Spain: ‘Rebel’ CNMC group push for caution in handling of Uber, Airbnb

A group of councillors for Spanish competition regulator CNMC has announced they will be preparing a new study, which will propose a set of tougher measures designed to avoid what they see as likely damages to the Spanish economy, particularly to the Taxi and tourism sectors, shoud “free reign” be given to the so-called ‘sharing economy’ companies, exemplified by the now iconic Uber and Airbnb.

The new study’s authors have formed an informal group, critical of CNMC president José María Marín Quemada. The group staged a loud opposition against the President’s supporters after a March study was published, which clearly backed a ‘light’ regulatory approach for these companies and services.

The ‘rebel group’ has knocked the March study over various ‘technical inaccuracies’, presenting their rival study as an attempt at improving the original. The group’s proposals present a tougher line on the disruptive newcomers, including maintaining a limit on available For Hire Vehicle licenses, as well as tighter controls over temporary housing rental services in order to avoid “submerged economies” and other uncompetitive advantages which may harm both consumers and the hotel sector.

Full Content: Voz Populi

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