The rejection of the Omnibus Decree by the Spanish Congress has sparked widespread concern, particularly in the Canary Islands, where pensioners will lose an average of €38 per month. This setback follows the failure to pass the decree with 177 votes against and 171 in favour.
The decree also included protections against evictions for at-risk families, electricity subsidies, and increases to the minimum vital income.
Impact on Canary Islands and Beyond
Economist Carlos Sánchez Mato has highlighted the severe consequences of this decision for the Canary Islands, which stand to lose an estimated €561 million in social protections and support. He criticised regional president Fernando Clavijo for aligning with political forces that, in his words, "are causing immense harm to the Canary Islands."
“This isn’t just about a monthly reduction for pensioners,” he explained, “but a broader dismantling of the social shield that protected vulnerable communities from the economic fallout of crises.”
Broader Context of Rejection
The Omnibus Decree was part of a broader effort to sustain Spain’s social safety net amidst economic challenges stemming from the war in Ukraine and rising living costs.
Mato attributed the opposition’s stance to ideological motivations, particularly from PP and Vox, who he accused of prioritising political manoeuvring over public welfare.
Despite the setback, Mato pointed to a cultural shift in public awareness around pensions, emphasising the progress made since 2021 with legislation guaranteeing pensioners’ purchasing power. He credited the efforts of pensioner advocacy groups, trade unions, and left-wing political organisations for pushing the government toward significant reforms.
Calls to Revive the Social Shield
The rejection has prompted calls from Podemos, EH Bildu, and BNG for the government to reintroduce the social shield provisions in Congress. These parties argue that the reforms are vital to ensuring equitable support for Spain’s most vulnerable populations.
Mato highlighted the foundational principle of Spain’s welfare system: intergenerational solidarity. “We work not to pay for our pensions, but to fund those of previous generations,” he said, framing the opposition’s decision as a breach of this social contract. He warned that the move represents more than just a fiscal issue, it is "a serious rupture of a societal commitment."
The fallout from this parliamentary defeat raises questions about Spain’s political priorities and the future of its welfare system. While the Canary Islands face immediate financial losses, the broader implications of dismantling the social shield could affect millions across the country. Advocacy groups and progressive parties are expected to continue pressing the government to restore these critical measures.
