Civismo report criticizes tax pressure and public services in Spain

A report from the think tank Civismo criticizes the economic management of the Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez, alleging an increase in tax pressure and a decline in the quality of public services.

The report claims that since Sánchez took office at La Moncloa, citizens must work an additional 53 days per year solely to cover tax obligations. For the year 2026, the ‘Fiscal Liberation Day’ is projected to fall on August 20, meaning the average taxpayer spends 231 days working to pay taxes and social security before earning income for themselves.

Critics argue that while tax collection and national debt have increased, there has been a deterioration in infrastructure, railway management, security, and general public services. The analysis suggests that government spending is being mismanaged through political expenditures and external aid rather than being reinvested into the welfare state.