In times of danger, the public sector is the only refuge

In times of danger, the public sector is the only refuge

Corona, or Covid-19, is spreading across the world, posing a huge challenge to economies and health systems. The economy as a whole is collapsing, and the bears have taken over the stock markets. But reports from many countries and sectors say that in this crisis it is only the public sector, in the economy and in health, that people can rely on and that holds up.

Spain: As part of controlling Covid-19, Spain has nationalised all private hospitals. It is also considering bringing companies that make medical equipment under government control.

Italy: The public sector Italian airline Alitalia was privatised in 2008, bought by a group of Italian investors. Now that those investors have decided to close the airline, the Italian government has said it intends to nationalise Alitalia again.

France: Because of the Covid economic crisis, many big companies in France are on the verge of closing. French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said companies are being nationalised to save the economy and protect workers. He said this could be called capital investment, share purchase or, if one likes, nationalisation.

In America the private sector charges up to 1,300 dollars (Rs 97,500) for a corona test, which an ordinary worker cannot afford. In Kerala, all the expenses of corona patients are borne by the Kerala government. Amid these hardships, time is teaching us that in a crisis, in a time of danger, people can rely only on the public sector and the Left.