Feijóo Criticizes Spain's Tax Burden and Economic Policies Amid Rising Public Discontent

Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Spain's Popular Party (PP), has shifted his political strategy to address economic challenges facing the country, emphasizing the heavy tax burden and its impact on the middle class and self-employed. Speaking at the National Family Business Congress in Burgos on October 20, 2025, Feijóo condemned the government’s so-called "triumphalism" about the economy, highlighting that despite positive economic indicators, the lived experience of many Spaniards shows growing difficulties.

Feijóo criticized the government for imposing 97 tax increases under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's administration, including six hikes in corporate taxes and multiple increments affecting businesses and self-employed workers. He described Spain's tax environment as "suffocating" and argued that public spending has not translated into better services. While tax revenues hit record highs — with Spaniards paying €142 billion more in 2024 compared to 2018, a 42% increase — public services remain unimproved, exacerbating frustration. Feijóo pointed out that 90% of Spaniards have lost purchasing power due to stagnant wages and rising living costs like housing.

The PP leader also pledged a ten-point aid plan for autónomos, promising to reduce bureaucracy and limit excessive government intervention to foster economic growth and enterprise freedom. He argued against the notion that ongoing state assistance should become a way of life, warning that a subsidized country lacks equality and future prospects. Feijóo identified six main reasons behind the working class's dissatisfaction: rising taxes, worsening living conditions despite higher state payments, government corruption, and the complexity of bureaucratic processes hindering business success.

Despite Spain being hailed by the IMF as the fastest-growing advanced economy in the past two years and record employment figures — including over 500,000 new jobs and unemployment at 10.3%, the lowest since 2008 — Feijóo aims to exploit the disconnect between these statistics and popular sentiment. He contends that economic triumphs are overshadowed by everyday struggles, particularly for small business owners and self-employed workers, and positions his party as the defender of those sectors in contrast to both the PSOE and Vox's political approaches.

In summary, Feijóo’s renewed focus on economic issues seeks to counter government narratives and address internal party concerns by highlighting the burdens of heavy taxation, advocating for tax cuts, and promising reforms to stimulate Spain’s productive sectors.