MadridThe extension of the social shield in force and which expires on December 31 is starting to take shape. After the Spanish government announced that the current aid to public transport will be maintained, although it is not known to what extent or for how long, EH Bildu has closed an agreement with the executive of Pedro Sánchez so that the ban on evicting vulnerable families without alternative housing will also be maintained throughout 2026. For weeks, the social movements for the right to housing had been pressing for this measure approved during the covid-19 pandemic to be maintained.
At the same time, it has been agreed to extend for one year the ban on cutting off basic supplies (light, water and gas) to vulnerable households and the electricity social voucher, as announced this Monday by the Abertzale formation in a press release. “EH Bildu puts in value the achieved agreement [aquest dilluns] after intense negotiations in recent weeks. […] It will allow us to continue offering much-needed protection for thousands of people who are going through a difficult social and economic context,” the formation defended.
The extension of the current social shield must be approved in the council of ministers tomorrow, Tuesday, the last of the year. Afterwards, it will have to be validated by Congress, where the vote is once again agonizing considering the balances with the investiture partners, but especially after the Juntaires and Socialists have broken the relationship – those of Carles Puigdemont have assured that they will not support any measure if there is no progress in the Brussels agreement.
In parallel with these measures, the Spanish government also plans to approve the new single public transport pass for traveling throughout the State by train or bus. The subscription will be 60 euros per month for travelers in general, and 30 euros per month for young people up to 26 years old. The idea is for it to come into effect in the second half of January. In this case, you must also know the fine print of this new method of transport prices.
Open negotiations between PSOE and Sumar
Meanwhile, negotiations continue between the PSOE and Sumar to approve other social measures such as the automatic extension of rental contracts that will no longer be in force. In fact, in recent days Sumar, the minority partner, has raised the tone for the Socialists to give in and has included the measure as one of the demands to try to rectify the crisis that the executive is going through following the scandals of alleged corruption and sexual and labor harassment that beset Pedro Sánchez’s environment. Beyond the “radical” remodeling of the council of ministers, and which Sánchez himself has cooled, those of Yolanda Díaz are pressuring the socialist wing to advance a social agenda. In addition to the extension of the rental contracts, Sumar also aspires to a universal benefit for parenting.
