Elena Bastidas, the Social Policy spokesperson for the Popular Party in the Valencian Courts, urged the central government to shield the most vulnerable and implement appropriate measures to lower the prices of essential foods following a sustained rise in the cost of living. The call comes as households face a steady increase in the price tag of everyday groceries and a growing concern about affordability for families across the region.
In response, the Valencian Community branch of the Popular Party has introduced a non-binding motion within the Cortes aimed at alleviating the impact of rising food prices over recent years. The proposal also seeks to reassess and modify government measures that have contributed to higher costs and reduced consumption, with particular emphasis on the planned early application of the plastic tax. The aim is to curb inflationary pressures on staples and protect consumer purchasing power, especially for households with limited resources.
Additionally, Bastidas called for maintaining the VAT reduction on basic products and suggested expanding that relief, at a minimum, to meat, fish, and canned goods. The request reflects concerns about ongoing price pressures and the real-world effects on family budgets, urging policy makers to safeguard what households rely on most to maintain a nutritious diet.
Since 2021, the consumption of food products at home has declined by about 12 percent, Bastidas noted. She warned of an unprecedented drop in the purchase of essential groceries, highlighting that the meat sector, for instance, has seen a 13.4 percent decrease in its presence in family shopping over the past two years. The data illustrate how higher prices are shifting consumer choices and reducing the variety of foods households can afford.
The downward trend, she argued, is unsustainable for the most vulnerable families, who currently devote roughly 20.5 percent of their budget to food. This disproportionate share leaves limited room for other necessities and household expenses, increasing the risk of nutritional gaps and financial strain.
Bastidas stressed that many families have already stopped purchasing basic items necessary for proper nutrition because they simply cannot bear the costs of the grocery basket. She called on the government under President Sanchez to offer greater protection for the lowest incomes so that people can maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing other essentials. The goal is to preserve dietary quality while easing the burden on family budgets in a challenging economic climate.