Spain and Dominican Republic advance social‑benefit reforms for vulnerable families

In Los Llanos de Aridane, Spain, the municipal council unanimously approved a motion urging the national government to update the Public Income Indicator (IPREM) each year, arguing that the current freeze since 2023 leaves many families without adequate access to housing subsidies, scholarships and other social aids. Councilor José Arón León said, “Public aid cannot continue to be calculated on parameters that no longer reflect the economic reality of many families.” The proposal also requests that the IPREM be linked to inflation and the actual cost of living.

In the Dominican Republic, economist Arismendi Díaz warned that 85 % of workers will not receive a dignified pension unless reforms are enacted. He highlighted that only 43 % of salaried workers regularly contribute to their individual accounts due to job instability, and proposed raising contributions from 9.97 % to 16 % over eight years to ensure sustainable pensions. Díaz stressed that the current 0.4 % contribution to the Social Solidarity Fund is insufficient to guarantee a minimum pension.

Both initiatives aim to strengthen social protection mechanisms so that vulnerable populations can maintain a basic standard of living amid rising costs.