PSOE and Sumar Push for Swift Approval of Spain's Social Economy Law Amid Political Disputes

On November 16, 2025, deputies from Spain's PSOE and Sumar parties called for expedited legislative debates to finalize the Ley de Impulso a la Economía Social, which remains stalled in Congress after extended deadlines for amendments. Marta Trenzano of PSOE and Verónica Martínez of Sumar emphasized the law's critical role in bolstering Spain's social economy, hoping for approval by spring. Martínez, who previously helped draft the legislation as Director General of Labor, highlighted Spain's leading role in this sector in Europe. However, the law faces resistance, as Vox criticized its omnibus nature and inclusion of state intervention and ecological mandates, like carbon footprint requirements. The Vox deputy Juanjo Aizcorbe also noted political, territorial, and class divisions complicate consensus. Meanwhile, PP's Alma Alfonso argued that merging three laws—Cooperatives, Insertion Companies, and Social Economy—into one is problematic, stating that over 100 amendments from sector stakeholders suggest current proposals do not meet their needs. Social economy representatives, such as Pepa Torres from special employment centers, advocate for regulations securing profit reinvestment to support employment of people with disabilities. Trenzano proposed a goal that over 70% of contracts in cooperatives and insertion companies be indefinite, underscoring the law's employment focus. Amid these debates, political divisions continue to challenge progress in implementing Spain's comprehensive social economy policy.