Civil Servants Rally in Madrid to Defend Health Care Model Amid Government Disputes
On Saturday, approximately 35,000 civil servants from across Spain gathered in front of the General Directorate of Muface in Madrid to advocate for the existing mutualism model. This rally comes in the wake of growing tensions between the government and health insurers over the impending renewal of their agreement, which is set to expire at the end of this year. Miguel Borra, president of the Civil Servants Union (CSIF), warned that they do not rule out pressure measures, including a potential strike within public administrations, if their concerns are not addressed.
Borra criticized governmental parties, particularly Sumar, for not backing the continuity of the mutualism system, stressing that civil servants cannot withstand the pressure being exerted by both the Government and health insurers. Many workers have expressed distress over increasing delays in scheduling medical appointments. "Civil servants who provide a service to the public do not deserve to have their health situation neglected," Borra stated.
The representatives for civil servants highlighted that the extension of the current agreement is outlined until January 31, 2025, emphasizing the mounting collection of complaints and claims from those affected by the current healthcare crisis. Ester Muñoz, the Vice Secretary of Health and Education of the People’s Party (PP), criticized the Government at the demonstration, claiming that they are creating problems where none exist, leading to an unsustainable situation due to the Muface crisis. She's stressed the uncertainty experienced by many civil servants, including the elderly and retirees, who are worried about potential changes to their healthcare provider.
The public workers' union has also taken the distress signals to the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing hundreds of complaints from mutualists who have reported cancellations and delays in their medical services. These issues have been submitted to the Ombudsman and registered in the Congress of Deputies, aiming for parliamentary groups to propose initiatives that will safeguard the healthcare received by the 15 million Muface mutualists.
The situation concerning Muface remains precarious. Currently, three insurers—Adeslas, Asisa, and DKV—have opted not to engage in the new tender for 2025-2026 established by Muface management, following the government's proposed premium increases—12% below what the insurers requested. With the tender now left vacant, the Government has opened a window, from November 21 to December 4, for insurers to declare the premium rates they would require to provide healthcare under the new agreement. The original tender was designed for the 2025-2026 period, but the consultation has now extended the potential validity of the new contract to three years, lasting from 2025 through 2027.
In light of the ongoing challenges, civil servants continue to advocate fiercely for their rights and access to adequate healthcare services, hoping their voices will be heard both at home and in broader European discussions.
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