Spain Today - Spanish News Summary for October 21, 2024

Main Topics:

Political and Judicial Tension: The week has been marked by a strong clash between the Government and the Popular Party (PP), with accusations of corruption and a growing number of judicial cases involving political figures.

Citizen protests: There have been demonstrations in the Canary Islands against mass tourism and in Madrid calling for the resignation of the government and the calling of elections.

Key Events:

Koldo case and the indictment of the Attorney General:

The UCO report on the "Koldo case" points to a possible "relevant and responsible role" of former minister José Luis Ábalos in a corruption plot. The PP has filed a complaint against the PSOE for illegal financing, bribery and influence peddling.

The Attorney General of the State, Álvaro García Ortiz, has been indicted for alleged disclosure of secrets in a case involving businessman Alberto González Amador, partner of the Madrid president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The PP and Vox call for his resignation, while the government supports him.

Demonstrations in the Canary Islands against mass tourism:

Thousands of people demonstrated in the Canary Islands under the slogan "The Canary Islands have a limit." The protests focus on mass tourism, the impact on the housing market and the lack of action by the government to address these problems.

The protesters demand a tourism moratorium and measures to curb the growth of tourist apartments. They complain that the current tourism model is "destroying the Canarians."

Demonstration in Madrid calling for elections:

The Platform for Constitutional Spain called a demonstration in Madrid calling for the resignation of the government and the calling of general elections. The protest was supported by the PP and Vox.

The protesters criticize the government's management, the "Koldo case," corruption and the approval of measures that "undermine territorial equality."

Highlighted Statements:

"If a businessman goes to the headquarters of a party with bags full of money, that is obviously where the irregular financing is aimed" - Borja Sémper, PP spokesperson.

"All roads lead to Sánchez" - Alberto Núñez Feijóo, PP leader.

"The current tourism system does not build, it destroys, it destroys the Canaries" - Eugenio Reyes, spokesperson for Ben Magec.

"It is time to give voice to democracy and to the Spanish people" - Carmen Fúnez, Vice Secretary of Organization of the PP.

"There is no corruption that this Government does not do" - Santiago Abascal, president of Vox.

Analysis:

Political tension in Spain is at a high point. The judicialization of politics and accusations of corruption are eroding confidence in institutions.

Citizen protests reflect growing discontent with the government's management and concern about issues such as mass tourism and access to housing.

Political polarisation is intensifying, with the PP and Vox taking advantage of the situation to put pressure on the government and demand early elections.

Next Steps:

The aforementioned court cases are likely to continue to develop and generate political tensions.

The government will need to address the concerns of protesters in the Canary Islands and seek solutions to the problems of mass tourism.

The pressure to call general elections could increase in the coming months.

Key Highlights:

Politics:

Economy:

Feijóo acusa a Sánchez de ser el "señor 1" de la trama Koldo y este responde: "No todos somos iguales ante la corrupción"

Las reacciones políticas ante la imputación del fiscal general del Estado

Paloma Sánchez-Garnica, Planeta 2024: "Es la victoria de la verdad"

Spain Today - News in Spain - October 16, 2024

1. Nearly three million workers are in poverty in Spain:

- Labor poverty: Despite the rise in the Minimum Wage (SMI), labor reforms, and record employment figures, 2,957,000 workers in Spain live in poverty, which accounts for 13.7% of the employed population.

- Most affected sectors: Agriculture and domestic work are the hardest-hit sectors, with three out of ten workers living in poverty. Hospitality and construction follow.

- Vulnerability: Labor poverty particularly affects migrants, domestic workers, and large or single-parent families.

- Consequences: Households in labor poverty spend between 67% and 79% of their income on housing and basic services, with 55.3% forgoing essential healthcare services.

- Andalusia leads: Andalusia has the highest labor poverty rate (19.4%), followed by Extremadura and Ceuta.

- Recommendations: Oxfam Intermón urges broader social protection and a reform of the benefits system to improve job quality.

2. Government informs judge that CNI did not spy on Junqueras' lawyer with Pegasus:

- Espionage denial: The government informed the judge that the National Intelligence Center (CNI) did not spy on the phones of Andreu Van den Eynde, lawyer of Oriol Junqueras, nor on former MEP Jordi Solé, using Pegasus software.

- Doubts of the affected: Van den Eynde and Solé question the government's version and request a European Investigation Order to obtain information on the attacks on NSO Group (creator of Pegasus) and OSY Technologies.

- Background: The government confirmed that the CNI did spy on former Catalan president Pere Aragonès with Pegasus but claimed to have had Supreme Court authorization.

- Request to charge NSO: Van den Eynde asks the judge to charge NSO Group and interrogate its officials to clarify the Pegasus espionage case.

3. Political news today: Government faces a control session marked by the 'Koldo case':

- Control session in Congress: The government faces a control session overshadowed by the 'Koldo case,' which investigates alleged corruption.

- Opposition questions: PP and Vox will question the government about its actions against corruption, demanding explanations about the possible involvement of former minister José Luis Ábalos.

- Other topics: Housing issues, labor rights, and the censure of Minister Óscar Puente for his handling of railway transport will also be central topics.

- Political tension: The debate occurs in a context of high political tension, with accusations exchanged between the government and the opposition.

Spain Today - Spanish News Summary for October 15, 2024

1. Politics: Tension in ERC before the primaries

Marta Rovira, secretary general of ERC, has publicly criticized Oriol Junqueras, former president of the party and candidate for reelection, asking him to step aside to avoid a fracture in the formation. "I have learned a lot by your side, but every cycle has an end. We started this project together and we still have time to finish it together. I would like us to finish it together instead of separated and divided," said Rovira.

Rovira has questioned Junqueras' leadership, especially during the unilateral referendum of October 1, 2017, implying that he stepped aside.

She has also criticised the ERC pacts with the PSC in the Barcelona Provincial Council and the City Council of the Catalan capital, decisions that, according to her, were led by Junqueras and made her "suffer a lot".

Junqueras has already presented her candidacy, Militancia Decidim, which is against the current leadership of the party. The ERC congress to elect a new president will be held on 30 November.

2. Immigration: Two cayucos arrive in El Hierro with 164 migrants

Salvamento Marítimo has helped two cayucos with 164 migrants on board in waters near El Hierro. The migrants, among whom were 65 Pakistanis, eight women and three minors of sub-Saharan origin, were transferred to the port of La Restinga.

None of the migrants needed to be transferred to a health centre.

This event occurs in a context of an increase in the arrival of migrants to the Canary Islands. 3. Housing: Sumar criticises the rental bonus for young people

Sumar has warned that the rental bonus for young people announced by Pedro Sánchez "may aggravate the problem" of housing in Spain, considering it an "insufficient" measure that could benefit "rentiers".

The minority partner of the Government criticises that many autonomous communities have not managed all the aid from the current youth bonus, leaving many young people without the promised 250 euros per month.

Sumar proposes alternative measures such as forcing the autonomous communities to apply rental price control, modify the Urban Leasing Law to include seasonal rentals, temporarily prohibit the purchase and sale of homes that are not for residential use or sustainable rental, and intensify the construction of public housing.

Yolanda Díaz, second vice president of the Government, has called for "intervention" in the housing market to curb speculation.

#spain #spaintoday #spanishnews

Spain Today - news 14 October 2024

• ​The PP has filed a criminal complaint against the PSOE for illegal financing, bribery and influence peddling in the "Koldo Case", which involves former minister José Luis Ábalos. The PP believes that the National Court should open a new investigation into possible irregular financing of the PSOE. The party also wants to turn Wednesday's government control session into a monographic plenary session on corruption.
• ​For its part, the PSOE has responded that the "Koldo Case" is already in court and has threatened to take the contracts of the Xunta de Galicia to relatives of Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the PP, to court.
• ​The Senate has voted against the law that validates sentences served in other European countries, which will benefit ETA prisoners. The PP has used its majority in the Upper House to delay the approval of the law, which will nevertheless be approved in Congress.
• ​The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has asked the autonomous communities to apply the state housing law and has defended that it is a "good law" that works where it is applied. Sánchez has assured that the housing problem is an "absolute priority" of his government. He has also acknowledged that the current measures "are not enough" and has called for unity of action from communities and municipalities.

Spain Today news summary for October 11, 2024

This document summarizes the main topics and the most important facts presented in three news articles published by RTVE.es on October 11, 2024.

1. Possible delay in BBVA's takeover bid for Banco Sabadell

The Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, estimates that BBVA's takeover bid for Banco Sabadell could be extended until the first quarter of 2025 if the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) decides to further analyze the operation.

Cuerpo reiterates his "great concern about the impact on competition" that the merger would have, pointing out a possible "deterioration of the situation for consumers" in areas such as financial inclusion, territorial cohesion, SME financing and job preservation.

The minister recalls that the Government has the final say in authorizing the operation and that, if they do not merge, both entities would continue to operate separately.

Key quote: "My opinion is exactly the same, of great concern about the impact on competition and the possible deterioration of the situation for consumers" - Carlos Cuerpo.

2. Investigation of the Koldo case and the involvement of José Luis Ábalos

A report by the UCO links the former Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos, to the alleged corruption plot in the purchase and sale of masks during the pandemic, highlighting his "relevant role".

The report also reveals that Ábalos informed President Sánchez about the visit of the Venezuelan vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, despite the EU sanctions that prohibited her entry.

The government assures that it will collaborate with justice and that there will be no impunity. Both Sánchez and other ministers have reiterated their commitment to the fight against corruption and have stated that "whoever has to pay, pays."

Key quote: "There will be no impunity. Whoever does it, pays" - Pedro Sánchez.

3. Negotiations for the reduction of the working day

The social dialogue table for the reduction of the working day has once again concluded without an agreement between the Ministry of Labour, the unions and the employers' association.

The Ministry proposes bonuses for SMEs that create permanent jobs or increase the hours of the working day as a result of the reduction of the working day to 37.5 hours per week by 2025.

The unions insist that the reduction of the working day must be by law and criticise the position of the employers' association, which they accuse of obstructing the agreement.

The employers' association, for its part, considers that there has not been a real negotiation and argues that the reduction of the working day must be agreed in the collective agreements of the companies.

Key quote: "It is important that the reduction be legal" - Mari Cruz Vicente, Secretary of Trade Union Action of CC.OO.

Spain Today - Spanish News for October 9th, 2024

This document summarizes the main topics and the most relevant data from three articles published by RTVE.es on October 9th, 2024.

1. Storm Kirk Hits Spain:

Storm Kirk has wreaked havoc across the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the north, with torrential rains and winds reaching up to 205 km/h.

Nine injuries have been reported, along with canceled or diverted flights and trains, power outages, floods, and material damages such as torn-off roofs.

Galicia has been one of the hardest-hit regions, with over 370 incidents reported, including flight diversions at A Coruña and Vigo airports.

In Cantabria, wind gusts reached up to 205 km/h, resulting in flight cancellations at Santander airport and disruption to railway services.

Castilla y León reported five injuries due to falling objects and over 720 emergency calls attended.

Several cities have closed parks, and the public is advised to take precautions due to the risk of falling debris and strong winds.

*Quote:* "The presence of Storm Kirk is wreaking havoc across the Peninsula, especially in the north of the country. In the past few hours, heavy rains and strong winds have caused nine injuries, flight cancellations, train delays, torn-off roofs, and power outages."

2. Political Controversy Over Law Benefiting ETA Prisoners:

The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has demanded that President Pedro Sánchez withdraw a law that, according to him, reduces sentences for ETA members and benefits them by validating sentences served in other countries.

Sánchez responded that the PP "knew what they were voting for" and that the law stems from a European directive, denying that it reduces sentences.

The controversy has sparked a heated debate in Congress, with cross-accusations between the PP and the PSOE.

Parties such as ERC and EH Bildu criticized the PP for using the issue of ETA to divert attention and defended the law.

UPN has sided with the PP in its opposition to the law.

*Quote:* "I urge you to withdraw the law that nullifies more than 300 years of prison sentences for ETA convicts. If you have a shred of conscience left, I ask you to reconsider," Feijóo began his speech.

3. Increase in Evictions in Spain:

The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) reported a 7.8% increase in evictions during the second quarter of 2024, reaching a total of 7,850 cases.

Most evictions (74.8%) were due to non-payment of rent, while 18.7% originated from mortgage foreclosures.

Catalonia leads the number of evictions, followed by Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and Madrid.

Lawsuits for illegal occupation of homes have decreased by 19.1% compared to the same period last year.

Summary of Spain's news for October 8, 2024:

Spanish News Summary - October 7, 2024, covering topics of gender violence, labor conflicts in the transport sector, and regulation of tourist rentals.

1. Gender Violence:

Two recent femicides in Pontevedra and Almería bring the number to 37 victims so far this year, adding up to a total of 1,281 women murdered since 2003.

The Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo, has highlighted the effectiveness of telematic control devices for aggressors, stating that "no woman enrolled in that program has been murdered."

Possible cases of vicarious violence are being investigated in Aranda de Duero and Burgos.

The article reminds readers of the resources available for victims of gender violence, including the 016 telephone number.

2. Strike in Transport:

CC.OO. and UGT call for a strike in the transport sector starting on October 28, with staggered strikes that could become indefinite on December 23.

The main demand is early retirement for drivers due to the arduous and dangerous nature of the profession, arguing road safety risks.

The unions criticize both the Government and the employers for not meeting their demands. "The general strike in the sector (...) is a strike against the employers of road transport as directly responsible for working conditions," states the CC.OO. statement.

3. Regulation of Tourist Rentals:

The Supreme Court has ruled that neighborhood communities can prohibit tourist rentals with a majority of three-fifths of the owners.

This decision modifies the previous interpretation that required unanimity for such a decision.

The Supreme Court considers this prohibition as "legitimate" and in accordance with the Constitution, arguing that it does not alter the right to property.

The Government was already working on an amendment to the Horizontal Property Law to facilitate the regulation of tourist rentals at the level of communities of neighbours.