The Spanish government has approved two royal decree laws aimed at strengthening the social state and adapting it to the needs of the 21st century. This includes measures to support families affected by the recent Urda train accident, which resulted in significant casualties.
The Council of Ministers has allocated €30 million in direct aid and advances for the victims of the train accident and their families. In addition, the government has introduced measures to limit the prices of alternative transport options and has initiated a plan to bolster safety in high-speed rail services.
Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, highlighted the importance of these measures, stating that they address long-standing issues faced by vulnerable families, particularly single-parent households and those with low incomes or disabilities.
Support for vulnerable families
The first decree law aims to enhance protection for families in need, particularly single-parent families and those with several children. It will provide an economic boost of €824 million, benefiting over 760,000 families, which equates to more than three million individuals.
Furthermore, the second decree consolidates the reform of the dependency system, with the government committing €7.24 billion for this purpose by 2027, which constitutes 50% of the total cost of the system.
New protections for single-parent families
Minister Bustinduy announced that single-parent families will now have an official state-recognised title, allowing them access to specific protections and benefits, including employment support and financial aid. This new classification will assist more than 300,000 families and 900,000 individuals.
Additionally, the decree extends protections for large families, lowering the threshold for special status from five to four children, and introduces new benefits for families with children with disabilities.
Measures for dependency and emergency response
The government has also approved measures to improve the dependency care model, including universal teleassistance and reduced waiting times for support applications. Currently, there are 123,474 people on waiting lists, a decrease of 81,000 since December 2023, with a goal to eliminate these lists by the end of 2027.
In response to the recent DANA Adam weather phenomenon, which severely impacted regions in the Comunitat Valenciana, the government has mobilised €88.7 million in aid for affected sectors, including agriculture and tourism.
Enhancing railway safety
In an effort to improve railway safety, the government has introduced a decree that clarifies driving time regulations for train drivers and extends retirement benefits to all railway workers operating on interoperable lines.
Additionally, a new role, the Defender of Victims of Collective Transport Accidents, has been established to provide ongoing support to victims and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance even after emergency measures conclude.
Strategic plans for equality and scientific culture
The government has also approved the IV Strategic Plan for Effective Equality between Women and Men for 2026-2029, which includes over 750 measures to combat gender biases and promote equality in various sectors.
Furthermore, the National Strategy for Scientific Culture and Innovation 2027-2030 aims to strengthen the relationship between science and society, enhancing public understanding of scientific issues and fostering citizen participation in research and innovation.
