Stories from Madrid · Spain

The Instituto Cervantes announced on Wednesday the incorporation of the legacy of Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. The initiative includes receiving personal objects from the author at the institute's Madrid headquarters.

Spain has issued a message recommending that tourists purchase airline tickets as early as possible. International airfares are expected to rise further in the coming months.

Artificial intelligence is projected to destroy 2.3 million jobs in Spain over the next decade. The study is the first to measure the real impact of AI within the country. According to the report, all analyzed scenarios show a negative balance between jobs destroyed and jobs generated. The worst-case scenario specifically identifies a potential loss of 2.3 million positions. A report from the Funcas financial studies director Francisco Rodríguez indicates that artificial intelligence could impact employment in Spain. Under a pessimistic scenario, the technology could destroy approximately 3.5 million jobs. An optimistic scenario estimates the destruction of around 700,000 positions. Technological progress is expected to lead to a process of creative destruction affecting the workforce.

The Spanish government is bringing a constitutional reform to Congress to protect abortion rights. The statement has prompted political discussion regarding his long-term governance plans. The Spanish Congress rejected amendments from right-wing and far-right parties aimed at removing abortion protections. All parliamentary groups except IPP and BOX voted to shield abortion rights within the Constitution. Equality Minister Ana Redondo defended the right to abortion during the proceedings. Redondo stated that while freedom is not in doubt, the ability to exercise it under safe and equal conditions is essential. The project faces opposition from the People's Party (Partido Popular). The reform aims to codify abortion within the Magna Carta. The measure is currently undergoing the legislative process.

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.