Self-employed workers protest in the Canary Islands: “Fairer Social Security More Support”
Self-employed workers across the Canary Islands took to the streets yesterday Monday as part of a nationwide mobilisation calling for fairer social security contributions, reduced bureaucracy, and stronger institutional support.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, self-employed protestors marched from Plaza Weyler to Plaza del Chicharro, demanding legal certainty and a fiscal system better aligned with real business income.
Mijaíl Morales, regional spokesperson for the ‘Platform for the Dignity of the Self-Employed’, told reporters that workers “need to be able to work without fear” of regulatory changes that create instability.
Morales emphasised that contributions should be tied to current turnover rather than the previous year’s income, and reiterated calls for the application of the IGIC exemption threshold to be increased up to €85,000 - something he noted is authorised and recommended by the EU. He also pointed out that many participants had closed their businesses for the day, sacrificing income to attend the demonstration.
The platform argues that self-employed in Spain, including the Canary Islands, face excessive tax pressure, high social-security contributions unrelated to actual earnings, and complex administrative procedures that hinder access to support.
Protests on Several Islands
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, demonstrators gathered at Plaza de España at 10:00am before marching to the Government headquarters in Plaza de la Feria. A manifesto was read aloud, followed by a minute’s silence for autónomos unable to close their businesses to join the protest.
Pilar Rodríguez, president of the Platform for the Dignity of the Self-Employed in Gran Canaria, stressed: “We are not invisible — we are essential.” She called for less bureaucracy, lower tax burdens, and contributions tailored to the reality of each business. Rodríguez confirmed ongoing discussions with Mónica Nuez, the Canary Islands’ Director-General for Self-Employed Workers.
In Arrecife, self-employed workers also rallied, beginning at the town hall before marching to the Marina, where the event concluded with the reading of the collective’s demands outside the State Administration building.
Organisers say mobilisations will continue until meaningful fiscal and administrative reforms are adopted to protect the livelihoods of thousands of small business owners across the archipelago.
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