Spain prolongs state of emergency, following strong political quarrel

The Socialist-led coalition government in Spain has provided another extension of the state of emergency, which will last until 24 May. The approval by Congress for this extension comes after days of strong conflicts and intense negotiations.

The conservative People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party both had rejected any extensions, saying the state of emergency was no longer necessary. They joined the Republican leftist party for Catalan independence, which opposes centralising powers under emergency measures.

However, the minority government managed to seek the support of the centre-right citizens' party and other smaller, regional parties. The PP eventually abstained, allowing the government to win a simple majority at the polls this afternoon.

Addressing the 350-seat national congress ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move was necessary to help preserve Spain's anti-virus advances.

He also dismissed suggestions that the continuing impasse was very drastic. The prime minister added: The disease is being controlled and Spain is beginning to heal, but we have to be careful and we also need legal and constitutional means for this state of emergency.

So far, the virus has killed 25.857 people and infected more than 220,000 people in Spain. / world.al