The Christmas cups

BarcelonaThe Christmas parties hosted by employers' associations are one of the most enjoyable moments for journalists who cover business organizations. They aren't usually held to announce any news, but rather as a moment of relaxation. A chance to let their guard down. A "we'll talk about that in January." And, indeed, we will talk about it for sure, in January. Because these Christmas parties—breakfasts, cocktails, light meals, lunches—also serve as an opportunity to take stock of the year, list achievements, and outline the challenges for the coming year.

The scene is the same year after year: blazers, handshakes, a joke or two, someone who arrives late, a question that sets the tone for the discussion, and many off the recordThe topics that have marked this year's conversations have been the concern of employers' associations about absenteeism, the applause in the Health campaign in the CAPs urging Catalans to "make good use" of sick leave, the crusade for the Chambers LawThe concern about the housing situation and "the inefficient measures the Government is taking" in this area. Sánchez Llibre, always eager to capitalize on the headline, went so far as to categorize it as a "merciless attack" on homeowners. Finally, a political demand phrased in different ways but with the same message: "We need a budget."

These are meetings where everyone is happy—or everyone pretends to be friendly. There's always food, in whatever form it takes, and this generally makes journalists happy. A glass of cava or a strong coffee, depending on the time of day; a toast and good wishes for the holidays. The typical elevator conversation: "So, when are you going on vacation?" The typical temperature check: "How are relations with X?" The Ministry of Public Works again assures that with Pimec "everything is fine," that they get along "with everyone"; perhaps the Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, doesn't think the same, having been labeled "hooligan "of the government" in more than one interview. But these days swords are hidden and daggers are put away, and jokes are even made about published news that one or the other hasn't liked. Tabula trench Looking ahead to the next season.

Pimec is usually the first to kick off the Christmas gathering season, followed by the Chamber of Commerce and Foment del Trabajo. They often try to counter-program each other, which is why it's not uncommon to see journalists arriving panting after crossing half of Barcelona with their panettone still stuck in their throats. However, this year has been different: Pimec and Foment didn't hold their gatherings on the same day as in previous years, and the Chamber opted for a cocktail party at its headquarters on Diagonal Avenue—a decision that everyone enthusiastically applauded—instead of the Casa de la Lonja. A sign of changing times? We'll find out in 2026. In Madrid, the CEOE also holds its own Christmas evening with journalists, where Antonio Garamendi gives his speech; A gathering where, in recent years, a common lament has been repeated: yet another year, "the Spanish government leaves everything to the last minute," and the year ends with many negotiations still ongoing, reports Núria Rius.

But the essence of each organization is also on display at these Christmas receptions. The staging at Pimec is usually more formal, with Antoni Cañete holding a press conference and often becoming fodder for headlines. At the Chamber of Commerce, the cocktail party is more relaxed, and this year its president, Josep Santacreu, took the opportunity to showcase the remodeled floor plan of the headquarters on Avenida Diagonal, which will be a meeting point for the new Cambra Club. However, the mutual recrimination between Pimec and the Chamber of Commerce over disagreements regarding the Chambers of Commerce Law overshadowed their speeches. Foment del Treball, for its part, maintains the traditional format: light refreshments in the library of its headquarters, with a friendly Josep Sánchez Llibre showing little desire for controversy. "We've come to talk about the future and wish each other a Merry Christmas," he said. This year he was even happier than usual: after Espanyol's victory at Athletic Club's stadium this Monday, "it's a day of great satisfaction for the Pericos."