The development of public policies aimed at realizing social rights

the State's duty to preserve minimum standards of living

Abstract

This article analyzes the obligation to develop public policies aimed at the full realization of social rights. The absence of contradiction between the Democratic Rule of Law and the Social State is a decisive factor for the full consolidation of fundamental social rights. Based on the principle of human dignity, it is unacceptable that certain individuals or groups of people survive in conditions below the minimum necessary for a dignified life. For individuals to achieve self-realization, basic state structures must be fully functioning. Therefore, it is the State's responsibility to manage its budget with maximum efficiency to achieve social rights. The public interest must always prevail in the planning and execution of public policies, a fact that does not preclude broad debate among legitimately constituted actors. The various spheres of public administration cannot shirk their responsibility to promote, plan, and execute public policies aimed at achieving minimum standards of living. In this sense, it is clear that compulsory primary education must be offered free of charge to all; that the provision of basic health services is also, undeniably, a constitutional duty of public administrators. Finally, it is also the State's responsibility to develop policies that support those who, for various reasons, are unable to earn a minimum income.