“Stop making autónomos fear Hacienda,” says Feijóo

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of Spain’s Partido Popular (PP), has pledged to “let the self-employed work”, arguing that autónomos should “not have more fear of the tax authorities than of the corrupt”. These remarks were delivered during a speech focusing on economic confidence and small business’ role in Spain’s labour markets. Spanish news outlet 20 minutos covered his comments and brought attention to concerns that have long been held by independent workers and freelancers regarding administrative work, oversight procedures and tax obligations.

Spain has one of the largest self-employed sectors in Europe, with autónomos forming a core part of the national economy in services, hospitality, construction, logistics, cultural industries and emerging digital sectors. But despite the economic importance of autonomos, frustrations over perceived inspection intensity and complexity of tax and social contribution regulations have grown.

Context and speech

Economic climate and public confidence

Feijóo addressed The issue was discussed as part of an broader discussion about economic stability and predictability in the financial world for small business. He stated that “a healthy and productive economy depends on a relationship between working citizens, and public institutions.” According to his argument excessive bureaucratic stress could undermine small businesses’ ability to innovate, plan, hire and expand.

This message is part of a larger political discussion in Spain on competitiveness and administrative effectiveness. Many self employed workers have expressed the difficulties of complying with tax obligations and the financial burden caused by penalties. Feijóo’s remarks suggest that reforms should focus on distinguishing clearly between intentional tax evasion and honest accounting errors that arise in complex systems.

Policy Direction

Commitment for Administrative Simplification

Although no full legislative package has yet been formally introduced alongside the statement, Feijóo pointed to several principles he intends to prioritise. This includes clearer documentation, faster administrative processing and digital simplification of the forms.

He also stressed the importance of “predictable and transparent communication between institutions that is supportive, not adversarial”. The strategy is not a reduction of tax collection, but a restructuring in how oversights are implemented. It aims to maintain revenue without increasing anxiety or uncertainty among law-abiding workers.

Market watchers note that success in any such reforms will depend on the collaboration of multiple government departments including economic, labor and treasury bodies, as well as relevant regional agencies.

You can read more about it here:

• Feijóo argued The self-employed should not fear the tax authority “more than the corrupt”, and they call for greater fairness in the oversight.
• He proposed simplifying administrative processes and promoting a more balanced relationship between autónomos and the state.

Professional associations’ reactions have been diverse. Many are pleased that the long-standing problems have been acknowledged, in particular those relating to the emotional and physical strains of continuing bureaucratic conformity. Others emphasize that reforms need to be specific, measurable, and carefully structured in order to combat fraud effectively. Policy advisors stress that any significant recalibration must protect Spain’s fiscal integrity and make everyday compliance more accessible.

These proposals’ future will be determined by political negotiations, fiscal priorities and economic conditions of the country in the next year. They could influence the development of small businesses and investment confidence in Spain if they were developed into policy.