I understand the argument about the collapse in commodity prices and the repercussions this may have. However, a 2% increase in a region's unemployment rate over a three-month period, whether because of the collapse in commodity prices or for any other reason, is highly problematic.
I understand that the sharp drop in commodity prices is one of the reasons for extending the number of weeks of benefits, but why is it the only one?
My second question is a follow-up to the first one. Why limit the list of regions that could benefit from this measure now? Why not consider the regions that could become eligible according to the criteria in June or July for example?