Spain’s Congress has dealt a significant blow to the government by rejecting the ‘Omnibus Decree,’ a comprehensive bill designed to address pensions, transport discounts, and disaster relief. The opposition, led by the Popular Party (PP), Vox, and Catalan separatist party Junts, voted against it. They argued that the Socialist Party (PSOE) bundled essential topics like disaster aid with more controversial proposals, knowing these would face resistance.

Junts, in particular, criticized PSOE for what it described as ‘manipulative tactics,’ claiming that the party sought to force through its broader agenda by tying it to the ‘must-pass’ elements of the decree. Their refusal to support the bill highlighted the fragile nature of Spain’s political alliances.

Pension Increases Delayed

A key component of the decree was a 2.8% pension increase for 2025, which would have raised average pensions by approximately €40 per month. The bill also included substantial increases in minimum pensions and benefits for widows and dependents. With the rejection, these reforms face delays. The PP has proposed an alternative plan to address pension increases, but its viability remains unclear.

Public Transport Discounts Expire

The rejection also spells the end for public transport discounts that had offered relief to commuters. Urban and interurban transport discounts of up to 50%, along with free tickets for state-run trains, have now expired. Plans to extend these benefits and subsidize bike-sharing programs in cities like Barcelona and Madrid have been scrapped, leaving commuters to contend with higher travel costs.

As the news broke about the rejection of the ‘Omnibus Decree‘ some regional governments like Fernando Lopez Miras, president of the Region of Murcia, announced their 20% transport discount will be kept in place. Make sure to consult your regional government’s social media pages to check if discounts will be upheld in your area.

En la #RegióndeMurcia seguiremos bonificando el transporte público.

Mantenemos el 20% de bonificación para los bonos multiviaje de transporte interurbano, que es donde tenemos competencias.

La nefasta gestión de Pedro Sánchez no nos va a parar.

— Fernando López Miras (@LopezMirasF) January 22, 2025

Disaster Relief on Hold

Another casualty of the failed decree is the delay in critical aid for disaster-stricken areas. This includes relief for victims of the recent DANA floods in Valencia and those affected by the La Palma volcanic eruption. The proposed measures included loans for farmers, extended unemployment benefits, and social support for affected communities. Without the bill’s approval, these regions face uncertainty as they await government action.

Opposition Strategy and Political Dynamics

The vote revealed a calculated strategy by opposition parties. PP, Vox, and Junts accused the PSOE of attaching contentious policies to essential relief measures, knowing that opposition to the former would jeopardize the latter. This tactic has deepened political divisions and raised questions about PSOE’s approach to negotiation.

While Junts framed its opposition as a stand against PSOE’s ‘underhanded tactics,’ PP has sought to position itself as a more pragmatic alternative. The party aims to salvage parts of the bill, including the disaster relief measures while distancing itself from the broader reforms.

Citizens Bear the Brunt

For pensioners, commuters, and disaster-hit communities, the failure of the Omnibus Decree brings immediate consequences. Vulnerable groups face prolonged uncertainty, with no clear timeline for alternative solutions. The government now faces mounting pressure to rebuild consensus and prioritize urgent reforms without the political baggage that led to this setback.

Main image: lamoncloa.gob.es