calculus that has become the core of public health messaging for weeks now, the Christmas season has loomed large. Switzerland recently backtracked on travel restrictions to try to salvage a winter tourism season that is a cornerstone of its economy. In late November, it issued quarantine orders for travelers from Britain, the Netherlands and other countries where omicron had spread — only to remove them, even as cases rose. On Monday, the country also removed a requirement that travelers test after arriving, though it still requires negative tests before travel. Asseghid Dinberu, marketing director of the Victoria Hotel in the Swiss ski resort of Villars, said the Christmas season was feeling like “a lucky escape,” with only six of the hotel’s 138 rooms still vacant for Christmas Day, and the hotel fully booked for New Year’s. “I’m glad that Switzerland has finally opted for a very pragmatic approach that will allow us to benefit economically compared to other countries,” he said. Germany is coming out of a dramatic fourth wave that began in November, and although it is bracing for a wave of omicron infections, government officials have played down the possibility of a surge in infections around Christmas gatherings. Many see that as an attempt to spare Germans from restrictions before their most important holiday. “At the moment, we are in a strange interval,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday at a news conference. “The measures we put into place at the end of November are working.” However, just before Scholz and state governors met to hammer out new measures this week, the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called for strict lockdown measures to start immediately. The government did not adopt the measures. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) The many conflicting messages have caused confusion among Europeans pining for the ease of Christmases past. Some carried on despite pangs of anxiety. “I worry a bit because we don’t know much about omicron,” Susanne Sesterer, 63, a retiree in Hanover, Germany, said on Thursday as she was doing her last shopping before Christmas. “But how much worse can it get?” Others were giving up. Dorotea Belli, a 42-year-old Italian who has had two vaccine doses, said she would not go to a family gathering for Christmas and instead stay home in Rome. Many of her colleagues had tested positive for the virus, she said, and her children, 4 and 1, are not eligible for vaccination. “They and I will miss my parents very much,” she said. “But I don’t want to bring COVID around, and even if my husband and I are vaccinated, who knows?” Spain’s calculus on new restrictions is not only factoring in the all-important holidays, but also legal barriers that emerged after measures taken by the government in 2020. In July, Spain’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government did not have the authority to impose the lockdown measures that began in March 2020, which restricted Spaniards from leaving their homes except for essential trips like food shopping. Instead, the judges said, the measures required a full parliamentary vote, which few see passing with a majority in the future given how controversial the previous restrictions were. “The government has its hands tied now,” said Luis Galán Soldevilla, a law professor at the University of Córdoba. Spain’s lighter measures announced Thursday received criticism from some sectors, like the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration, a group that includes many health professionals. “These measures don’t help much,” said Ildefonso Hernández, the group’s spokesman, saying limiting capacity indoors would be more effective. “It makes no sense that people walk the street with a mask and then take it off when they enter a bar.” In Madrid, residents were charging ahead with their Christmas plans, despite the rising caseload and risks. Fernando Sánchez, 55, a taxi driver, lost his mother and brother to COVID-19 six months ago. Nevertheless, he was unwilling to cancel his Christmas plans, which this year take place at the home of his in-laws, much as they had before the pandemic. Antonio Jesús Navarro, 33, a software engineer, had been looking forward to spending Christmas with his girlfriend, who had traveled to Spain for the holidays from the United States. The two had not seen each other since before the pandemic began. But then Navarro learned he had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple were isolating until he could get his own test results. He said he was frustrated with public messaging on how to stay safe from omicron. “Is an antigen test acceptable?” he said by telephone. “What happens if there are no symptoms?” Hours later, Navarro called back to say he and his girlfriend had tested positive for COVID-19.

Europeans ponder living with, not defeating, Covid

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women.

Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sex-workers-fighting-for-human-rights-are-worlds-most-at-risk-activists-405755">Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’</a>

"And out of this congress emerges a commitment I will implement. We will advance by abolishing prostitution, which enslaves women," he told the gathering in the eastern city of Valencia without providing further details.

After his Socialist party came first in the two inconclusive national elections that took place in 2019, Sanchez became Prime Minister in January 2020 at the helm of a minority coalition government.

Ahead of the general election held in April 2019, in an effort to attract female voters, the party published, a woman-focused manifesto, proposing to outlaw prostitution.

The manifesto called prostitution "one of the cruellest aspects of the feminisation of poverty and one of the worst forms of violence against women".

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-sex-worker-group-gets-unionised-in-canada-414677">In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada</a>

Although sexual exploitation and pimping are illegal in Spain, prostitution so far is unregulated.

In Spain, those who offer paid sexual services of their own free will are not punished as long as the services are not in public. Instead, the laws focus on combating human trafficking.

There are a considerable number of brothels in the country, even though prostitution isn't recognized as a regular employment option. A lot of the brothels operate as hotels or other lodging establishments.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/r-kelly-convicted-of-luring-women-underage-girls-for-sex-416488">R Kelly convicted of luring women, underage girls for sex</a>

According to a 2009 survey by the country's state-owned Social Investigations Centre (CIS), one in three men in Spain had paid for sex at some point during their lives.

There is an argument that demand for trafficked women is fueled by legal limbo around prostitution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women. Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women. Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage. Also read | Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’ "And out of this congress emerges a commitment I will implement. We will advance by abolishing prostitution, which enslaves women," he told the gathering in the eastern city of Valencia without providing further details. After his Socialist party came first in the two inconclusive national elections that took place in 2019, Sanchez became Prime Minister in January 2020 at the helm of a minority coalition government. Ahead of the general election held in April 2019, in an effort to attract female voters, the party published, a woman-focused manifesto, proposing to outlaw prostitution. The manifesto called prostitution "one of the cruellest aspects of the feminisation of poverty and one of the worst forms of violence against women". Also read | In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada Although sexual exploitation and pimping are illegal in Spain, prostitution so far is unregulated. In Spain, those who offer paid sexual services of their own free will are not punished as long as the services are not in public. Instead, the laws focus on combating human trafficking. There are a considerable number of brothels in the country, even though prostitution isn't recognized as a regular employment option. A lot of the brothels operate as hotels or other lodging establishments. Also read | R Kelly convicted of luring women, underage girls for sex According to a 2009 survey by the country's state-owned Social Investigations Centre (CIS), one in three men in Spain had paid for sex at some point during their lives. There is an argument that demand for trafficked women is fueled by legal limbo around prostitution. (With inputs from agencies)

Spanish PM Sanchez vows to 'abolish' prostitution, says the practice 'enslaves' women

Just hours after French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">Macron</a> tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-placed-in-quarantine-after-contact-with-emmanuel-macron-350505">Sanchez</a> went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-covid-19-350463/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The French president had attended an EU summit in Brussels last week and had gone to the Paris conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also went into self-isolation including top French officials as Macron,42, went into self-isolation himself with his government informing that the French president will be working remotely.

Macron cancelled a scheduled trip to Lebanon after testing positive for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/conspiracy-crackdown-twitter-to-scrub-posts-claiming-covid-19-vaccines-cause-harm-350494"> virus</a>.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after being in contact with Macron. France has been battling the virus with 59,300 fatalities recorded so far even as the country recorded 17,000 new cases on Wednesday.

The country recorded 2,713 deaths in the last seven days which is one of the highest in Europe.

Macron's infection comes as France imposed overnight curfew from 8:00 pm and closed restaurants, cafes, theatres and cinemas to combat the virus. Europe has once again become the epicentre of the virus with &nbsp;243,000 new daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-moment-covid-19-vaccination-to-begin-on-december-27-across-eu-350502">COVID-19</a> average infection cases.

Amid the surge in virus cases, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-silver-bullet-who-calls-for-greater-vigilance-of-covid-19-vaccine-350431">WHO</a> on Wednesday had warned that there is a high risk of a resurgence of the virus in 2021 after Christmas and New Years.&nbsp;

The virus has claimed over 1.6 million lives so far with over 74 million infection cases recorded worldwide.

Just hours after French President Macron tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus.

Just hours after French President Macron tested positive for coronavirus, European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation as Europe continues to grapple with the virus. Watch: The French president had attended an EU summit in Brussels last week and had gone to the Paris conference organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa also went into self-isolation including top French officials as Macron,42, went into self-isolation himself with his government informing that the French president will be working remotely. Macron cancelled a scheduled trip to Lebanon after testing positive for the virus. French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after being in contact with Macron. France has been battling the virus with 59,300 fatalities recorded so far even as the country recorded 17,000 new cases on Wednesday. The country recorded 2,713 deaths in the last seven days which is one of the highest in Europe. Macron's infection comes as France imposed overnight curfew from 8:00 pm and closed restaurants, cafes, theatres and cinemas to combat the virus. Europe has once again become the epicentre of the virus with 243,000 new daily COVID-19 average infection cases. Amid the surge in virus cases, the WHO on Wednesday had warned that there is a high risk of a resurgence of the virus in 2021 after Christmas and New Years. The virus has claimed over 1.6 million lives so far with over 74 million infection cases recorded worldwide.

European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has gone into quarantine on Thursday after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on December 14, who later tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The office released a statement which said that the Spanish Prime Minister will be tested for the virus "without delay", and will "respect the quarantine until December 24," which will be 10 days since he met with Macron in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday tested positive for novel coronavirus, his office said in a statement.

"The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the French Presidency said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-moment-covid-19-vaccination-to-begin-on-december-27-across-eu-350502" hreflang="en">'Europe's moment': COVID-19 vaccination to begin on December 27 across EU</a>

"This diagnosis was made following a PCR test performed at the onset of the first symptoms."

French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after coming in contact with Macron.&nbsp;

The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.

Sanchez, on the other hand, has cancelled all his upcoming agendas. He will not be attending a ceremony on Thursday at which King Felipe is to open an exhibition.

In March, Sanchez' wife, along with several government ministers were infected with the coronavirus during a strict lockdown to combat the pandemic.&nbsp;

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has gone into quarantine on Thursday after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on December 14, who later tested positive for coronavirus.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has gone into quarantine on Thursday after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron on December 14, who later tested positive for coronavirus. Also read: French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus The office released a statement which said that the Spanish Prime Minister will be tested for the virus "without delay", and will "respect the quarantine until December 24," which will be 10 days since he met with Macron in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday tested positive for novel coronavirus, his office said in a statement. "The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the French Presidency said on Thursday. Also read: 'Europe's moment': COVID-19 vaccination to begin on December 27 across EU "This diagnosis was made following a PCR test performed at the onset of the first symptoms." French Prime Minister Jean Castex will also self-isolate after coming in contact with Macron. The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world who have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump. Sanchez, on the other hand, has cancelled all his upcoming agendas. He will not be attending a ceremony on Thursday at which King Felipe is to open an exhibition. In March, Sanchez' wife, along with several government ministers were infected with the coronavirus during a strict lockdown to combat the pandemic.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez placed in quarantine after contact with Emmanuel Macron

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-covid-19-350463/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU," &nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's Europe's moment. 
 
On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU. 
 
We protect our citizens together. We are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StrongerTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StrongerTogether</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> <a href="https://t.co/6VxDumysBL">pic.twitter.com/6VxDumysBL</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1339525459864936450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The European Medicines Agency is set to meet on Monday to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine even as the UK and US have already begun administering the vaccine amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/conspiracy-crackdown-twitter-to-scrub-posts-claiming-covid-19-vaccines-cause-harm-350494">coronavirus </a>cases.

The European Union will be sending out the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-silver-bullet-who-calls-for-greater-vigilance-of-covid-19-vaccine-350431">vaccine </a>to all 27 member nations. The EU Commission president had earlier stated that the EU will begin its drive on the same day.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being produced at a&nbsp;facility in Belgium and sent out in trucks and planes. The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius to keep it viable.

Europe has been hit hard with the virus as countries have issued new guidelines ahead of the crucial Christmas season fearing a bigger surge in cases.

The Netherlands, Germany and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">France </a>have introduced new curbs.

Germany had declared earlier that it will begin vaccinations on December 27 ahead of European Commission president's announcement today as the Franch government said that it would receive around 1.16 million vaccine doses by end 2020 and a further 2.3 million over the next two months in 2021.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez entered quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron who tested positive for the virus on Thursday. The Spanish PM's wife was infected with the virus in March when the virus began spreading in the country.

Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the EU hit by the virus with over 48,000 fatalities and 1.7 million infected cases. Several countries including Sweden which had earlier contained the virus are now experiencing a new surge as Europe grapples with the virus.

In Sweden on Monday, the number of people receiving hospital care reached 2,406, near the peak of 2,412 in April. The death toll in Sweden due to coronavirus has reached 7,802 with 500 last week and over 1,800 since the beginning of November.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27. Watch: "It's Europe's moment.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that Europe will start its COVID-19 vaccination drive post-Christmas from December 27. Watch: "It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU," Ursula von der Leyen said in a tweet. It's Europe's moment. On 27, 28 and 29 December vaccination will start across the EU. We protect our citizens together. We are #StrongerTogether#EUvaccinationdays pic.twitter.com/6VxDumysBL — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 17, 2020 × The European Medicines Agency is set to meet on Monday to authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine even as the UK and US have already begun administering the vaccine amid a surge in coronavirus cases. The European Union will be sending out the vaccine to all 27 member nations. The EU Commission president had earlier stated that the EU will begin its drive on the same day. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is being produced at a facility in Belgium and sent out in trucks and planes. The vaccine needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius to keep it viable. Europe has been hit hard with the virus as countries have issued new guidelines ahead of the crucial Christmas season fearing a bigger surge in cases. The Netherlands, Germany and France have introduced new curbs. Germany had declared earlier that it will begin vaccinations on December 27 ahead of European Commission president's announcement today as the Franch government said that it would receive around 1.16 million vaccine doses by end 2020 and a further 2.3 million over the next two months in 2021. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez entered quarantine Thursday after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron who tested positive for the virus on Thursday. The Spanish PM's wife was infected with the virus in March when the virus began spreading in the country. Spain has been one of the hardest-hit countries in the EU hit by the virus with over 48,000 fatalities and 1.7 million infected cases. Several countries including Sweden which had earlier contained the virus are now experiencing a new surge as Europe grapples with the virus. In Sweden on Monday, the number of people receiving hospital care reached 2,406, near the peak of 2,412 in April. The death toll in Sweden due to coronavirus has reached 7,802 with 500 last week and over 1,800 since the beginning of November.

'Europe's moment': COVID-19 vaccination to begin on December 27 across EU

As Europe is battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus and has initiated a second lockdown, Spain is one country where the government is satisfied with the 'plan'.

Spain's&nbsp;Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday, appreciated the progress the country has made in the last few weeks and said the plan of containing the virus through lockdown "is working".

He made this announcement while unveiling details of plans to vaccinate a majority part of the population as quickly as possible after the vaccine is ready and available.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-12-million-covid-19-cases-as-many-americans-defy-thanksgiving-travel-guidance-344596">US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy Thanksgiving travel guidance</a>

"The capacity which our national health service has to vaccinate in a short amount of time is frankly outstanding and gives us confidence that we can achieve this ambitious goal," Sanchez said. "We still have very difficult months ahead but the road map has been drawn up."

In the recently conducted G20 virtual conference, he told his fellow leaders that the country has been successful in bringing down COVID-19 cases to nearly 400 from 530 daily cases within 15 days.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710">No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak</a>

He also added that this has been possible simply because of the lockdown and added that this is a proof that the declaration of a state of emergency last month,&nbsp;which allowed regional governments to impose virus restrictions such as nighttime curfews and limitations on inter-regional travel, is having an effect.

The country is now planning to vaccinate the majority of the population — a cumulative figure of approximately 47 million — by mid-2021. The process will start in&nbsp;January 2021 and the government will establish nearly 13,000 vaccination points across the country.

He also recalled that 14 million people had received the flu shot within eight weeks in 2020, which is four million more than the number of people who received the flu shot in 2019.

More details of the plan, which has been in development since September, would be unveiled after it is approved on Tuesday during a weekly cabinet meeting, Sanchez said.

As Europe is battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus and has initiated a second lockdown, Spain is one country where the government is satisfied with the 'plan'.

As Europe is battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus and has initiated a second lockdown, Spain is one country where the government is satisfied with the 'plan'. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday, appreciated the progress the country has made in the last few weeks and said the plan of containing the virus through lockdown "is working". He made this announcement while unveiling details of plans to vaccinate a majority part of the population as quickly as possible after the vaccine is ready and available. Also read| US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy Thanksgiving travel guidance "The capacity which our national health service has to vaccinate in a short amount of time is frankly outstanding and gives us confidence that we can achieve this ambitious goal," Sanchez said. "We still have very difficult months ahead but the road map has been drawn up." In the recently conducted G20 virtual conference, he told his fellow leaders that the country has been successful in bringing down COVID-19 cases to nearly 400 from 530 daily cases within 15 days. Also read| No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak He also added that this has been possible simply because of the lockdown and added that this is a proof that the declaration of a state of emergency last month, which allowed regional governments to impose virus restrictions such as nighttime curfews and limitations on inter-regional travel, is having an effect. The country is now planning to vaccinate the majority of the population — a cumulative figure of approximately 47 million — by mid-2021. The process will start in January 2021 and the government will establish nearly 13,000 vaccination points across the country. He also recalled that 14 million people had received the flu shot within eight weeks in 2020, which is four million more than the number of people who received the flu shot in 2019. More details of the plan, which has been in development since September, would be unveiled after it is approved on Tuesday during a weekly cabinet meeting, Sanchez said.

'Lockdown is working', says Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on COVID-19 plan

Spain's government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last "about a month" until the transition out of lockdown is completed, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"It should be the last state of emergency (period) and will continue until the end of the rollback. For that reason.. instead of being a 15-day (extension) it will be for about a month," he said in a televised address.&nbsp;

If such a measure is approved by lawmakers, it would mean the state of emergency that is currently set to expire on May 24, would last until late June.

Spain's overnight death toll from the coronavirus was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry said, marking the lowest 24-hour rise since mid March.

The lockdown was first declared on March 14 to slow the spread of the virus in Spain, which has suffered one of the world's most deadly outbreaks with 27,000 deaths and more than 230,000 cases.&nbsp;

Spain's government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last "about a month" until the transition out of lockdown is completed, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday.

Spain's government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last "about a month" until the transition out of lockdown is completed, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday. "It should be the last state of emergency (period) and will continue until the end of the rollback. For that reason.. instead of being a 15-day (extension) it will be for about a month," he said in a televised address. If such a measure is approved by lawmakers, it would mean the state of emergency that is currently set to expire on May 24, would last until late June. Spain's overnight death toll from the coronavirus was 102 on Saturday, the health ministry said, marking the lowest 24-hour rise since mid March. The lockdown was first declared on March 14 to slow the spread of the virus in Spain, which has suffered one of the world's most deadly outbreaks with 27,000 deaths and more than 230,000 cases.

Spain to extend its state of emergency for one month

Spain which has been one of the worst-hit&nbsp;countries by coronavirus in Europe has&nbsp;after a long and intense lockdown finally relaxed some restrictions and allowed its citizens, mainly healthy young adults, to step out and take a walk. All this was allowed in specific time slots and with some rules on&nbsp;social distancing.

However, as the situation is still grim and the country fears a second wave, Spanish Prime Minister&nbsp;Pedro Sanchez is seeking parliamentary votes to extend a state of emergency for two more weeks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-claims-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-human-trials-soon-296954">Also read:&nbsp;Italy claims world's first coronavirus vaccine; human trials soon</a>

Pedro, in his parliamentary speech on Wednesday, expressed concern over lifting the lockdown by calling it a "total, unpardonable mistake".&nbsp;

The country, like several others in Europe&nbsp;has been badly hit economically&nbsp;due to the pandemic and lockdowns.&nbsp;However, the Spanish Prime Minister is not in favour of putting the economy above the health of the citizens.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-36-million-death-toll-at-257337-296973">Also read:&nbsp;Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million, death toll at 257,337</a>

He has garnered support from the&nbsp;regional Basque nationalist party PNV and&nbsp;the centre-right Ciudadanos party, who have agreed to back the plan of extending the lockdown. The opposition has not been extended their support for this decision, yet.

The economy shrunk by its biggest amount on record, 5.2%, in the first three months of 2020 due to the impact of the crisis. The government predicts the tourism-dependent economy could shrink as much as 9.2% this year.

The football players of Barcelona football club are also set to return to their practices after proper check-ups, according to reports.

The daily death toll of Spain due to coronavirus has decreased to&nbsp;244, which is much less than what the toll was back in early April.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Spain which has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in Europe has after a long and intense lockdown finally relaxed some restrictions and allowed its citizens, mainly healthy young adults, to step out and take a walk.

Spain which has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in Europe has after a long and intense lockdown finally relaxed some restrictions and allowed its citizens, mainly healthy young adults, to step out and take a walk. All this was allowed in specific time slots and with some rules on social distancing. However, as the situation is still grim and the country fears a second wave, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is seeking parliamentary votes to extend a state of emergency for two more weeks. Also read: Italy claims world's first coronavirus vaccine; human trials soon Pedro, in his parliamentary speech on Wednesday, expressed concern over lifting the lockdown by calling it a "total, unpardonable mistake". The country, like several others in Europe has been badly hit economically due to the pandemic and lockdowns. However, the Spanish Prime Minister is not in favour of putting the economy above the health of the citizens. Also read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million, death toll at 257,337 He has garnered support from the regional Basque nationalist party PNV and the centre-right Ciudadanos party, who have agreed to back the plan of extending the lockdown. The opposition has not been extended their support for this decision, yet. The economy shrunk by its biggest amount on record, 5.2%, in the first three months of 2020 due to the impact of the crisis. The government predicts the tourism-dependent economy could shrink as much as 9.2% this year. The football players of Barcelona football club are also set to return to their practices after proper check-ups, according to reports. The daily death toll of Spain due to coronavirus has decreased to 244, which is much less than what the toll was back in early April. (With inputs from Reuters)

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez garners Basque party votes for lockdown extension

How storm Gloria swept across Spain with strong winds, heavy snowfall and low temperatures

Incumbent Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told supporters that Socialist party winning the country's general election meant the "future has won and the past has lost."

Spain election: PM Sanchez welcomes Socialists' win in election

pedro-sanchez-pm

Pedro Sánchez Pm, News on Pedro Sánchez Pm, stories on Pedro Sánchez Pm, articles on Pedro Sánchez Pm, Pedro Sánchez Pm stories at Wion, Pedro Sánchez Pm news, Pedro Sánchez Pm latest news

pedro sanchez-pm