Prime Minister Conte announces the first phase of reactivating the Italian economy

(Patria) – Italian authorities have granted permission for some businesses to open early next week with the aim of resuming production and construction work from May 4.

The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, presented the framework of a detailed plan for reactivating the Italian economy in an interview with the local newspaper La Repubblica, published on Sunday, ahead of the start of a new phase beginning on Monday. The details of the plan will be announced during the week.  

In the interview, Conte described a multi-phase process that will begin with the reactivation of production and construction work in early May, while catering establishments will remain closed until further notice.

Schools will remain closed until September, with distance learning continuing, which the prime minister claims is working well.

Businesses considered of strategic importance, as well as those export-oriented, will also open their doors next week.

- We must open the economy... otherwise we risk seriously undermining the socio-economic backbone of the country, said the prime minister, emphasizing that any reactivation will be gradual and with strict safety measures in every company.  

The government has introduced a series of support measures for the business sector, including loans to help sustain it – although some representatives of this sector have complained about the government's slowness in implementing this decision.

Conte also reported that the government is supervising the banking sector to ensure liquidity for companies in need, and that efforts are being made to help industry by reducing bureaucratic procedures, Reuters reports.