Spain's acting government is pushing for a 37-hour workweek to stay in power

As part of an agreement reached by the coalition partners as they attempt to hold onto power in the wake of an unsatisfactory election in July, the parties making up Spain’s acting government said on Tuesday that they will strive for a 3712-hour workweek.

The previous 20 years have seen a 40-hour workweek in Spain. The administration now intends to adopt a reduced workday similar to that of France, a neighbouring country where the standard workweek is 35 hours. The plan is for Spain to have a workweek of 381.2 hours in 2019 and 3712 hours in 2025.

By November 27th, the Socialist Party of Spain and its junior coalition partner, the left-leaning Sumar (Joining Forces), must secure the support of the majority of the Spanish Parliament in order to create a new government. If not, a fresh election will be held in the country in January.

The two parties’ agreement on Tuesday was the first—and probably the simplest—step in what will ultimately be a challenging process to win over other smaller parties.

(With agency inputs)