Stories from Madrid · Spain

Municipalities in Madrid are increasingly concerned about escalating problems following a publication. They anticipate needing police intervention as issues grow. The municipal police are expected to respond, as the national police and Civil Guard's assistance depends on the government delegate, who has not offered help. Éder Militão will be out for several months after undergoing surgery in Finland for a knee injury sustained during a match on Saturday. Kylian Mbappé also did not finish Friday's game against Betis. The team is determined to give their all and relies heavily on fan support. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Spain's migration policy is described as chaotic due to a lack of foresight from the government. This governmental chaos is reportedly reversing municipal management, leading to collapsed social services. Municipalities are experiencing strain from the influx of migrants seeking to regularize their status. The Spanish government's housing policy, specifically regarding rent caps, is creating instability. A temporary extension for rent increases of up to 2% has expired, leading to confusion. There is a request for the Spanish ministry to extend the deadline for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Thirty-eight student residences in the Community of Madrid will open during July and August. These facilities will provide academic orientation, training, and cultural and sports activities. The program aims to attract students considering studying in the region and their families. This initiative is part of the Madrid region's university strategy to strengthen its position.

Revenue from taxes on alcohol and related beverages in Spain decreased by 3.8% in 2025. This decline is considered a economic indicator. The decrease suggests a potential shift in consumer spending habits or a reduction in alcohol consumption.

The weather forecast for Madrid indicates that temperatures are expected to reach 26 degrees Celsius within hours.

Several tennis players have reported feeling unwell at the Madrid tournament, with some withdrawing from the competition. Russian Ludmila Samsonova, American Madison Keys, and Croatian Maricilic have all pulled out.

Former Spanish Vice President Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría stated she had no memory of the 'kitchen' operation or the turbulent period the PP party faced following the publication of its 'B' accounting. She also denied any knowledge of the creation of a 'patriotic police' or giving instructions related to it, despite her oversight of the CNI intelligence agency at the time. She was previously responsible for overseeing the National Intelligence Centre (CNI). The statement was made in response to inquiries regarding the source of funding for the alleged espionage plot. Former Vice President Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría testified in a trial involving the Ministry of the Interior during Mariano Rajoy's administration. The trial examines allegations that police operations were used to protect the People's Party (PP) from corruption and to undermine political rivals.

Agents of the UCO (Central Operational Unit) investigating the Mascarillas case have stated that the former Minister of Transport, José Luis Ábalos, was fundamental to the scheme. The investigation suggests the plot had access to the government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

New data from INE indicates that 7 out of 10 young adults in Spain, aged 18 to 34, are living with their parents. The majority do so out of necessity, with only 7% of respondents reporting they can save money to buy a home and live independently.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Valas, head of the Economic Crimes Department of the AUCO, is leading investigations. A Guardia Civil Colonel is investigating a sexual blackmail and extortion case involving Antonio Balas. This case is a new development in an ongoing investigation. Previously, there was an alleged attempt to place a bomb in Balas's car. Investigators believe a criminal extortion scheme targeting Spanish citizens began after a recording of Lieutenant Balas was leaked. Several individuals from Seville and Alicante have received WhatsApp messages from someone claiming to be a Guardia Civil lieutenant. These messages warn recipients they have committed a serious offense, specifically sexual abuse of a minor. All recipients of these messages are men. Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified in the Kichen case regarding the management of reserved funds.