Spain's Senate travel bill hits €10.9m record

€10.9 million in travel costs: Spain’s Senate in Madrid ends its term with a record bill after an early election leads to its dissolution. Figures compiled by Europa Press and reported on 13 October show that, in just over three years, the Senate spent more on travel than in any of the five previous terms for which official figures are available.

More than in earlier full terms

From August 2023 to mid-2026, the travel bill exceeded those of two earlier terms that ran their full course. It was €8.7 million from December 2019 to May 2023, a period that included Covid restrictions, and €8.4 million from July 2016 to March 2019. The Senate has published travel figures for about ten years.

The conservative People’s Party held an absolute majority in the Senate during the latest term and used the chamber to counter Congress and Pedro Sánchez’s government. Parliamentary activity grew, adding to travel costs, according to Europa Press.

Flights, trains and taxis

The Senate pays for senators’ parliamentary, political and official travel by plane, train, bus or boat. Its accounts also include booking, cancellation and ticket-change costs, along with tickets issued but not yet used.

Senators can use a taxi card with up to €3,000 a year for journeys within the Madrid region. Those who drive their own cars can claim €0.25 per kilometre and, where applicable, motorway tolls.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com