Spanish Politician’s Inexorable Desire to (Mis)Appropriate the Public’s Money. Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining.
by pinkagendist
First, I’m sorry I haven’t responded to most comments in the past few days. My head has been spinning (and only partly due to alcohol consumption). The other night, Mike, with the best of intentions, turned to someone and told them they had behaved badly towards me in the past. I was caught entirely off-guard and therefore unprepared to articulate my position. Said individual’s defence was haphazard and unbelievable. I let it pass. I remain unconvinced of innocence. I still think silence would have been a better option. The days when I had expectations of a certain level of courtesy are long gone. Now when people cross lines I just drop them all together. I used to do the passive aggressive (perhaps not so passive) thing and hand out copies of Amy Vanderbilt’s or Emily Post’s revised editions… Usually with a pretty potted plant to soften the blow, but no notes or annotations 
…but the case in point was about business etiquette rather than the social variety- and it meant I arranged 100K worth in contracts for someone and then they ended up using another art/antiques broker who was willing to pay them a higher commission than what I pay. I wasn’t happy. I still feel I was used but I’m willing to look the other way. I’ve learnt my lesson and I’ll never collaborate with that person again. I suppose the situation was compounded in Mike’s mind because this person (who isn’t doing all that well financially anymore) has just come to me again asking for referrals/introductions to my clients. It’s not going to happen. It was a red card foul.
Today we got a revised ‘plusvalía’ bill from the town hall. They’ve revised it up by over four thousand euros alleging we under-declared the sale of the house next door. We did not. They’re welcomed to look through our accounts. I would have actually been exceedingly pleased if we had sold it for the price they allege it’s worth. In fact, should they like to pay us the difference, I’m happy to then pay the extra tax. Some days it feels like a never-ending battle. As I’ve said many times before, I believe in government, in taxation , in a fair system that provides a social safety net for the people who are struggling. But this certainly isn’t it. All the taxes that have really gone up under the current government affect people independent of income. So anyone who sold a property recently is going to be forced to pay tax on an imaginary sale price? On what the property would have been worth during the boom? It’s adding insult to injury. I’m borderline ready to fly a 2nd Republic flag from the top of the tower- or to go down the Cataluña route and declare myself a sovereign territory. Meanwhile politicians have voted to keep their salaries and benefits just as they were. I guess they have to find the money to pay for that somewhere.
I like that you make so much effort to respond to comments, if you miss one here and there, it’s no big deal. As for the tax, long ago they’ve started doing that will private cars sales here. The base the transaction on the book value of the car. It’s certainly unfair to the honest people. I can’t imagine how they can do that with property.
I’m going to fight it. In court if I have to.
On your previous comment, the trick is to have 2 or three dogs. Then they keep each other company and form a proper pack.
Good luck on your fight, it seems ridiculous when everything should be there in black and white. Good plan on the dogs, I still think I’ll wait a few more years until I can retire.
Well, I say good for Mike. But sometimes, seeing our partner getting the rough end of a deal hurts more to the other than the one who shrugs their shoulders, and says shit happens.
Please don’t give me an Amy or an Emily. They sound American anyway. And I doubt they are feminist. I’ll settle for the potted plant when I offend you
I don’t think it was a red card foul. Sounded like a permanent ban from FIFA. But the trouble with business these days, is there is no etiquette. Everyone is out for the most gain and least cost.
Spain and taxes? I think they are a little desperate right now. What chances do I have of reclaiming all my wealth taxes that we paid since 2002 that the EU declared were an illegal taxation. Zilch.
The other week our neighbour told us that there is a new move for properties to only be sold for the catastral value. Who ever buys or sells a property for the catastral value? But, Spaniards have a right to a house under the constitution so this is clearly an eminently sensible way to achieve that by making people sell their houses cheaply. When there are still no jobs. So how do they get a mortgage?
Seriously, the Spanish government, and probably the Junta de Andalucia let alone the Rich Council of Sotogrande, are exceedingly desperate.
And actually, all increases in taxes, (eg IVA) in costs, affect everyone. Not just you, not just me. Everyone.
Travelled the toll road recently. Noticed the increase? I know that’s petty compared with four thousand euros but everything in Spain is being horribly taxed.
You’re apologising for not commenting over a couple of days? I took three weeks off from posting on roughseas
Thank you for this. Searches started by this got me to Debrett’s Modern Manners, and instructions for how to eat an artichoke.
I’m sure you knew how to eat an artichoke… Doesn’t that come naturally to lesbians?
Politicians always seem to be able to find money for themselves don’t they!
[...] First, I’m sorry I haven’t responded to most comments in the past few days. My head has been spinning (and only partly due to alcohol consumption). The other night, Mike, with the best … [...]
That government of yours seems so brazen in their theify ways. Ours ain’t any different. The government increases tax on basically everything while MPs pay very little tax and also work to increase their salaries at night when we are not watching.
I think if the government continues in that manner, just emulate Fela Kuti and declare your home a republic. I hope it doesn’t end as it did for him though.