Soon, there will not be much left of the right to freely dispose of one’s own money in Spain. The Spanish government has quietly introduced new regulations that go far beyond a mere tax audit: Anyone who wants to withdraw more than €3,000 in cash from their account in the future will be under official surveillance – and risks a fine of up to €150,000 if they break the rules.
From now on, the Spanish state will require its citizens to register larger cash withdrawals digitally in advance. For example, if you want to withdraw €100,000 – for example, to buy a car or a home – you must send an electronic notification to the tax authorities (Agencia Tributaria) three days in advance, including the purpose, personal data and, if applicable, the details of the recipient.
The bank will only pay the amount if the customer officially confirms this notification. Without it, he is not willing to pay. This means that cash is not only controlled, but actually tied to state approval.
Threat of punishment for breaking the rules: Totalitarian traits?
Anyone who fails to comply with this bureaucratic obligation risks a heavy fine of between EUR 600 and EUR 150 000, even if they want to dispose of their own money. The amount of the penalty depends on the amount and “severity” of the violation. The system is particularly deceitful: not only large sums are recorded. Several smaller payments, e.g. €800 or €900, may seem suspicious and trigger an automatic report to the tax authorities – without any suspicion of a crime.
Argument: Tax evasion and the fight against terrorism
Officially, the government justifies the law with the fight against tax evasion, money laundering and terrorist financing. But critics wonder: since when have they treated every citizen as a potential criminal? The fact that cash is increasingly seen as “dangerous” is revealed by a political agenda aimed at fully monitoring and controlling all cash flows with the long-term goal of abolishing cash.
Quietly introduce digital control
It is particularly worrying that the measure was introduced without a wide public debate. If you don’t look closely, you will only know about it at the bank counter when the payment is declined. The elderly or those without digital devices will inevitably be targeted.
What starts in Spain is likely to set a precedent in other EU countries under the guise of “security” and “transparency”. In fact, this is the next step towards a digital financial system that has full control over the movement of citizens.
Conclusion: Money is no longer yours alone
With these measures, the state demands the right to decide not only on its income, but also on the way it spends. The right to cash, once a symbol of economic freedom, is being dismantled step by step.
Translated and edited by Hans Seckler