Statement of Antonella Valmorbida,

Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy 

Chair of the Board of Directors of the European Partnership for Democracy

Italy and its 60 million inhabitants are fighting against the Coronavirus. In a week, our life has been transformed and I guess nothing will ever be the same.

With an unprecedented decision, the Prime Minister has suspended activities in all schools in the country in order to avoid movement of people in buses and trains and in schools, of course. All group activities are cancelled (congresses, events, working meetings, private events – even marriages, which need to be organized behind closed doors). We need to avoid contact with others and we are recommended to speak at 1,5 m distance, at least. Students are all studying from home and the schools and universities are soon or already providing classes online, via various platforms, going through a quantum leap in… 7 days.

The consequent immense blow on the economy will come soon: the tourist sector is already hit with 100% cancelation sin die. Arts, theatres, museums and cinemas are also closed. We are deeply suffering from this social and artistic limitations. We will soon need help and support to address a crisis, which will re-discuss a number of priorities.