The far-left Podemos party has proposed a temporary tax on the richest residents in Andalucia to help offset the economic impact of rising global tensions.

The party’s representative Juan Antonio Delgado said the measure would fund a ‘social shield’ aimed at protecting the most vulnerable as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran begins to affect household costs.

Delgado, a former Guardia Civil officer, has urged the regional president Juanma Moreno to take action, warning that the economic fallout is already hitting ordinary people.

‘The most vulnerable will once again be the hardest hit,’ he said, calling for urgent coordination between the regional and central governments.

Tax aimed at wealthy residents

The proposal would target high-net-worth individuals in Andalucia, with Delgado arguing that those with the greatest resources should contribute more during times of crisis.

He also suggested the tax should not be limited to the duration of the conflict, but extended to deal with its longer-term economic consequences.

According to Podemos, the funds raised could be used to support measures such as free public transport, price caps on essentials like food, electricity, gas and medicines, and stronger financial support for struggling households.

Push for rent cuts and stronger controls

Delgado also called for more radical steps, including a legal reduction in rental prices of up to 40%, arguing that housing costs are placing unsustainable pressure on families.

He warned that rising fuel and energy costs, linked to instability in key global supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, are already driving up the cost of living, from electricity bills to mortgages.

‘There must be close scrutiny of those trying to profit from this situation,’ he said.

Delgado also backed the nationalisation of energy giant Repsol and the creation of a public food distribution company.

He said stronger regulation of the energy market is needed to guarantee universal access, including banning supply cut-offs, limiting tariffs and expanding social support schemes.

Concern over rising poverty

The Podemos candidate warned that Andalucia is already one of the regions most at risk of poverty in Spain, and that the current global situation could make things worse.

He stressed that lowering housing costs would be key, noting that many households in the region are spending close to 40% of their income on rent.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.