Lorraine Williamson
As pressure mounts on Spain to boost its military budget in line with NATO expectations, a growing number of citizens are making it clear: they won’t foot the bill. A recent nationwide survey by Spanish think tank Funcas reveals that nearly six in ten Spaniards are unwilling to pay higher taxes to fund defence spending.
According to the findings, only 10% of respondents said they would be willing to contribute “significantly more”, while 31% were open to a small increase. But 58% flatly rejected any additional personal contribution to the country’s armed forces.
Public services come first
Where Spaniards are willing to put their money is in public services. Over 80% of survey participants supported tax increases if the funds were earmarked for healthcare. Education and care for the elderly also received strong backing. While no one enjoys paying more tax, the study found most respondents viewed good public services as worth the extra cost — unlike military investment.
Inflation and rising costs weigh heavily
Widespread economic strain is also shaping attitudes. Since 2019, more than a third of Spanish households say their financial situation has worsened. Among that group, 85% cited rising prices as the primary cause, followed by tax increases at 42%. Conversely, 22% of households reported financial improvement — largely thanks to better job security and wage growth.
Age divide: Younger workers struggle more
Funcas also highlighted notable differences between age groups. Adults aged 35–54 were more likely to report a decline in living standards, while older Spaniards — particularly retirees — were more likely to say their finances had remained stable. The think tank attributes this gap to the reliability of pensions versus the fluctuating incomes of working-age citizens.
Pessimism over Spain’s economy
When it comes to the wider economy, Spanish residents remain cautious. More than half of those surveyed said they believe the national economy has deteriorated. However, 44% still believe Spain is experiencing overall growth. Just 30% described the situation as one of contraction. Many pointed to government policy as a contributing factor to the country’s mixed economic picture.
Sánchez walks a fine line
The survey results place Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a politically delicate position. While NATO continues to call for increased defence budgets among member states, domestic support for such a move is clearly lacking. With Spaniards prioritising hospitals over tanks, the government faces a tough balancing act — especially with economic uncertainty still looming.