For this Government, the law is not the guarantee of social order, but an instrument at the service of its political convenience. And I am not referring today to the Catalan pardons, against all legal pronouncements, nor to the ‘à la carte’ changes proposed to repeal the crime of sedition and replace it with that so beautiful of aggravated public disorder, nor to the forecast of modifying ‘ad hominen’ that of embezzlement, which have already been dealt with in depth in these pages. Nor am I going to talk to you about that legal catastrophe of the ‘only yes is yes’ law that is lightening the jails for pedophiles and rapists (isn’t anyone going to jump into a ravine?). No. Today I am referring to tax laws.
The tax system must meet several objectives. Undoubtedly the first is to provide the necessary income to support the expenses that the budgets provide. It would be appreciated if, before squeezing in income, it was a matter of improving the efficiency of spending, but for this government, that attitude is despicable rudeness. Then he has to carry out a task of redistribution to correct the excessive inequalities that arise in society and help the less favored. It would also be appreciated if help was given to those who need it and deserve it, but that second requirement has disappeared from the manuals. Like valor in the army, merit is assumed, though, as there, it is an exaggerated assumption. And then, the tax rules must serve to promote activity and job creation. An objective that today is completely forgotten.
To comply with it, it is absolutely necessary that tax laws be clear, objective and long-lasting. It is not possible to be changing them every three quarters of an hour, because then the social agents do not know what to expect and withdraw their hiring and investment decisions. If you don’t believe it, review the location of the next investments in the energy sector. This Government has broken several records in the matter. Like when the third vice president got one of her numerous proposals approved on the same day and in the same session that she announced her next change.
Something similar just happened with the tax on banks and energy companies. Only 24 hours have passed between the government’s frontal rejection of all the amendments presented and the frontal rejection of rejecting all the amendments presented. The cause? The opposition raised by those affected is not, because that is rather an incentive for punishment. Criticism from regulatory bodies and from Brussels, either, because who are these losers to oppose such a lucid government? The threats of the partners that support you perhaps? There he has given it.