Universal basic income (UBI) was one of the CUP’s star proposals for the Catalan elections of February 2021. Then it demanded it for 735 euros per month for all residents of Catalonia –150 euros for minors. This Thursday, the number one of the anti-capitalists in the Parliamentary elections on May 12, Laia Estrada, has increased the index to 900 euros. She explained it in a meeting with the Taula of the Third Social Sector.
In the CUP they argue this increase due to inflation issues, taking into account that in 2022 prices went out of control after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Something similar happens with the interprofessional minimum wage. The Cuperos propose that it be established at 1,600 euros per month; For the previous elections, the CUP requested 1,239 euros.
In any case, universal basic income already has a small path laid out. The anti-capitalists managed to get the Government of Pere Aragonès to launch a pilot plan for which a director, Sergi Raventós, had already been appointed.
Estrada explained at the meeting that the aid would be financed by taxing higher incomes more, and that 90% of the population in Catalonia would benefit. “I would lose 10%,” he added. To carry it out, the cupera proposes modifying personal income tax to a single rate of 49%. This would guarantee, in his opinion, the economic viability of the UBI. “There are experiences in other countries. “It is perfectly viable and would help create a redistributive policy,” he assured.
Doing it through personal income tax would be ideal, but there are limitations, because only a section of the tax is regional. Estrada has suggested instead a “more limited” basic income that would be financed through inheritance and estate taxes and taxes on incomes higher than 60,000 euros per year.
Along with these proposals, the CUP has also demanded a 30-hour work day during the campaign, as it already did in 2021.
The head of the list of the people of Cuba has also insisted on the need to make “radical changes” in matters of health, housing, education and residences for the elderly. In addition, Estrada has announced a plan to promote access to housing for those under 35 years of age. He has stated that they will detail it in the coming days.
