In Spain, there are 120 people older than 64 for every 100 younger than 16. This figure contrasts with that at the end of the 20th century, when the country was still young: in 1985 there were 46.7 people older than 64 for every 100 under 16.
The Spanish government intends to close down Spain´s nuclear power stations as they complete 40 years of useful life, a period which comes due in 2028. Endesa, as of now the major nuclear operator in the country, considers it “impossible to dismantle all the power stations at the same time” as the 40 years is completed. On the contrary, Iberdrola goes along with the government’s theory and sees that it is “perfectly practical”, and will have no impact neither on the supply nor prices.
Miguel Navascués | The high retail interest rates in Spain, over 8% compared to at least 4% in France and other Eurozone countries, without doubt indicates usurious behavior, of the banks’ abuse of power at the expense of the customer, who on the other hand ought to inform and educate himself and refuse to pay these rates. I would say that, in fact, there is an oligopolistic factor in Spanish banking which stamps its slant on the interest rates it charges.
Aids and subsidies from public administrations to Spanish companies have fallen by 42% to 1.201 billion euros, according to the ratings agency Axesor. Central administration aids were reduced by 84% to 144 million euros, while the rest (1.057 billion euros) are coming from the autonomous regions. The presence of the state increased during the first years of the economic crisis, but from 2012 there was a change.
J.L.M. Campuzano (Spanish Banking Association) | In a modern world ever more dominated by technology and the growing digitalisation, the performance and weight of investment in intangible assets draws attention. We are talking about software and R&D, but also about data and whatever activity that generates property rights and economic competences, including publicity and staff training
There have always been two debates about the Spanish Public Television: financing and the nomination of its board which, in theory, should govern it. Experience says that it doesnt govern it, that the board is a scene for political party confrontation which adds no value, on the contrary.
Despite the rhythm of Spain´s export of goods and services over the last five years – which have increased more tan ten percentage points over GDP, rising from only 22.7% in 2012 to 34.1% last year – Spain still finds itself 12 points below the EU average of 46%.
From 2019 it is possible that Spain will have difficulties financing its public debt, which is definitely not only the official figure of 98.3% of GDP. Rajoy’s increase of this debt by €649 billion has been financed at very low interest rates, thanks to the ECB’s quantitative easing. On the other hand, Pedro Sánchez has announced substantial spending increases, which will inevitably increase debt in 2019.
The Government of Pedro Sánchez has admitted that Spain will not meet the fiscal deficit targets set by the previous government of Mariano Rajoy. The new targets are -2.7% for 2018 (as opposed to -2.2% before) and -1.8% for 2019 (as opposed to -1.3%).
Rafael Domenech (BBVA Research) | Since 2014, Spain has been growing at rates higher than those of most other European countries. During these years, Spain has recovered the competitiveness lost before the crisis.