La President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, A few days ago, he offered the organization's plans for the circulation of the digital euro Starting in October 2025This has generated controversy over the use of cash in Spain, one of the EU countries with the most restrictions on this payment method.
The reactions were not long in coming and the president of the Denaria Platform, Javier Rupérez, He stated that his organization, dedicated to promoting the use of cash as a means of payment, is not "against" the digital sphere, but that advocates for "freedom of choice" for every citizen when making payments and use their money. In this regard, he noted that the massive "true fraud" occurs primarily in digital payments, which are susceptible to violations, and in many cases, prove it.
Citizens organize themselves
Following what appears to be an imminent transformation of payments from cash to digital, the Denaria Platform organized an event in the Congress of Deputies. It was called Financial Inclusion in Spain: Cash as a Safe and Sustainable SolutionDuring this session, Rupérez focused on the idea that cash is a "safe" means of payment and also one of the most used by most consumers.
In this scenario, he expressed his concern about the growing lack of cash acceptance in some places and also because of the difficulty in accessing ATMs and bank branches to obtain physical banknotes. In light of this, he warned financial exclusion and social challenge for millions of people who rely on cash in their daily activities.
Rupérez defended cash as a payment and savings method Because it guarantees "autonomy and freedom" for many people, as it doesn't require technology or electricity. He also emphasized that it's fast and secure against potential cyberattacks, and inclusive because everyone can access it without major complications.
He revealed that they receive "daily complaints" from people who are denied cash payments. Most of these complaints come from public sector companies, such as sports venues, music or other arts festivals, or property rentals, even despite the new Housing Law, which includes cash for transactions.
Likewise, He criticized the fact that the limit for cash payments in Spain is 1.000 euros.. He was emphatic in pointing out that the European Commission recommends a limit of 10.000 euros as a tacit rule. At the same time, He argued that cash is more environmentally friendly. compared to digital alternatives that require electricity and, of course, energy consumption and subsequent carbon emissions.
The event featured a roundtable discussion on the role of cash as a tool for personal autonomy, coexistence, and collective organization. Representatives from the Confederation participated in this debate. Spanish Senior Citizens' Organizations (Ceoma), of the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (Cermi), Down Spain and Association of Families and Rural Women (Afammer). All of these organizations bring together people for whom cash is a widely used payment method and whose lives are limited by restricted access to it.
Suspicion of fraud is not enough
On behalf of Cermi, its executive director, Pilar Villarino, defended that the use and choice of owning cash is a consumer lawIn any case, it was agreed that all options should be accessible to people with disabilities and that they should be able to use the method that best suits them without any restrictions.
“Cash for Cermi is a clear tool of financial inclusion and social participation. This is why we join the calls for cash to be considered a social good because our organization's vision is that empowers people with disabilities who might otherwise be financially excluded by not having someone to mediate their daily operations”, Villarino stated. Along these lines, he called for "personalized" services for these individuals.
Meanwhile, the president of Ceoma, José Luis Fernández, denounced the criminalization of which the citizen who wants to use cash to pay for being is subjected “under suspicion of being a fraudster” without even taking into account the presumption of innocence before any event: “People by definition are not fraudsters,” he said. As he spoke these words the room erupted in applause.
He took the opportunity to refer to the digital euro project launched by the European Central Bank (ECB) and expressed his “concern” because through it “any movement of the citizen will be controlled”. This was reacted to by the manager of Down España, Agustín Matía, who pointed out the “Treasury's obsession with control” and defended “giving options” and allowing everyone to choose how they prefer to pay and use their money.
Along the same lines, Miguel Padilla, general secretary of the Coordinator of Organizations of Farmers and Ranchers (COAG), defined the organization as a "fervent" defender of cash payments due to its predominance in the rural world and noted that "The fraudsters are elsewhere and are probably not being pursued in the same way." than the citizen. He also complained that public services “They are, mainly, those who put up obstacles.”
By Association of Families and Rural Women (Afammer), its general secretary, Rita Mateos, added that cash should be considered “a first-rate public service” and is a “pillar” of the local economy.
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Authorities speak
In this session there was a table composed of parliamentarians from PSOE, Vox, PP, Junts in which PSOE, PP and Vox agreed that the different payment options should coexist and that it should be the user who decides.
At the closing of the event Financial Inclusion in Spain: Cash as a Safe and Sustainable Solution, intervened the president and general director of the National Currency and Stamp FactoryIsabel Valldecabres, who pointed out that fears about the digital euro are unjustified, as personal data is held primarily by companies such as Bizum, Visa, and Mastercard, due to the "joy" with which it is shared.
I take this opportunity to remind you that The ECB has argued that cash should continue to be guaranteed. with the same level of acceptance as any other payment when the digital euro exists. In addition, it was asked "How can something disappear that, if it didn't exist, would have to be invented?"In this regard, he drew attention to the fact that the "big bag" of fraud is found in the movement of large amounts that are not handled by citizens.
