Pedro Sánchez outlines his programme as candidate to the Presidency of the Government

In his investiture speech, the Acting President of the Government sought the trust of the Lower House so that Spain can continue enhancing the liberties and civil rights of its citizens, particularly of minorities, improving the model of territorial co-existence, and rejecting the trivialisation of violence against women.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that Spanish citizens have voted for progress, and hence he appreciates that it is necessary to break the stalemate regarding the formation of a government, which must be "progressive, ecological, feminist and pro-European", as well as being capable of facing future challenges.

Future goals

Among these goals, the Acting President of the Government highlighted six goals that go hand-in-hand with the 2030 Agenda, to which Spain is fully committed.

The first is dignified employment and the sustainability of the pension system. To achieve that, he is committed to forming a new Toledo Pact and to consolidating updates to social benefits in line with the real Consumer Price Index. He also calls for the Workers' Statute to be updated such that it is in line with modern labour relations.

Pedro Sánchez also advocated approving an Intern Statute, a Strategic Return Plan to attract our talent back from overseas, and a new Master Plan for Dignified Work.

The Acting President of the Government also undertook to improve the working conditions for the self-employed, and further streamline working hours.

He will also address, together with the social stakeholders, improving salary levels for workers.

In his speech, Pedro Sánchez underlined that he proposes to "convert Spain into the first European country that recognises the right to lifelong education".

Digital revolution

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaAccording to the candidate, Spain must continue to head up the digital revolution in Europe.

To this end, the new government will present a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and will promote a State Pact for Science

Other commitments on this matter include the approval of a Start-up Act, the Strategic Framework for SMEs 2030, and pushing through a State Pact for Industry.

Pedro Sánchez also advocated a Pact for Culture and the digitalisation of the public sector, and investing in a Digital Transformation of Education and Vocational Training Plan

Climate emergency

In this field, Pedro Sánchez asserted that a Climate Change and Energy Transition Act will be approved. In his opinion, it is essential to tie sustainable growth in with the just ecological transition.

Along the same line, the Acting President of the Government undertook to further develop the Sustainable Mobility Act, enhance energy rehabilitation, and fight urban pollution and pollution caused by motor vehicles.

In the same field, he committed to boosting the Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030 and on actions to enhance the sufficiency of our river basins.

Commitment to feminist cause

Pedro Sánchez argued that the cruellest face of the inequality suffered by women can be seen in criminal male chauvinism.

Hence, he considers it a priority to apply the State Pact to Combat Gender-based Violence and proposes presenting this initiative to the European Union.

Inequality suffered by women can clearly be seen in the wage gap, among other aspects, and hence in the next term of office, steps will be taken to enact the Equal Treatment and Opportunities at Work Act. In addition, the Action Plan to Combat Hate Crimes will be developed and the Gender Identity Act amended.

Social inequality

Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoIn terms of social inequality, Pedro Sánchez argued that it is necessary to distribute wealth more fairly. To that end, he committed to raising the minimum wage to the level of 60% of the average salary, and to implementing a minimum living wage.

Among other proposals in this field, the Acting President of the Government undertook to make school attendance universal from birth to 18 years of age, make nursery schools free of charge and revise the grant system.

In addition, he will promote the creation of the Curricular Development and Education Innovation Institute, and push through the Constitutional Law on the Comprehensive Protection of Young Children and Adolescents. Measures will also be adopted to halt abusive rises in rents, and a State Housing Act will be pushed through.

As regards long-term care, Pedro Sánchez wishes to consolidate the current Act, recover State contributions, improve remote assistance and extend the portfolio of health services.

Another of the goals is to enhance territorial cohesion and make progress on the National Strategy to Combat the Demographic Challenge. On this point, he undertook to push through a State Pact on Infrastructure and Transport.

At a regional level, the candidate considers it necessary to address the reform of the regional and local financing system to strengthen territorial sufficiency and solidarity.

Strengthening Europe

The Acting President of the Government argued that the idea of Europe must be strengthened, and its ideas and values protected. "Europe is the space in which nationalistic rivalries have been overcome. It represents peace and the defeat of national egos, which we have resolved by sharing sovereignty, not by giving ground but by sharing ground". In his opinion, it is essential to have a European Budget, complete the institutional architecture of the Euro and reform the European Stability Mechanism.

He also undertook to boost the social dimension of the European Union through the European Unemployment Benefit Scheme, a common minimum wage and a binding strategy on gender-based violence.

Non official translation