Migrant regularization skews unemployment data but lifts pension ratio
Registered unemployment in August rose by 44,419 people, up 1.92%, after the June 30 regularization added claimants to SEPE. Social Security lost 162,840 contributors, while 337,917 regularized foreign workers were registered by August 31. The same wave lifted the contributor-to-pensioner ratio to 2.5, a 16-year high. More than 350,000 workers have entered formal jobs, strengthening pensions but straining employment services.
Government rules out further minimum wage rise in 2026
The government will not raise the minimum wage further in 2026, keeping it at €1,221 gross per month in 14 payments. The decision comes despite provisional August inflation of 4.3%, meaning nearly 2.5 million workers will lose purchasing power. The government cited the Middle East war as a contributing factor and rejected union demands for an additional increase. Minimum-wage earners will see rising prices outpace pay.
Government pays €90 million to regions applying housing law
The government will transfer €90 million to five autonomous communities that apply the housing law and rent controls. Catalonia will receive €59 million, Euskadi €15 million, Navarra €6.6 million, Galicia €5.1 million, and Asturias €2.9 million. The money is earmarked for public housing, rehabilitation, and land acquisition. This is the first payout to regions enforcing rent controls.
Protests and police report corner Sánchez over Ceuta crisis
Hundreds of thousands rallied in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Sevilla and Bilbao over Ceuta after more than 70,000 people entered on July 30-31. A CENIF police report says Moroccan forces gave "active guidance" to migrants and that crossings were planned. Pedro Sánchez faces Congress on Thursday without allies; Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska demanded explanations from police director Francisco Pardo.
Madrid F1 rentals ask up to €17,703 for three days
Owners near Madrid's new Formula 1 circuit are charging up to €17,703 for three days during the Spanish Grand Prix, with some properties priced at almost €5,900 per night. A chalet in Valdebebas, 55 metres from the circuit, is listed at €17,703 for the weekend, while another villa is offered at €15,807. The event runs from September 11 to 14. Prices have climbed, with one property going from €14,050 to almost €16,000.
Renfe posts first annual profit since before the pandemic
Renfe recorded a net profit of €60.2 million in 2025, its first profitable fiscal year since 2019, after losses of €2.9 million in 2024. The rail operator transported 531.4 million passengers, and revenue rose 19% to €2 billion. High-speed and long-distance ticket sales increased 7.5% to €1,469 million. The turnaround could support better services and rail investment.
Organ donors get full pay during sick leave
Workers who donate organs or tissues while alive are now entitled to 100% of their salary during sick leave. The special temporary disability regime, created by Law 6/2024, applies to living donors. Spain performed more than 6,300 organ transplants in 2025, with more than 400 people donating while alive. The measure strengthens labor rights for living donors.
Government extends data center regulation comment deadline
The government has extended the public comment period for a draft decree tightening data center requirements to September 10 at 17:00. The draft would require data centers to obtain a "European card" and to cover 80% of their consumption with new renewables. Industry association SpainDC requested substantial changes. The regulation could affect tech investment and jobs but has limited direct impact on most residents.
