The Principality of Asturias has closed the first half of 2026 with 953 new companies established, the best figure for this period since 2016. Social Security affiliation also rises, nearing 406,320 contributors.
The Asturian government presented on Monday the data on business creation and employment for the first half of 2026, reflecting a notable economic dynamism. According to the Minister of Science, Industry and Employment, Borja Sánchez, 953 new companies have been established, the highest number for a January-June period since 2016.
Fiscal reform pending agreement
The Minister of Finance, Guillermo Peláez, has assured that the fiscal reform being prepared by the Asturian Executive will be agreed upon with the supporting forces, referring to IU and deputy Covadonga Tomé. The reform aims to benefit the middle classes through deductions in the regional IRPF.
Peláez explained that various scenarios are being evaluated and that the proposals will be materialised in the budget document. IU has shown reluctance, while PP and Vox are demanding a direct tax cut.
Regional financing at a standstill
The minister also reiterated the Principality's rejection of the central government's proposal on regional financing, which will be debated in the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council on July 29. Peláez stated that the Asturian stance is based on the Santiago Declaration and the agreement of the General Board.
“The position has not changed because the Ministry's proposal is the already known one. No modifications have been communicated to us regarding the elements that determine the effective cost,” Peláez stated.
Employment on the rise and record affiliation
In terms of employment, Social Security affiliation stands at 406,320 contributors as of July 15, almost 4,000 more than at the end of June. The Executive has highlighted that the milestone reached in June is consolidated, when for the first time since late 2008, the number of affiliated persons surpassed 400,000.
Borja Sánchez emphasised that the data confirms the positive evolution of the Asturian economy, but warned against complacency: “We have much work to do to continue attracting investments”. The minister pointed out that Asturias is heading in the right direction, but that efforts must be maintained.
For Asturian entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, this data represents a favourable context for starting new projects, with a growing labour market and an administration seeking to reduce the tax burden on middle incomes. The fiscal reform, however, is subject to negotiation and will not be implemented until the budgets are approved.
The next milestone will be the meeting of the Fiscal and Financial Policy Council on July 29, where regional financing will be addressed. Meanwhile, the Asturian government continues to work on the details of the fiscal reform, which will be revealed when the budget proposal is ready.
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