Significant Support for Self-Employed Workers in the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, a strong emphasis is being placed on the support extended to self-employed workers.
Recognition of Support Initiatives
Rebeca Paniagua, a deputy representing the Popular Group, has commended the “historic support” afforded to self-employed individuals in the region. She called on regional Vice President Manuel Domínguez to maintain protective measures for this group, particularly against perceived challenges posed by the PSOE. Paniagua asserted that the current government has positioned the Canary Executive as a national leader in advocating for the rights and needs of self-employed workers.
Economic Impact of Self-Employment
Paniagua pointed out that self-employed workers constitute over 80% of the business landscape in the Canary Islands, playing a crucial role in employment, innovation, and local economic development. She emphasized that each self-employed individual supports not only their own livelihood but also the families and businesses that contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.
Current Challenges in the Sector
Despite the support, the self-employed sector is grappling with significant challenges, including escalating production costs, inflation, and increased social security contributions. These factors pose a threat to the sustainability of numerous small businesses, particularly in the islands where operational costs are notably higher than on the mainland.
Government Response and Initiatives
In light of these difficulties, Paniagua highlighted the proactive measures being implemented by the Canary Islands government to alleviate the burdens faced by self-employed workers. She noted that Manuel Domínguez is actively working to ensure that these individuals can continue to contribute to the economy, even in challenging circumstances.
Among the initiatives currently in place are the introduction of a zero fee for new self-employed workers, the establishment of a Self-Employed Observatory, and various digitization and modernization programs that have already benefited thousands of residents in the Canary Islands. Additionally, she praised forthcoming initiatives such as the Second Chance Law and the Administrative Simplification Plan, along with the +uno52 program aimed at individuals over 52 years old.
Future Plans for Support
Paniagua also shared insights into the upcoming 2026 budget, which will feature new measures designed to support self-employed workers. These include interest discounts on loans for productive investments and a temporary incapacity protection system that will cover social contributions for up to two months, aimed at ensuring financial stability and continuity for those facing hardships.
Work-Life Balance Initiatives
Additionally, the Concilia program has been introduced to help self-employed workers achieve a better work-life balance. This program offers three types of assistance: support for hiring during maternity or paternity leave, aid for caring for minors or dependents, and direct financial assistance to cover nursery and care center costs. Paniagua also advocated for increased municipal commitment to local purchasing, training, and commerce modernization while reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Comprehensive National Proposal
On a national level, PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has proposed a Comprehensive Self-Employed Plan that includes a zero-rate for the first year of activity, with potential extensions for young and low-income workers. This plan aims to streamline bureaucracy by reducing the frequency of declarations from four quarterly to two semi-annual, culminating in a single annual declaration for new entrepreneurs.
Commitment to Self-Employed Workers
The proposed plan also encompasses support measures for maternity, flexibility in contribution payments, and assistance for those seeking a second chance in their business endeavors. Paniagua reiterated Feijóo’s vision for a Spain where “neither freedom, nor effort, nor success is criminalized,” emphasizing that self-employed workers have faced numerous challenges, including ten increases in contributions under the current administration. She concluded by asserting that these workers deserve a government that fosters confidence and stability.
Key points
- Rebeca Paniagua praised the historic support for self-employed workers in the Canary Islands.
- Self-employed individuals represent over 80% of the Archipelago’s business landscape.
- The sector faces challenges from rising costs, inflation, and increased social security contributions.
- Government initiatives include a zero fee for new self-employed workers and various support programs.
- The 2026 budget will introduce measures for financial stability, including interest discounts on loans.
- The Concilia program aims to improve work-life balance for self-employed individuals.
- Alberto Núñez Feijóo proposed a Comprehensive Self-Employed Plan to reduce bureaucracy and support new entrepreneurs.
