Spain to extend anti-crisis measures against effects of war in Ukraine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - The Spanish prime minister announced a three-month extension Wednesday to anti-crisis measures to reduce the effects of Russia's war in Ukraine on his country.

"We are going to continue protecting families and companies," Pedro Sanchez said during a meeting with deputies and senators of the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in Congress.

The Royal Decree was set to end June 30.

Regarding the stance of the right-wing Popular Party (PP) on the plan, Sanchez has made an implicit call to the PP to back the extension when it is voted on in the Lower House.

"Let's see if this time we have more luck and those who say they love Spain approve measures that are good for the Spaniards," he said.

The PP did not vote for the anti-crisis decree at the end of April when it was approved 176 - 172.

"Citizens, who see how inflation rises because of this war, will always count on the protection of their government," said Sanchez. "We are the same government that faced the pandemic and we will do everything in our power to protect our economy and families before the effects of the war."

The plan includes measures such as a fuel discount, reduction in taxes on electricity, increase in the Minimum Vital Income, prohibition of raising rents by more than 2% and actions.