On February 22, 2025, thousands of lawyers, procurators, and other professionals took to the streets of Madrid, marching along the Gran Vía to voice their demands for dignified pensions. The protest, organized by various groups including Movimiento #J2 and the Plataforma Pasarela al RETA, drew significant attention as approximately 10,000 participants rallied for change, according to estimates from the Government Delegation.
These professionals have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the current pension system, particularly citing the mutualities associated with their professions, which they claim result in meager retirement income. Many participants carried banners urging the government to introduce legislation allowing for a voluntary transition to the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA), which they believe would provide fairer distribution of pension contributions.
The noted grievances stem from their assertion—echoed throughout the march—that the existing management of mutualities is both precarious and unjust. "The collective is united against pensions so low they can leave us with less than 300 or 400 euros monthly," a leader from Movimiento #J2 stated, emphasizing the urgency of their message.
Lawyers and procurators have been vocal about their plight for months, who for decades have relied on mutualities as their main retirement plan, only to find themselves facing what they describe as retirement insecurity. "We are not asking for privileges or handouts; we simply seek justice and equality," another protestor echoed, summing up the collective cry heard throughout the event.
One core demand is the establishment of a pathway to RETA, which the protestors insist should be implemented without discrimination, allowing all who wish to transition their contributions fairly. The current proposition by the Socialist Party (PSOE) has faced backlash as many argue it does not account for all affected professionals and excludes those who joined mutualities after 2013.
During the demonstration, many participants voiced their frustration over the overarching political climate and the lack of substantial action on this issue from their representatives. The protest signs read, "With rights, we don't negotiate; rights aren’t bought," capturing the sense of solidarity and determination among the crowd.
Representatives of the J2 movement, including noted members such as Ana Gil and Yolanda Rodríguez, addressed the gathering at the end of the march, reiteritating the necessity for reform. Gil stated, "The transition must equal one year of contribution to mutuality for one year under RETA, ensuring fairness across the board."
Efforts at reform have been met with mixed responses from political parties, and there is growing disillusionment with the current state of affairs among advocacy groups. The protest also highlighted divisions within other professions who also rely on mutualities, as participation was thin from architects and engineers, spotlighting the necessity for unified action across professional sectors.
The gathering culminated outside the Congress of Deputies, where calls for action were echoed. Momentum appears to be building as this marks the fourth rally on this matter since April 2024, with lawyers and procurators adamant about continuing their demonstrations until substantial change is realized.
Responses from lawmakers have yet to fulfill the aspirations of these passionate professionals, leading to questions about the efficacy and commitment to addressing these longstanding grievances. Reports indicate widespread agreement on the necessity for mobility between the old mutuality systems and the new pension structures being proposed, yet the road to realization seems fraught with challenges.
Looking forward, the coalition of attorneys and procurators remains steadfast. They argue for both legislative reform and for immediate discussion with the government to pave the way toward granting them the standards of living they believe are their rights after decades of service. They urge, "We will not relent until every mutualist can retire with dignity. The power of unity is what drives our force.”