Stories from Madrid · Spain

Irene addressed the Congress from the guest tribune to call on deputies to vote regarding blocks fighting real estate speculation. The speech follows reports of residents facing eviction orders in central Madrid despite long-term residency and consistent payments.

European Union food safety authorities issued a grave alert regarding perchlorate levels in Spanish cabbage. Immediate product recalls are being initiated.

Rita Maestre criticized the Madrid municipal government regarding the city's housing problem, which she described as a constitutional right. Maestre accused the mayor of protecting investment funds and owners of large property portfolios.

An artificial intelligence generated image of Haitian President Haito Esteban has caused friction between the PSOE and Sumar coalition partners in Madrid. The incident is being viewed within the context of existing tensions between the government partners.

A lead investigator in the Gurtel case testified that a police operation was launched to monitor Luis Barcenas and his associates without judicial authorization. The testimony occurred during a trial regarding the finances of the People's Party (PP) and the alleged 'Barcenas papers' slush fund. An investigator claims there were permanent pressures and maneuvers to prevent judicial investigations from evolving. The source stated that reports were reviewed and delayed, and that evidence from secret instructions was known by political leaders. The investigator alleged that meetings were held to determine which points to address and how to present them. The name of Rajoy was reportedly kept out of the proceedings. The investigation was reportedly carried out by a police group led by former minister Fernández Díaz, who was then part of the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit.

A new expert report for Begoña Gómez's defense claims her co-directed chair at the Complutense University of Madrid did not cause harm to the institution. The report states the chair actually obtained a 13,000 euro surplus.

The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has issued a statement denying allegations of irregular financing made by commission agent Aldama. The allegation includes claims that a dinner was organized as part of the arrangement. PSOE leaders describe the allegations against Pedro Sanchez as slander and lies. They further allege that Aldama has attempted to implicate Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez through insults and lies. The PSOE characterizes these claims as a series of slanders and falsehoods. The party responded to recent statements made by Aldama regarding potential criminal organization involvement. Ferraz, the party headquarters, noted that any accused individual has the right to testify before a judge. This follows recent accusations by Aldama against the party leadership. The individual claims that the party provided 500 euro notes as part of expense liquidations.

A reduction in staff has caused approximately 220 patients to lose their therapeutic bonds. Only 7 permanent staff members remain out of the original 28. The loss of these connections is described as fundamental to the effectiveness of the ongoing therapies.

Dama claimed that others approached her to facilitate business deals involving the Socialist Party. The individual stated that contracts and tenders began being awarded to the exposed companies following these interactions.

A fire in Madrid on New Year's Eve resulted in one death and left a firefighter with second-degree burns. The Madrid City Council is considering a proposal to install a commemorative plaque in the capital to honor Mandrágora. PSOE member Jorge Donaire defended the proposal during a plenary session. Culture Delegate Marta Rivera de la Cruz also supported the initiative, describing the venue as a symbol of camaraderie and cultural pluralism. The proposal seeks to preserve the memory of the site for its role in Madrid's cultural transition. The proposal aims to celebrate moments of concord and culture in Madrid. A firefighters' union in Madrid reported that the initial response to a recent fire included only seven firefighters and no ladder truck. The operational reference requires a minimum of 11 personnel for standard procedures.