Montero Proposes One-Time Payment of Up to 350 Euros for Families Amid Energy Crisis. María Jesús Montero has announced a payment of up to 350 euros for low- and middle-income families. The measure is linked to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East. Authorities are also discussing other support initiatives.
A new support measure for low- and middle-income families is being discussed in Andalusia—a one-time payment of up to 350 euros aimed at offsetting rising energy costs. The initiative was proposed by María Jesús Montero, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, who is now the Socialist candidate for head of the region. According to her, the crisis triggered by the military actions of the US and Israel against Iran is already affecting the economy and household budgets in the region.
Montero presented her program at a public event in Seville, attended by her successor as Deputy Prime Minister, Carlos Cuerpo. He noted that declining interest in regional elections is a mistake, as a significant share of budget decisions are made at the regional level. Montero stressed that the current Andalusian government is underestimating the scale of the energy and economic crisis, which could worsen due to the situation in the Middle East.
Who is eligible for the payment
A payment ranging from 150 to 350 euros will be provided to low- and middle-income families almost automatically. Additional support is planned for the most vulnerable groups, while residents of small localities will receive a separate bonus. Montero explained that in rural areas of Andalusia, people are often forced to rely on personal vehicles due to limited public transport, which increases their spending on fuel and energy.
For those receiving unemployment benefits or under ERTE in the sectors hardest hit by the crisis, an additional payment of 50 to 100 euros is provided. The program also includes measures for small businesses and the self-employed: a 100-million-euro guarantee line, tax deferrals, and liquidity support to prevent business closures due to the price surge.
Additional initiatives
Among other measures is the creation of a special fund for fertilizer purchases, which should not only offset price increases but also reduce dependence on external suppliers. Authorities also plan to ensure access to a network of climate and social shelters in case of extreme heat. Free or discounted public transport passes are offered to youth and students of state educational institutions for all public transport managed by the Andalusian government.
Montero called on Carlos Cuerpo to expedite the adoption of a new mechanism for distributing funding among the autonomous communities, which she had previously presented at the Council for Fiscal and Financial Policy. According to her, the bill is almost ready for review in Congress, but support from the opposition has yet to materialize. Montero is confident that the proposed model is especially beneficial for Andalusia and Catalonia.
Context and reaction
The event was attended by former presidents of Andalusia, Manuel Chaves and Susana Díaz. Questions about the impact of international conflicts on Spain’s domestic politics and economy remain at the forefront. As previously reported in the article about the launch of 179 new initiatives amid international instability, the government is already preparing large-scale changes in budgetary and social policies to mitigate the effects of external crises on citizens’ lives (more about the government's new initiatives).
