Spain expands early retirement for disability and addresses health‑center accessibility

The Spanish government has widened eligibility for early retirement to age 56 for people with eleven newly‑recognized disabling conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, spina bifida, Huntington’s disease and several others. The change, confirmed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Security Social and Migration, could benefit about 50,000 workers who have a disability rating of 45 % or higher, and will take effect the day after its publication in the official gazette.

Separately, the Defensor del Pueblo has asked the Community of Madrid’s health department for a detailed report on the accessibility and safety of seating in public health centres. The request follows a complaint by journalist Nino Olmeda, who highlighted the widespread lack of arm‑rest chairs that hinder people with reduced mobility or chronic pain. The Ombudsman reminded the regional authorities of obligations under the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the regional Humanisation Plan for health care.