Stories from Madrid · Spain

Madrid currently holds the number one position in rankings for both speculative and real estate investment. Rita Maestre of Más Madrid criticized Mayor Almeida's legacy regarding housing rights and municipal communication. Maestre noted that 60,000 individuals are currently applicants for housing through the municipal housing company. The opposition party plans to request further actions from the government regarding these housing figures. The report follows discussions regarding housing availability and municipal challenges in the city. Critics have questioned the accuracy of housing supply announcements compared to the number of applicants. Mexican nationals rank first among these investors, followed by Argentines in second place. The group also includes investment from Colombians.

Spanish authorities are reportedly interested in the property assets of Jerry Hutch, according to reports from the Irish Times. The investigation into Hutch's assets is a lead story in the Irish Times this morning. The Irish Daily Mirror also covered the development.

A new rule could allow officials to issue a red card to players who cover their mouths during discussions with rivals. The rule change is being discussed in the context of recent player conduct. FIFA announced new rules for the upcoming World Cup to address discriminatory and inappropriate behavior. Footballers who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations with opponents will receive a red card. Additionally, players will be red carded if they leave the field to protest a referee's decision. The announcement aims to curb misconduct during matches. The rule specifically targets verbal interactions during matches. New regulations propose using red cards to punish players who insult officials or engage in verbal confrontations. This rule is set to be implemented starting with this year's World Cup. The decision follows an announcement by the International Football Council.

Banco Santander reported record profits of 5.455 billion euros for the first three months of the year. The bank released the results in a statement this morning. The report follows discussions regarding the energy crisis impacts in Europe caused by the Middle East. The bank previously ended December 2025 with a positive result of nearly 904 million euros. Banco Santander has reported record profits for the first quarter, with revenue increasing by 19.6% year-on-year to 5.38 billion euros. Net profit rose by 41.6% to 1.335 billion euros, with earnings per share at 2.91 euros. The bank's board approved a cash dividend of 2.42 euros per share in March. Both revenue and profit reached new quarterly highs. Banco Santander reported strong first-quarter financial results, with revenue reaching 5.538 billion yuan, a 19.6% increase year-on-year.

Three central figures in the 'Mascarillas' case, identified as Ábalos, Coldo, and Aldama, are scheduled to testify before the Supreme Court today. The proceedings follow developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The source noted the testimony is expected to occur during today's court session. The proceedings are expected to provide new information regarding the investigation. Victor de Aldama is scheduled to provide an exhaustive statement at the Supreme Court starting at 10:00. The source noted that Aldama's declaration is expected to be comprehensive. The report notes ongoing scrutiny regarding political connections to figures like Maduro and Zapatero. Former Minister Ábalos is scheduled to testify tomorrow at the Supreme Court regarding a mask procurement investigation.

The shareholders' meeting of Fidere, a Blackstone subsidiary, ratified the sale of housing assets to the Canadian vulture fund Brookfield for 1,050,000 euros. The sale involves 5,300 homes, of which 1,860 were originally public housing.

The Vox party has brought a motion to the Spanish Senate to promote the illegality of the platform known as Coco. The platform, which was previously closed in June 2024 and registered abroad, has become accessible again under a new name.

Spain's new Finance Minister, Arcadia, stated that addressing economic uncertainty is the government's current priority. The minister also noted that confronting the consequences of the war in Iran is a key focus.

Retired Guardia Civil Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified in the Kitchen trial, denying the use of reserved funds to spy on and steal evidence from Luis Barcelás. The investigation involves 48,000 euros in reserved funds received by the driver, which were questioned as far back as 2015. A retired colonel, Pérez de los Cobos, admitted he never investigated specific expenses from the 'Fonda de Reservados' fund. The investigation involves allegations that a driver for Barzenas received 700 euros to purchase a pistol. The colonel described the management mechanics of the fund but could not recall if the specific expenditure was on the list. Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified at the Audiencia Nacional that he does not recall any payments from reserved funds intended for spying on the PP treasurer. The testimony is part of the ongoing Gurtel case trial.

Employment figures in Spain have seen the worst start to a year since 2013, according to reports in the press. The country saw 170,300 fewer employed persons and 31,500 more unemployed persons compared to the previous period. Some analysts suggest the Holy Week calendar in April may distort quarterly comparisons. The report contains contradictory headlines regarding the data, with one metric measuring flow in January and March and another measuring the accumulation of unemployed persons. The government and opposition reportedly use different metrics to support their respective political narratives. Analysts suggest that previous claims of 170,000 occupants were a mirage involving temporary campaign contracts rather than structural employment. The current situation is linked to high poverty rates, inaccessible housing, low wages, and loss of purchasing power.