Reopening the economy, the major decision of governments

Reopening the country or prolonging the closure. Maintain the hibernation of economic activity, or start reopening the different sectors. Insist on the confinement of the entire population or reactivate mobility and production by sector. The dilemma is one that brings rulers around the world to their senses, with some facing responsibility more directly than others. Several governments have been presenting their citizens with plans to reopen production and the economy, demonstrating a foresight that most have not shown in preventing the arrival of the virus a few months ago. What differentiates the different countries right now is that some have decided to take the path of return to normal and others keep the citizens in an absolute uncertainty about what imminent future awaits them in the coming weeks. 

The French President Emmanuel Macron has already given a specific date for the end of the confinement, although the opening is very gradual and sector by sector. The French already have their work cut out for them. On May 11, schoolchildren will return to classes, a measure that in many parts of the world would be considered reckless today, but which the French head of state has already adopted. He has thought of the children in depressed areas, of which there are many, who cannot attend classes online, and of the inequalities that exist in relation to housing in France: large mansions, average-sized residences with a small garden, flats that are generous in space... and tiny rooms in the banlieues, the suburbs of La Courneuve, Essone or Seine-Saint-Denis in Paris, or Vaulx-en-Velin in Lyon, or any of the suburbs of the Marseilles belt. In addition to a self-criticism exercise acknowledging serious errors in the prediction of the pandemic, Macron has summoned his country's public to a new appearance in two weeks to explain how the reopening is going to take place, although he has already given very concrete clues that enable professionals and companies to be informed: businesses such as bars, restaurants and hotels will continue to be closed, and well into the summer he does not even consider authorising any public festivals that involve crowds of people. The French, who in spite of these clear facts do not approve of the president's management and a percentage of 75% believe that the truth has been hidden from them, already know that for the time being the borders will remain closed. 

Donald Trump today announced plans for a strategy and pace for the return of the U.S. economy to cruising speed. He believes that the peak of the curve, that which is sacralised in other countries but never ends, has already passed. Reopening the most powerful country in the world now clashes with the plans of several states, such as New York, which are trying to maintain the order of confinement in the face of the most scandalous data on American territory in terms of the number of infections and deaths. The clash of competences between Governor Cuomo and President Trump is ongoing, and even the television networks are aligned with one or the other, Democrat and Republican respectively. Should the states be the ones to decide the return to normality gradually or is it a presidential competition in the most presidential country on the planet? The paradox is that the same White House team that wants to start opening up the country's economy a month after it closes is considering closing down Congress to make the appointments it deems appropriate without the necessary oversight by both houses. 

The federal government's relationship with the various states is much better in Germany, where Chancellor Merkel has reached agreements with the Länder than other European regions would like. In Spain, for example, the autonomous communities complain that the government constantly decrees measures without consulting them or agreeing on their scope. The Germans already know that as of Monday, May 4, activity will gradually resume and confinement measures will begin to relax, although social distancing will be a reality for a long time to come. Shops smaller than 800 square meters will be open, a step that other countries have not dared to take. And the classes will also gradually return in order to finish the course, a goal that we in Spain are still not sure whether it is the one pursued in the educational field or not. The Teutons, always so pragmatic and orderly in their ways of organizing social life, now also know that they will not be able to meet or go out into the street in groups of more than two, and that they will be able to go back to doing sports in parks and avenues. The restaurants, theatres and nightclubs will continue to be closed, but there is already a pattern of deconfinement and some sectors of productive activity will be able to mitigate their losses. The Germans already have their plans for their imminent routine life.