Spain Proposes Ending Seasonal Time Changes Amid Regional and Health Debates

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has formally proposed to the European Union the abolition of seasonal clock changes, a move receiving considerable public support. According to a 2018 EU survey, 80% of respondents favored ending the biannual time shifts. The core of the debate now centers on which permanent time to adopt—winter or summer time.

Experts from the Spanish Society of Sleep, including Martín Olalla, advocate for permanent winter time due to its alignment with natural light cycles, improved sleep patterns, and reduced health risks related to "social jet lag." Permanent summer time raises concerns because winter mornings could begin in darkness, especially in western regions like Galicia, which would disrupt internal body clocks and worsen health. Conversely, areas such as the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands might face different challenges, demonstrating that the decision has complex regional implications.

This proposal marks a significant cultural and political shift from over a century of seasonal adjustments. While public perception often favors endless summer evenings, experts caution this view is misleading. The current system is a compromise accommodating variations in daylight, but it brings challenges for different sectors and regions. Analysts warn that rushing the abolishment without careful consideration could generate unforeseen problems.

The discussion intertwines health, social well-being, and political dynamics, as the choice prioritizes certain groups over others, underlining the complexity of harmonizing time policies across Spain's diverse territories.