We once again have arrived at the weekend waiting for the political class to reach decisions that could have far reaching implications on our freedom in the coming days.
As we reported earlier in the week, the idea of a curfew was initially raised by representatives in the Madrid local authority. It was concluded that this measure was beyond the legal remit of the autonomous regional government. The idea was floated with central government, which would mean that such a policy would be instigated nationwide, the concept has become front and centre of the political discourse of the week.
Opinion polls have been taken and discussions have been had as the week progressed, but as the weekend comes into view there are a significant number of autonomous regions who are openly calling upon the central government for a State of Alarm to enable a curfew.
Extremadura, The Basque Country, La Rioja, Cataluña, Navarra, Castilla la Mancha, Asturias and Melilla were joined late on Friday night by Cantabria calling for a State of Alarm. The various regions have differing measures they wish to impose, but are united in their desire to see legal protection for their actions provided by central government. They also all stipulate that such a State of Alarm should impose a uniform nationwide curfew restriction, to avoid Spain being patchwork puzzle of restrictions.
Meanwhile some regions have moved forward to impose a curfew without waiting for central government legal shielding. Comunidad de Valencia will instigate a resolution to impose a midnight to six am curfew throughout the region. This is expected to be in force early next week. Madrid have announced what is called a "covert" curfew by prohibiting meetings in public and private spaces from midnight to six am. Castilla y León have a 10pm to 6 am restriction on movement. Andalucia and Murcia are both awaiting court approval to impose regional curfews.
The Aragónese regional Government have reinforced that such measures require a nationwide legislative instrument, yet it is increasingly believed that the country is heading for a State of Alarm which will enable curfews to be imposed, perhaps as early as late next week. The cabinet will need to issue an order for a State of Alarm which will then need to be ratified.
After that, everything would boil down to the parliamentary vote in order to ensure a legal pathway forward to achieve these extra powers. It would seem that there are the numbers to see through a Government motion to enact a State of Alarm. Regardless of the potential outcome, nothing will be decided over the weekend.