Catalonia faces an urgent challenge: poverty and inequality amidst prosperity.

More than eight million people currently inhabit Catalonia, a territory that presents itself as a microcosm of diversity and plurality. However, despite the optimistic macroeconomic data that may suggest good economic health, the social reality is discouraging. A quarter of the Catalan population, around two million people, lives at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to the Catalan Statistical Institute (Idescat). This disparity between the economy and social welfare raises a series of questions that need to be urgently addressed. Of this vulnerable group, nearly 9% of the population faces severe deprivations that affect their quality of life. These individuals find themselves in extreme situations, such as being unable to cope with unexpected expenses or maintain a home in adequate conditions. The lack of basic resources, such as access to proper footwear or the internet, reflects a reality that cannot be ignored. Every day, these individuals face challenges that are not only material but also affect their dignity and their ability to fully develop. The effects of this situation are particularly concerning for children and adolescents. Children and teenagers growing up in poverty are at a disadvantage in becoming the future drivers of Catalan society. The limitations they face in their present can mark their future, creating a cycle of disadvantage that perpetuates across generations. This raises serious concerns about the well-being and development of a crucial sector of the population, which should be the foundation of the country's future. In addition to hard data, the impressions of the population reveal a growing discontent. According to the Oxfam Intermón Inequality Survey, nearly half of the respondents in Catalonia consider it urgent to implement political measures that guarantee sufficient income and access to decent work. This social outcry highlights a shared need: the search for effective solutions to mitigate poverty and improve the quality of life for citizens. Access to housing emerges as another major challenge to address. In the same survey, 39% of respondents believe this should be a priority issue. This perception is backed by the reality that 70% of those interviewed allocate between 30% and 70% of their income to rent, a fact that considerably limits their chances of achieving economic stability. The burden this represents is immense, and the fact that such a significant portion of the population lives in this situation clearly indicates that effective policies are required. Inequality and exclusion in Catalonia are not new phenomena but structural problems that have accumulated over the years. The current situation demands a decisive commitment from the authorities to address not only the consequences but also the root causes that have led to this state of affairs. It is imperative that policies be established that go beyond temporary solutions, thus avoiding the temptation to apply "band-aids" that do not address the root of the problem. In the current political context, the lack of a stable government in Catalonia only complicates the situation further. The need for leadership that prioritizes the social agenda is urgent. The population needs a government that is committed to working towards lasting solutions aimed at reducing inequality, improving access to housing, and ensuring a dignified life for all. We cannot allow political decisions to be made at the expense of the well-being of citizens. The upcoming Catalan elections should not be an excuse to postpone action. The voices of the citizens are clear and concise, and it is time for political representatives to engage with these realities and work collaboratively with society to find effective solutions. Political will must be accompanied by concrete actions that allow every individual in Catalonia to access a dignified life and a promising future. In summary, the pending issue in Catalonia is clear: the fight against poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. The economy may show encouraging figures, but the true wealth of a society is measured by the well-being of its people. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the implementation of policies that not only alleviate the suffering of those who need it most but also build a more equitable and just future for all. Only then can we move towards a Catalonia that, beyond its diversity, is a place where everyone has the same opportunities.