Sánchez Pushes for Permanent Time System by 2026
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a proposal to end the biannual clock changes in the European Union, advocating for a permanent time system starting in 2026. In a video shared on social media, as reported by X, Sánchez stated that the current practice of switching between summer and winter time “hardly helps to save energy, on top of having a negative impact on people’s health and lives.”
With the upcoming transition to winter time, when clocks across Spain and the EU will be set back one hour, Sánchez argued that adjusting clocks forward and backward no longer serves a meaningful purpose. He noted, “In all surveys, the majority of people in Spain and Europe have stated that they are against clock changes.”
Sánchez supported his proposal with scientific evidence, highlighting that clock changes disrupt biological rhythms twice a year while offering negligible energy-saving benefits. He plans to discuss the issue with other European leaders, referencing a 2019 EU vote to abolish the practice. According to X, Sánchez is urging that this decision be implemented in 2026, aligning policies with public opinion and scientific findings.
The initiative reflects a call for modernization, with Sánchez emphasizing that policies should adapt to the preferences of the majority and be grounded in evidence. If adopted, the proposal could simplify timekeeping across the EU and prioritize public well-being by eliminating the disruptive practice of clock changes.
