Speech during the debate on the Government statement

Check against delivery.

Mr President,

Ladies and gentlemen of the Chamber of Representatives,

Protecting the health of our fellow citizens is our main goal, our duty, our responsibility but also our commitment.

This should be the driver for us all, constantly, in the hours, days and weeks ahead.

In this unprecedented situation, it is imperative that we work together.

Each of us has a role to play. Not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect our loved ones and our fellow citizens.

The sense of responsibility, solidarity, courage, but also the confidence in our ability to rise again, to emerge stronger from this ordeal, must drive us more than ever.

I realise how difficult the new measures announced on Tuesday evening are, and how much they will affect our daily lives.

But given the urgency and gravity of the situation, these sacrifices are vital.

In this fight, the dedication and self-sacrifice of health workers, researchers, child care workers, cashiers and everyone else who I cannot mention here because the list would be too long is exemplary. They are working tirelessly every day to help others and keep our country running.

Governments, parliaments and the other entities in the country, of course, also have a key role to play.

They must work together, in mutual trust, to make the right decisions at the right time and to ensure these decisions are implemented in a smooth and timely manner.

In this regard, I would like to remind you that by going to work in the morning, regardless of your industry, we are all links in the same chain.

All the links in this human chain make it possible, directly or indirectly, to provide the best care for our sick.

Trust between the government and parliament must be formalised by a vote of confidence.

In a few hours, you will be asked to vote on this motion.

This must be based on an essential principle. To give the current government, through a vote of confidence, the full powers it needs to successfully manage this crisis.

No more, no less.

Among other things, we are committed:

To managing the public health situation during the coronavirus crisis;
To maintaining public order;
But also to alleviating the socio-economic problems of employees and the self-employed.

We also need to prepare, step by step, for economic development and recovery as soon as this crisis is over.

It is true that a vote of confidence is not a blank cheque. It does not allow the government to shun its obligation of transparency towards parliament.

I have already committed myself to limiting the government's actions to areas related to managing the coronavirus crisis, and to manage the other aspects in a framework similar to that of a caretaker government.

I have also told you I will be back in no later than six months to ask for your trust again.

The issue of special powers will also have to be broached in terms of:

public health;
social affairs, including labour law;
security;
and the economy.

All of these topics will be discussed and finetuned with the various representatives of the political parties before they are - of course - put to the Chamber of Representatives for a vote.

At any rate, the way in which the special powers have been exercised will have to be reviewed by Parliament at the end of this period.

As I have just said, trust between Parliament and this government will have to be confirmed through the formal vote on a motion this afternoon.

This vote of confidence is part of the "great unity" that I have called for, with the will to work together constructively for the benefit of all.

Everybody will have to show restraint, calmness, energy, critical insight, and certainly courage.

We must refrain from strategies and explanations that could divide us, when now, more than ever, we need to be united.

Everybody will have to show restraint, calmness, energy, critical insight, and certainly courage.

We must refrain from strategies and explanations that could divide us, when now, more than ever, we need to be united.

We are aware of our responsibility. I am aware of my responsibility.

The government and I will be a loyal partner, a partner that is open but also focused on the task ahead, fully mobilised and determined to carry out its mission.

You too, should take good care of yourselves and continue to take good care of others.

Thank you.