The Valencia regional government believes that the social shield measures approved by the Council of Ministers to counter inflationary pressures in sectors like food, public transport, energy, pensions, and housing are insufficient, incomplete, and late. The Consell, led by Carlos Mazón, argues that these moves amount to a temporary fix on the persistent decline in purchasing power, especially for the lowest earners.
The national administration under Pedro Sánchez has granted another year of the 30 percent discount on urban and intercity public transport passes; autonomous communities must add to this discount to reach at least 50 percent in total.
Tax relief priorities
Regarding fiscal policy, the Generalitat criticizes the central government for relying on regional authorities without accounting for their specific needs. For Valencia, the priorities a decree should address include cutting personal income tax, reducing value-added tax on staple foods such as pasta and cooking oils, as well as on meat, fish, and canned goods.
State leaders from the main opposition party indicated that their favorable vote hinges on these social shield conditions being accepted and approved at the Congress plenary session scheduled for January. In July, supporters from the “people” bloc, who previously abstained, voted in favor of approving the fourth anti-crisis decree in the Lower House.
Food affordability focus
The PP representatives remarked that they would thoroughly review the measures contained in the royal decree but underscored the importance of lowering VAT on electricity, gas, and basic foods, including fresh produce. They pointed out that families with the lowest incomes face real difficulties in meeting these essential expenses, especially when those costs spike during tough economic periods.
Bernabé emphasizes the electric social bonus impact
Pilar Bernabé, deputy secretary of PSPV-PSOE, stated that the Spanish Government continues to mobilize resources to improve living standards, reduce inequalities, and ensure that working families across the country feel supported by national policy. She noted that Valencians have directly benefited, citing the pension revaluations that have increased retirees’ incomes and the availability of free transportation in the region as examples of government action helping families economize on mobility.
She highlighted that thousands of Valencian residents have seen pensions adjusted by about 3.8 percent, and that free transport programs are helping families with multiple children to save substantial amounts on Cercanías services. The government’s approach also includes resources aimed at improving everyday life and ensuring broad access to affordable transport options. In addition, the electric social bonus is reaching a large share of households, while savings on groceries are being extended through value-added tax reductions on essentials such as bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Overall, the Valencian Community benefits from a combination of tax relief, social bonuses, and transport subsidies designed to alleviate the cost of living for families and seniors. The central administration’s measures are intended to complement regional programs so that more households can maintain a stable standard of living amid ongoing price pressures. This alignment between national and regional policies aims to ensure that the benefits reach a wide cross-section of citizens and contribute to economic resilience across the community.