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snowball
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 6246
Location: swindon
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Went
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968
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Vanessa
Joined: 08 May 2006
Posts: 8324
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Ty Gwyn
Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4613
Location: Lampeter
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Went
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968
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Ty Gwyn
Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4613
Location: Lampeter
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Went
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968
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 Posted: Sun Jul 15, 12 8:59 am Post subject: |
 
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We are a bit isolated here but..
People are angry that the measures so far taken have been based on strategies of austerity and no mention of growth - recent increases in VAT will only add to inflation. Whilst announcing the VAT rises one politician was heard to shout "Let's F*ck them" which has not gone down well as you can imagine.
In Spain, most workers have 14 pay days a year with double pay in summer and Christmas - they have scrapped the Christmas one for many. They have reduced pensions, salaries, carers allowances and benefits dramatically - they have increased taxes across the board on all financial transactions. They have also brought in legislation that makes it easy to sack people without any penalties or pay-outs.
Most manual or unskilled workers have no rights, contracts or comeback if sacked or laid off.
Whilst these strategies are necessary to a point, there is a feeling that it is the working man and woman who are bearing the brunt of these measures whilst the wealthy continue to avoid taxes and have moved assets out of the country.
There are rumours that the Prime Minister Rajoy is attempting to restrict access to Facebook and other social platforms the government seen as fuelling the backlash against them.
The Miners march on Madrid escalated to a mass demonstration where riot police used rubber bullets and arrested many.
Driving to Oviedo the other day we witness the damage from fires on the motorways from when the miners in this area were fighting with police.
Saying all this, although there is a feeling or growing anger and resentment, the Spanish people still remember times before joining the EU when times were equally difficult for many - they are a resilient lot.
There are urban developments standing deserted - a new development outside of Madrid built as a commuter town comprising of 13,000 new apartments stand like a ghost town with 10,000 still unsold. The banks have lots of toxic assets and are in trouble.
The problem with the measures to date are that it will only serve to drive things underground and fuel the black market which is already estimated to make up 30% of the economy.
It is so expensive to become self employed here with a minimum contribution of 250 euros per month, VAT payable on all turnover (upfront) and high tax rates payable 12 months up front (an estimate).
A friend who recently set up a business has a minimum contribution of 600 euros per month as he was advised to set the business up with himself as a director - he has also ben fined 6000 euros for not having the correct papers despite working with a qualified Assesoria from who he paid for advice and guidance. He can try and take the assessoria to court but it will cost too much and he will not win.
Unemployment is currently 24% and rising - and 52% in the under 26 year olds....
Rocky times ahead for many |
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vegplot
Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd
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Penny Outskirts
Joined: 18 Sep 2005
Posts: 23385
Location: Planet, not on the....
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Ty Gwyn
Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 4613
Location: Lampeter
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| Posted: Sun Jul 15, 12 10:35 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Gawber,
One of the links i have been sent ,showed a major new Airport that was built,costing millions if not billions of euros,and there are several more like it,never had a plan or land or take off,
And appartment buildings,with one site ,with only the security man living there.
Looks like the Spanish Government has squandered vast amounts of money,and expect the workers to pick up the tab.
The Asturian Miners Strike of 1934,when Franco brought in Moorish mercenaries to smash the strikers,was the foundation of the Civil War.
Lets hope history doesnt repeat itself. |
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Went
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968
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jema
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28234
Location: escaped from Swindon
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Luath
Joined: 03 Dec 2009
Posts: 761
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vegplot
Joined: 19 Apr 2007
Posts: 21301
Location: Bethesda, Gwynedd
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jema
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 28234
Location: escaped from Swindon
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Even sadder, I can't see an end in sight! 
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