The Government delegate in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, has highlighted the economic and social progress experienced in the region thanks to the progressive measures implemented by the Executive of Pedro Sánchez. “The policies of the Government of Spain promote significant improvements in the daily life of thousands of Cantabrians”, said Gómez de Diego at a press conference in which he reviewed the positive impact on the citizens of Cantabria of the actions of the central executive in crucial areas such as the generation of employment or living conditions.
“The Government of Pedro Sánchez is forging a path towards a better future, where job stability, economic justice and equal opportunities are not words, but daily experiences for all,” said Gómez de Diego, underlining the Government’s commitment to boost economic growth and strengthen the Welfare State.
In her speech, the delegate highlighted the solidity demonstrated by the Spanish economy, with an increase of 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product in 2023, “exceeding all expectations and leading the growth in the euro zone”. This success, he explained, translates directly into “notable improvements” in employment, with Cantabria experiencing a steady increase in its labor market: 11,804 new jobs created since the arrival of President Sánchez, which represents a 5.5% increase in Social Security membership.
A particularly striking change has occurred thanks to the Labor Reform, which “has triggered an impressive growth of 201.4% in indefinite contracts, providing job stability to thousands of Cantabrian workers.” In particular, the number of undefined contracts has increased from 16,432 in 2019 to 49,519 in 2023, that is, they have multiplied by three. “We are witnessing an extraordinary increase in job security and stability in Cantabria,” said the delegate.
The increase in the Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) is another strong proof of the positive impact of progressive policies, and one of the best tools to combat labor poverty. “With an increase of 5% for this year 2024, the Minimum Wage reaches 1,134 euros per month, experiencing an increase of 54% since 2018,” said Gómez de Diego, who has assured that the Government will continue on this same path with the objective of placing the SMI at 60% of the average wage in Spain.
Pensions and Scholarships
In the area of pensions, the delegate pointed out that 145,534 Cantabrian pensioners have already noticed an increase in their benefit under the CPI, guaranteeing a dignified retirement and an average increase of 332 euros per month since 2018. “With the model approved by the PP government, pensioners would charge 21 euros more. With the progressive policies of this government it is 332 euros,” emphasized Gómez de Diego, thus questioning the reform approved by the Government of the Popular Party that “condemned our pensioners to a brutal loss of purchasing power.”
Likewise, it has been held in an area that has considered vital, such as education, “cornerstone of equal opportunities”, and that has been promoted with a “historical investment”. In Cantabria, there are 8,708 young people (2,999 of them university students) who have received a scholarship for a total of 16.5 million euros. “This means that thousands of students can continue to train without their socio-economic conditions being an obstacle.” Investment in scholarships has increased by 70% since the last budget of the previous Executive.
Social measures
Likewise, the delegate recalled the Government’s commitment to people in more vulnerable situations. The Minimum Vital Income reaches 19,845 people in Cantabria, providing “crucial support to adults and minors in need”. In addition, the Social Thermal Bonus benefits 16,454 people, ensuring that no one is left unprotected in the coldest months.
In this same line, it has updated the number of bonus subscriptions issued by Renfe so that users travel daily free of charge in Neighbourhoods and Media Distancia trains, with the consequent savings. There are 15,711 passes granted in these first weeks of the year. This measure is part of the social shield that has been extended, such as 0% VAT on basic foods or reduced VAT on electricity or gas, among many others.
“This government has people at the heart of its policies,” Gómez de Diego summed up, lamenting that “the Partido Popular votes ‘no’ systematically to any measure that improves their lives.” “He prefers to opt for confrontation, for maintaining an attitude that encourages polarization and continuous crispation without caring about the purpose of the initiatives,” he said.
European Funds
The delegate has also updated the figures of European funds that have been mobilized in Cantabria. As of November 2023, the Autonomous Community has received 742 million euros from Next Generation funds, of which 96.2 million come from the REACT/EU program and 646 million euros from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
Regarding the latter programme, as detailed, 437 million have been transferred through the Sectoral Conference, agreements and direct concessions agreed with the Government of Cantabria, while the remaining 209 million are direct grants through the General Administration of the State, which finance more than 4,400 projects in the region.
Gómez de Diego has cited some of the numerous aid and investments, such as that more than 3,853 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed have already obtained the digital kit voucher, an initiative that has reached a total value of 17.4 million euros, or 9.4 million euros to improve sustainability and rail access to the Port of Santander.
In addition, the Government of Spain has signed agreements with Cantabria for the construction of 170 social rental homes in 8 municipalities, with an investment of more than 7.5 million euros. This measure seeks to address the housing needs of the community, ensuring affordable access to housing.
In the field of the rehabilitation of public buildings, the Aid Programme is playing a key role. An example of this is the transformation of the emblematic building of La Lechera de Torrelavega, declared Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), which is being carried out thanks to this aid. The building will become the Arts Center, a space that will promote culture and the arts in the region.
In the electric mobility sector, it stands out with the financial support of the Electric and Connected Vehicle PERTE through which four companies have received more than 1.5 million euros to promote seven innovative projects in this field, thus contributing to the transition towards more sustainable mobility.
In the shipbuilding sector, several companies have also benefited from PERTE NAVAL, receiving a total funding of 2.6 million euros. This financial support will strengthen the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry in the region and contribute to the promotion of innovative projects in this strategic sector for Cantabria.