[1] In June 1993, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) had lost seats to the conservative Partido Popular in the general election, leaving it without an overall majority.
The PSOE depended on the support of the Catalan party Convergencia i Unio, who proposed a debate about the sustainability of the social security system.
In the midst of a recession, the social security system was under pressure from a widespread use of early retirement, used by companies to lay off workers.
The reform also involved a simplification of the numerous special conditions for different categories of workers and unified the contribution levels and ceilings.
In addition, while maintaining the retirement age at 65 years, those wishing to carry on working beyond 65 would be encouraged by the social security system.