Stories from Madrid · Spain

Spain's Minister of Digital Transformation, Oscar López, warned of efforts to stall artificial intelligence regulation. He called for continued development in the sector. The announcement was made during a discussion regarding digital policy.

Rising accommodation prices in Spain are driving citizens to book cheaper holiday packages abroad. The Valencian community expects the highest domestic occupancy during the May Day long weekend, with nearly 90% of rooms already reserved.

Spain's Attorney General, Teresa Peramato, has proposed 22 high-level appointments to the General Council of the Judiciary. The proposal includes the replacement of Madrid's Superior Prosecutor, Modena Alastra. The announcement follows denials by Cóldo García regarding allegations of corruption and commissions involving former minister José Luis Ábalos. García denied receiving monthly payments of 10,000 euros from a corruption network during the pandemic. The Attorney General has appointed a new head for the Prosecutor's Office of the Community of Madrid. The transition follows a period marked by the impact of these investigations. Temperatures in the region are expected to reach a maximum of 24 degrees Celsius. The appointment follows the disqualification of Álvaro García Ortiz for disclosure of secrets.

George Mordor has reached the age of 86. The producer and composer has sold more than 100 million records during his career. He is noted for producing iconic songs and working with various artists without charging fees.

The campaign reportedly utilized over 170,000 posts across more than 90,000 accounts to target Sanchez and his wife. The campaign aims to link the Spanish government's stance on the war and Israeli actions to personal and political accusations. The source noted the presence of accounts displaying symbols and flags supporting Israel. Spanish pressure groups are seeking the prosecution of President Sanchez before the International Court of Justice. The groups have linked Sanchez's political positions to allegations of corruption and influence peddling. These organizations are also targeting his stances regarding Israel and the war on Iran. Non-governmental Israeli organizations have launched a systematic online campaign targeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his wife. The effort aims to distort their public image, according to the report.

Victor de Aldamán has made statements regarding the Supreme Court's investigation into the 'Mascarillas' case. Aldama explained that illegal funds were justified through 'smurfing,' where donations were fractioned to appear legal. The PSOE received 158,000 euros in the first year of Pedro Sánchez's leadership. Donations rose to 275,000 euros the following year and reached 837,506 euros in 2020 during the pandemic. The source also noted claims that donations increased to fund COVID-19 vaccine research. Aldama alleges that the PSOE received illegal funding via cash payments used for representation expenses. The PSOE has immediately denied these claims, maintaining a position previously held by its former manager. Allegations of irregular financing have been raised involving the PSOE, specifically regarding the handling of 500 euro notes at Ferraz.

A former advisor to Ábalos claims the PSOE provided various denominations of cash for expenses, including 500 euro notes. The source noted the aide did not hold a formal position within the Socialist Party. The investigation involves payments allegedly recognized by Coldo. This testimony contradicts a former party manager who, as a witness, claimed such large denominations were not handled. A witness in a corruption case has claimed that the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) provided him with cash payments. In a prepared statement with his lawyer, the witness stated he frequently received 500 euro bills due to his position. The individual stated that he often received 500 euro notes, referred to as 'chistorras', once or twice a month. The witness claimed he was attempting to be helpful to his boss.

The Supreme Court has made a third prison sentence against Pepe Nieto final. The primary accusation involves using contacts to access confidential documents to solicit money in exchange for favors.

Vice President and Minister Carlos Cuerpo stated that Spain's economic growth slowed in the first quarter of the year. The economy advanced by 0.6 percent during this period, which Cuerpo noted was less than previously anticipated. The announcement comes as the first government council meeting of the current legislature is scheduled. This meeting may include the approval of a project to expand Amazon Web Services by installing new data centers in Aragon. The social economy now accounts for more than 11% of the total wealth in Spain.

The trial regarding the Kitchen case continued in the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid. The case involves an alleged police plot to spy on and steal documentation concerning the illegal financing of the Partido Popular. The proceedings are investigating attempts to steal information from the former office of Cerrozero. The trial involving Aldama has been ongoing for approximately one month. The proceedings include an ex-minister of the interior from Mariano Rajoy's administration. The source noted that the President of the Government and the Secretary General of the PSOE have not commented on the trial. A trial commenced today in the Provincial Court of Madrid against a man accused of murdering his wife in November 2023. The crime allegedly occurred at the couple's family home in the presence of their two minor children.