The Catalan economy displays positive macroeconomic indicators, consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic in Southern Europe. However, this growth is not tangibly reflected in a real improvement of the population's living conditions. Many families dedicate almost their entire salary to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, or utilities, leading to a decrease in purchasing power and making saving difficult.
This situation is not an individual problem, but a reflection of an economic model that distributes wealth unequally. According to the Social Report of Catalonia 2025, the richest 1% accumulate 27.5% of the wealth, a figure almost five times higher than that of the poorest 50%. In Catalonia, working is no longer a guarantee of living with dignity, with 12% of working poor.
The rising cost of living has severe social consequences, such as the impossibility of emancipation for a generation of young people. A state minimum interprofessional wage of 1,221 euros is insufficient in areas with a high cost of living. The implementation of a Catalan minimum wage would allow salaries to be adjusted to the local reality and could have a positive effect on other remunerations.
Housing is becoming the main factor of impoverishment, with 3 out of 10 households dedicating 40% of their salary to rent payments. Variable mortgage payments are also increasing. Meanwhile, large funds and 'mega-landlords' accumulate thousands of homes for business, and the 13,000 Sareb flats announced for the Generalitat have not yet been transferred.
Neither the State nor the right-wing political parties offer effective solutions for the Catalan working and middle class. More sovereignty as a country and bold policies are called for to guarantee dignified living conditions and respond to citizens' needs.




