Stories from Spain

The number of unemployed people in the Madrid region stands at 306,600, representing a rate of nearly 8%. The labor market lost more than 170,000 employed persons during the first quarter. This represents the sharpest decline in employment since 2013. The number of people leaving employment exceeded those entering the workforce. Unemployment increased by 230,000, bringing the total number of unemployed individuals to 2.7 million. Unemployment figures in Spain increased by 78,000 during the current quarter. There are now more than 850,000 households where no occupant has a job. The report notes these figures contrast with government claims regarding economic growth. Total unemployment fell by more than 62,000 people this month. The service sector saw the largest benefit, with 46,000 fewer unemployed individuals. Most new hires were temporary contracts, according to the report.

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.

Spanish historians have launched a new digital audio guide for a monument to allow visitors to explore via mobile phones. The guide is available through an app, YouTube, and Spotify. Visitors can access the guide via a mobile app or through digital platforms including YouTube and Spotify. The guide allows users to explore the monument's secrets using their own cellular phones. Spanish historians have launched a new, free audio guide for a monument included on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. The guide provides scientific and truthful information about the site's cultural heritage. It offers a narrative interpretation of the complex intended to align with UNESCO's declared values. The monument is noted for being an exceptional example of Islamic architecture. The guide is intended to make the site more accessible to a wider range of visitors.

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.

Eva Pérez O'Rives defended the national priority principle in the Aragonese Cortes. The concept has been in effect since the era of Felipe González. The defense linked the principle to legality and local roots. Pérez O'Rives addressed criticisms of the principle directed at the political left. The ceremony took place in Suip, Marne.

A court in Pamplona has ruled that Enter Air must provide compensation to 117 minors following a flight cancellation on the Ireland-Pamplona route. The ruling recognizes both economic and moral damages caused by the airline.

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.