Protest over Covid closures
PEOPLE unable to work because of Covid-19 curbs took to the streets of Denia demanding the economy be re-opened to allow them to feed their families.
The peaceful protest outside the town hall was organised by newly formed group ‘united by need’ and underlined fears of growing tensions in the local population with the community facing ‘unprecedented’ economic and social crisis.
Friday’s demonstration was officially sanctioned by the local authority and a crowd of more than 200 people remained socially distanced as they listened to speeches, joining in the battle cry ‘enough is enough’ and ‘poverty also kills’.
The hospitality sector was closed by the order of the regional government in Valencia on January 13.
It was the end of a week of protests across the Marina Alta; convoys of cars drove through the streets of Denia, Teulada Moraira and Jávea – loudly sounding horns – calling for cafes, bars and restaurants to be allowed to reopen.
United by need is a local apolitical group and organisers of the protest told Costa Blanca
News they did not deny the ‘unprecedented crisis’ caused by coronavirus but were worried the current management of the pandemic had serious short and long-term consequences for both individuals and society.
They want the elderly and vulnerable to be shielded while businesses open allowing people their constitutional right to work.
And in the group’s manifesto, it attacks central government for allowing a 27% increase in the cost of electricity during winter and the rise in self-employment payments in the middle of a pandemic.
“The short and long-term consequences for each family deserve a more effective plan to ensure saving lives today does not mean serious physical and mental ill health, nor the end of the economy for the rest of society,” says the manifesto.
It stated governments must deal with things such as ‘the serious increase in poverty, despair and hopelessness, depression, and lack of financial security’.
United by need asked: “What will be the consequences
when you can no longer pay your rent, your mortgage, your bills? More evictions?
"What happens when you can no longer put food on the table for your family?”
They added that hopelessness can lead to suicide and loneliness also kills.
Among the organisers of the demonstration were British parents Marie Fielding and Zoe Braganza Jones who said the protest was the first direct action taken by the group.
Marie said: “I think there are a lot of people who are very upset and wanted to do more but this is the first time we have got people together and got people angry about what they are doing to us.
“Doing this helps raise awareness.”
Asked about the mood in Denia, Zoe said: “There’s a lot of tension, fear, extreme levels of stress and worry – if something is not done now, it will end badly.”
She added that when people are desperate, ‘they will do anything to feed their families’.