Social security fees of self-employed workers in Spain frozen for 2026, Spanish police recover plundered Visigoth crown and more news on Wednesday December 24th.
Social security fees of self-employed workers in Spain frozen for 2026
The Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday approved the new social security fees of autónomos (self-employed) for next year, keeping the same figures as those in effect in 2025.
Therefore, these contributions – paid on top of taxes – will be the same in 2026 as those paid this year.
The Social Security Ministry had proposed a monthly increase of between €11 and €206, which generated strong opposition from self-employed associations, labelling it a “rip-off”.
Finally, the government has run out of time and of support, making it possible for such hikes to be approved for 2026.
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Bank of Spain raises growth outlook buoyed by strong exports
The Bank of Spain on Tuesday raised its economic growth outlook for the country for 2025 and 2026, citing robust domestic consumption and strong exports.
The central bank now expects the country’s economy to expand by 2.9 percent this year, up from the 2.6 forecast in its previous quarterly update and more than double the average expected in the eurozone.
It predicts gross domestic product (GDP) will grow 2.2 percent in 2026, compared with a September forecast of 1.8 percent.
“The upward revision is driven by recent GDP figures, strong consumer spending, resilient non-tourism service exports, and falling energy prices,” the bank said in a statement.
Spain, the European Union’s fourth-largest economy, has outperformed its peers since 2021, supported by tourism, low energy costs, domestic consumption, and foreign investment.
Spanish police recover plundered Visigoth crown
National Police officers have recovered in the province of León a stolen Visigoth crown from the 6th century AD, silver and gold coins as well as other objects of great historical value which were covertly dug up from archaeological sites.
The operation has resulted in seven arrests in the northern province of León, all of whom are believed to be implicated in the looting of several archaeological sites in León and Valladolid.
They used metal detectors, one of them highly sophisticated and capable of reaching great depths in the ground. Once they dug the archaeological artifacts up, they then sold them on online marketplaces or from their own homes.
The Visigoths ruled over southwestern France and the Iberian Peninsula from the 5th to the 8th century.
With additional reporting by AFP.
