Stories from Madrid · Spain

The regional government reported that 16,000 medical tests conducted in Madrid have incurred costs exceeding 12 million euros. Critics described the expenditure as an example of mismanagement by the government of Pedro Sánchez and Minister Mónica García.

Spanish player Rafa Jodar lost his match against world number one Jannik Sinner at the Madrid Open. Jodar is a 19-year-old player described as a sensation of the tournament. The match took place in Madrid.

A former Minister of Finance is under investigation by the Audiencia Nacional for a 200 million euro VAT fraud. The investigation also involves contracts for face masks that allegedly resulted in 5.5 million euros in payments.

BBVA reported an 11 percent increase in first-quarter profits, reaching approximately 3 billion euros. The growth comes amid economic uncertainty regarding the Middle East conflict and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The bank's performance is noted alongside other major Spanish financial institutions. The source indicated these profit levels have not been seen in nearly two decades. The bank's performance comes amid concerns that the Middle East war could intensify due to stalled negotiations and issues with the Strait of Hormuz. Spanish bank CaixaBank reported profits exceeding 1.5 billion euros between January and March of this year. This represents a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The bank is the owner of PPI in Portugal.

Analysts are monitoring loan loss provisions for BBVA.

Investors are anticipating resilient financial results from BBVA, which is benefiting from currency tailwinds and lower costs. The bank is also seeing a resilient trajectory for net interest income. However, concerns remain regarding loan loss provisions for the institution.

Vitor de Aldaban made an eight-hour statement to the Supreme Court. He admitted to being a member of a criminal gang. The statement was recorded in Spain. The group reportedly includes individuals identified as Ávalos, the number two, and Sánchez, the number one.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is facing scrutiny following allegations involving Aldama. Media outlets like El Mundo and El País are analyzing the credibility of claims regarding cash and potential connections to criminal activity.

Child protection officer Sara El Jairi reported the reopening of a website that facilitates pedophilia and pimping crimes two weeks ago. The site has reportedly changed its name but maintains the same functionality.

An extreme-right activist, Vito Kiles, is facing a complaint for aggression against Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Spanish President. The incident allegedly occurred at a restaurant where the activist attacked Gómez.