The conflict in Ukraine has caused an energy crisis, King Philip VI of Spain said in a Christmas address.
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The Spanish monarch noted that the current situation causes great dissatisfaction and concern among Europeans, including the inhabitants of Spain.
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“This conflict, along with the effects of the pandemic, is having a profound impact on the economy, which is obvious. It has provoked an energy crisis with serious consequences for industry, trade, transport, and especially for family economies. Rising food prices, in particular, are causing household anxiety. Having to cope with everyday activities such as turning on the heat, lighting or filling up gasoline becomes a source of anxiety and in many cases requires significant personal and family sacrifice,” the king said.
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Philip VI added that the situation of Spanish households required state support.
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“Indeed, there are families that cannot cope with this situation for a long period of time and need constant support from government agencies to mitigate the economic and social consequences. We cannot ignore the severity of these problems, but we cannot give up the idea, that everything can change and improve. First of all, and once again, we must believe in ourselves as a nation,” the monarch said.
