The first in-person plenary session of the General Council of the Spanish Bar Association (CGAE) unanimously approved a statement demanding fair pensions for alternative mutualists. This little-known social security system involves approximately 200,000 self-employed workers and qualified professionals in liberal activities, such as lawyers, engineers and doctors, who seek financial security in their old age.
In its statement, the Bar Association fully supports the demand of the alternative mutualists, who seek what was previously claimed for others: economic sufficiency in old age, protected by the Constitution. The Cgae also noted that, Although the Government has recognised the need to address this situation, the limited information provided reduces the proposal to a purely welfare solution.which would only benefit those who cannot survive without state aid.
In response, the body reaffirmed in the approved document its “strongest rejection” of this response, stating that the claim falls within the scope of constitutional rights. In accordance with the law and out of moral conviction, Those who represent the profession are committed to making a decisive contribution to solving the problem.
During the plenary session, the new structure of the Cgae was also approved, which will include, among other new features, a new commission focused on the social security of professionals. This commission will be tasked with monitoring problems related to mutual societies and proposing reports and solutions to present and future challenges.
The president of the Cgae, Salvador González, expressed that The legal profession must “look head-on” at the situation of thousands of alternative mutualists who will face insufficient pensions, and contribute constructively to finding effective solutions.González is confident that the members of this new commission will play a key role in this complex process.
Besides, A second new commission called the Appropriate Methods of Dispute Resolution subcommission was established, which will largely assume the powers of the previous subcommission on Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution.which depended on the Commission for Relations with the Administration of Justice (Craj).
The plenary also approved the creation of a new commission dedicated to the new Law on Free Legal Aidsince the current regulations date from 1996 and the Government has included in its legislative agenda the processing of a new law to update it.
Another important change is the renamed Commission for the Promotion of Reconciliation, Digital Disconnection and Well-being of the Legal Profession, which It replaces the previous Commission for the Defense of Professional Interests, highlighting its focus on improving the working conditions of members.
As for the subcommittees, the Tax Law subcommittee and the Judicial Organization and Public Prosecutor’s Office subcommittee were established. The first will be integrated into the Commission of Studies and Reports, while the second will operate under the Craj.
