Stories from Madrid · Spain

Renoir's painting 'El sombrero de cerezas' has been sold to a Spanish buyer for approximately 8.7 million euros. The artwork returns to Spain after being exhibited at the M.S. Rau gallery in the United States.

Begoña Gómez intends to file a complaint against Vito Kiles following an altercation outside a restaurant. The incident involved an individual approaching the wife of the president and asking if she regretted her actions while she was on the phone. A video of the incident is reportedly circulating online. The matter is currently subject to an investigation led by Judge Pinedo. Gomez accuses Kiles of aggression after he allegedly prevented her from leaving a restaurant. The complaint alleges that Quiles engages in harassment and stalking of politicians and journalists at their private residences. The complaint alleges Kiles assaulted her at a restaurant in Madrid while she was with friends. Kiles reportedly approached her to question her regarding corruption cases. No video footage of the incident inside the establishment has been confirmed, though reports suggest a video may exist.

Aldama provided testimony today regarding the Spanish mask corruption trial. Aldama's testimony has opened new lines of investigation regarding potential illegal financing of the PSOE party. The witness provided evidence involving an envelope from Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA. Investigations are currently active in the UDN regarding possible unregulated party financing. The testimony also includes allegations that Aldama paid a minister's salary and involved irregular commissions. New testimony from Aldama is being investigated alongside existing documentation and WhatsApp messages. The Supreme Court and National Court are reportedly granting credibility to the words of Víctor Dal Lago regarding irregular commissions. The investigation continues to uncover new details following the initial instruction phase.

The opposition party is alleging corruption involving a train contract worth over 200 million euros purchased by Renfe. Allegations also include illegal oil quota dealings involving two consecutive Venezuelan presidents, Juan Guaidó and Nicolás Maduro. The claims suggest direct involvement and knowledge by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The PSOE party intends to seek protection from the Supreme Court regarding these matters. Current proceedings suggest a corruption core involving Aldama, Minister Ávalos, and Cóldo. The investigation focuses on the alleged involvement of these specific figures. The government has issued multiple denials following statements from Cóldo García and Víctor de Aldama concerning unrecognized payments. These developments follow allegations of illegal financing that have forced government officials to issue several rebuttals.

Peggy Gomez, wife of the Spanish Prime Minister, intends to file a complaint against Vito Kiles for an alleged assault. The incident reportedly occurred inside a restaurant in Madrid. The source stated that Gomez was accompanied by two friends at the time of the event. Sources from Moncloa state an activist approached Gomez and two friends, preventing them from leaving the street. While an edited video on social media shows companions attempting to stop Gomez from filming, Moncloa sources claim the alleged aggression occurred inside a private establishment. Gomez is accused of using her status as a journalist to influence the narrative. Several ministers from the PSOE have condemned the incident on social media. Socialist spokesperson Mónse Minguez has called on the PP to condemn the actions, alleging organized groups are involved.

Manuel Monoche reportedly rejected multiple well-remunerated positions at embassies intended to silence his investigation. The investigator stated that a document was removed from the scope of the investigation for unknown reasons.

Victor de Aldama attempted to implicate Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in an ongoing corruption case currently being tried in the Supreme Court. The court has not yet determined if these statements will trigger new investigations. Aldama is accused of acting as an accomplice and cover-up for various crimes. The court proceedings described the claims as very serious. Iñigo Palomar reported the developments from the court. The Supreme Court is expected to hold intense sessions starting at 10:00 AM to hear testimonies from defendants including García and José Luis Ábalos. De Aldama alleged that Sánchez is at level 1, followed by Ábalos at level 2, Coldo García at level 3, and himself at level 4. He further claimed that Coldo and Ábalos ordered the collection of bribes from construction companies, including a fixed 10,000 euro payment.

Firefighters in Madrid responded to a building fire on Cobalt Street with only half of their usual personnel. The crew deployed only one pump truck due to the staffing shortage.

The Madrid City Council rejected a Socialist proposal to regulate seasonal rentals during a plenary session at Cibeles. Members of the People's Party (PP) voted against the measure, arguing that seasonal rental regulation is not the jurisdiction of the local council.

Residents of a building at Gastambide 37 in the Chamerí district of Madrid are facing eviction orders. An investment fund purchased the building in December 2025. One resident noted a neighbor has been missing for a month due to the situation. Romón Lopiz, chairman of the community organization 'Frontera', stated that Roma people live in substandard housing in certain settlements. The organization is working with the Madrid city government to relocate these residents into urban apartments. The report noted that while most Roma children enter school, many drop out by age 14 or 15. Currently, higher education enrollment for the Roma population is below 2 percent.