The government hopes to approve the reduction of working hours in the coming days.

The Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, has expressed his confidence that the reduction of the working day will be approved at the Council of Ministers next week. This progress comes after a series of discussions and negotiations that have characterized the process, during which significant differences have emerged among government members, particularly with the Vice President and Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz. Cuerpo highlighted that a key meeting of the Delegated Commission for Economic Affairs is taking place today, where the reduction of the working day will be addressed. This step is crucial because, according to the minister, once this phase is completed, the project will be forwarded to the Commission of Undersecretaries and subsequently to the Council of Ministers. "If everything goes as planned, the project will enter the agenda of the Council of Ministers next week," he assured, marking a milestone on the path toward implementing this measure. The minister emphasized the importance of holding this discussion in a setting where all ministers with economic competencies are present, which he believes is crucial to ensure an informed and cohesive discussion on the topic. Although he has not defined whether the processing will be expedited, he stressed the need for majority support in Congress to ensure the project's approval. In line with this idea, Cuerpo has stated that the government is willing to assist companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in adapting to the reduction of the working day. According to him, this approach not only seeks to protect workers' rights but also to ensure that companies become "more productive and competitive." This duality of objectives has been presented as a fundamental element in the design of the regulation. However, the path toward the approval of this project is not without obstacles. Yolanda Díaz, for her part, has avoided providing specific timelines for the final approval of the project, arguing that the negotiation policy with other parties could complicate the process. "The debate is open, and political formations will have to express their opinions," Díaz indicated, suggesting that there is still a long way to go before the working day reduction is realized. The Minister of Labor also pointed out that the PSOE itself has expressed reservations regarding the measure, adding a new level of complexity to the process. In this regard, Díaz criticized the attitude of the PP, stating that this party is more focused on competing with Vox than on addressing issues that truly affect citizens' lives. In the context of criticism of the proposal, the CEOE has submitted a document denouncing the unconstitutionality of the reduction of the working day. Cuerpo, however, has described this argument as "legal nonsense," reminding that the employers' association had previously attempted to bring this issue before the Constitutional Court, without success. This disagreement between the government and the employers' association adds a new level of tension to the process, as efforts are made to reach a consensus that allows progress on this initiative. The government has stated that it is essential to find a balance between advancing labor rights and the economic viability for companies, especially in a context where many SMEs face significant challenges. This balanced approach is crucial to prevent the reduction of working hours from becoming a burden for small businesses, which are vital to the country's economy. As the date of the Council of Ministers approaches, the pressure to reach an agreement that satisfies both workers and companies intensifies. The discussion surrounding the reduction of working hours is not only a labor rights issue but also serves as a barometer of the government's ability to manage internal differences and advance policies that could have a significant impact on society. Against the backdrop of a fragmented political landscape and an open debate, next week promises to be decisive. Uncertainty persists, but the willingness to advance in the reduction of the working day is evident. Attention now turns to how negotiations will be managed and whether a approval will ultimately be achieved that can be considered a victory for both workers and the business sector.