Spanish Government Faces Crucial Vote on Pensions and Social Support
Millions of Spaniards await a pivotal decision from Congress that will determine the future of pension increases and key social support measures. The vote, expected in the coming hours, comes as Spain grapples with rising prices and economic instability. The current measures are already in effect, but their continuation hinges on the outcome of this parliamentary session.
At the center of the debate is a package that includes a 2.7% increase for most pensions, with those receiving minimum payments seeing a rise of over 7%. Certain groups, such as widows with dependents and pensioners supporting a spouse, have received increases as high as 11.4%. Disability pensions and the minimum guaranteed income (Ingreso Mínimo Vital) have also been increased.
However, opposition parties – primarily the Partido Popular (PP) and Junts – have voiced disagreement, not with the pension increases themselves, but with the way they are bundled with other social measures. The decree also addresses the extension of the eviction moratorium for vulnerable families, guarantees for essential utilities, tax breaks for those affected by natural disasters, and incentives for electric vehicles and home energy efficiency improvements.
The opposition argues that the government is using pensioners as leverage to secure votes on a broader package. This has led to a political rift, with even the government’s traditional allies reportedly unwilling to compromise.
Junts Holds Key to Pension Reinstatement
Last week, Congress rejected the initial pension increase and the associated ‘social shield’ measures, with votes against coming from the PP, Junts, and Vox. Now, the Spanish government is working to reinstate a significant portion of the rejected decree, specifically focusing on securing support from Junts for the pension increase.
Sources at La Moncloa, the Prime Minister’s office, indicate that reinstating the pension increase is “well on track” and could be approved as early as today, . However, the future of other housing-related measures within the decree remains uncertain, as they represent a red line for Junts.
This situation mirrors last year, when a similar social safety net decree was initially rejected but later revived after negotiations with Junts. However, Junts maintains that they are not currently engaged in negotiations with the government, following a break in relations last October. They have stated they will support the decree if it includes measures related to employment.
Eviction Moratorium and Housing Concerns
The eviction moratorium, which has prevented one in four evictions of vulnerable households since the pandemic, is a key point of contention. Junts has expressed concerns that the moratorium favors “inquiokupación” – illegal squatting – and will not support any legislation that includes it.
The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) has also called for reforms to the moratorium, arguing that the responsibility should not fall solely on small landlords with single rental properties.
Sumar is pressing for the moratoria to be presented alongside the other measures, even if in separate decrees, and is working to ensure all measures are approved. The party insists that none of the measures should be allowed to expire.
Government Action and Upcoming Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers meeting today, , will be crucial for the approval of the pension revaluation, as well as other social measures that have faced less opposition, such as prohibiting utility cuts for vulnerable families and providing tax benefits for forest firefighters. Support also exists for aid to those affected by recent natural disasters.
Podemos has suggested that the protection offered by the eviction moratorium could be extended through monthly votes in the Council of Ministers, even without the support of the PP, Vox, and Junts.
