One in four people in Spain is at risk of poverty

Although Spain has seen a marked decline in poverty, it is noted that these changes are not sufficiently affecting the lives of the most vulnerable and deprived sections of the population. This was stated in the "State of Poverty" report for the last 15 years, prepared by the EAPN-ES network, which fights poverty and social exclusion in the country.

Official figures are falling, but the problem persists

According to the report, the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion in Spain decreased from 26.5% to 25.8% in 2023 - this is about 200 thousand fewer people. However, despite this, 12.5 million citizens still live at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

Hidden poverty: working but poor

According to the data provided by EAPN-ES, 32 percent of the population is in a state of “working poverty”. That is, citizens in this category have a stable income, but struggle to provide themselves with the necessary conditions for life. This situation shows that poverty in Spain is not only the result of unemployment, but also the result of ineffective social policies.

A problem that has never fallen below 25 percent

One of the most striking aspects of the EAPN-ES report is that the poverty rate has never fallen below 25 percent in the last 10 years. Despite the formal reductions, this problem requires fundamental reforms in the social system.

Child poverty: the most dangerous indicator

The report also assessed the level of child poverty in Spain as “alarming”. According to it, this indicator is one of the highest in the European Union. This can lead to a limitation of opportunities for future generations and the chronic development of social inequality.

What is social policy missing?

According to the authors of the report, the social policies implemented in the country are not aimed at directly helping the most vulnerable segments of the population. As a result, many people are forced to live in social isolation for many years, without having the opportunity to escape poverty.

The figures are improving, but the real picture is still serious. Although Spain's fight against poverty is officially showing tangible results, it is clear that these changes are not sufficiently affecting the lives of the most disadvantaged sections of society. The EU's leading child poverty rate is also a worrying signal.

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