Stories from Spain

Spain is set to become the first country to apply a treatment based on the partial reprogramming of human cells to treat knee osteoarthritis. The treatment is described as having biomedical and translational interest.

German coach Hansi Flick has reportedly reached an agreement to renew his contract with FC Barcelona until 2028. The deal would extend his tenure by two seasons with an option for a third.

A person received a prison sentence and a financial fine following racist insults directed at footballer Marcos Rashford during a match between Barça and Oviedo. The individual is also banned from entering stadiums for three years.

The Spanish government could take control of housing competencies currently held by autonomous communities. This potential move involves applying Article 155 to the Community of Madrid. The government considers current community actions to be detrimental to citizens. The discussion involves whether the central government should intervene to enforce housing measures. The Madrid City Council inspection department successfully converted 323 tourist-use properties back to residential use in 2025. Inspections increased nearly threefold compared to 2024 levels. Sanctions related to these activities also rose by 27%. These figures are scheduled to be presented this Thursday during the Madrid City Council Activity Agency's Board of Governors meeting.

The PSOE held a large campaign meeting in Cartama, Malaga, ahead of the May 17 elections. Approximately 1,800 people attended the event, with an additional 400 supporters remaining outside.

Students from the University of Navarra have produced a documentary titled 'Los Nietos del Silencio' (Grandchildren of Silence). The film aims to break the silence surrounding families who experienced the pain of terrorism in private for decades.

A criminal organization has defrauded 14 victims of 1.26 million euros using a phone scam. Scammers pose as police officers or relatives, claiming a family member has been involved in a fatal accident, such as hitting a mother and baby.

The trial for the Ávalos case has lasted longer than initially anticipated. Testimony from witnesses such as Sábaros has complicated efforts by the PSOE to minimize the impact of the proceedings. The trial has involved statements from Caldo García regarding unrecognized payments and allegations from Víctor Laldama concerning alleged illegal financing. The government has issued multiple denials following these allegations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Spain will protect its citizens and defend international law following the illegal kidnapping of a Spanish citizen by the Netanyahu government. Sánchez made these remarks during a campaign meeting in Andalusia.

Labor leaders Núria López of Comisiones Obreras and Óscar Martín of UGT held demonstrations in Andalusia to demand dignified, secure, and equal employment. They stated that the working class bears the consequences of ongoing wars.