Changes

Some lessons have been learned so far from how the pandemic was managed: a) it has tested the ‘autonomous state’, which has emerged stronger, using the instruments of internal governance as never before. A more polycentric, more horizontal, more decentralised Spain has taken root in the collective imagination, and all levels of administration have been seen to act as such; b) there are different ways of organising the public health service in each region, as highlighted by the map on Primary healthcare areas. However, this is compatible with sending aggregated information to the national administration; c) it has served to highlight the deficit in multilevel internal governance and the shortcomings in basic pillars of the welfare state. Nevertheless, serious issues caused by COVID-19 have been solved and collective learning has taken place; d) the importance of public services as a pillar of the welfare state and a basic responsibility of the regional authorities has been perceived by the population; e) it has opened a new stage of dialogue in drafting agreements and strategic alliances between different regions to address common issues and challenges that may entail relevant political symbolism as they are promoted bearing in mind the whole country; f) the agenda for the immediate future has been made clear, i.e. Spain shall improve the funding mechanisms for the welfare state so that territorial equity is provided and welfare standards may catch up with northern and central Europe, a regularity in celebrating the Conference of Presidents and the Sector Conferences shall be introduced, and founding a national Health Office would be praiseworthy.

{{ANEAutoria|Autores=Juan Romero González}}