Feijóo Unveils Activation Income Plan to Replace Spain's Current Welfare System
The PP candidate proposes merging existing subsidies into a single employment-linked benefit program.
1New Activation Income Proposal
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the PP, announced a plan to replace the current Minimum Vital Income with a unified Activation Income. This policy aims to consolidate various existing subsidies into one system. The primary objective is to create a bridge toward employment for citizens capable of working in Spain.
2Employment as Core Requirement
The proposed benefit is strictly linked to active job searching and professional training. Beneficiaries must sign an agreement committing to these activities. The program is designed to be compatible with employment from the first day, ensuring that accepting a job consistently improves the household's total income and overall financial situation.
3Consequences for Refusing Work
The program includes strict enforcement mechanisms for those who repeatedly reject suitable job offers without a justified cause. Feijóo confirmed that such actions will result in graduated consequences, ultimately leading to the loss of financial aid. This measure is intended to combat fraudulent absenteeism and encourage active labor market participation.
4Protections for Vulnerable Groups
The proposal distinguishes between those capable of working and those who cannot due to specific circumstances. Individuals unable to work because of disability or dependency will maintain specific protections. Additionally, child support benefits will remain a separate provision, ensuring that the most vulnerable segments of the population retain essential social support.
5Broader Electoral Program Pillars
This welfare reform is one of four pillars in the PP's electoral program for the November 29 general elections. Other pillars include repairing the state, regenerating democracy, and reuniting the nation. Feijóo argues that Spain is currently at its most transcendental moment in the last fifty years, requiring significant structural changes.
6Institutional and Legal Reforms
Beyond welfare, the program includes reforms to the Constitutional Court, aiming to prevent former politicians from serving as magistrates. Feijóo also pledged to reform the parliamentary immunity process to prevent impunity. Furthermore, he promised that his government would never pardon politicians convicted of corruption or allow terrorists into public institutions.
7Security and Social Measures
The PP platform proposes classifying the National Police and Civil Guard as high-risk professions. This announcement followed a tragic incident in Oviedo involving an explosion. Additionally, the party plans to include the unborn in family aid calculations and recover the National Award for Bullfighting as part of its cultural agenda.
8Implementation and Future Outlook
The PP intends to collaborate with autonomous communities to implement these changes. While the Activation Income is a central feature, the party has kept eight additional measures hidden, intending to reveal them throughout the campaign. Voters will decide on these proposals during the upcoming general elections scheduled for November 29.