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State of the Union (continuation of debate)
Mr President, President of the Commission, colleagues, as you mentioned in your speech, today not only Europe but the whole world is still fighting the consequences of the pandemic and this fight is not over. This pandemic has completely changed our lives, and it is a pity, but for the majority it is only for the worse. The pandemic has highlighted structural problems in the EU and the Member States, especially in the social field. The pandemic hit those with lower incomes, simpler and unstable jobs hardest and hardest. These people were left without income and without any guarantees for the future. There are also workers in the healthcare sector who have saved lives and who are unfortunately among the lowest earners. Yes, we must now concentrate and effectively revitalise the economies of the Member States, but this recovery cannot come at the expense of the people. We must ensure that this is a socially oriented and sustainable recovery in which people are at the centre, guaranteeing decent wages that allow them to live in dignity and take care of their families. We must pull children out of the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. This pandemic has exacerbated child poverty and exclusion, and distance education during lockdowns has not ensured access to continuous education for children living in poverty. So there is a lot of work ahead of us, and I very much hope for understanding and, above all, action from the Commission.