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.

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.

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.

Spain Today - News Briefing - October 17, 2024

Key Highlights:

• The Spanish political landscape remains fraught with accusations of corruption and calls for resignations.
• The European Central Bank has cut interest rates for the second consecutive time in an attempt to bolster a struggling Eurozone economy.

Politics:

• PP's Lawsuit Against PSOE Rejected: The Anticorruption Prosecutor's Office has recommended dismissing a lawsuit filed by the People's Party (PP) against the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) over alleged illegal financing. The lawsuit stemmed from reports of cash deliveries to PSOE headquarters. The judge will now decide whether to proceed.
• Sánchez Defends Attorney General, Demands Ayuso's Resignation: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz after the Supreme Court opened an investigation into the alleged revelation of secrets related to a tax fraud case involving Madrid's president Isabel Díaz Ayuso's partner. Sánchez called Ayuso's partner a "confessed criminal" and argued that Ayuso should resign. He also criticized the PP for demanding accountability while ignoring their own issues.

Economy:

• ECB Cuts Interest Rates: The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by 0.25 points to 3.25%, the second consecutive reduction. This decision aims to stimulate the Eurozone economy, which faces weak growth and the possibility of recession in Germany. The ECB cited slowing inflation and weak economic indicators as reasons for the cut. Analysts predict another rate cut before the end of the year.
• Impact of Rate Cuts: The interest rate cuts are expected to further reduce mortgage payments for consumers with variable-rate mortgages. However, savers are likely to see lower returns on their investments, prompting them to explore riskier options for better yields.

Spanish Politics and Literary News Briefing - October 16, 2024

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

• Corruption Allegations: This article focuses on the "Caso Koldo" and its impact on the Spanish political landscape. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accuses Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of being involved in this corruption scandal, calling him the "señor uno" (mastermind).
• Government Response: Sánchez vehemently denies these accusations, emphasizing that his government and the PSOE party have consistently acted against corruption, collaborating with the judicial system. He contrasts this with the PP's alleged tendency to protect those involved in corrupt activities, referencing specific cases.
• Political Back-and-Forth: Both leaders resort to "whataboutism," accusing each other's parties of being mired in various corruption cases. The PP highlights cases involving Sánchez's wife and former ministers, demanding his resignation. Sánchez counters by listing alleged corruption instances within the PP.
• Key Quote: “No todos los partidos somos iguales ni todos somos iguales, en el PSOE quien la hace la paga y en el suyo, cuando se denuncia un caso de corrupción, se le echa a la calle y se ensalza a aquellos que tapan la corrupción" - Pedro Sánchez.

Las reacciones políticas ante la imputación del fiscal general del Estado

• Imputation of the Attorney General: Attorney General Álvaro García Ortiz has been indicted by the Supreme Court for allegedly revealing secrets related to an investigation into Isabel Díaz Ayuso's (President of Madrid) partner. This investigation concerned tax fraud and document falsification.
• Opposition Demands Resignation: The PP and Vox parties strongly condemn the Attorney General's actions, demanding his immediate resignation. They tie the indictment to a broader pattern of corruption within the Sánchez government.
• Government Support: Despite the indictment, the government maintains its support for García Ortiz. Minister Félix Bolaños emphasizes the Attorney General's commitment to pursuing justice and truth, suggesting that revealing the information was necessary to counter alleged misinformation spread by Ayuso.
• Political Divide: The situation highlights the deep political division in Spain. The opposition views the indictment as further evidence of government corruption, while the government sees it as a politically motivated attack. Podemos accuses the PP of manipulating the judiciary for political gain.

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

• Planeta Prize Winner: This article celebrates Paloma Sánchez-Garnica's victory in the prestigious Planeta Prize for her novel Victoria. The novel is set in post-WWII Berlin and the United States, exploring themes of truth, justice, and redemption against the backdrop of the early Cold War.
• Themes of Love and Rivalry: Sánchez-Garnica discusses the importance of love and hate as driving forces in human interactions, highlighting the complex relationship between the novel's protagonist, Victoria, and her sister Rebeca. Their rivalry stems from resentment and envy, leading to painful misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts.
• Historical Backdrop: The author's fascination with Berlin's turbulent 20th-century history is evident in her choice of setting. She delves into the city's post-war occupation, showcasing the impact on ordinary Berliners' lives. The novel also sheds light on the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, drawing parallels to Nazi medical atrocities.
• Generational Shift: Finalist Beatriz Serrano's novel Fuego en la garganta is presented as appealing to a younger, millennial audience, exploring themes of loneliness, connection, and societal integration in the digital age. This suggests a potential effort by the Planeta Prize to engage with a broader demographic.

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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.