The Spanish government has recently approved a Royal Decree-Law that extends the parental leave period by three weeks, increasing it to nineteen weeks of paid leave for each parent, and thirty-two weeks for single-parent families. One of the additional weeks, along with two for single-parent families, can be taken during the first year of the child’s life or within the first twelve months following adoption or family custody. Importantly, the law mandates that the first six weeks must be taken continuously and at full-time immediately following birth, adoption, or guardianship, while the other two weeks (or four for single parents) can be enjoyed flexibly until the child reaches the age of eight.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz, announced that this new measure will retroactively benefit families with children born after August second, twenty twenty-four. The right to the expanded parental leave will be available for application starting January first, twenty twenty-six. Díaz explained that the costs associated with this increase will be covered by Social Security and not by employers, highlighting that the funding comes from workers’ taxes and contributions.

In separate news, the government has introduced a new project aimed at improving democratic governance in digital services and media. This proposal, presented by Minister for Digital Transformation, Óscar López, aims to adapt Spanish law to European regulations and enhance user protection in digital environments. Key changes will involve increased oversight and accountability for digital platforms, enhancing user reporting mechanisms and protecting minors online.

Minister López remarked that this initiative completes a triple shield of digital protection for citizens, alongside existing regulations on artificial intelligence and digital services. He noted the importance of safeguarding citizens from manipulation and maintaining pluralism in digital communications, underlining Spain’s commitment to uphold democratic values in the digital age.