Stories from Spain

Irregular migrants in Spain access primary healthcare 14 times less frequently than Spanish-born citizens. These individuals also consume 41 times less public funding for medications. Medical professionals from the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine expressed concerns regarding the fear of detention preventing migrants from seeking care. The regularisation of approximately 500,000 people currently in process could positively impact the healthcare system. According to physician Luis Gemeno, the average Spanish resident consumes 370 euros in public medication costs annually. While a typical Spanish citizen averages seven primary care visits per year, migrant usage rates remain much lower. This data aims to counter misinformation regarding migrant impact on the national health budget.

Six agents from the AUCO will testify before a court regarding a transport audit of mask contracts. The investigation involves former minister and his advisor, Coldo. Legal sources indicate the interrogation of the accused will begin Wednesday with Aldama providing an extensive statement. Coldo García and José Luis Ábalos are scheduled to testify following Aldama. The judicial proceedings are expected to conclude this Thursday. Prosecutors and investigators are examining the sale of face masks during the coronavirus pandemic in the Community of Madrid. The investigation focuses on whether certain sales were conducted for the benefit of specific accounts. The total amount under suspicion exceeds 36 million pesos.

The Spanish Congress is scheduled to vote on Tuesday regarding housing costs and rent controls. The legislation, proposed by the government, aims to extend rent protections for two years and limit annual rent increases to 2%. Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the People's Party headquarters in Madrid to demand support for the measure. Villa Lobos, president of the Madrid Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations, addressed the demonstrators. The decree, proposed by the Sommar administration, allows for a two-year extension of rent protections and limits annual rent increases to 2%. Additionally, residents in the commercial center neighborhood held an assembly to protest a municipal project involving the construction of 530 homes and 16,000 square meters of green space. The local assembly claims the project favors real estate funds over neighborhood preservation.

Approximately 200 people gathered at the People's Party headquarters in Madrid to protest housing costs. Demonstrators expressed support for the extension of current measures as a common-sense necessity. Over 50,000 letters were sent within 24 hours by groups demanding the decree not be overturned. The Executive branch had previously separated this housing decree from a larger legislative package intended to address war consequences. The vote follows intense pressure from political groups including Sumar and Junts. While negotiations continue until Tuesday, the measure's validation appears unlikely due to a lack of necessary votes. The political group associated with Puigdemont has rejected both supporting and negotiating with the Sumar coalition. This refusal follows comments by Vice President Yolanda Díaz labeling the formation as racist and classist.

Approximately 100 urban artists are participating in the Pinta Malasaña event in the Malasaña district of Madrid. The initiative aims to visualize the sense of abuse felt by those unable to afford housing. The project is part of an annual community street art tradition in the city. The festival is currently taking place in Malasaña and around the Centro Cultural Conde Duque. Participants are characterizing the current state of the art industry as a harsh business environment. The festival activities are scheduled to continue until 8:00 PM. Pedro San Martín reported on the creative transformation of the district. Artists from various cities and nationalities have submitted proposals for a festival featuring diverse works including graffiti, muralism, and street art. One featured work is an open shoe designed to reflect the personal journeys of individuals.

Dutch motorcycle racer Colin Veijer finished third in the Moto2 Spanish Grand Prix. The 21-year-old rider started the race from pole position at the circuit. Veijer was overtaken during the race by Australian rider Ages and Spaniard Manuel González. A crash shortly after the start split the peloton into two groups. This result marks Veijer's first podium finish of the current season.

A trial is examining allegations of regular financing of the PSOE political party involving individuals named Ávalos, Coldo, and Aldama. The investigation is being conducted as a separate piece alongside other ongoing cases. The probe focuses on whether funds were improperly managed or moved. De Aldama's testimony included claims pointing toward Pedro Sanchez. The investigation focuses on whether approximately 500 euros were received in 500-euro banknotes as reimbursements for expenses, advances, and per diems. A 2024 certificate presented by the Socialist Party claims that 500-euro banknotes were not available, a claim currently being contested. Additionally, the PP is attempting to link PSOE candidate María Jesús Montero to José Luis Sábalos ahead of the Andalusian elections. The Court of Auditors has reported that the Spanish government used European Union funds to pay for pensions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed a pre-campaign meeting in Córdoba, Andalusia. Sánchez criticized the People's Party (PP) for its political alliances. He accused the party of lacking constitutionalism due to its pacts with the Vox far-right party. Sánchez stated that the Socialist Party's priorities are public services, peace, and social protection.

Authorities evacuated the boarding area at Tenerife North Airport following the detection of smoke. The incident caused flight delays within the Canary Islands. Normal operations began to resume after the area was cleared. Aena reported the smoke detection led to the immediate evacuation of the terminal zone. A cloud of smoke forced the evacuation of part of the passenger terminal at Tenerife North Airport on Sunday morning. Dozens of travelers were affected by the incident during the early hours.

The Iberian Anti-Nuclear Movement has issued a statement asserting that nuclear energy is not a solution to the current energy crisis. The group is demanding the immediate closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant located in Spain. The facility is situated near the Tagus River, approximately 100 kilometers from the Portuguese border. The movement's statement follows recent discussions regarding energy security and the role of nuclear power in the region.