Andalucia’s president Juanma Moreno has launched a blistering attack on the Spanish government’s tax policy – accusing it of having a ‘pathological obsession’ with squeezing money out of citizens.
Speaking on EsRadio during an interview with Federico Jimenez Losantos, the PP leader doubled down on his low-tax model while taking aim at the PSOE’s approach to public finances.
‘They want to collect at all costs – tax everything, everywhere,’ Moreno said, criticising what he described as a relentless push to increase fiscal pressure on households.
He also took aim at the government’s definition of wealth, claiming that anyone earning over €50,000 a year is effectively being treated as ‘rich’ and expected to shoulder a heavier burden.
In contrast, Moreno defended Andalucia’s tax cuts, pointing to seven reductions implemented over the past seven years.
According to him, lowering taxes has actually boosted revenue by bringing previously undeclared activity into the system, particularly in areas like inheritance and gift tax, now 99% subsidised in the region.
The comments come as part of a wider media offensive following his decision to call early regional elections.
Moreno argued that lower taxes make Andalucia more competitive – not just within Spain, but internationally – and warned that policies such as wealth tax risk driving investors away.
His government has already challenged the levy in the courts, arguing it discourages job-creating investment.
‘Instead of making things easier, we have a government driven by ideology,’ he said.
The Andalucian leader also turned his fire on Maria Jesus Montero, the PSOE’s candidate in the upcoming regional elections.
He accused her of leaving behind a ‘mess’ during her time as Andalucia’s finance chief, claiming the region failed to meet spending rules, ran deficits and suffered from disorganised public accounts.
Moreno also pointed to what he described as hidden healthcare waiting lists and staffing shortfalls inherited by his administration – claims likely to feature heavily in the campaign battle ahead.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
