A new political scandal is brewing in the Spanish Senate as representatives of the Partido Popular (PP) are urgently demanding an address from Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo. The reason is the sharp rise in food prices ahead of the winter holidays, which the opposition calls unprecedented in the country’s history. Alicia García, leader of the PP faction in the upper chamber, stated that the cost of a basic grocery basket has reached record highs, with prices for staple foods rising by more than half since the current government came to power.
García claims that in the past five years, prices for certain holiday goods have doubled. She openly accuses the cabinet of ministers of profiting from inflation, while ordinary citizens are forced to save on almost everything. According to her, Spaniards face the daily challenge of stretching household budgets to cope with rising expenses.
Allegations against the government
The opposition isn’t just criticizing pricing policies. Alicia García is demanding that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez return funds to citizens, which, according to the PP, were excessively collected through taxes and inflation-driven revenues. She emphasizes that a significant portion of this money, in her view, was spent covering corruption schemes and inefficient management.
Garcia uses strong language in her statements, accusing the government and the ruling party of corruption, incompetence, and failing to protect public interests. According to her, Spaniards are tired of paying out of their own pockets for the authorities’ mistakes and abuses.
Public reaction
Public dissatisfaction is growing; many residents say that preparing for Christmas this year has become especially expensive. Prices for traditional products such as meat, fish, sweets, and seasonal delicacies have risen sharply. Some families have been forced to revise their holiday plans just to stay within their budget.
Economists note that inflation in Spain remains high, and food prices are rising faster than the overall index. This is especially noticeable in the run-up to the winter holidays, when demand for certain products is traditionally higher.
Demands for the minister
In response, the Partido Popular insists that the Minister of Economy personally address the Senate and clarify the situation. The opposition is demanding not only an explanation for the sharp price increases, but also that the minister take responsibility for their impact on the public.
Garcia stresses that the government must come out of its ‘information bunker’ and openly discuss with society how it plans to address the rising cost of living. In her view, ignoring citizens’ demands is no longer an option.
Political context
Rising food prices have fueled another round of confrontation between the ruling coalition and the opposition. In recent months, the Partido Popular has increasingly accused the Socialists of failing to control inflation and exploiting economic hardship to boost tax revenues.
In response, government officials say they are taking steps to support society’s most vulnerable groups and regulate prices. The opposition, however, insists that these measures are insufficient and real incomes are still declining.
A look ahead
It remains unclear when the Minister of Economy will address the Senate. Meanwhile, public pressure on the authorities continues to mount, and the topics of food prices and holiday expenses are among the most discussed in the country. Spaniards are waiting for concrete decisions and clear explanations as to how the government plans to tackle the effects of inflation and protect families’ interests.
