In September 2017, the extension of the paternity leave from four to five weeks for 2018 was announced following the agreement reached between the PP and Ciudadanos political parties. But the measure was subject to the approval of the General State Budget for 2018, something that, not having the necessary support, will finally not end up being approved in the last Council of Ministers of the year, and therefore, the extension of the paternity leave from four to five weeks may not take effect on January 1, 2018 As planned.
It is also unknown if it will end up being a reality in 2018, it depends on whether the General State Budgets are approved with this forecast or that if those of 2017 are extended, there is both the political will and the necessary funds to implement it.
If launched, this would be the second extension that occurs within two years. Before, recent parents had the right to enjoy a fifteen-day paternity leave with their newborn children. With effect from January 1, 2017, that permission was extended from 15 days to one month and now the intention was to extend it one more for parents of children born in 2018. But apparently, so far everything is in a promise.
In this way, between both parents, 21 weeks of leave would be added together. The idea is to progressively equate paternity leave to maternity leave, with the intention that both mom and dad are equally involved in the care and care of their children.
So, if you will be a father soon in Spain, for now you will not be able to enjoy another week of leave. Hopefully soon it will be a reality.
In Babies and more Paternity leave in the world
