Tag: Social Issues

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Spanish Government has approved a new package of measures that combines a pension increase for 2026 with the extension of key social protection policies, reinforcing its commitment to protect purchasing power and support vulnerable groups. The decision was adopted by the Council of Ministers as part of broader efforts to respond to inflation and rising living costs.

The measures include pension revaluations in line with inflation and the continuation of the so-called “social shield”, which covers protections against evictions, safeguards for essential utilities, and targeted aid for low-income households. Together, these actions aim to strengthen social cohesion and ensure economic stability for millions of residents across Spain.

Read the article and know more about the news.

https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/councilministers/paginas/2025/20251223-council-press-conference.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “foreclosure” mean? “Furthermore, the suspension of evictions and foreclosures for vulnerable families without alternative housing is extended throughout 2026, as are the compensation payments from the affected landlord or property owner.” Use the word in a sentence.
2. What does “unwavering” mean? “With this measure, Saiz said, ‘the government is fulfilling an unwavering commitment: to offer the more than 9.4 million pensioners in our country the certainty that if prices rise, their pensions will also rise to help them cover their daily expenses’.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “purchasing power” mean? “We will continue to increase the purchasing power of citizens and, at the same time, we will continue to reduce the inequality gaps that still exist.” Use the word in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think the pension increase will impact the daily lives of retirees in Spain?
2. In what ways could the government’s “social shield” measures help families who struggle with housing and energy costs?
3. Why do you think the government chose to give early retirement options to firefighters and environmental agents? How could this affect public safety?
4. How could the combination of pension increases, social measures, and public transport improvements improve the overall quality of life for different groups in Spain?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spain has once again extended its eviction freeze, keeping protections in place for people in vulnerable situations as part of its ongoing “social shield.” The measure aims to prevent households from being evicted without alternative housing, continuing policies first introduced during the pandemic.

The extension mainly protects vulnerable tenants and occupants, such as families with children or those facing financial hardship, for a limited period while social services assess each case. Knowing who qualifies, how long the protection lasts, and what steps to take next is key for anyone affected by the rules.

Read the article and know more about this news.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/01/17/evictions-put-on-hold-again-in-spain-who-is-protected-for-how-long-and-what-to-do-next/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “at the heart of something” mean? “At the heart of the measure is a principle that has remained unchanged since 2020: no vulnerable household should be evicted if it has nowhere else to go.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does  “breathing space” mean here, “For families who were approaching the previous deadline with growing anxiety, the new timeline provides some much-needed breathing space.”? Use it in a sentence.
3. What does “to step in” mean? “Once that request is filed, the court handling the case steps in and asks local social services to assess whether the household meets the vulnerability criteria.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What basic household supplies are protected until 2026, and what discounts apply to vulnerable households?
2. Why might the government describe these measures as “exceptional and temporary”?
3. Spain has extended eviction protections and social support for vulnerable households, but the underlying housing crisis remains. Do you think temporary measures like this are enough to address housing insecurity, or should the government focus on long-term solutions? Why?
4. Should governments prioritize temporary protections for vulnerable households or focus more on creating long-term solutions to housing shortages? Support your answer with examples or reasoning.
5. Imagine a family meets the vulnerability criteria but the local authority cannot find alternative housing. How should the family, landlord, and government handle this situation?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his government’s plan to regularise around 500,000 undocumented migrants, calling it a pragmatic and humane response to Spain’s social and economic realities. The proposal would grant legal status and work permits to migrants already living in the country, with Sánchez arguing it will help address labour shortages and promote integration.

The plan has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of electoral opportunism and warning of pressure on public services. Sánchez, however, insists the measure is lawful, necessary, and reflects Spain’s commitment to a more inclusive migration policy, even as much of Europe moves in the opposite direction.

Read this article and learn more about this news.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/02/pedro-sanchez-spain-defends-plans-regularise-migrants?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “to go against the current” mean? “Some say we’ve gone too far, that we’re going against the current.” Use it in a sentence.
2. What does “to be woven into the fabric of” mean? “Sánchez said the plans would offer an orderly path to residence for those whose lives were already woven into Spain’s social fabric.” Use it in a sentence.
3. What does  “to strike a deal” mean? “The initiative had languished for months until the leftwing Podemos party said last week that it had struck a deal with the Socialists to approve the plans in exchange for parliamentary support.”  Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What reasons does Pedro Sánchez give for regularizing undocumented migrants and asylum seekers?
2. Do you think regularizing undocumented migrants strengthens or weakens a country’s social cohesion? Why?
3. How convincing is the criticism that migration regularization is a form of “electoral engineering”? Share your insights.
4. Is there a moral obligation for states to regularize people who have already built lives within their borders? Why?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Young people across Nepal are taking to the streets to protest the government’s recent social media ban, which restricts access to popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The move has sparked widespread anger among Gen Z, who argue that social media is not only a source of entertainment, but also a vital tool for education, communication, and self-expression.

Read this article to find out more about the protests.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4ljv39em7o

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “fervour of change” mean? “This was part of a fervour for change that has swept across Asia in recent months.” Use this in a sentence.
2. Define “spiral into something“. “Governments in the region say there is a risk of the protests spiralling into unacceptable violence.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
3. What is a “nepo kid“? “To many demonstrators, “nepo kids” symbolise deeper corruption.” Use this in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Gen Z in Nepal is especially upset about the social media ban?
2. How should governments balance concerns (e.g. misinformation, security) with freedom online?
3. How might the ban affect marginalized groups or those who rely heavily on social media for work or education?
4. Do you think the protests will be effective in changing the government’s decision? Why or why not?
5. In what ways do social media platforms serve more than just entertainment for young people?