Spain To Roll Out Permanent Universal Basic Income ‘Soon’

Topline: Spain, which has the biggest cluster of COVID-19 infections outside the U.S., will introduce universal basic income “as soon as possible” as part of its efforts to combat the economic effects of coronavirus, Economy minister Nadia Calvino said on Sunday. Critically, the scheme is expected to be rolled out indefinitely.

• The move has been prompted by the coronavirus crisis, but Calvino told Spanish channel La Sexta that the measure, once rolled out, will remain beyond the pandemic.
• No date was given for the rollout, but Calvino assured that the measure will be launched as soon as possible, and that the government is working out the details.
• It is not yet known what the amount would be, but it is expected to be geared towards families and complement other social security measures pledged by the Spanish government, to support the population through the crisis.
• Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’ government rolled out a €200 billion package ($216 billion) last month to boost Spain’s economy, in line with stimulus packages introduced in some of the worst-hit countries. 
• Mortgage payments have been paused and struggling businesses will be given a cash boost as part of the “greatest mobilization of resources in Spain’s entire democratic history,” Sanchez said.
• Spain saw record job losses in March, with 900,000 people losing their jobs over a three week period since the start of the lockdown.

Crucial comment: Calvino told journalist Ana Pastor: “The work is complicated and we are on many fronts at the moment, but the ministry is working decisively on it and we will do it as soon as possible.”

Key background: Spain has seen more than 131,000 people testing positive for COVID-19, the second-highest number of infections worldwide, and is the second worst-hit country in Europe after Italy, with more than 12,600 coronavirus-related deaths. But Spain, which is under an extended nationwide lockdown until April 26, is seeing a glimmer of hope alongside Italy and France, as the daily death toll appears to be falling gradually.