A heated debate has erupted in Catalonia, one that could affect every resident of the region. At the center of attention is the sharp rise in sick leave among young people, which has already sparked a strong reaction in parliament and raised questions about the effectiveness of the healthcare system. Authorities and the opposition cannot agree on the causes of what is happening, while the consequences for the economy and the social sphere are becoming increasingly evident.
On Wednesday, a tense debate broke out in the Catalan parliament between CUP deputy Laure Vega and the head of the regional Health Department, Olga Pané. The dispute stemmed from a new public information campaign urging responsible use of sick leaves. Posters displayed in medical facilities emphasized: “When we use sick leave responsibly, we build trust, support health, and promote a fair society.”
However, these appeals provoked strong dissatisfaction among some parliamentarians. Vega accused the authorities of trying to pressure doctors and patients into issuing fewer sick leaves, even when medically necessary. She claimed that such rhetoric implies abuse and could lead to violations of citizens’ rights.
Youth under scrutiny
Particular attention has been drawn to the fact that it is precisely young people aged 18 to 24 who take sick leave most often. According to the regional Ministry of Health, Catalonia ranks second in the country for the number of medical leaves, with especially high rates among youth. In comparison, citizens over the age of 55 take sick leave much less frequently.
Health Minister Olga Pané expressed concern: if such a high level of sick leave among young people reflects reality, it may indicate serious health problems within this age group. At the same time, she noted that Catalonia reports one of the lowest rates of chronic diseases in the country, which only raises more questions about the situation.
Meanwhile, business representatives are raising concerns about the economic impact. According to estimates from employer associations, sick leave expenses reach 10.5% of the region’s GDP. This has become a frequent source of complaints from employers, who believe the system needs to be revised.
Accusations and demands
Deputy Vega did not limit herself to criticizing the campaign. She accused the minister of acting in the interests of employers rather than citizens. According to her, in Catalonia there are seven times more people who go to work while sick than those who take sick leave without sufficient grounds. Vega also stated that doctors are under pressure to close sick leaves more quickly, which could lead to a deterioration in public health.
Minister Pané rejected accusations that the campaign aims to reduce sick leave at any cost. She emphasized that the initiative was coordinated with social protection agencies and does not include any incentives for doctors to discharge patients early. Nevertheless, the opposition remained dissatisfied with her explanations and demanded further clarification at the parliamentary level.
Other political forces have also joined the initiative. Representatives of the Comunes and ERC parties, together with CUP, signed a request for a special hearing on this issue. They insist on the need for a thorough analysis of the reasons for the increase in sick leaves among young people and call for solutions that do not infringe on patients’ rights.
Economy and society
The issue of sick leave in Catalonia has long gone beyond the medical sphere. It affects the interests of employers, employees, and government bodies. The high rate of medical leaves among young people raises concerns not only about the nation’s health but also about the stability of the regional economy.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly debated abuses of sick leave and the need to reform the system. However, such a sharp rise in numbers among young people has caught even experts by surprise. The authorities are now forced to find a balance between protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining economic stability.
As the discussion continues, many residents of Catalonia are left wondering: what lies behind these figures—genuine health issues, social changes, or flaws in the system? There is no answer yet, but one thing is clear: the situation demands close attention and a comprehensive approach.
Other regions in Spain have also recorded surges in sick leave among certain age groups, sparking similar debates. For example, in Madrid and the Basque Country, measures to tighten control over the issuance of medical leave have been discussed, but such initiatives often faced resistance from trade unions and public organizations. Overall, the challenge of balancing workers’ rights with economic interests remains pressing across the country, and the search for effective solutions continues.
