Political party calls for €1,800 minimum wage in the Canary Islands

A political party in the Canary Islands is calling for Spain's minimum wage to be increased to €1,800, arguing that soaring living costs are making it increasingly difficult for people to afford basic necessities.

Unidad del Pueblo Canario (UPC) has outlined a series of proposals aimed at easing the financial pressure on households, including higher wages, increased pensions and measures to make fresh, healthy food more affordable.

The proposals were presented today (Wednesday), outside the Central Market in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria by the party's candidates for the Spanish Congress, Luis Campos and Iratxe Serrano.

Food prices up 40% since 2021

According to Campos, the cost of a typical shopping basket in the Canary Islands has risen by 40% since 2021, putting considerable pressure on household budgets.

He also claimed that average salaries across the islands are 15% below the Spanish national average, leaving many workers struggling to keep up with rising prices.

Serrano argued that a minimum wage of €1,800 is now necessary to cover essential expenses, including rent, mortgages, food, electricity and other household bills.

However, she acknowledged that such an increase would need to be introduced gradually, taking into account government budgets and detailed economic assessments.

The proposal would require changes at national level, as Spain's minimum wage is set by the Spanish Government rather than the Canary Islands authorities.

More support for families and local producers

The party also highlighted wider concerns about poverty across the archipelago, claiming that more than 700,000 people are living in vulnerable circumstances.

Campos pointed to the particularly high levels of child poverty in the Canary Islands, arguing that access to healthy food should not depend on a family's income.

As part of its proposals, UPC wants additional support for local farmers and food producers, particularly those supplying fresh products grown or produced in the islands.

The party believes encouraging the consumption of locally sourced food could help support the agricultural sector while improving access to healthier produce.

Healthier meals in schools and hospitals

Another proposal would see schools, hospitals, care homes and other publicly supported facilities prioritise fresh, healthy food in their meals.

Campos said families should not have to choose between buying meat, fish, fruit and vegetables or relying on cheaper, heavily processed alternatives because of financial pressures.

The party also wants further increases in pensions to help older residents cope with rising living costs.

For now, the measures remain political proposals rather than approved changes, with UPC seeking support for its plans as part of its campaign for representation in the Spanish Parliament.