Congressman Rufián calls for a cap on essential goods and the establishment of public distribution to shield families from the rising cost of living

Esquerra Republicana has intensified its pressure on the Spanish Executive in the face of a situation they consider unsustainable for thousands of families: rocketing food prices and speculation in both the food and housing sectors, which is driving up the cost of living. Esquerra spokesperson in Congress Gabriel Rufián addressed Pedro Sánchez during question time, demanding immediate structural measures to deal with this social emergency, starting with setting a cap on essential goods and the creation of public distribution to free food from market speculation.

Mr Rufián warned the Prime Minister that what would remove him from Moncloa—the PM’s official residence—is not corruption, “it is the cost of living,” and went on to stress that people can no longer afford price rises that directly affect their capacity to live decent lives. He likewise rejected fresh reductions in VAT, which he considers a specious solution that only benefits the sector’s oligopolies.

Esquerra’s spokesman affirmed that tolerating unbridled food price rises has far-reaching social and political consequences. “If prices are not contained, Santiago Abascal—the leader of the hard-right Vox party—will come galloping in,” he warned, pointing out that the erosion of purchasing power fuels frustration and opens the door to reactionary discourse.

Esquerra insists that the fight on speculation—whether in food or housing—must be a priority on the political agenda. The party calls for a courageous change of direction in order to protect families, regain public control over essential sectors, and place the well-being of the people above the interests of big economic players.