Spain approves social benefits ahead of November snap election
The government says new support for families, sick pay and survivor pensions takes effect immediately, but parliament must approve the decree-law within 30 days.
Spain’s government approved new social benefits in Madrid on October 20, ahead of a November 29 snap election, AFP reported. The package increases support for families caring for seriously ill children, extends temporary sick pay for women with menopause-related conditions and widens access to survivor pensions for unmarried couples.
The government adopted the measures through a royal decree-law. They take effect immediately, according to AFP, but parliament must approve the decree-law within 30 days. That requirement leaves lawmakers with a decision on the measures during the election period.
Who is covered by Spain’s benefits decree
The three changes address different circumstances: care for a seriously ill child, temporary inability to work because of a menopause-related condition, and access to a pension after an unmarried partner dies. AFP described the groups covered but did not set out detailed eligibility rules or payment amounts.
Government spokeswoman Elma Saiz defended the timing after the weekly cabinet meeting. ‘This government continues to govern. It must continue to respond to the challenges facing citizens,’ she said, according to AFP. Saiz also said expanding social protection was compatible with fiscal discipline and strong economic indicators.
The election-period dispute
The announcement follows electoral commission proceedings concerning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s news conference at his official Moncloa residence, held after he called the snap election. According to AFP, the commission said Sánchez went beyond presenting cabinet decisions by praising his government’s record, criticising the opposition and expressing a desire for a larger parliamentary majority.
The commission said a prime minister could defend his political position but could not use public resources available through his office to do so during an electoral period. It also said the campaign did not prevent constitutional institutions from carrying out their normal functions, including the government’s adoption of measures.
The November 29 vote has also prompted talks among opposition parties. POLITICO reported that People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo confirmed negotiations with Vox on coordinating Senate lists to seek a conservative majority in the upper house. He described the talks as a response to a possible coalition between the governing Socialists and other left-wing parties.
POLITICO reported that Vox leader Santiago Abascal had said the previous day that he was willing to negotiate with the People’s Party. It also reported that Podemos had opted out of a broad joint left-wing ticket, except in the Canary Islands and Valencia region. Those negotiations form part of the electoral setting in which parliament must consider the benefits decree-law.
Read in depth: World
Yemen fighting displaces more than 250,000 as Taiz aid access tightens
UN officials say renewed fighting has driven families from their homes and put food, water and hospital supplies under pressure in Taiz.
Helen Haines attack prompts Australian leaders to warn about political violence
Australian leaders urged restraint after the independent MP was struck outside her Wangaratta office, as police investigated and reported threats against politicians rose.
Sources and context
- Spain approves new social benefits ahead of snap electionThe Straits Times (AFP report)
- Spain’s conservatives in talks with far-right Vox over election dealPOLITICO Europe
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.