PP, Vox and Junts block Renfe debt decree, Congress approves Verano Joven

The Spanish Congress rejected a government decree that would have allowed state-owned railway company Renfe to increase its debt by 671 million euros to purchase new trains. The measure was defeated by 173 votes in favor to 176 against, with PP, Vox, and Junts voting against, while UPN, Coalición Canaria, and PNV supported it Source: ABC. The decree also covered credit operations for other public entities like Puertos del Estado, Icex, and Salvamento Marítimo Source: El Mundo. Despite the rejection, sources from the Ministry of Transport claim that investments already made during the decree's validity will not be affected Source: El Español.

In the same session, Congress approved the fourth edition of the Verano Joven program, which provides discounts of up to 90% on bus and train travel for young people aged 18 to 30 between July 1 and September 30, 2026. The program has a budget of 130 million euros Source: Infobae. Only Vox voted against it, while PP and Junts abstained. Minister Óscar Puente highlighted that in 2025, 1.55 million young people used the program, saving an average of 25 euros per bus ticket Source: ABC. Some groups, including PP and Junts, criticized the government for using a decree-law for a program already in operation Source: Infobae.