Jordi Garcia: "Raising self-employed contributions could lead to lower contributions."

BarcelonaThe Spanish government put on the table this Monday a first proposal for the fees that self-employed workers will have to pay over the next three years. The Ministry of Social Security's proposal is for the contributions of those who contribute at the minimum base to increase by between €17.37 and €206.24 per month in 2026, an increase that has already been rejected by the organizations representing this group. At ARA, we spoke with Jordi Garcia, professor of labor law at the University of Barcelona (UB).

What do you think of the Spanish government's proposal?

— It makes little sense to raise costs at a delicate economic time like the one we're experiencing. Although the economy continues to grow, there are also signs of a slowdown, and a difference between the macroeconomy and the microeconomy. And the microeconomy isn't just about families, but also small businesses and the self-employed. At this time, increasing costs for the self-employed isn't the most appropriate. This isn't a good time to raise taxes, and the self-employed contribution is just another tax.

Are the proposed fees comparable to those paid in neighboring countries?

— The systems are very different, and it's difficult to make comparisons. There are some European countries where self-employment is voluntary, while in many others it's mandatory. There's little comparison to be made because there's no uniformity.

How can it be explained that self-employed workers earning less than €670 a month will have to pay €217 in contributions in 2026?

— One of the problems with the system is that it has always been based on the assumption that everyone was cheating. It's assumed that the worker, who is the one who sets their billing, won't earn 600 euros, but rather more. Social Security sets a minimum wage above which everyone must pay, and from there the cost is calculated if the worker uses any benefits.

What is the objective of the ministry?

— The self-employed must pay more because the Social Security system has a significant financial problem. The pension cost is currently €12 billion per month, and the system is paid for by contributions from both salaried workers and the self-employed. What's missing must come from elsewhere, which is why more and more is being paid.

And do you think this is a step toward sustainable unemployment and pensions for the self-employed?

— No, and I'd say the opposite is true. Raising contributions could mean some people don't want to work as self-employed workers, and therefore, they'll end up paying less. The Spanish pension system, and that of all EU countries, needs to be rethought. And so far, no magic solution has been found.