Spain Today - Last Spanish News

Spain Today
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY
Spain Today - Last Spanish News

“Spain Today” is your go-to source for the latest news and in-depth analysis on everything happening in Spain, delivered in clear and concise English. From political developments and economic updates to cultural trends and social issues, our weekly episodes keep you informed on the key stories shaping the nation. Whether you’re an expat, a language learner, or simply interested in understanding Spain from an insider’s perspective, “Spain Today” provides a balanced and engaging overview of current events. Stay tuned, stay informed, and stay connected!

  1. 18 MAR

    02.05 - Spain Today News 18 March 2025

    Spanish government's recent agreement with Junts per Catalunya regarding the distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors, the broader political reactions to this agreement, trends in international passenger arrivals, and internal political dynamics related to budget negotiations and freedom of speech. I. Government Agreement with Junts on Migrant Minors and Subsequent Political Reactions: Central Agreement: The PSOE (Socialist Party) government has reached an agreement with Junts per Catalunya, a Catalan separatist party, to reform Article 35 of the immigration law. In exchange for Junts' support, Catalonia will receive between 20 and 30 unaccompanied migrant minors out of the 4,000 currently in the Canary Islands.PP's Disapproval and Regional Opposition: The Partido Popular (PP), the main opposition party, has expressed strong disagreement with this agreement. They argue that their regional governments will refuse to participate in the distribution if there is insufficient capacity and resources to accommodate the minors with "respecto y garantías" (respect and guarantees).Government's Defense: The government, through the Minister of Digital Transition and leader of PSOE-M, Óscar López, has defended Madrid as a "tierra de acogida" (land of welcome) and accused Ayuso of choosing "racismo y la xenofobia antes que los derechos humanos" (racism and xenophobia before human rights).Canary Islands' Approval: The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has welcomed the agreement as "una magnífica noticia" (magnificent news), as it aligns with their long-standing demand for the redistribution of minors.Vox's Strong Opposition: The far-right Vox party has condemned the government's "política de puertas abiertas" (open-door policy) and calls for the repatriation of those who enter Spain illegally. They believe migrants lack the "voluntad de integración" (will to integrate).II. Increase in International Passenger Arrivals: Positive Trend: Spain experienced a 6.4% increase in international passenger arrivals in February compared to the previous year, reaching 6.7 million travelers.Low-Cost Carriers: Low-cost airlines accounted for the majority (61%) of arrivals and saw a 10% increase in their presence.Important Note: These figures represent all international flight passengers, regardless of residency, and should not be confused with international tourist numbers.III. ERC's Stance on Budget Negotiations and Agreement Compliance: Conditional Budget Support: Oriol Junqueras (ERC) has warned that if the PSOE government does not fulfill the agreements made with ERC, there will be no general budget in 2025, and potentially not in 2026 either.Lack of Predisposition: Junqueras accuses the PSOE of lacking the "predisposición" (predisposition) to carry out the agreed-upon terms, stating they only act when they have no other choice.IV. Legal Action Against Pablo Echenique for Alleged Hate Speech: Lawsuit over Tweet: A Madrid court has ordered a trial for Pablo Echenique, former Podemos MP, over a tweet he posted stating that statistically, it is much more probable for a priest to commit child sexual abuse than a migrant to commit a crime.Fiscalía's Opposition: The public prosecutor (Fiscalía) had requested the dismissal of the case and is not pressing charges against Echenique.Echenique's Defense: Echenique argued that his tweet was not intended to criminalize all priests but to defend migrants against statements made by the Archbishop of Oviedo.Abogados Cristianos' Reaction: Abogados Cristianos celebrated the court's decision, stating they will not tolerate public figures promoting hatred towards Christians.Echenique's Response: Echenique responded on social media, stating it was an "honor" to be sued by the organization and criticizing their actions in other legal cases.

    19 min

  2. 14 MAR

    02.04 - Spain Today News 14 March 2025

    Review of Recent Economic and Geopolitical Developments in Spain and Beyond We review news, focusing on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and globally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with a focus on the Kursk region, recent Spanish inflation data, and trends in mortgage foreclosures.

    11 min

  3. 31 JAN

    02.03 - Spain Today 31 January 2025

    In today episode: A legal case involving the alleged leaking of information by a Madrid prosecutor. The ongoing struggle for Spanish workers as wages fail to keep pace with inflation. A major investment in biometano production as part of Spain’s green energy transition. The precarious situation faced by young people in Spain, particularly concerning housing affordability and its impacts.

    16 min

  4. 30 JAN

    02.02 - Spain Today 30 January 2025

    Álvaro García Ortiz, the State Attorney General, has denied leaking emails related to the tax fraud case of Isabel Díaz Ayuso's boyfriend. He stated that he routinely deletes content from his mobile phone for security and legal reasons, and that he has changed his phone six times in the last four years. The Supreme Court rejected the annulment of his appointment, and he has not responded to the judge or the accusations, but only to the State Advocacy, which is his defense. The judge is investigating whether García Ortiz and the provincial prosecutor of Madrid, Pilar Rodríguez, leaked the emails, and García Ortiz denies having facilitated the emails to anyone or having given orders to prosecutors regarding this matter. He also denies trying to harm Ayuso's boyfriend or hinder his agreement. Additionally, a Spanish satellite, SpainSat NG I, was launched from Cape Canaveral. It is the most advanced secure communications satellite ever built in Europe and will provide secure communications for the Spanish Armed Forces and NATO. The satellite has a life of about 15 years and is designed to operate in the X, Ka, and UHF bands. Lastly, a judge is investigating Íñigo Errejón for an alleged sexual assault. The judge has requested Sumar’s internal investigation, as well as information regarding interviews given by the accuser, Elisa Mouliaá. The judge has also called witnesses and requested analysis of the mobile phones of both Errejón and Mouliaá.

    9 min

  5. 27 JAN

    02.01 - Spain Today 27 January 2025

    In todays episode: Severe Weather Event: Storm Herminia is causing widespread disruption with strong winds, heavy rain, snow, and high seas, particularly impacting Galicia. Private Healthcare System in Flux: The future of the Muface agreement, which covers healthcare for civil servants, is uncertain, leading to potential strain on the public healthcare system. The private health insurance sector continues to grow. Political Conflict: The Spanish government is facing challenges in passing key legislation, with opposition parties rejecting significant measures.

    20 min

  6. 23/10/2024

    01.14 - Spain Today 23 October 2024

    Spain Today - The Housing Crisis October 24, 2024 "PP in Madrid asks that Sánchez and his wife appear before the Assembly commission" (RTVE.es)"PP and Sumar join forces in Congress and vote on two proposals outside the PSOE" (RTVE.es)"Public park, incentives and other solutions to the housing crisis" (RTVE.es) Main Themes: Political Maneuvering in Madrid: The People's Party (PP) in Madrid is attempting to investigate the Complutense University and the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, for alleged preferential treatment. This is seen as a political move by the PP, who hold an absolute majority in the Madrid Assembly. Quote: "With this initiative, which she knows is destined to fail, Isabel Díaz Ayuso intends to once again expose Núñez Feijóo as an incompetent and ineffective leader of the opposition to the Government of Spain," - Moncloa sources. Unlikely Alliances in Congress: The PP and Sumar, a left-wing coalition partner in the national government, have formed an unexpected alliance in Congress. This led to the approval of two proposals, one from each party, concerning arms exports and mortgage clauses, respectively. This development has caused friction within the ruling coalition and sparked confusion among other parties. Quote: "It is good to put an end to banking abuses (...) and it is good for governments to be accountable when they send troops abroad," - Íñigo Errejón, Sumar spokesperson. Ongoing Housing Crisis: Spain continues to grapple with a housing crisis marked by rising rental prices and limited access to affordable housing. Various solutions are being debated, including increasing the public housing stock, incentivizing rentals, and providing financial assistance to young renters and potential homebuyers. However, there is disagreement about the effectiveness and potential drawbacks of these measures. Quote: "It is a mistake to try to control the prices of rental housing. You are making an obligation that belongs to the public powers fall on individuals." - Julio Vinuesa, Emeritus Professor of Human Geography at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Key Facts and Ideas: Political Tensions: The PP's move to investigate Begoña Gómez is likely to escalate political tensions between the national government and the PP-led Madrid regional government.Shifting Political Landscape: The PP and Sumar alliance in Congress suggests potential shifts in the political landscape, with parties willing to cooperate on specific issues despite ideological differences.Complex Housing Crisis: The housing crisis is a multifaceted issue with no easy solutions. Experts highlight the need for a multifaceted approach involving public and private sector collaboration, increased public housing, and careful regulation of the rental market. Debate over Housing Solutions: There is significant debate regarding the effectiveness of government interventions in the housing market, such as rent control and financial assistance programs. Concerns about unintended consequences, such as landlords raising rents or benefiting from subsidies, need to be addressed.

    13 min

  7. 22/10/2024

    01.13 - Spain Today 22 October 2024

    Spain Today - News summary October 22 2024 This briefing doc summarizes three news articles from RTVE.es, providing insights into recent developments in Spanish politics and justice: "Ayuso refuses to attend bilateral meeting with Sánchez this Friday" Main Theme: The article details the escalating political tension between Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, and Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain. Key Facts & Ideas: Ayuso is refusing to attend a scheduled meeting with Sánchez and other regional presidents. She accuses Sánchez of orchestrating a "political witch hunt" against her, citing "serious accusations" against her and her partner disseminated by the government. Ayuso also criticizes Sánchez's agreement with the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) on regional financing, calling it "lethal for the rule of law and the unity of Spain." Quote: "Pedro Sánchez wants to make us accomplices in his pact with ERC... They are preparing a new coup.” Significance: Ayuso's refusal to meet with Sánchez signifies a breakdown in communication and cooperation between the central government and the Madrid regional government, which is led by the opposition Popular Party (PP). "Samuel Luiz Trial: Everyone heard 'Fucking Faggot'" Main Theme: The article covers the ongoing trial for the murder of Samuel Luiz, a young man beaten to death in a suspected homophobic attack in A Coruña in 2021. Key Facts & Ideas: Witness testimonies reveal that the homophobic slur "maricón de mierda" was repeatedly used during the attack. The trial is focusing on the role of five adult defendants, with the prosecution seeking prison sentences ranging from 22 to 27 years. Witnesses provide conflicting accounts regarding the level of involvement of each defendant. Quote: "Yes, 'fucking faggot' was heard, and I think everyone heard it.” Significance: The Samuel Luiz murder trial is a highly sensitive case in Spain, highlighting concerns about hate crimes and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. "Podemos to consult its base on whether to support the budget" Main Theme: The article examines the left-wing party Podemos' demands for supporting the government's upcoming budget proposal. Key Facts & Ideas: Podemos, a junior partner in the coalition government, is launching an internal vote among its members to decide whether to support the budget. The party demands that the government break diplomatic ties with Israel and implement a law to lower rental prices by 40% as conditions for their support. Podemos leader Ione Belarra criticizes the government for failing to deliver on social reforms and for being complicit in the "worst genocide in a century." Quote: "I think this is the least that can be asked of this government in order for it to have the support of Podemos.” Significance: Podemos' demands and internal consultation demonstrate the fragility of the governing coalition and the challenges faced by Prime Minister Sánchez in securing parliamentary approval for the budget.

    9 min

  8. 21/10/2024

    01.12 - Spain Today 21 October 2024

    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.

    11 min
See All (19)

    About

    “Spain Today” is your go-to source for the latest news and in-depth analysis on everything happening in Spain, delivered in clear and concise English. From political developments and economic updates to cultural trends and social issues, our weekly episodes keep you informed on the key stories shaping the nation. Whether you’re an expat, a language learner, or simply interested in understanding Spain from an insider’s perspective, “Spain Today” provides a balanced and engaging overview of current events. Stay tuned, stay informed, and stay connected!

    Information

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode cannot be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada