Spanish government launches pre-election social reforms via decree law package

Starting a weekly rollout dubbed “social Tuesdays,” the Spanish government introduced a decree law that broadens several social safety-net provisions before the 29-N vote. The legislation extends temporary disability benefits for women experiencing menopause-linked illnesses and raises the payout for gender-based violence survivors to 60% of the regulatory base, increasing to 75% after the initial period. It also allows both parents to receive care allowances for children with cancer or severe disease, and permits continuation of support beyond age 26 for highly dependent individuals.

Eligibility for widows’ pensions is now confirmed by the presence of shared children, easing proof requirements, while denied claims can be revisited within a year. Terrorism-related pensions receive a floor of two minimum wages, a 36% rise, and orphan benefits are lifted to twice the minimum wage. Finally, the guarantee fund for child support advances its maximum advance from €100 to €300. The decree requires validation by the permanent chamber of parliament, where left-wing parties and the PNV hold decisive votes.