Spain's deputy prime minister signals pension increase could be approved after election

In a televised interview, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo indicated that the government intends to approve a pension increase for 2027 via a decree-law, even though the cabinet will be in caretaker mode after the election. He explained that the inflation data needed for the adjustment will be published by the INE shortly before the vote, and that the decree-law could be validated later by the permanent chamber of Congress on the grounds of urgent necessity and general interest.

Cuerpo dismissed accusations from the PP and Vox that the pension system is on the brink of collapse, calling them unfounded and aimed at creating uncertainty. He reaffirmed that pensions are sustainable and that the 2021 reform, which links raises to the average inflation of the twelve months up to November, will continue to guide future adjustments. The minister also noted that the government has previously waited for the final inflation figure before confirming the exact increase.