Spain: Public support for taxation rises as Minister calls for rational debate

Spanish Finance Minister Arcadi España has called for a rational debate regarding taxation, emphasizing that discussions should cover both the taxes paid and the public services received. Speaking at the World in Progress forum in Barcelona, España noted that anyone supporting a welfare state must accept taxes to fund essential services such as education and policing. He stated that the PSOE's fiscal program aims to ensure the sufficiency of the welfare state while providing facilities for businesses.

Recent data from the CIS study on public opinion and fiscal policy indicates a shift in Spanish sentiment. Approximately 60% of Spaniards now believe taxes are necessary for the state to provide services, a six-point increase from the previous year. Conversely, those who view taxes as an unjustified obligation, often referred to as fiscal nihilists, have decreased to 25%. This decline in tax rejection is particularly notable among younger demographics, including those aged 18 to 24 and 25 to 44, as well as among supporters of the far-right.