Stories from Spain

Pepe Albarecé and Unáiz Sordo in Málaga have called for the construction of at least 2 million affordable housing units. The leaders proposed mobilizing vacant housing and limiting or eliminating the use of properties for speculative purposes.

Spanish national authorities have admitted a lawsuit against two teachers from IESI TAKA in Valencia. The educators are summoned to testify regarding a potential charge of homicide through serious professional negligence.

Antonio Prieto, manager of Madrid Salud, reported an increase in nitrous oxide use among young people. The substance, also known as laughing gas, is being consumed repeatedly via easily accessible refillable cartridges.

A criminal organization has defrauded 14 victims of a total of 1.26 million euros. The scheme involved perpetrators making calls that lasted up to two hours to prevent victims from contacting family members. Authorities noted that the group also accepted jewelry as part of the scams. All detainees are currently in prison, according to the report. The perpetrators may have been able to reach their targets within one to two hours.

Autonomous communities in Spain have suspended over two million medical consultations, tests, and operations. Health economics expert José María Bellán stated that the full effects on surgeries and specialties will not be visible until June.

Francisco Rodríguez, director of studies, stated that artificial intelligence could allow tasks previously requiring five workers to be completed by three.

The Spanish Association of Primary Care Physicians (Semergen) is reporting an underdiagnosis of mental health leaves caused by occupational factors.

At least 20,000 people attended the central May Day demonstration in Málaga, according to labor unions. The event is part of broader May Day activities being reported in Barcelona, Murcia, Santiago, and Madrid. The demonstration took place on May 1.

Approximately 3,000 people marched in Madrid on Friday to demand better wages, housing, and democracy. Unions in Madrid demanded that President Isabel Díaz Ayuso address the housing crisis and strengthen public services. Paloma López of Comisiones Obreras criticized the diversion of public funds to private healthcare and education sectors. Protesters argued that current economic pressures are effectively reducing worker salaries by forcing increased personal investment in essential services. Participants also demanded protections for the viability of pensions and improved care systems for the elderly and children. Demonstrators stated that wages are being reduced due to forced investments in areas they claim prevent improved living conditions. Labor unions Comisiones Obreras and UGT organized a demonstration in central Madrid to demand action on housing shortages.

A child under 11 years old in Orense is being investigated for a possible case of meningitis.