Not all the self-employed have done badly out of the corona virus pandemic, but those who have, really got a bad hit. Along with the so-called micro enterprises which employ very few people, especially those working in tourism, but elsewhere as well, they have been driven with their backs against the wall, or almost.

The financial subsidies still being extended by the state were essential to keep them afloat. Apparently, the government is considering to prolong its assistance, which is a good thing. However, we all know that there will be limits to how long such measures can be carried forward.

The same problem has emerged in other European countries where as in our case, the obligations being assumed by governments are unprecedented.

What remains missing is a clearer picture of the most acute problems facing small enterprises. If at least financial aid continues to target the worst sources of pain, the enterprises themselves could maybe endure the lesser ones. The challenge is to keep alive small (“micro”) enterprises, perhaps even in a coma, till they can resurrect, once the pandemic is spent.

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A YEAR BEGINS

All over Europe, the start of the scholastic year following the summer holdiays has given rise to huge anxieties. Even now, where the process has practically been completed, anxiety still prevails.

There is general agreement that it is in the children’s best interests for schools to reopen. The challenge is how to do it while maintaining all precautions required to contain the pandemic.

Naturally, in such a situation, vested interests will want their say. All they focus on is their own particular concerns. Even so, other wider claims about the arising difficulties will be genuinely advanced by other stakeholders with a legitimate and strong interest in proceedings.

It is impossible to achieve full satisfaction right across. Despite the risk of becoming subject to finely tuned sabotage, it still makes sense to bring on board all those concerned by such a very difficult exercise by involving them in the programming and implementation of the reopening.    

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THE CULTURAL SCENE

The cultural scene has been badly drained by Covid 19. Financial support has weakened, audiences have vanished, the presentation of cultural events has been compacted and curtailed.

I do believe that a time will come when all this will open on an artistic regeneration, so that a new enthusiasm for arts and culture will develop among the public at large.

However, till that moment arrives, many of the promoters, agents and creators in the arts sector will find themselves crossing a barren and baking desert. How will they survive? If too many of them give up or collapse as they strive to keep going, could the hope of a renewal be maintained?

France and other likeminded coutnries, are launching programmes of financial aid to underpin their cultural sector. Will it be enough? Or is this an instance where money cannot cover all that’s at stake?