José Luis Quintana has broken down the most outstanding socio-economic data in the region and has attributed to government policies the improvements in terms of unemployment, employment, pensions and salary data.
Quintana explained that when Pedro Sánchez took office the number of unemployed in Extremadura was 101,543; a figure that has been reduced by 24%, standing at the lowest rate in the last 16 years; that Social Security membership has reached its historic maximum with 412,216 workers in employment. The delegate also stressed that the indefinite contracts signed in 2023 were 124,327, which meant an increase of 492%; and that the Interprofessional Minimum Wage was raised by 54%.
“Socio-economic data,” said Quintana, “especially employment data are the best indicator of the economic situation of our country and our region. If we have more jobs than ever, it’s because companies sell more than ever, citizens consume more than ever, in short, because the economy works.”
The delegate also referred to the social policies of protection of the most vulnerable in society; thus he pointed out that retirement pensions in Extremadura have risen by 31.5%; that 75,926 Extremadura are protected by the Minimum Vital Income, that 79,834 households benefit from the electric social bond, that 13,602 Extremadura travel with the free transport nono and that 23,431 Extremadura students have a scholarship that helps them for their studies.
“Without Pedro Sánchez’s policies,” said Quintana, “these data would not be possible.” The delegate then uncovered some of the policies and funds destined for Extremadura; thus, he highlighted the 2,139 million euros of Next Generation EU funds that have arrived in the region; of which 187 come from REAC-TV funds to strengthen public services; 834 have been transferred to the Junta de Extremadura for matters within its competence and 1,118 have been managed directly by the Government of Spain.
Transformation of the productive tissue
“One of the most important objectives of these funds is to transform our production system in order to win the future,” said Quintana, who has highlighted among the measures approved by the Government the support for companies such as Envision that will have Government aid of around 300 million euros between direct aid and financing; the 120 million that have been granted to 14 companies in the region through regional incentives, among which is Diamond Foundry. It has also included in this industrial transformation the 17 projects related to new energies with a funding of 71 million euros.
“But we are not only concerned,” said the delegate, “with large companies or large projects; 1,120 SMEs and self-employed people have been provided with funding through the CERSA guarantee program and more than 6,000 SMEs and self-employed people have obtained 27 million euros through the Digital Kit program to improve their digital positioning.”
In this regard, the delegate highlighted the 20 million euros allocated to the extension of broadband throughout the territory or the more than 100 R+D+I projects that are being developed in the region and that have a Government funding of 137 million euros. He also mentioned the EUR 80 million intended to strengthen the education system, especially for the creation of places from 0 to 3 years and for the adaptation and improvement of Vocational Training.
With regard to the fight against the demographic challenge, Quintana highlighted the important work that is being carried out in collaboration with the Board and the Deputations for the implementation of 19 sustainable tourism programs and the 114 unique projects to improve energy efficiency in municipalities with less than 5,000 inhabitants that have a funding of 23 million euros. It has also highlighted investments in the water cycle as a basic pillar in the fight against climate change and that in Extremadura they have represented an investment of 77 million euros.
As for agriculture and livestock, Quintana has highlighted the 340 million euros in aid that has been allocated to the sector, the 17.5 aimed at mitigating the increase in fertilizer prices and has also pointed out that farmers and ranchers have saved 116 million in tax thanks to the reduction of the IRPF modules applied by this government.
Regarding the infrastructure, the government delegate pointed out “that Pedro Sánchez is the president of the government with which 1,111.6 million euros have been invested in High Speed, three times more than was invested in the same period of the previous government”.
Quintana has explained that in 2023, 250 million have been managed in High Speed and 220 million in roads.
Finally, José Luis Quintana pointed out that “per capita investment in Extremadura, since the government of Pedro Sánchez, has grown by 22% and stands at 56% above the average in Spain. This Government is the Government of Spain that has most improved the lives of the people of Extremadura throughout history and that is transforming our territory and our productive fabric to give hope and future to the new generations of people of Extremadura. We are better managing the economy and putting it at the service of citizens; because we are the government of citizens.”