Yolanda Díaz, Spain's Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor, has publicly criticized the Socialist Party (PSOE) for its perceived reluctance to implement the European directive that establishes a paid parental leave entitlement of eight weeks.

Emphasizing the importance of this right, Díaz stated, "We are urging from Sumar that this directive is fulfilled, and the PSOE part does not want to apply it." The directive, formalized under EU legislation 2019/1158, is set to incur daily fines of approximately €10,000 for non-compliance as the deadline approaches.

The parties within the Spanish government had previously agreed to comply with this directive, with the deadline for implementing the final paid weeks approaching on August 1, 2025.

Despite the directive taking effect in July 2019, the European Commission allowed member states until August 2024 to fully adopt its provisions, particularly those concerning payment for the final two weeks of parental leave, which the current government has yet to enact.

Díaz has asserted that the lack of implementation is unacceptable in a democratic society and has highlighted the government's commitment to advancing this area of social policy, lamenting the absence of family policies throughout the history of democracy in Spain.

In a broader context, Díaz has addressed issues surrounding workers' rights in Spain, asserting that many people cannot live with dignity due to insufficient guarantees of citizenship rights.

She referenced concerns regarding the treatment of homeless individuals at Madrid-Barajas Airport, where access to terminals has been restricted to passengers and companions during night hours.

Díaz argued that this approach does not address poverty and highlighted the average salary in Spain of €1,599 as indicative of deficiencies in workers' rights.

She called for not only continued salary increases but also the implementation of universal child allowances and universal education for children aged zero to three as vital measures to combat inequality.

Díaz also touched upon the ongoing military conflict in Gaza, advocating for more decisive actions to sanction Israel, which she has characterized as engaging in genocide.

Her commentary followed a resolution passed in the Spanish Congress by her party, Sumar, alongside ERC, Podemos, and BNG, aimed at reinforcing an embargo on military sales to Israel.

Noting that hunger is being utilized as a weapon of war, she called for actions commensurate with responses to other states violating international law.

While specific policies regarding economic embargoes were not detailed, Díaz expressed confidence that Spain should make independent decisions regarding its agreements with Israel in light of recent events.

She noted the frustration felt by the international community regarding Israel's actions in relation to international law and affirmed the need for Spain to act decisively, a stance previously demonstrated by the Spanish government's recognition of the Palestinian state.