Today marks a historic milestone with the approval in the Congress of Deputies of the bill to reform article 49 of the Constitution.

This initiative, the result of the agreement between the PP and the PSOE, aims to replace the term 'disabled' with 'people with disabilities', a fundamental modification that reflects more inclusive and respectful language.

With a vote that reflected a broad consensus, with 312 votes in favor and 32 against, this reform received unanimous support from all parties, with the exception of Vox. This significant step not only responds to the need to update our legal framework, but also recognizes the crucial role of people with disabilities as subjects of all rights.

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, highlighted the importance of this decision by stating that 'words matter because they define our view of the world'. He acknowledged the battle waged by many people over the years to eliminate the term 'disabled' and emphasized that, beyond political interests, what is transcendental is the impact that politics has on people.

The PP deputy, Ana Isabel Alós, recalled the number of four million people in Spain who suffer from some type of disability and stressed the exceptional nature of this day. This constitutional reform, which has only had two precedents in 1992 and 2011, represents significant progress in granting the dignity that people with disabilities deserve also in the language of our Constitution.

Now, the bill will move to the Senate, where it will be debated starting next Wednesday, January 24. This process has broad support in that chamber, exceeding the three-fifths necessary for its approval. Key aspects of the reform include not only the modification of the term 'disabled', but also the obligation of public powers to guarantee the full personal autonomy and social inclusion of people with disabilities, with special attention to minors and women.

On this day of celebration, We thank civil society for its tireless efforts and we support the associations that have fought for the rights of people with different abilities. 

Although this change comes with some delay, it is an important step towards a more inclusive and respectful future.

Let's continue building together a society that recognizes and values diversity in all its forms.