Stories from Madrid · Spain

The Bank of Spain recommends individuals keep between 70 and 100 euros in cash at home to manage potential crises. This advice follows a period where over half of e-commerce transactions fell during the Pagón. Currently, 52% of Spaniards report using cash daily, while less than 28% of those under 30 use the payment method. Additionally, creditors are studying the auction of a building with an estimated value of 10 million euros. The source mentioned a figure of 100 euros for home use to enable action during emergencies. This measure is intended to ensure ability to pay during crises such as power outages. The recommendation follows the anniversary of a previous blackout event. The broadcaster noted the importance of carrying cash as a symptom of potential systemic issues. The Bank of Spain has advocated for the use of banknotes and coins during emergency situations.

The Spanish government has approved measures to freeze rental prices for more than 600,000 existing contracts starting in April 2026. Tenants can request an extraordinary two-year extension to maintain their current contract conditions and prices. This freeze is not automatic and must be expressly requested by the tenant. Annual rent increases for active contracts are limited to a maximum of 2 percent. A commentator noted that 92% of property owners are small-scale owners rather than large investment funds. The current policy is criticized for potentially preventing small owners from seeing returns on investment and hindering youth emancipation. Contracts signed after the 2023 housing law took effect are subject to a strict rent increase ceiling. The current index allows for a maximum increase of 2.47 percent, which is below the previous 2.5 percent threshold.

A broker successfully infiltrated the Ministry of Transport to facilitate unauthorized access and influence. The individual reportedly secured approval from President Sánchez for a visit by Delsir Rodríguez. The broker also interacted with Nadia Calviño and CEPI regarding European rescues and Villafuel licensing. UCO commanders confirmed the special role of Pardo de Vera in the Jesica case, alleging a bribe was paid for an apartment.

A majority of Spanish citizens report feeling less secure, less prosperous, and more unequal than a decade ago. According to the report, 65% of respondents feel democracy does not represent them, while only 34% believe the country is moving in the right direction. Concerns include the cost of living, housing, the power of technology companies, and potential democratic regression. Most of those expressing these views identify as being from the political left. Many citizens also expressed fear regarding the power of technology companies and the possibility of a third world war.

The Vox political party has proposed a non-legislative motion to condition access to public services on years of social security contributions. The proposal seeks to eliminate universal healthcare and create databases tracking healthcare spending for migrants. While current regional pacts with the PP party limit national priorities to social aid and housing, Vox intends to expand these priorities to include healthcare. Popular Party sources stated that assuming this priority in healthcare would differ from existing agreements. Additionally, the party suggests creating databases to track healthcare spending specifically allocated to migrants.

Carles Jun denied possible support for the government's housing decree yesterday. The move follows a period where the Sumar coalition had not entirely closed the door on the legislation. The decree's potential failure follows internal friction between the PSOE and Sumar parties. Sumar members expressed dissatisfaction with the PSOE, alleging insufficient involvement in the negotiations. The Spanish government is currently working to secure the necessary votes to validate the royal decree-law on housing. The text is intended to represent both coalition parties, though Sumar has expressed dissatisfaction with the PSOE's level of involvement in negotiations. The Spanish Congress is also scheduled to debate a proposal from the Vox party this week.

The UCO reports that businessman Aldama acted as the true leader of a criminal organization by paying both a minister and his advisor to secure contracts. According to agents, the minister and his advisor complied with Aldama's demands without resistance. The investigation suggests the influence reached levels including obtaining approval from the President of the Government. The scheme also reportedly involved facilitating the travel of Delcy Rodríguez to Spain to reassure European lawyers. Businessman Victor del Álamo testified for eight hours at the Supreme Court on Wednesday regarding corruption allegations. Del Álamo claimed he provided a monthly allowance of 10,000 euros to Minister Ávalos for various expenses. These details were part of his testimony in the Spanish mask corruption trial.

Beatriz Corredor, president of Red Eléctrica, attributed current energy issues to private energy companies. Corredor cited environmental fanaticism and the demonization of nuclear and gas energy as contributing factors. The commentator noted that under the Sánchez government, political responsibility is often directed at the private sector rather than the government. He questioned why 2,000 million euros were spent to reinforce system stability while consumer bills continued to rise. The president suggested that firms are implicitly acknowledging fault without making a formal confession.

UCO Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas identified Víctor de Aldama as the head of a corruption network in a recent statement. Balas clarified that former minister José Luis Ávalos was also part of the leadership group. The officer noted that Ávalos directed payments to individuals such as Claudia.

Data from the National Statistics Institute shows half of young people in Spain are unable to pay for an apartment. The data shows a growing distrust in democracy among the youth population. There is also a noted shift toward right-wing politics and a declining interest in gender equality and ecological concerns. This suggests a generational and ideological rupture within the country. Four out of ten young Spaniards consider religion to be very, according to a recent report from the SM Foundation. The report highlights a growth in Catholicism among young people compared to adults. This trend shows a less polarized religious landscape among the youth demographic. The findings were discussed in a report released by the foundation. A portion of Spanish households, particularly those with lower incomes, dedicate over 70% of their earnings to rent, leading to financial strain.