Feijóo calls absenteeism a “cancer”, sparking political and union backlash in Spain

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Spain’s People’s Party (PP), described the rise in absenteeism — the proportion of workers on sick leave — as a “cancer that we cannot afford”. He warned that more than 1.6 million workers are absent each day, costing over €30 billion and adding €70 billion to the Social Security deficit. Feijóo said the situation must be tackled, even without a negotiated agreement with unions, and suggested measures to curb “fraudulent” sick leaves.

The comment triggered a wave of reactions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the metaphor “unfortunate” and accused Feijóo of demonising sick workers. Regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso defended the stance, stating Feijóo “has more reason than a saint”. Vice‑lehendakari Mikel Torres labelled Feijóo “a danger to the working class”. Trade unions CCOO and UGT described the remarks as “disparates”. The medical union CCOO’s secretary‑general Unai Sordo said Feijóo was “demonising” people who legitimately take sick leave.

Government bodies have already launched an observatory on temporary incapacity, and the AIReF report highlighted a 60 % increase in sick‑leave cases since 2017, with short‑duration absences (0‑3 days) rising 154 %. The Spanish Family Medicine Society (semFYC) proposed a self‑declaration system for absences of up to three days to reduce bureaucracy. Multiple media outlets reported on the debate, and the PP adjusted its messaging, promising caution while continuing to press for reforms aimed at reducing alleged fraudulent absences.