Rubalcaba plans return of wealth tax

 

The ruling PSOE party's candidate for the 2012 general election, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, has proposed increasing taxes for the wealthiest in Spain and forcing Banks to recruit more younger people.

Rubalcaba, who resigned from his post as deputy PM on Friday to dedicate more time to his election campaign, wants the return of a wealth tax that was abolished in 2008, but only to be be applied to the country's 'super-rich'. In addition to his proposals to make Banks create positions to help younger people start a career, he spoke of changes to the electoral system.

His promises show signs that he has been listening to the concerns of the 'indignant' protest groups who have grabbed the headlines across the world cince May 15th when protestors first occupied the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, ahead of the regional and municipal elections. The PSOE Socialist party suffered badly in those elections and is currently trailing in a forecast for the regional elections, putting Rubalcaba under pressure to gain support.

The general election must be held by March and PM Zapatero has insisted that his minority government will complete its term in office, ruling out an early election.

A Poll of 1'000 people by the El Mundo newspaper held earlier last week predicted how the PP Opposition would take 45.9% of the vote in the coming election, compared with 32.1% for the PSOE. Even with the given 3.16% margin of error, it would mean a painful defeat for the socialist.