Stories from Madrid · Spain

Amazon is requiring sellers to provide original copyright holder documentation or a security deposit to obtain verification badges. The security deposit is set at 3% of the seller's brand turnover on Amazon over the last year. If a product is found to be counterfeit, Amazon will remove it from sale and retain the security deposit. These measures follow recent antitrust claims regarding the use of verification badges. Anton Lesnikov of the Amazon press service was contacted for comment regarding seller issues with badge acquisition. Sellers report that marketplaces are increasingly adopting strict tools to manage legal risks, including lawsuits and documentation issues related to counterfeiting. Business representatives noted that the prevalence of Chinese counterfeit products makes it easier for platforms to use automated tools rather than investigating individual cases.

The retailer El Corte Inglés is reviewing its strategic investment plan to accelerate growth.

Guardia Civil agents stated that a businessman paid a salary to a former minister and advisor to form a criminal organization. The report follows recent disclosures regarding political implications involving the PSOE and Bildu. Files were reportedly sent to suggest attacks against Judge Peinado in Congress.

A new law in Spain requires mutual consent for sexual encounters, defining sex without it as rape punishable by up to 15 years in prison. However, the law has caused an unintended side effect where numerous sexual offenders have received sentence reductions or early release. The law removed the previous requirement for victims to prove they had said no, resisted, or cried. Under the law, sex is only considered consensual with mutual agreement, and lack of consent can lead to up to 15 years of imprisonment. A Spanish law has led to reduced sentences for certain offenses. The error occurred because the judge used artificial intelligence to assist in writing the ruling.

Sociologist Renzo Carriero reported that 99.53% of Spanish families continue to use the father's surname as the primary name. Although Spanish law has allowed parents to choose the order of surnames since 1999, the traditional father-mother order remains dominant. This follows a trend observed in studies conducted in Turin regarding surname usage. The study notes that in 99% of cases, the order follows the paternal lineage.

The Spanish club Albas faces potential sanctions from FIFA that could include a two-year ban on signing new players. The club may also be required to pay over 1 million euros to a Cameroonian club if non-payment issues are not resolved. Failure to comply could result in the club being relegated to the third or fourth division. The club could be barred from signing players during a transfer window for up to two years. Additionally, Albas may be required to pay over one million euros to Cameroonet.

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.