Spain is undoubtedly a clear example of Bitcoin's failure.
Now, in 2026, the tax agency will monitor all transactions made on a platform called “bizum,” which is the country's standard for sending money immediately between individuals (similar to Revolut), regardless of the transaction amount.
Since 2025, the tax agency has also been monitoring all second-hand buying and selling markets, and many people have received requests from the tax agency for this reason or have had their accounts blocked.
Cash payments are also increasingly restricted. Last year, a limit of €1,000 in cash was set for payments to professionals. And if you go to the bank to deposit a €500 cash bill, you are treated like Pablo Escobar and have to fill out paperwork, and the tax agency is informed if they deem it appropriate.
Bizum can be replaced by Bitcoin (Lightning), payments to professionals can be replaced by Bitcoin, banks can be replaced by Bitcoin, and second-hand markets can be created with Bitcoin payments.
But none of this is happening, because even though Bitcoin is the best monetary idea of the last 2000 years, people are still just as stupid as they were 2000 years ago.
