GSD is 'blind to progress', Govt says

The Gibraltar Government has described as "immature and delusional" the GSD's reaction to news that Gibraltar had been included in an OECD's framework on tax transparency.
Until recently, Spain had vetoed Gibraltar's inclusion in the BEPS framework, which strengthens cooperation between countries on taxation issues.
But Madrid lifted its veto in the wake of the tax treaty covering Gibraltar and Spain, something which the Gibraltar government welcomed and said would be beneficial to the Rock's financial services industry.
However, although Spain lifted its veto, it made a declaration in which it restated its core position on sovereignty and described the Gibraltar Government as a "local" authority.
For the GSD, which is critical of the treaty and says it hand Spain a say in Gibraltarian affairs, Madrid's declaration demonstrates that its position on Gibraltar has not changed.
Yesterday, the Gibraltar Government rejected that assessment.
"The GSD’s statement on Gibraltar’s most important membership of the OECD BEPS Framework is yet another demonstration of their blind failure to accept further progress for Gibraltar’s financial services sector arising directly from our tax treaty with Spain," No.6 Convent Place said in a statement.
"The Government of Gibraltar has never suggested that our inclusion in the OECD framework arises from Spain having dropped its claim to Gibraltar as Azopardi states."
"This is immature and delusional."
"As a direct result of the tax treaty with Spain, and Spain's recognition of the work this government has done in the areas of compliance with international standards, Spain has withdrawn its previous objection to our participation - even though we have been complying with these standards through EU Directives having properly been transposed here."
"It really is time Azopardi and the GSD stopped trying to undermine the jurisdiction and its excellent private sector for its own selfish political ambitions and started supporting government as we seek to reposition ourselves with the Brexit challenges we face in the coming months."