Feijoo Commits to Inflation-Linked Pensions After Madrid Rally

Alberto Nunez Feijoo stated on Monday that his party will maintain pension increases in line with inflation if it secures power in the upcoming election. This commitment was made in response to a large-scale demonstration in Madrid on Saturday, where approximately 25,000 people marched to defend the state pension scheme.

The rally, which took place just before next month's general vote, saw participants travel from across Spain to the capital. The crowd moved from Atocha train station to Gran Via, carrying banners that demanded the protection and guarantee of pensions. Marchers expressed concern that the system could be weakened by the incoming government, with many calling for the elimination of the gender pension gap.

Pressure on the pension fund is intensifying due to demographic shifts and economic factors. An aging population, low birth rates, and stagnant wages have contributed to a shrinking ratio of workers to pensioners. As a result, the monthly cost of state pensions reached a record high of nearly 14.5 billion euros, or $16.2 billion, this year. The system now relies increasingly on state funding as the number of beneficiaries grows.

The issue has become a central point of conflict between Spain's two main political camps. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has accused the right-wing Popular Party of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases. In contrast, he has pledged to protect the current system, arguing that it remains affordable. Emilio Delgado, deputy spokesperson for the Mas Madrid party, also voiced support for the cause, noting that no pension should fall below the minimum wage.

The demonstration in Madrid was part of a wider wave of protests across Europe concerning the cost of living, school conditions, and corruption. For now, the focus remains on the general election next month, where voters will decide which party manages a system facing record expenditure and demographic strain.