Stories from Madrid · Spain

Students have developed an AI-driven tool that uses a webcam to capture images and convert hand movements into text data. The project, created as a final degree assignment, aims to assist people with disabilities.

Spain has surpassed 22 million affiliates in the Social Security system for the first time. The number of unemployed persons in April was just over 2.3 million, representing a decrease of 62,000 compared to March.

Counselor Javier Morillas cast a dissenting vote against the general state accounts for the first time in history. Morillas cited irregularities regarding the use of common European funds that were allegedly diverted to pay pensions.

Begonia Gómez, wife of Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, appeared before the European Prosecutor's Office in Madrid to deny discussing public contracts awarded to businessman Juan Carlos Barrabés with any government executive.

Spanish employment figures exceeded 22 million for the first time, according to experts. Analysts noted that this figure may be inflated due to workers holding multiple affiliations in a single month.

A specialized center opened in Madrid on April 1 to support men who are victims of sexual assault. It operates with an annual budget exceeding 400,000 euros. The facility has already assisted seven men in the context of KEMSEX, a trend that has reportedly increased in recent years. Marisa Menéndez is associated with the center's operations. The center operates with a budget of 410,000 euros. It is designed to provide services to up to 100 men. The initiative was reported by Spanish media outlets including ABC, La Razón, and El País.

Unemployment in Spain decreased by 63,000 people during April. The decline is attributed to the Easter holiday period, particularly within the hospitality sector. Despite the drop, reports indicate a rise in precarious employment through part-time contracts. The exact number of permanent contracts remains unconfirmed.

Spain is expanding its sports betting coverage to include matches from the women's football league. The decision aims to increase visibility and provide more resources for the women's game. Betting grids will now include women's league matches during every championship matchday.

The Spanish government has approved a public employment offer for the current year. The initiative is part of the government's agenda to move forward with employment goals. The recruitment plan includes a specific focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity sectors. This announcement follows a period where 223,000 workers joined the Spanish labor market in the last month. The expansion comes amid discussions regarding labor market trends and seasonal shifts. The Spanish government has launched an offer for a total of 37,017 civil service and state labor positions. This initiative includes 6,200 new permanent posts. The move is intended to project a sense of normalcy despite ongoing political discussions regarding public accounts and parliamentary stability. Minister Bolaños defended the current parliamentary situation as complex but reasonable for completing the legislature.

Inmaculada Andrés, the mother of a woman murdered and raped in Spain, is calling for harsher penalties for minors. The request follows the release of a man who committed the crimes when he was 16 years old.