Housing Remains Spain's Top Concern as Unions Demand Dialogue on Underground Economy

The latest December Barometer from Spain's Sociological Research Center (CIS) confirms that housing continues to be the foremost concern among Spaniards, cited by 39.9% of respondents who report difficulties accessing or maintaining a home. This has been the leading worry since December 2024, when it stood at 22.3%. The ongoing economic crisis ranks second, with 21.8% expressing concern, up three points from last month, while political issues come third at 19.1%. Notably, unemployment concerns have reached a historic low at 13.6%.

In personal terms, 30.7% of respondents see the economic crisis as their primary problem, followed by housing at 27.9%. Despite these worries, 63.2% regard their personal financial situation positively, contrasting with 59.3% who view the national economy as bad or very bad.

Amid these public concerns, Spain’s major unions UGT and CCOO have voiced strong criticism over the Regional Strategy against the Irregular Economy, citing a troubling lack of social dialogue. Both unions revealed that although they had participated in earlier meetings, they were excluded from the strategy's development process and only learned about its progress through the press.

Víctor Romera, CCOO’s Secretary of Union Action, accused the regional minister responsible of disloyalty for making unilateral decisions on the initiative. UGT's deputy secretary Joaquín Lucas demanded an immediate rectification of the minister's actions. Both unions emphasized that without true social dialogue, addressing the underground economy—which undermines decent employment, fair competition, and sustainable productivity—is unfeasible.

This combination of persistent housing woes, economic apprehension, and union demands for inclusive dialogue highlights key social and economic challenges Spain faces as of December 2025.