Ten days before the general elections on July 23, PSOE signaled support for small and medium-sized enterprises while sending a message to the CEOE, the federation of large employers. Transportation minister Rachel Sánchez and Industry minister Héctor Gómez lent their backing to Conpymes, an organization founded in 2021 as an alternative to the historically recognized state body representing entrepreneurs. At its general meeting, Gómez spoke of the need for a robust social dialogue and acknowledged Conpymes’ active leadership in pushing that agenda.
Conpymes positions itself as the most representative social agent capable of engaging in face-to-face negotiations with both the CEOE and major unions such as CCOO and UGT on reforms. The organization emphasizes that SMEs deserve a central place in labor and pension discussions. It draws support from Pimec, the Catalan employers association, which in 2019, after years of legal disputes, secured admission to Catalonia alongside the historic Foment del Treball.
Conpymes brings together a broad coalition of industry bodies, including COAG, representing farmers and ranchers, Fenadismer, the carriers association, and Uatae, a major automobile group. Regional employers’ associations from Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Castile and León join forces, alongside other regional groups, totaling more than two million companies and freelancers under its umbrella.
The idea mirrors the long-standing bipartisanship seen in labor circles, with Conpymes advocating for a version of representation that goes beyond the traditional bodies tied to the existing CEOE framework. The organization argues that a neighborhood business cannot be effectively represented by the same entity that has historically served large retailers and conglomerates, and that current legislation often runs counter to SME interests. As of now, the legally recognized SME representative remains an organization affiliated with and integrated within the CEOE framework.
During the conference, Conpymes’ leadership stressed the necessity of real social dialogue and urged reforms to democratize the representation system. The chairman asserted that representation should not be monopolized by a few but should reflect the genuine needs of smaller enterprises. The ministers of Industry signaled openness to future changes that would allow intermediaries and SMEs to participate more directly in policy discussions, moving toward a model where the business world is more closely consulted on key decisions.
Guilt and the second chance law
Alongside its demand to sit at the same table with the CEOE, Conpymes pressed the PSOE government for new measures related to guilt and the second chance law. The proposal includes penalties for late payments and a call to address the practice of large firms effectively financing themselves at the expense of smaller suppliers through delayed payments. The aim is to improve cash flow for SMEs and reduce the cost of capital driven by supplier delays.
On the matter of late payments, the Socialist program currently states a commitment to continue reducing negligence in business transactions as a means to boost the competitiveness and viability of SMEs and the self-employed. This wording, while promising, leaves room for interpretation and action in the near term.
Regarding the second chance law, Conpymes advocates for a new regulatory framework that would give a failed entrepreneur an opportunity to launch another project. The idea is to decouple a bankruptcy from permanent social exclusion and economic marginalization. While the PSOE program does not explicitly design a second chance mechanism, the Industry minister acknowledged the issue and indicated a willingness to align with the concerns of SMEs, signaling a potential partnership if the political climate permits it. In this context, Conpymes aims to demonstrate that responsible entrepreneurship can be renewed after adversity and that the broader economy benefits when people are allowed a constructive path forward. [citation: Conpymes overview]