The Spanish government has announced the ending of the country’s six month state of emergency on 9 May. It will herald the anticipated relaxation of restrictions, although some uncertainty remains on how the various regions will respond and where the powers lie to lift restrictions on meetings and movement.
Regional authorities, which have a high degree of autonomy in Spain, will still be able to dictate business opening hours and occupancy rates, however they will only be able to impose curfews, lockdowns and limits on gatherings with approval from local courts. Deputy prime minister Carmen Calvo said that the regions could propose measures that limit rights and freedoms, but they needed a judicial authorisation to enforce them. The Supreme Court would be the ultimate arbiter.