The 'milquini', the new mileuristas in the economy of 2026: "We minimize leisure to the minimum"

In 2026, many workers in Spain, dubbed 'milquini', face financial struggles despite nominal salary increases. The purchasing power of 1,500 euros today mirrors that of 1,000 euros two decades ago, leading to difficulties in achieving a stable adult life. The median salary is around 2,001.4 euros, yet many earn between 24,000 and 27,000 euros annually, hindering their ability to save or invest in housing. Rising living costs, particularly rent and food, exacerbate the situation, forcing individuals to minimize leisure activities. The labor market remains precarious, with many opting for job security over higher wages, reflecting a broader trend of economic instability and delayed life milestones among younger generations.