Spanish News

Third time lucky for Nadal?

Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer will meet for the third Wimbledon final in succession tomorrow after both players won their semi-final clashes in straight sets. It's the final most have been predicting and both players have been almost faultless en-route. Federer has won both previous finals against Nadal but the Spaniards game has improved again this year and a close match is inevitable. (Sat 05 Jul 08)

OECD chief says Spanish economy in 'crisis'

The head of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Ángel Gurría, said yesterday that the Spanish economy is going through a 'crisis' and would not return to normal until 2010. Gurría also said the OECD may cut its forecasts for Spain’s growth yet again for both 2008 and 2009. (Sat 05 JUl 08)

Catalan swimmer breaks records on the Strait's

Catalan swimmer David Meca set a new world record last night by crossing the Straits of Gibraltar three times without stopping. He also smashed the record time for two crossings of the Strait, previously held by Jaime Caballero with a time of 7 hours and 51 minutes, by setting a time of 7 hours and 18 minutes. (Sat 05 Jul 08)

ECB raises interest rates 0.25%

The European Central Bank yesterday raised the cost of borrowing by 0.25% to 4.25% in an effort to fight inflation. It's more bad news for Spain's already beleaguered housing market and for those struggling to meet higher costs of living across the board, but the head of the ECB, Jean-Claude Trichet, warned that there would probably be more rises to come. (Fri 04 Jul 08)

Nadal through to Wimbledon semi's

World number 2 seed Rafa Nadal won through to the Wimbledon championships semi-final last night with ease in a straight sets, 6-3 6-2 6-4, victory over Britain's Andy Murray. Murray, who looked exhausted from the start, never got into the match leaving Nadal to cruise to a semi-final place against Rainer Schuettler of Germany or Arnaud Clement of France. Spain's other quarter-finalist Feliciano Lopez was knocked out by Russian Marat Safin. (Thu 03 Jul 08)

Zapatero says 'no more talks with ETA'

Prime Minister Zapatero has said that there will be no more dialogue with ETA in an interview with El Pais. He said that negotiations had proved useless and 'It’s a road that did not lead to where we wanted to be.' Despite being involved in talks ETA broke the ceasefire with a bomb attack at Madrid airport, before formally announcing the resumption of hostilities several months later. (Thu 03 Jul 08)

Steel boss arrested on suspicion of ETA payments

The CEO of one of Spain’s biggest steel manufacturers was arrested yesterday on suspicion of having paid ETA extortion money, their so called 'revolutionary tax.' José Antonio Jainaga, CEO of Sidenor, a company with 3,000 employees, was arrested at his home in Bilbao yesterday morning. (Wed 02 Jul 08)

Huge welcome home for Spanish team

People turned out in their thousands last night to welcome home the Spanish national team from their victory in Euro 2008. They lined the streets of Madrid as the champions paraded the first trophy Spain have won in 44 years from an open top bus. The parade ended in Plaza de Colon where the players took the stage to thank the fans for their support. (Tue 01 Jul 08)

IBEX sees biggest falls since 1874

The Madrid Stock Market’s general index (IBEX) has fallen by 20.9% during the first half of this year, its worst fall since 1874, when the stock exchange started to measure the performance of listed companies. The Ibex 35 (top performing blue-chip index) lost 20.66 percent, the most in any six month period for 20 years. (Tue 01 Jul 08)

Nadal cruises to quarter final with Murray

Rafa Nadal disposed of Russian Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1, yesterday to secure a quarter final place against British player Andy Murray. Despite Nadal receiving treatment on his right leg early in the match he finished off the game in just over two hours. Murray will be a little less rested after a four hour epic against Richard Gasquet of France. (Tue 01 Jul 08)

Champions of Europe - Spain end 44 year drought

Spain won Euro 2008 last night and brought to an end a 44 year period of underachieving. The final score of 1-0 wasn't a true reflection of the game in which Spain dominated Germany on all fronts and it could so easily have been 3 or 4. The only goal came after 33 minutes from Fernando Torres and raised Spain's game further. Germany made a come back of sorts after the break but it didn't last long and the only team that looked like scoring again were Spain. (Mon 30 Jun 08)

Spain 1 Germany 0 - Nadal beats Kiefer

Spain will be hoping this is a taste of what's to come in tonight's Euro 2008 final as Rafa Nadal beat Germany's Nicolas Kiefer in straight sets at Wimbledon yesterday to progress to the last 16 of the men's championship. The first set was close and went to a tie break but the following two were dominated by Nadal in a match that finished 7-6, 6-2, 6-3. Nadal is one of three Spanish in the final 16 and is joined by Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez. (Sun 29 Jun 08)

Inflation hits another high

Inflation has broken the 5% barrier, rising to 5.1% in June, the highest level level since the current calculation for measuring price rises was introduced in 1997. Experts are warning the figure could rise still further in July or August predicting levels of between 5.2 and 5.4%, before easing to around 4.0% percent by the end of the year providing the surge in oil prices tapers off. (Sat 28 Jun 08)

Building permits drop by 56%

Figures just out reveal permits issued for new housing projects fell by 56.4% in the first quarter of 2008. This combined with the estimated 650,000 unsold homes in Spain and the 31.8% drop in sales in the first quarter shows just how deeply the property crisis has bitten. (Sat 28 Jun 08)

Viva España - Spain through to Euro 2008 final

1964 was the last time Spain last won a major trophy and 1984 the last time they reached a final and with last last nights 3-0 victory over Russia one landmark has now been achieved. So many times before Spain have promised so much and delivered little, but a confident, exciting and skilful display against the Russians silenced all the doubters. In a close first half both teams played attacking, open football and at half-time it was anyone's. However five minutes after the break Xavi Hernández broke the deadlock and the course of the game changed. Spain seemed to swell with confidence and dominated from there on in with inevitable goals following from Daniel Güiza and David Silva. If Spain play like that in the final on Sunday Germany will have to be on the sort of form they have yet to find in these championships if they are to have any chance. (Fri 27 Jun 08)

Nadal wobbles but wins

Rafa Nadal lost the first set in his second round Wimbledon tie against the 19 year old Latvian Ernests Gulbis but came through to win the following three sets taking the match 5-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-3. It was the first time Nadal has lost a set in a Grand Slam since January’s Australian Open. Nadal will next face the 27th seed Nicolas Kiefer from Germany in the third round. (Fri 27 Jun 08)

Mari Luz Cortés' father outraged at judges fine

The father of Mari Luz Cortés, the five-year-old girl allegedly killed earlier this year by a paedophile who should have been in jail for the previous abuse of his own daughter, said a mere fine for the judge who failed to enforce the alleged attacker's sentence was outrageous. Judge Rafael Tirado will receive a fine of between €1,000 and €6,000 for negligence. (Thu 26 Jun 08)

Mortgage association predicts loan defaults could triple

The Spanish Mortgage Association said yesterday that numbers defaulting on loans could triple if the current economic situation continues and that 'the Spanish economy is in the initial phase of a crisis whose intensity and duration we are not in a situation to predict.' Meanwhile the number of home sales in the first quarter of 2008 have dropped by nearly 32%. (Thu 26 Jun 08)

Bank of Spain warns of enormous job losses

The governor of the Bank of Spain has warned the slowdown in the Spanish economy could entail 'enormous' job losses in the absence of preventative measures. The jobless rate suffered its biggest jump in 15 years in the first quarter of this year, rising to 9.6 percent and the government now admits that unemployment next year would be closer to 11% than to its original estimate of 10%. (Wed 25 Jun 08)

Nadal makes a good start at Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal beat Andreas Beck of Germany in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6, yesterday in to kick off his Wimbledon challenge. Seeded number two and fresh from victories at the French open and Queens he is many peoples favourite for this years title including Bjorn Borg who said, 'If he gets past the first rounds, he’s my favorite to win.' (Wed 25 Jun 08)

Zapatero admits severity of slowdown

Crisis has been a word that the government have noticeably avoided when talking about the economy this year. But yesterday the prime minister said 'The Spanish economy is undergoing a strong slowdown, almost at a halt', and predicted that little would change until the second half of next year. The government’s GDP growth forecast for this year is now 2.3%, down from 3.1%, but the IMF estimate the figure could be as low as 1.6%. (Tue 24 Jun 08)

Tiger mosquito increasing in numbers across Catalunya

The tiger mosquito, which inflicts a particularly painful bite on its victims, is becoming increasingly common in Catalunya. Originally from south-east Asia the mosquito is easily recognizable thanks to its pointed abdomen and black and white stripes on its legs and has doubled in numbers across some regions of Catalunya. (Tue 24 Jun 08)

Spain complete the Italian Job

After 2 hours without a goal Spain finally got what they deserved against a defensive and unadventurous Italy after a penalty shoot-out. June 22 had bad omens for the Spanish having gone out of 3 major tournaments after penalties on this day, but they held their nerve and Casillas became the hero by saving two of Italy's attempts. Spain now face Russia in the semi-finals in Vienna on Thursday evening. (Mon 23 Jun 08)

Santander boss, 'Crisis, what crisis?'

Emilio Botín, the Chairman of Spain’s largest banking group, Santander, told shareholders at the group’s AGM on Saturday that the bank will be the world’s third largest in terms of profits this year, after China’s two leading lenders. The group forecasts €10 billion profit this year and Botín said, 'Crisis? Who’s in crisis? Santander certainly isn’t.' (Mon 23 Jun 08)

Valencia to withdraw free expat healthcare

The regional government of Valencia have announced that they will no longer provide free health care to the estimated 1 million expat residents and long stay tourists in the region. Free healthcare was offered to all expats in 2002 to encourage investment in the Costa Blanca's then lucrative property market. The housing market has since collapsed and the region can no longer afford the extra €1bn cost of the free healthcare. (Sun 22 Jun 08)

Spain's population passes 46 million mark

The population of Spain has passed the 46-million mark, rising by more than 800,000 people during the course of 2007. Immigration accounts for much of the increase with foreigners now making up just over 11 percent of the registered population at 5.22 million, but this doesn't take into account people not registered with their town hall. Of the total number 2.1 million are EU citizens, with the rest mostly from Latin America and Northern Africa. (Sat 21 Jun 08)

Helicopter crash kills 2 Spanish airmen

Two Spanish airmen have been killed in a helicopter crash while on patrol in Bosnia. Lieutenant Santiago Hormigo Ledesma, 32, and Sergeant Joaquín López Moreno, 32, died along with two German officers when their helicopter plunged into a wooded hillside whilst on a routine patrol as part of the EU peacekeeping force in the country. (Fri 20 Jun 08)

Spanish farmers join the fuel protests

More than 10,000 farmers marched on the Agriculture Ministry in Madrid yesterday bringing the centre of the city to a virtual standstill. They are demanding that the duty on fuel for agricultural use be reduced from the current 16% to 7%. (Fri 20 Jun 08)

SAS abandons plans to sell Spanair

Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) has dropped plans to sell its loss-making Spanish subsidiary Spanair after failing to find a buyer willing to pay the asking price. Spanair is Spain’s second biggest carrier with a workforce of 3,570, 18.8 million passengers last year and a fleet of 65 planes, but loses of €41 million for the first quarter of this year. (Fri 20 Jun 08)

Estepona council used false accounting to hide bribery racket

It's not yet clear how much money the mayor of Estepona, Antonio Barrientos, and his fellow accused council members raked in from the kickbacks, although investigators suspect it to be substantial. What is clear is that officials used double accounting to hide the proceeds and that it was known about by most of the council members. Questions remain as to how it took so long to be discovered and how many more mayors across the country are lining their pockets in the same way. (Thu 19 Jun 08)

Spain's reserves maintain 100% record

Despite resting almost all of their first team and a putting in a performance that was nothing to write home about Spain managed to grab the winner in the last minute of normal time. The win sees Spain through top of their group with 9 points and Russia runners-up after winning against Sweden. Spain now face Italy on Sunday in the quarter finals. (Thu 19 Jun 08)

BBVA bank executive found shot at his home

A senior executive of Spanish bank BBVA in Andalusia has been found dead in his house in Seville with two gunshot wounds in the chest. Andrés Toro Barea, 59, was in charge of BBVA’s Special Recovery Centre in Andalusia. Police have ruled out suicide and it appears Toro Barea let his killer into his home as there were no signs of false entry. (Thu 19 Jan 08)

Mayor of Estepona arrested on corruption charges

The mayor of another large town on the Costa del Sol was arrested yesterday along with several city councillors and a dozen other people on corruption charges. The arrest of Antonio Barrientos, mayor of Estepona, follows the similar and, it seems, connected arrest of the mayor of Marbella in 2006 and the charges he faces will be similar, that of providing building permits in exchange for bribes from property developers. (Wed 18 Jun 08)

Top Spanish Chefs in war of words

Ferran Adria, the owner of the michelin 3 star restaurant El Bulli which is ranked as the world's best by Britain's Restaurant magazine has hit back at criticism from Santi Santamaria, another 3 star chef. Santamaria who runs Can Fabes (near El Bulli) has called Adria's type of 'molecular gastronomy' pretentious and said his dishes were designed to impress rather than satisfy and used chemicals that actually put diners health at risk. Adria has responded by saying the comments mark 'the saddest weeks in the history of Spanish cooking,' and other chefs have rallied to his defence accusing Santamaria of jealousy. (Wed 18 Jun 08)

Prince Felipe makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

The heir to the Spanish throne, Prince Felipe, has made a surprise visit to the Afghan town of Qala i Naw where 220 Spanish soldiers are taking part in reconstruction duties in the area. He will spend just an hour there before moving onto the main Spanish base at Herat where the remainder of the 726 troops are based. (Tue 17 Jun 08)

Nadal continues winning streak

Fresh from the French Open title Rafael Nadal continued his winning streak by defeating Novak Djokovic to win the first grass court title of his career at the Queens Club Artois Championships in London. He now has a week to recover before starting his challenge for the Wimbledon title. (16 Jun 08)

Government plan to repatriate 1M immigrants

In stark contrast to the policy of just a year ago,when foreign workers were being hired at source, the Spanish government will offer legal immigrants who lose their jobs a chance to collect unemployment benefits quickly and in a lump sum if they agree to return to their home countries. To be eligible, migrants must give up their residency and work papers and pledge not to return for at least three years. Payment will be made in two phases, one before leaving, the second once they are back home. (Mon 16 Jun 08)

'Radical' truckers plan to protest in Madrid

A group of largely self employed truck drivers are planning more protests in Madrid today. Despite Government assurances that the strike would be over by today the group, said to consist of up to 30,000 drivers, are still unhappy that there has been no concession on their core demands to reduce fuel tax and minimum haulage fees. (Mon 16 Jun 08)

Injury time winner sees Spain through

David Villa scored in the last seconds of injury time against Sweden to put Spain through to the quarter finals of Euro 2008 last night. Spain started well and took the lead after 15 minutes with a goal from Ferdnando Torres but a generally lacklustre performance followed and Sweden equalised 20 minutes later. A penalty appeal was rejected just before half-time and saw the teams go to the break level. There were few chances in the second half but Spain took advantage of a 92nd minute break to put themselves into the knock-out rounds. (Sun 15 Jun 08)

Zaragoza World Expo 2008 opens

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía officially opened the World Expo 2008 in Zaragoza last night. The €700-million, 25-hectare Expo will feature exhibitions from 105 countries focussing on the theme of water and sustainable development. Between six and seven million people are expected to attend the event before it ends on September 14. Day tickets cost €35 and three-day tickets €70. World Expo website (Sat 14 Jun 08)

Twenty 'Russian Mafia' suspects arrested

Spain has dismantled 'the largest Russian criminal organization in the world,' arresting 20 people in synchronized raids across the country. They have been charged with crimes ranging from murder and assault to arms and drug trafficking and authorities have frozen €12 million in assets, seized €200,000 in cash, 23 luxury cars, several works of art and a yacht. (Sat 14 Jun 08)

Government gets tough with strikers

Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba said the government will no longer tolerate illegal road blockades and that 'security forces will act resolutely to keep roads clear and ensure that basic products are distributed'. However protests show no sign of decline and there were widespread and sometimes violent demonstrations in several cities yesterday with truck drivers being joined by fishermen and farmers. (Thu 12 Jun 08)

Car production at virtual standstill

Spain's car industry has come to a virtual standstill because of the lack of parts and fuel caused by the truck drivers strike. Spain's 18 car factories produce about 13,000 vehicles a day and account for about 5 percent of the country's GDP and will have to stop production today unless emergency deliveries can be made. (Thu 12 Jun 08)

Inflation hits another high

As the oil price continues to rise so does the inflation figure which hit a 13 year high of 4.6% for May, up 0.4% on the same period last year and the highest figure since July 1995. The economy minister said further rises are expected throughout the summer before prices would slow towards the end of the year. (Thu 12 Jun 08)

Protester killed as truckers strike intensifies

A striking trucker was run over and killed yesterday as he tried to stop a vehicle leaving a wholesale food market near Granada. It follows a similar incident in Portugal with no end in sight for the strike in either country as the Spanish government refuse to negotiate on the two main demands from the truckers, lowering fuel duty and minimum tariffs. (Wed 11 Jun 08)

Perfect start for Spain in Euro 2008

Spain got off to a perfect start with a formidable 4-1 victory against Russia yesterday. Following disapointing warm-up matches against Peru and the USA a new formation for Spain worked perfectly and the attacking partnership of David Villa and Fernando Torres led to a hat-trick for Villa. It raises hopes of a Spain's chances in the tournament though a similar start in the last world cup came to nothing. They next face Sweden, who last night beat the holders Greece, on Saturday. (Wed 11 Jun 08)

Major routes and borders at standstill

The first day of the haulage strike brought routes around major cities and borders with France and Portugal to a virtual standstill yesterday. No end appears to be in sight as the governments promised 'potent measures' aren't enough to satisfy the truckers demands for lower taxes on diesel fuel and establishing minimum haulage fees. There have been warnings that fuel and food shortages could start in the next few days if the strike continues. (Tue 10 Jun 08)

Nadal crushes Federer in French Open final

Rafael Nadal left a capacity crowd stunned after beating the world number one in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0, in the French Open final yesterday afternoon. It gave Nadal his forth successive French Open title matching Bjorn Borg's record who was there to present the trophy. (Mon 09 Jun 08)

Government promise 'potent measures' for truckers

The Government has promised a range of what they call 'potent measures' to alleviate at least some of the effects of higher fuel prices for the haulage industry. What exactly the measures are appears unclear at the moment but it is hoped that a promise of action will pacify the truckers who are striking from today. (Mon 09 Jun 08)

ETA bomb at newspaper offices

A bomb at the presses of the Basque newspaper El Correo exploded at about 3am this morning in an industrial estate near Bilbao. The newspaper said about 50 people were working at the site but no one is reported to have been injured. (Sun 08 Jun 08)

Truckers threaten to bring Spain to standstill

Spanish truckers are preparing protests over soaring fuel costs that could bring the country to a halt and see petrol stations run out of fuel as early as Thursday. Two associations are due to begin action from midnight on Sunday unless the government agrees to reduce fuel taxes and set a minimum service price to cover transportation costs. (Sat 07 Jun 08)

Nadal cruises to French Open final

Rafael Nadal disposed of Novak Djokovic in yesterdays French Open semi-final 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 to secure a final place against Roger Federer. If Nadal wins on Sunday he will match Bjorn Borg's record of four consecutive French Open titles. (Sat 07 Jun 08)

11 accused of planning Barcelona suicide bombings

11 men accused of plotting suicide attacks on the Barcelona metro system went to court in Madrid to be indicted yesterday. They all face charges of belonging to a terrorist organisation and possession of explosives following a police raid on an unauthorized prayer hall in Barcelona. (Fri 06 Jun 08)

Taxi!! Not in Madrid

280 Madrid taxi drivers went on strike yesterday in protest over rising fuel costs and brought chaos to the city centre. It's the latest in a series of protests and strikes against the huge recent increases in oil prices. (Fri 06 Jun 08)

Spain beat US in final Euro 2008 warm-up

Spain beat the US 1-0 last night with a second half goal from Xavi but failed to raise many hopes of a successful Euro 2008 campaign. There was little to separate the teams for much of the match although Spain had more chances in the second half. Spain will face Russia on 10 June in their opening fixture of the tournament. (05 Jun 08)

Zapatero criticises Berlusconi's immigration laws

Spanish premier José Zapatero has openly criticized Italy's new unilateral immigration laws introduced recently under Silvio Berlusconi's new government. 'Do we agree with Italy? Certainly not,' Zapatero said after a meeting between the two countries after a UN Food and Agricultural Organization meeting in Rome. Zapatero said he had urged Italy to 'coordinate with the EU' in a common policy to tackle immigration. (Wed 04 Jun 08)

Jobless figure rises in May for the first time

The unemployment figures for May rose for the first time since records began in 1979. The total numbers of unemployed climbed 15,000 to 2.353 million with the construction sector bearing the brunt of job losses. (Wed 04 Jun 08)

Rising Ebro threatens Zaragoza water expo

Artificial barriers have had to be constructed along the banks of the Ebro to protect the Zaragoza World Expo from flooding. Ironically the theme of the expo is water and its conservation, which because of the wettest May for 27 years, has seen the Ebro burst its banks in several locations. (Tue 03 Jun 08)

Car sales drop 24%

The Spanish car industry has declared a state of 'maximum alert' over a 24% sales drop in May over the same period last year. It's the highest drop in sales ever recorded and another sign that the economy is suffering more than at first feared from the global downturn. (Tue 03 Jun 08)

Skydive plane used in Honda ad

The plane that lost its wing and crashed killing its pilot and a skydiver on Friday was used in a live TV commercial for Honda the day before. Filming had finished and no one on the plane was connected with Honda when the accident happened. Honda have extended their condolences to the bereaved families. (Tue 03 Jun 08)

ETA blast injures two

An explosion early this morning in the Basque town of Zarautz slightly injured 3 police officers. A warning was given by ETA shortly before the bomb exploded outside the offices of a construction company. (Sun 01 Jun 08)

Spanish fishermen begin strike action

Fishermen yesterday handed out 18,000 kilos of free fish to mark the beginning of protests and strike action over the rising cost of fuel. They came from all over the country to the environment ministry in Madrid leaving their boats moored up in what is said to be 'indefinite' strike action. (Sat 31 May 08)

Nine skydivers survive plane crash

A pilot and a skydiver were killed yesterday when the light aircraft they were in crashed after losing a wing in Toledo province. Nine other skydivers on board managed to parachute to safety although two were seriously injured. (Sat 31 May 08)

Inflation rises, confidence falls

Inflation figures show prices rose 4.7% in May up further from the April figure of 4.2%. Soaring oil and food prices are to blame for the highest figures since 1997 and a recent survey suggests 46% of Spaniards feel the economic situation is either bad or very bad with most expecting things to get worse before they get better. (Fri 30 May 08)

Drought over for Barcelona

The most severe water shortages in Barcelona for decades have been replaced by the wettest May since 1971 and brought an end to the city's water crisis. Reservoirs supplying Barcelona are now said to be at 45% capacity and there is now even talk of cancelling the pipeline planned to divert water from the Ebro. One question remains though, will it ever stop raining? (Thu 29 May 08)

Housing slump gathers pace

New figures out yesterday show Spain's residential housing market saw sales drop by 36% in March compared to the same period last year. The year on year decrease for January was 27% indicating that the slump is gathering pace. (Thu 29 May 08)

Twins sue over 28 year separation

Twins, born in the canary islands, who were separated at birth due to a hospital mix up are planning to sue the local authorities. One of the twin girls, born in 1973, was mistakenly swapped for another baby girl although it wasn't discovered until 28 years later. One of the girls friends was put out that the twin didn't recognise her in a shop, she called her later to be told by the twin she hadn't been in the shop at which point the friend knew something was wrong. DNA tests revealed the truth and now all 3 women are suing for damages. (Thu 29 May 08)

Government slashes forecast for growth

Hopes of a budget surplus for the third consecutive year have been dashed because of the housing slump and soaring oil prices. The government revised its forecast yesterday saying it now expected to end the year in balance rather than the surplus (equivalent to 1% of GDP) that had been predicted. (Wed 28 May 08)

2 migrants die trying to reach Canary Islands

A small boat with 68 would-be migrants was picked up off Gran Canaria yesterday. Two of the passengers had died from dehydration and hypothermia and three more were said to be in a serious condition. Thousands attempt the perilous journey every year trying to reach the Canary Islands and many die in the process, though exact numbers will never be known. (Mon 26 May 08)

Bullet trains beat the planes

New figures recently announced have shown a huge swing towards the high speed AVE train routes since the opening of the Malaga-Madrid service in December and the Barcelona-Madrid service in January. The state airline Iberia has reported drops in load factor despite reducing capacity on domestice routes by 13%. Spain is leading the world in terms of high speed rail construction and will have the largest network in the world by 2010 with 90% of the population being within 50km of an AVE station. (Sun 25 May 08)

Veteran Spanish mountaineer dies in Himalayas

Veteran Spanish mountaineer Inaki Ochoa de Olza has died of a seizure during an ascent of Annapurna in the Himalayas. The 40 year old was climbing without oxygen and suffered the seizure after having to turn back from the peak because of frost bite. (Sun 25 May 08)

Spain falls further behind in digital world

The digital divide between Spain and other developed nations is growing according to a new report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Internet access is growing at a faster pace and is less expensive in the 30 other counties that were part of the report. The much criticized market leader in broadband services, telefonica, is said to be to blame for keeping prices artificially high and service standards low. (Sat 24 May 08)

Berlusconi plans cause rift with Spain over immigration

Recently elected Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has approved new laws that would make it a criminal offence to be an illegal immigrant. The Spanish government have criticized the plans saying they undermined EU efforts to establish a common policy, could fuel racism and could divert immigration flows to neighbouring countries including Spain. Berlusconi's plans could see thousands immigrants imprisoned without trial. (Fri 23 May 08)

British man held on rape charge

A 41-year-old British man suspected of committing 12 rapes in the UK has been arrested in Orihuela, Alicante province. European arrest warrant was issued by UK authorities and the man is now being held in Madrid pending extradition proceedings. (Fri 23 May 08)

ETA leader arrested in France

Francisco Javier López Peña, the alleged leader of ETA, was arrested in France yesterday in a joint Spanish-French operation. Premier Zapatero has described it as 'a very important operation' and 'one more step toward the victory of democracy over terrorism.' Peña and five others were arrested in a swoop on an apartment in the city of Bordeaux which had been under surveillance for weeks. (Thu 22 May 08)

Zapatero and Basque premier disagree on devolution

Yesterday's meeting between Premier Zapatero and the Nationalist Basque leader Juan José Ibarretxe ended in stale mate. Zapatero reiterated that he will not allow a referendum on greater home rule for the region and both leaders gave statements reaffirming apparently irreconcilable positions over devolution. (Wed 21 May 08)

Spain's Greenhouse emissions up 52% since Kyoto

Greenhouse emissions in Spain rose by 1.8% in 2007 and are up by over 52% since the country signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1990, according to a report published yesterday by CCOO/World Watch. Spain had agreed to limit CO2 emissions to no more than 15 percent above 1990 levels. (Wed 21 May 08)

Defence minister gives birth

The Spanish Minister of Defence, Carme Chacón, gave birth yesterday to a 2.8-kilo baby boy at a hospital in Esplugues de Llobregat, near Barcelona. Though several weeks early mother and baby are said to be doing well. (Tue 20 May 08)

ETA bomb explodes in Getxo, Basque country

ETA have claimed responsibility for an explosion early this morning in the Basque town of Getxo near Bilbao. The bomb was in a booby-trapped van parked in a residential area of the seaside town and is said to have caused significant damage though there are no reports of injuries. (Mon 19 May 08)

Spain arrests 5 hackers

Spanish Police have arrested 5 people in connection with the alleged hacking of US based web sites. The group, two of which are just 16 years old, are said to have hacked into as many as 21,000 websites, including unconfirmed reports of NASA's site, replacing pages with their own content. (Mon 19 May 08)

Spain Euro 2008 Squad - Raúl out, Sergio García in

As expected, Raúl has not been included in Spain's Euro 2008 squad announced yesterday. The surprise inclusion was that of Sergio García of La Liga strugglers Real Zaragoza. Full squad: Cesc (Arsenal) - Puyol, Iniesta & Xavi (Barcelona) - Juanito (Real Betis) - De la Red (Getafe) - Arbeloa, Reina, Torres & Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) - Casillas & Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) - Fernando Navarro & Güiza (RCD Mallorca) - Palop (Sevilla) - Albiol, Marchena, Silva & Villa (Valencia) - Capdevila, Cazorla & Senna (Villarreal) - Sergio García (Real Zaragoza) (Sun 18 May 08)

Real Estate developers see sales collapse

The biggest real estate developers in Spain have seen sales collapse in the first quarter of 2008. Spain’s seven biggest developers saw sales plummet by 73.5% in the three months of this year, with some reporting falls of as much as 96 percent. In 2006 Spain built more homes that France, Germany and Britain put together and this huge oversupply combined with an equally dramatic fall in demand means prices will keep on falling for the foreseeable future. (Fri 16 May 08)

Ascó nuclear power leak 750 times worse than first admitted

A newly published report from Spain’s nuclear watchdog has disclosed the amount of radiation leaked by the Ascó nuclear power station in Tarragona last year was 750 times more that the plant’s managers initially admitted. Although 2 officials were sacked Greenpeace is calling for more serious measures saying 'the plant operators acted maliciously, they manipulated readings and were irresponsible' and that 'their actions were criminal.' (Fri 16 May 08)

ETA were planing a massacre

Prime Minister Zapatero has called ETA's latest attack yesterday a 'cowardly and criminal' act and Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba said that a massacre was intended. A 41-year-old Civil Guard officer was killed and 4 others injured but a further 29 people were sleeping in the nearby barracks when the explosion went off at 3am yesterday morning. (Thu 15 May 08)

€120 million spent on 'useless' bird flu vaccine

A report published yesterday in the scientific journal Nature, has said that mutations of the H5N1 bird flu virus are making it resistant to Tamiflu, a vaccine Spain has spent €120 million stockpiling. (Thu 15 May 08)

ETA bomb kills one & injures four

A car bomb exploded early this morning at a civil guard barracks in the Basque town of Legutiano. The blast happened at approximately 3am killing a 41-year-old married father and injuring 4 others, 2 men and 2 women. (Wed 14 May 08)

First shipment of water arrives in Barcelona

The first shipment of water for drought-stricken Barcelona arrived at the city’s port yesterday. The delivery came from Tarragona and will be closely followed by another shipment due to arrive on Thursday from Marseilles and another on May 19th. The initial deliveries are part of a test phase which if successful will see the arrival of up to 63 ships a month at a cost of €22 million. (Wed 14 May 08)

Probe into 100 deaths at Madrid Hospital

There will be an investigation into the deaths of 18 people at a Madrid hospital thought to be the result of an antibiotic-resistant microbe. Since February 2006, 252 patients have been infected with Acinetobacter baumannii at the 12 de Octubre Hospital in Madrid, of whom 101 have died. (Mon 12 May 08)

Mallorca ruin Rijkaard's farewell

Real Mallorca came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Frank Rijkaard's last game in charge of Barcelona at the Nou Camp yesterday. The home fans made their feelings known from the beginning of the game with banners, boos and whistles proclaiming their dissatisfaction with players, management and club president, Joan Laporta. (Mon 12 May 08)

Madrid will host Davis Cup semi-finals

The Spanish tennis federation has ignored the wishes of its players and named Madrid as the venue for the Davis Cup semifinal against the USA in September. The players had said that Madrid's altitude (650 metres above sea level) would favour the US team and their preference for a faster ball, but sponsors we're said to favour Madrid. (Sun 11 May 08)

Spain lays claim to $500M sunken treasure

Spain has formally laid claim to a shipwreck discovered by a US based exploration company off the south coast of Portugal a year ago. The Spanish say 'with complete certainty' that the ship is Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, sunk by a British fleet off the southern coast of Portugal in 1804 with 200 sailors on board. It contains an estimated $500 million in treasure including gold doubloons, or 'pieces of eight' and the Spanish government has accused the Florida based exploration company, Odyssey, of acting in an 'illegal and immoral' manner and of modern-day piracy. The irony that the treasure was originally stolen from Spain’s Latin American colonies seems to be lost on the Spanish Government. (09 May 08)

Rijkaard's reign comes to an end

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta told reporters yesterday that Frank Rijkaard should be relieved of his post at the end of the season. Rijkaard's departure is no surprise, third in La Liga and champions league semi-final places are just not good enough for Barca coaches. However, the real surprise is the likely appointment of Guardiola, who has no senior management experience only having coached the club's B team since retiring as a player in 2007. (09 May 08)

Moroccan navy condemned for sinking migrant boat

At least 29 people were killed after the Moroccan navy deliberately sank an inflatable boat packed full of refugees heading for Spain. Moroccan sailors were said to have stabbed the dinghy with a knife, leaving the 70 occupants including babies and children, to fend for themselves in open seas. The incident, in which children were among the dead, took place at the end of April but has just come to light. (Thu 08 May 08)

Champions crush FC Barcelona

Real Madrid, fresh from being crowned La Liga champions at the weekend, stamped their dominance over arch rivals Barca last night by thrashing them 4-1 at home. The misery was compounded for Barca as Villarreal won away to secure second place and automatic champions league qualification next season, leaving Barca to fight it out in the pre-qualifiers. (Thu 08 May 08)

Spain's Davis Cup team revolt

Spanish tennis players have openly criticized the president of the Spanish Tennis Federation, Pedro Munoz, for choosing Madrid as the venue for September's Davis Cup semi-final against the USA. The choice of Madrid is said to have been made over the venues of Benidorm, Tenerife and Gijon because of increased sponsorship money. But the players say that Madrid's altitude (650 metres above sea level) will favour the US team and wipe out Spain's home advantage. (07 May 08)

Josep Guardiola to take helm at Barca

It has been reported that Josep Guardiola, the coach of FC Barcelona's B team will take over from Frank Rijkaard at the end of the season. Rijkaard's departure has been expected after a relatively poor performance in La Liga and the clubs failure to reach the Champions League final. If the rumours are true a formal announcement will be made on Thursday. (Tue 06 May 08)

Cliff was robbed of 1968 Eurovision by Franco

A Spanish documentary has claimed that Cliff Richard was robbed of the 1968 Eurovision song contest prize by vote rigging! Sir Cliff's 'Congratulations' was heading for victory until a last minute rally for the Spanish entrant. It was claimed TV executives in Spain rigged the vote on the orders of General Franco who thought a win for Spain would boost the country's image abroad. (Tue 06 May 08)

Ten man Madrid take the title

With just ten minutes to go, ten men on the pitch and 1-0 down to a Osasuna penalty, Real Madrid came back to win the game 2-1 and take the La Liga championship. Victory means not only that Madrid have won the championship with 3 games to spare but that they host FC Barcelona at home on Wednesday as champions. Barca finally found form too late and beat Valencia 6-0 at the Nou Camp on Saturday are currently in third place behind Villarreal. (Mon 05 May 08)

Plan to change Royal succession law

A shelved plan to amend the Constitution in order to ensure women can take the Spanish throne is to revived by the Spanish Government. Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia have so far had two daughters but if they were to have a son, under current law, he would be first in line to the throne. (Sat 03 May 08)

Europe’s tallest apartment block in Benidorm

Never a place to shy away from high-rise building Benidorm will be the location for a 55 story, 200 metre high apartment block. The €45 million project will be the tallest residential building in Europe when it's completed in 2010. (Sat 03 May 08)

Mayor of Mondragón arrested on charges of terrorism

The mayor of the Basque town of Mondragón where a Socialist former councillor was gunned down by ETA during the general election campaign has been arrested over alleged involvement with the Basque terrorist group. (Fri 02 May 08)

Rijkaard likely to go at end of the season

Third place in La Liga and a semi-final place in the champions league are unlikely to be enough to save Frank Rijkaard's job. Sources close to the Dutch coach have admitted he is unlikely to be in the post next season and the clubs sporting director has said changes need to be made because of the clubs poor performance. (Fri 02 May 08)

Three bombs explode in Basque Country

There have been 3 explosions overnight in the Basque Country towns of Arrigoriaga and San Sebastian. The first in Arrigoriaga was said to be the most powerful and came at around midnight with 2 smaller explosions shortly after in San Sebastian. ETA have claimed responsibility for both explosions in San Sebastian though as yet not the first. (Thu 01 May 08)

Hijacked fishing crew return home

The Thirteen crew of the Spanish trawler held hostage for a week by pirates off the coast of Somalia returned to Spain on Wednesday on a defence ministry plane. They were met by Elena Espinosa, Minister for the Environment, and were said to be tired but in good health. (Thu 01 May 08)