Madrid crowds march as pension costs hit record
Approximately 25,000 people protested in the Spanish capital ahead of next month's general election, demanding that state pensions remain linked to inflation.
By John Wilson ·
Twenty-five thousand people marched through Madrid on Saturday to defend the country's state pension system.
The rally took place before next month's general election. The monthly cost of these pensions reached a record 14.5 billion euros, or 16.2 billion dollars, this year.
Protesters traveled from across Spain to the capital. They moved from Atocha station to the Gran Via, a busy street in the city center. Many held signs that read "protect and guarantee our pensions."
Emilio Delgado, deputy spokesperson for the left-wing party Mas Madrid, posted support on X. He stated, "no pension should be below the minimum wage. A lifetime of work deserves a dignified retirement."
The system faces pressure from an aging population and low birth rates. The number of workers per pensioner is falling. As payments rise, the state funds a larger share of the cost.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused the right-wing Popular Party of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases. He promised to protect pensions if he remains in office. PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo replied on Monday that his party would continue raising pensions in line with inflation.
Source: Al Jazeera
