Stories from Spain

More than 200 people with severe or chronic mental illness in Madrid will lose access to their reference therapeutic teams starting in May. Workers at Manantial Gestión, the company contracted by the regional government to manage these support teams, warned of the consequences due to economic problems. The loss of these teams threatens the therapeutic bonds established with patients. Many users have already abandoned their treatment processes due to the sudden change. The loss is due to financial issues involving a company contracted by the regional government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso. While a regional government spokesperson claims patients will not be harmed, workers warn that the loss of established therapeutic bonds is a concern.

One person died and a firefighter suffered burns during a fire at an old building in Madrid. The incident reportedly involved a lack of required personnel, as the initial response had fewer firefighters than mandated. Councilman Enrique Rico is calling for political accountability, stating that the shortage of firefighters is costing lives. The area delegate is being urged to assume responsibility for the staffing levels. Victims of a recent fire died in the hospital approximately 48 hours after the incident. Emergency services recorded 132 interventions on the night of the fire, compared to a typical 80. David Gómez, the general secretary of the city's firefighters union, denounced the precarious state of the service. The union noted that 167 firefighters were operational across the capital during the event.

A judge investigating the management of the Daná event has summoned Susana Camarero, the Vice President of the Generalitat, to testify on May 10. Camarero served as the head of social services on October 29, 2024, during the Daná event.

Former chief inspector Manuel Morocho testified before the Audiencia Nacional regarding the Kitchen plot. Morocho asserted that the operation was a police action conducted without authorization to spy on Barcenas. Inspector Morocho testified today in the Kitchen case trial regarding corruption within the People's Party (PP). Morocho stated that he felt surveilled by the police while investigating the corruption. The inspector also noted that judges involved in the case expressed suspicions. The testimony is part of the ongoing judicial proceedings in Spain. He alleged that magistrate Pablo Ruz also suspected microphones were in his office, noting that Ruz would move sensitive discussions to outdoor locations. Morocho further claimed that his superiors dismantled the investigation team in 2013, resulting in the departure of three people.

Víctor de Aldama is providing testimony to the Supreme Court regarding a supposed relationship between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Coldo García. The source noted that these individuals were used in a manner similar to ministers. Aldama reportedly received a call from the Venezuelan government concerning Spain's stance on Juan Guaidó. The testimony included claims that former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is exerting pressure to change the situation. A source mentioned that Víctor Córdova stated the situation with the Maduro government needs to be resolved. The source noted that the witness's responses followed the submission of a letter. Observers in the courtroom were seen taking notes and reacting to the testimony. These payments are reportedly linked to the awarding of contracts and tenders to the exposed companies.

A pediatrician named Jesús was reprimanded for attending to a patient outside of his scheduled working hours. The doctor has 14 years of experience in pediatric care and family support.

The body of businessman Jesús Tavira was discovered buried under concrete in an apartment in Alicante. Authorities have detained an individual close to the businessman following the discovery. Authorities in Alicante are investigating the death of businessman Jesús Tabira. His body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition under two meters of concrete at the home of one of his workers. The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing. The deceased was found under two meters of concrete and had sustained numerous stab wounds. The body of 63-year-old businessman Jesús Tavira was discovered in a well after he had been missing for one and a half months. The discovery follows a period of family conflict over power and economic agreements between his children.

A legalization project proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's social democratic minority government has split public opinion in Spain. Political scientist Pablo Simón from Carlos III University in Madrid noted the split reflects the current parliamentary spectrum. Approximately 90 percent of left-wing voters support the measure, while 75 percent of Social Democrats are in favor. Conversely, three-quarters of Conservative People's Party voters oppose it, and nearly 100 percent of Vox supporters are against the proposal. According to the source, as contracts and tenders were awarded to specific companies, cash payments were made to him to be distributed. The source stated that part of the money was intended for individuals like Cóldo and Ábalos, while another portion was for party financing. He reported carrying this cash accordingly to fund the party.

A fire in the Villaverde district last night resulted in the death of one person and an injury to a firefighter. Madrid firefighters reported that the intervention was conducted with fewer personnel than required by internal procedures. The incident has led to demonstrations by firefighters regarding a lack of resources.

The Mayor of Madrid announced during a plenary session that the city council will appeal a judicial decision to annul the local trash tax. The demand follows reports of insufficient resources within the fire department. One person died and a firefighter sustained burns in a recent incident, according to the report. Opponents, including Martínez Almeida, argue the tax disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Comparisons show the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95% higher than the minimum in Madrid. The Madrid City Council will appeal a ruling by the Madrid High Court of Justice that annulled the city's trash tax. The mayor asserted the council must defend the work of municipal officials regarding the ordinance's processing. The council stated that no money will be returned to taxpayers at this time.