Stories from Madrid · Spain

Francisco Rodríguez, director of studies, stated that artificial intelligence could allow tasks previously requiring five workers to be completed by three.

The Spanish Association of Primary Care Physicians (Semergen) is reporting an underdiagnosis of mental health leaves caused by occupational factors.

Approximately 3,000 people marched in Madrid on Friday to demand better wages, housing, and democracy. Unions in Madrid demanded that President Isabel Díaz Ayuso address the housing crisis and strengthen public services. Paloma López of Comisiones Obreras criticized the diversion of public funds to private healthcare and education sectors. Protesters argued that current economic pressures are effectively reducing worker salaries by forcing increased personal investment in essential services. Participants also demanded protections for the viability of pensions and improved care systems for the elderly and children. Demonstrators stated that wages are being reduced due to forced investments in areas they claim prevent improved living conditions. Labor unions Comisiones Obreras and UGT organized a demonstration in central Madrid to demand action on housing shortages.

During a trial in Madrid, Coldo testified that he received various denominations of cash, including 100, 200, and 500 euro notes. He stated that on some occasions, he received single payments exceeding 2,000 euros.

The testimony occurred as part of the ongoing Ábalos case. UCO agents previously testified that the scheme would not have been possible without Ávalos. According to Aldaman, the scheme involved approximately 4 million euros. This admission follows previous denials regarding the receipt of such funds. The individual had previously claimed that similar items were food products from Navarra to deny the allegations. The confession follows prior statements regarding illegal financing. The source noted that Aldama had previously denied such payments in a public interview, claiming similar items were from Navarra.

BBVA reported positive evolution across its various portfolios, according to Eduardo Osuna. During the reported period, 20% of new originations were credit cards. Additionally, 8% of new originations were directed toward micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Two defendants in a case involving former minister José Luis Ábalos have provided differing testimonies regarding the nature of their activities. One defendant, businessman Aldama, described the operation as a criminal gang structure. Conversely, advisor Coldo García testified that the actions were intended to assist individuals in need, including friends of Ábalos and companies requiring medical supplies such as masks. One individual claimed they were offered money to avoid contacting the police following an incident where they were struck. The source noted that the person on the phone was not actually a board member but was impersonating one. The incident occurred approximately two months before the details were shared by Ansar.

Official immigration data in Spain excludes individuals who have already obtained citizenship and political refugees. Among labor migration categories, Colombians lead with approximately 70,000 arrivals, followed by Argentinians with roughly 46,000.

Spain continues to accept Cuban political prisoners, similar to its historical acceptance of Argentines and Chileans during their respective dictatorships. In 2010, Spain received 115 Cuban political prisoners along with 650 relatives.

The Spanish Red Cross employment area helped nearly 30,000 people secure jobs in 2025. The organization provided guidance, accompaniment, and mediation to over 280,000 individuals across the country. Maica Sánchez, the employment director for the Spanish Red Cross, stated the function is to reduce obstacles for vulnerable populations, specifically those over 55 years old. Spain lost 170,000 jobs through March, according to the first EPA report of the year published recently. The report also noted job destruction within the technology sector. Some estimates from savings banks suggest the arrival of artificial intelligence could lead to a potential loss of 2 million jobs in Spain. May Day demonstrations have mixed labor issues with these economic developments. Artificial intelligence could lead to a net loss of between 400,000 and 500,000 jobs in Spain, according to a FUNCAS study.