Feijoo pledges inflation-linked pension rises after Madrid march

Spain’s monthly pension bill reached a record high of nearly 14.5 billion euros, or 16.2 billion dollars, this year. That figure sits at the center of a heated debate ahead of next month’s general election.

The political fight over pension funding escalated this week. On Monday, Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijoo said he would keep raising pensions in line with inflation if his party wins the vote. That statement came after a large protest in the capital. About 25,000 people marched in Madrid on Saturday to defend the state pension scheme.

Demonstrators traveled from across the country to attend the rally. They walked from Atocha train station to the Gran Via, one of the city’s busiest streets. Many carried banners that read, "protect and guarantee our pensions." The group wants to keep pensions indexed to inflation and close the gender gap in retirement pay.

Emilio Delgado, deputy spokesperson for the left-wing Mas Madrid party in the Assembly of Madrid, voiced support for the marchers on X. He wrote, "No pension should be below the minimum wage. A lifetime of work deserves a dignified retirement."

The pension system faces pressure from an aging population, low birth rates, and stagnant wages. The ratio of workers to pensioners has fallen, forcing the state to provide more funding. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused the Popular Party of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases. He pledged to protect the system if he remains in office.

The rally is part of a wider wave of protests across Europe. Marchers there are addressing cost of living, school conditions, and corruption. Spain’s vote is scheduled for next month.