The Congress of Deputies has rejected this Wednesday the omnibus decree, which puts an end from tomorrow to the discounts and free public transport passes that had been extended until June 2025 . These subsidies implied a State financing of 30% of the total, leaving another 20 or 30% to be paid by the communities or city councils.
The decree, which had been approved in December last year and was in force, also included the revaluation of contributory pensions by 2.8%, the increase of the Minimum Living Income (IMV), aid for those affected by the DANA in Valencia and measures to avoid cuts in basic supplies and evictions of vulnerable people. With the vote against of PP, Vox and Junts, (177 negative votes against 171 affirmative) these initiatives are suspended, generating uncertainty in the most affected groups. Sources from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility confirmed to Europa Press that the sale of free Renfe and state bus tickets is thus frozen. In parallel, the traveler who has purchased his transport pass in recent days, with a discount of up to 100% on the price and valid for the current four-month period, has an acquired right and may continue to use the train and bus services without making any additional payment, according to sources from the same ministry quoted by El País.
What other key measures were left without effect?
Pension revaluation
One of the most controversial points of the decree was the 2.8% increase in contributory pensions, linked to the increase in the CPI. This measure, which would benefit more than 12 million pensioners, was suspended after its rejection in Congress. From the Government, the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, criticized the decision and pointed out that it meant “lowering benefits and eliminating essential aid”. Although the PP announced that it will present a new legislative proposal to include only the revaluation of pensions, this measure does not yet have a clear path to approval. For her part, the Minister of Social Security, Elma Saiz, urged the parties not to politicize this issue, emphasizing its critical impact on millions of citizens.
Aid to those affected by the DANA
The decree also included an aid package for the victims of last October’s DANA, which caused 227 deaths and devastated large areas of the country. These measures included special loans for victims and subsidies for farmers who suffered damage to their land. In addition, it was envisaged that the Valencian Government would be allowed to formalize long-term debt operations to finance reconstruction plans. It also provided for the extension of support for the island of La Palma, which is still recovering from the volcanic eruption of 2021. Without the decree, this aid is paralyzed, generating uncertainty for the affected regions.
Protection of vulnerable people
Another important measure that will not see the light of day is the extension of aid for basic supplies such as water and energy, as well as the extension of the social voucher for people at risk of social exclusion. The decree also included the suspension of evictions for families in vulnerable situations due to the insufficient supply of affordable housing. With the rejection of these measures, thousands of families could be left unprotected against supply cuts or loss of their homes.
