Feijoo Pledges Inflation-Linked Pension Hikes After Madrid Rally

Alberto Nunez Feijoo committed on Monday to raising state pensions in line with inflation if his Popular Party wins next month's general election. His statement came in direct response to a rally in Madrid where roughly 25,000 demonstrators gathered on Saturday to protect the existing pension structure.

The crowd marched from Atocha train station to the Gran Via, carrying banners that demanded the government protect and guarantee their retirement funds. Participants traveled from across the country, driven by concerns that the winning party might weaken the system. Their primary goal is to keep pension payments indexed to inflation and to close the gender gap in retirement income.

The pension scheme faces structural pressure from multiple factors, including an aging population, low birth rates, and stagnant wages. The ratio of workers to pensioners is falling, forcing the system to rely more heavily on state funding. Consequently, Spain's monthly pension bill reached a record high of nearly 14.5 billion euros, equivalent to 16.2 billion dollars, this year.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has framed the issue as a choice between maintaining affordability and allowing cuts. He accused the right wing of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases if they take power. Sanchez pledged to keep the current system intact, arguing that it remains financially viable despite the rising costs.

Emilio Delgado, a deputy spokesperson for the left-wing Mas Madrid party, voiced support for the demonstrators on social media. He stated that no pension should fall below the minimum wage and that a lifetime of work deserves a dignified retirement. The rally is part of a wider European wave of protests addressing cost of living, school conditions, and corruption.