Stories from Madrid · Spain

Final autopsy results have been released regarding a 35-year-old man killed by a municipal police officer in June 2025. The event was captured in multiple videos filmed by citizens. Definitive autopsy results confirm a municipal police officer killed the man in June 2025 following a chase involving a mobile phone. The forensic investigation revealed the man was strangled, and the report has been delivered to the court. The family is requesting that a retired officer who accompanied the primary suspect also be charged, as video footage allegedly shows his participation. Forensic medical investigators have concluded their investigation into a police killing, delivering findings to a judge. Video evidence reportedly shows the involvement of a retired colleague who accompanied the alleged perpetrator during the strangulation.

Shared room prices in Madrid have exceeded 600 euros, marking the highest levels in 20 years. Experts from Fotocasa and Pisos.com noted the shift in housing dynamics. Fotocasa spokesperson María Matos stated that since their records began, prices had never previously exceeded 600 euros in the city. The high demand is driving costs for those in greatest need. This price surge reflects intense market pressure. Additionally, the age of emancipation for young people is being delayed due to market conditions. Madrid housing counselor Jorge Rodrigo stated that freezing rental prices would worsen the current housing market situation. The discussion involves the government's responsibility in managing contract extensions and the impact on property owners. Average housing prices in Madrid have increased by 17.4 percent compared to last year, according to a report from Fotocasa.

Retired Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified during the Kitchen case trial at the Audiencia Nacional. He admitted that he never ordered an audit of reserved funds despite receiving information questioning payments made to Javier Bañuelos, a driver for former Prime Minister Barroso. Pérez de los Cobos stated he did not detect irregularities in the funds over a seven-year period. Colonel Perez de los Covos testified as a witness in the Kitchen trial this morning. No modifications were made to the auditing procedures, according to the testimony. These payments included 48,000 euros, which reportedly included 700 euros for the purchase of a pistol. The payments have been a subject of press questioning since 2015. Press reports had questioned these payments as early as 2015.

The Spanish government opted to create a separate decree-law regarding housing and vulnerable families to avoid a parliamentary rejection. This strategic move follows the potential for the Junts d'Esquerra party to vote alongside the PP and VOX parties. The decree aims to address rental extensions and eviction prevention, though the source suggests its effectiveness may be limited. The measure follows previous legislation that entered into force upon the King's signature. The Spanish government implemented measures including a 2% annual rent freeze and a two-year extension for rental contracts. The decree also includes a ban on evictions for vulnerable families. These measures, part of an anti-crisis plan due to Middle East energy impacts, entered into force with the King's signature despite lacking support from PP and Vox parties.

Spain has implemented a sexual criminal law reform that redefines sexual consent. Under the rules active since 2022, only consensual sexual acts are exempt from prosecution. Any sexual act, including kissing, performed without explicit consent is classified as sexual aggression. The reform aims to establish clear standards for sexual autonomy. Since 2022, Spain has applied a 'only yes means yes' rule regarding sexual consent. Under the 2022 reform, the distinction between sexual coercion and sexual aggression was removed, which led to reduced minimum sentences for certain offenders. A subsequent reform passed by Parliament in April 2023 introduced higher penalties for offenders who use violence or intimidation against victims. The source noted that similar consent laws have existed in Sweden since 2018 to prevent such occurrences.

Madrid Metro will allow passengers to pay using bank cards at smart turnstiles starting in June. The update follows recent discussions regarding suburban transit improvements. No specific technical requirements for the hardware were detailed. The system will be available in the lobbies of more than 300 stations. This payment method has been in use on intercity buses since July 1 of last year. The rollout aims to eliminate the need for passengers to purchase physical tickets or passes. This change coincides with the upcoming visit of the Pope to Madrid. Additionally, the price of the transport pass will not increase for the remainder of the year. Transport Counselor Jorge Rodrigo announced the measure, which has been proposed for over two years. The system is already implemented in EMT bus services. The system is intended to streamline and facilitate access for travelers.

Banks in Spain significantly tightened criteria for accessing credit during the first quarter of 2026. A study by the Bank of Spain confirmed these more complicated lending conditions. The findings were released in the quarterly bank lending survey. The report indicates that the start of 2026 has brought increased complications for credit access. The number of loans requested during the first three months of 2026 has decreased across all sectors. Interest rates and terms remain largely unchanged, though mortgage costs have increased slightly. The decline in loan volume is noted as a trend for the current year. Banks in the Eurozone are tightening lending requirements due to risks associated with the Iran-related conflict. The European Central Bank reports that rising energy prices are making financial institutions less willing to take risks.

Spain's active population has reached a milestone, surpassing 25 million people according to EPA data. The country has a total population of nearly 50 million. Employment rates have also reached a new historical high following an increase of 5.32 percent.

Spain's unemployment rate has risen to nearly 11 percent. The current labor market situation was described as. This represents the worst first quarter recorded in the last 13 years. Despite these figures, the organization Caritas reported that nearly 15,000 vulnerable people found employment in 2025. According to the report, approximately one in four people supported by Caritas successfully secure jobs through their professional orientation programs. The country saw a reduction of 230,000 unemployed individuals in the last three months. The report also noted economic conditions in Germany regarding energy production and coal usage. Spain's unemployment figure has fallen to 2.4 million people, marking the lowest level in 18 years. The country has added more than half a million jobs over the last year, bringing the total number of workers to over 22 million.

Chinese automaker FAW Hongqi is in discussions with Stellantis to utilize a Spanish manufacturing plant. The move is intended to accelerate the brand's expansion within the European market.