Council of Ministers approves new Framework Statute despite medical opposition

On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approved the new Framework Statute, despite opposition from medical unions. The legislation includes the elimination of 24-hour on-call duties and prohibits their combination with regular shifts, as well as the implementation of a limit of 45 work hours per week, below the maximum of 48 hours set by European regulations.

The approval of the project is seen as controversial, with over 177,000 doctors opposing it and threats of indefinite strikes during the autumn. The doctors' unions claim the reform lacks professional consensus and faces an uncertain parliamentary landscape.

The new Framework Statute will begin its processing in Parliament, marking the first update since its introduction in 2003. All parties involved, including the ministry and autonomous communities, acknowledge the need to modernize the regulations but differ on how to achieve this.

Following the approval, doctors have started planning new mobilizations. The Strike Committee will meet this Wednesday to discuss pressure actions to be carried out in the new political term.

The unions have expressed their discontent, indicating that the new statute has the full rejection of the profession. The government's proposals have been criticized for not adequately addressing doctors' demands.

The approval of the Framework Statute occurs against a backdrop of increasing tension between the government and medical professionals, who are demanding fairer and more adequate working conditions.