Spain's Monthly Pension Bill Hits Record as 25,000 March in Madrid

Approximately 25,000 demonstrators converged on Madrid on Saturday to pressure political parties ahead of next month's general election. The rally coincided with a record monthly pension bill of nearly 14.5 billion euros, a financial strain driven by an ageing population and stagnant wages.

The crowd, which travelled from across the country, marched from Atocha train station to the Gran Via. Participants held banners demanding that pensions remain indexed to inflation and that the gender pension gap be eliminated. Many expressed concern that the state pension system could face weakening reforms depending on the election outcome.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused the right-wing Popular Party of planning to reduce inflation-linked increases if it takes power. He pledged to maintain the current system, which he described as affordable, to protect those who have worked a lifetime.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the Popular Party, responded to the accusations on Monday. He stated that his party would continue raising pensions in line with inflation if it wins the vote, pushing back against claims of planned cuts.

The debate has intensified as the ratio of workers to pensioners falls and monthly payments rise. The system now relies increasingly on state funding to meet growing demands.

Emilio Delgado, deputy spokesperson for the Mas Madrid party, voiced support for the movement on social media. He argued that no pension should fall below the minimum wage and that a dignified retirement is a right for those who have contributed through a career.