Pedro Sanchez Defends Pension System as 25,000 March in Madrid

Spain faces a general election in November. The political stakes are rising over the future of state pensions.

Approximately 25,000 people gathered in Madrid on Saturday to support the state pension scheme. The rally occurred just before next month's vote. Participants traveled to the capital from various regions of the country.

The crowd marched from Atocha train station to the Gran Via. This route covers Madrid's busiest commercial street. Banners read "protect and guarantee our pensions." Marchers expressed concern that the system might weaken depending on the election outcome. They demanded that benefits remain indexed to inflation and that the gender pension gap be closed.

Emilio Delgado, deputy spokesperson for the left-wing party Mas Madrid, voiced support on social media. He stated that no pension should fall below the minimum wage. He argued that a lifetime of work deserves a dignified retirement.

The pension scheme faces financial pressure from an aging population and low birth rates. Wages have remained stagnant while the ratio of workers to pensioners has fallen. Spain's monthly pension bill reached a record high of nearly 14.5 billion euros this year. The system now relies more heavily on state funding as payments rise.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused the right-wing Popular Party of planning to weaken inflation-linked increases if it wins. He pledged to protect pensions if he remains in office. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the Popular Party, responded on Monday. He said his party would continue to raise pensions in line with inflation if it takes power.