On Sunday, a small gathering of some twenty or so self-employed people held a demonstration in Palma to demand improved working conditions, lower taxes and less bureaucracy.
Arranged by the Platform for the Dignity of the Self-Employed, there was a call for fundamental reform of the tax, labour and administrative framework as it applies to the self-employed, of whom - as of March this year - there are over 104,000 in the Balearics. They represent more than 18% of all those registered with social security.
The demonstration in Palma was part of a series of protests planned throughout Spain in response to the Spanish Government's proposed adjustment to social security contributions, a reform that, despite some softening, will maintain the upward trend of contributions based on actual income. This is a measure at a time of "rising costs and could jeopardise the viability of thousands of small businesses."
The new scheme for 2026 introduces a freeze on social security contributions for self-employed workers with net monthly earnings up to €1,166.70, while for the rest, moderate increases of between 1% and 2.5% will be applied, representing approximate increases of between €2.90 and €14.75 per month. However, one of the most criticised points is that of self-employed business owners, whose contribution base rises from €1,000 to €1,424 per month.
Among the platform's main demands is a review of the contribution system to adapt it to actual income and reduce the burden on the lowest income brackets. It is also calling for IVA (VAT) exemption up to €85,000 in revenue, as permitted by European regulations, as well as change to the accounting method to avoid paying taxes on invoices that have not been paid.
In terms of social protection, the group highlights difficulties in accessing unemployment benefits and proposes transforming the system into a more agile, automatic and efficient one. It is demanding equal rights with salaried employees in respect of sick leave, maternity, paternity, or family care leave, including subsidies to facilitate the hiring of replacement workers.
Bureaucratic simplification is a further demand, with the call for a one-stop shop, more accessible administrative language, and the elimination of unnecessary procedures that generate added costs and hinder the daily management of small businesses.