Madrid President Isabel Diaz-Asoyo in a special interview with Israel Today: "Our government has been late in responding to the virus" • "Expects tourists as early as June, but it's not safe"

• Isabel Diaz-Asoyo

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  PR

The Corona epidemic has become Isabel Diaz-Asuio's fire baptism in crisis management. The 41-year-old former journalist, who in recent years became one of the most promising figures in the Conservative People's Party sent to the opposition two years ago, was elected governor of the Autonomous Community of Madrid last summer. Seven months later, Madrid became one of the major corona centers in Europe. According to official data from the federal government, about 70,000 people were infected in Corona in the province of Madrid and about 9,000 died. These numbers do not include the deceased in nursing homes and homes.

Diaz-Asoyo realized the danger very early and began taking closure measures before the national left government. Today, Diaz-Asiou is one of the loudest critics of the slow and inefficient conduct of the Spanish government in the Corona crisis, causing tens of thousands of victims. It also now requires the government to accelerate the return to normal in and around the capital. "Those were the toughest months, but also the most important during my political career," the Madrid governor said in a special interview with Israel Today, referring to the Corona crisis. "Life, liberty and freedom are the most significant things to me. The national government did not honor them during the epidemic. "

Photo: Reuters

What is your explanation for Spain and Madrid becoming the epicenter of the epidemic?

"We are one of the most visited countries in the world, and Madrid is the gateway to the country. Many flights arrive here, day and night. The population density here is high. In addition, the federal government responded late, and when it responded, the virus had already spread in Spain. So we were one of the most affected areas." .

Already in early March, with the increase in infections, Madrid's provincial government rushed to announce prevention and closure measures, while the federal government allowed a mass march on Women's Day and held football games at stadiums, causing the virus to spread throughout Spain. "As early as March 9, we closed schools and warned the population that the virus is a real big problem and should be taken seriously," the governor emphasizes. "From that day on, we have seen a very significant increase in infection without anyone doing anything. We had to respond and tell the government that it was time to do something. " The government responded by declaring a national emergency only about a week later.

Diaz-Asoyo admits that when the plague began to rage, he feared it could not be contained: "There was not enough soul equipment, and for a few days I was very worried. Sometimes there was a feeling that the plague could not be done. Madrid's health system must now be prepared to deal with this virus for another year or two. A new hospital will be opened, medical teams will be recruited and safe tourism will be promoted in the coming months. We are expecting very difficult months. But, we will work to recover the systems as soon as possible. "

Madrid is one of the cities that Israelis love to visit. When can they return to her?

"It's hard to tell. It depends on the national government's decisions. We are already working with her on the reopening of Madrid for international tourism. We need to work on the airport, on tourist security. We are doing national campaigns to encourage tourism, but foreign tourism depends on the government. Get tourists already, but it's not safe. "

Israel was one of the first countries to express solidarity with Spain and its people during these difficult times. Initiated by the Israeli Embassy in Madrid Israeli artists and athletes recognized in Spain who sent support messages, Ahinoam Nini made a special recorded concert that, during its broadcast, donations were collected to the Madrid Corona Foundation, the Tel Aviv municipality wore the colors of the Spanish flag, twin cities exchanged information on methods of fighting the virus and its consequences, Rivlin spoke to King Felipe.

"For me, this support was of particular importance because I feel very emotionally connected to Israel," emphasizes Diaz-Asoyo, who is considered a great friend of Israel in the country whose government is an extremist left-wing party that supports Israel's boycott. . Also related to Corona - the use of technology and communication between the government and citizens during the epidemic. Israel did a great job in the crisis. Israel is also very advanced in security and coordination matters between emergency services and job creation and start-up companies. You are very advanced in these areas. "

The United States and other Central American countries recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved their embassies to it. Will a future conservative government in Spain have the courage to do so too?

"The decision will be made on the national level by the conservative party leader, Paulo Casado. We feel very close to Israel."

You have visited Israel, the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley. Does it better understand why Israel will never be able to give up these strategic areas?

"I've always understood why Israel must defend itself. It's something that makes you stronger. A lot of people take liberty for granted. At the same time, Israelis fight for their lives and their freedom every day. It's something I deeply admire in Israel. "