The government plans to keep the next SMI (minimum wage) rise free of IRPF (personal income tax). The Labour Ministry plans to publish its proposal in the week of November 2, with ministers then setting the amount. About 2.5 million workers earn the SMI, the government says.}
Spain's average new-mortgage rate passed 3% in August as banks tightened lending and Euribor rose. The average loan reached a record 181,285 euros. Spain now ranks fifth-cheapest in the eurozone, down from third. Mortgage signings still rose.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged on October 26 to reform the Constitution to protect pension rises linked to CPI (consumer price index) if he stays in government after the November 29 election. It is an electoral pledge with no formal proposal. An ordinary reform needs 210 deputies; a majority in Congress is 176 seats.
A PP-Vox Senate pact could win 156 to 167 seats in the November 29 election, according to an El Mundo projection based on a Sigma Dos poll. Reaching 161 would let the parties appoint four Constitutional Court magistrates without PSOE, ending the court's progressive majority. The projection depends on voting patterns.
A total of 130 people, mostly minors, were arrested after October 24 protests in Barcelona ended in looting, fires, and clashes. Anonymous social media accounts spread the call as a protest over secondary schools. Mayor Jaume Collboni put damage to street furniture at about 36,000 euros and said the city will support affected shops.
A CEU-CEFAS study estimates that Ley de Nietos added about 250,000 voters to Spain's overseas electoral roll, 87,000 above the government's count. Their voting rights are suspended for the November 29 election. The Supreme Court's deadline for the government to hand over their list ends about October 28.
Footballer Alexia Putellas won her third women's Ballon d'Or; Lamine Yamal took his third youth prize. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona women's coach Pere Romeu won coaching awards. Unai Simón and Cata Coll won goalkeeper prizes, Vicky López the women's youth prize, and Barcelona best women's team.
A study links the wealth tax introduced in 2022 to Madrid's first net outflow of taxpayers worth above 3.7 million euros in 2023. Regions such as Madrid stopped giving rebates, which removed the incentive to move, while asset restructuring cut taxable wealth. Researcher Dmitry Petrov says it is too early to credit the tax alone.
Basque police arrested 19 people after vehicles and bins burned in Bilbao on October 26. Around 300 youths were involved after most people left a protest against a cancelled appearance by influencer Vito Quiles. Fires burned a Local Police motorbike and about six cars.
Madrid's education strike committee threatens court action unless the regional government negotiates over the strike that began on October 14. Demands include smaller classes and a pay rise of 600 euros a month in 14 payments. Education councillor Mercedes Zarzalejo calls the demands unachievable.
An ATA survey finds 58.3% of autónomos (self-employed workers) plan price rises before year-end as higher energy and production costs squeeze businesses. Some 81% report rising costs. The share fearing closure or a major contraction within three years rose to 17.5%, from 11% in June.
Severe material and social deprivation affected 8.1% of people in Spain in 2025, up from 7.4% in 2015, a Funcas report finds. Spain now has the EU's fifth-highest rate, despite economic growth. The rate reached 10.7% among households with children under 16. Funcas calls for more support for families.
A nationwide Renfe drivers' strike on Thursday, October 29 may change rail services. Authorities have set minimum services: in Catalonia, 66% must run at peak times and 33% otherwise. Union SEMAF seeks stronger safety rules during weather alerts. Renfe advises passengers to check services before travelling.
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