The Ministry of Labor has received a formal recommendation from its panel of experts regarding the adjustment of the Interprofessional Minimum Wage (SMI) for 2027. The advisory group suggests increasing the wage by 4.9%, raising it from the current 1,221 euros gross per month in 14 payments to 1,281 euros. This proposal represents a monthly increase of 60 euros, a figure that aligns with the interannual evolution of prices.
Minister Yolanda Díaz intends to implement this adjustment before the upcoming elections. The government has confirmed that even after this increase, the minimum wage will remain exempt from personal income tax (IRPF), addressing recent comments made by People's Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo regarding taxation on minimum earners. This measure covers approximately 2.5 million workers directly and is particularly relevant given the current high inflation rate, which stands at nearly 5% annually, driven largely by rising fuel prices.
Reactions from social agents have been mixed. The major trade unions, CCOO and UGT, have called for an increase of at least 7%. Conversely, the business association CEOE has criticized the move, describing it as "incredible" that the government would use its power to raise the SMI during an electoral period. While the adjustment of the minimum wage is an exclusive competence of the executive branch requiring only consultation with social agents, Minister Díaz has traditionally included a preliminary report from this expert commission, which comprises members of the government, universities, academia, and unions.
The increase in the minimum wage has been a flagship policy of the current progressive coalition government, marking historic rises after the indicator remained practically frozen during the previous administration led by Mariano Rajoy. The proposal is based on data accessed by El País, highlighting the strategic timing of the decision within the political calendar.
Sources: elDiario.es.