Stories from Spain

Medical strikes in Spain have significantly increased surgical waitlists in several regions. In the Basque Country, surgical lists rose from 54 to 78 cases since late December, while patients waiting over six months are ten times more numerous than before the strikes, according to the health counselor. In Cantabria, surgical lists increased by 4% and in the Balearic Islands by 3%. Health officials plan to use private contracted centers to address the backlog. In Cantabria, specialist consultation wait times are growing by three to six days each week. Catalonia reports a slight worsening in non-urgent surgeries, and similar trends are noted in Madrid. Data covering seven autonomous communities has been released regarding the effects of canceled appointments and operations.

Police released five victims who were being held in a brothel in the Tetuan district of Madrid. The victims were reportedly treated as merchandise and forced into prostitution 24 hours a day. The brothel had been operating for 11 years, according to the source. Victims were allegedly offered to clients as prizes or bargains. Spanish National Police liberated five women from a brothel in the Tetuan district of Madrid. The establishment had operated for over 11 years and maintained a website with nearly 100,000 followers. Authorities stated victims were also forced to transport narcotics. Three women received medical assistance following the police intervention. The operation utilized a website with nearly 100,000 followers to advertise availability, rates, and contact methods. Medical assistance was provided to three women during the liberation of five victims.

The Madrid City Council has introduced a document proposing new rules for plenary sessions. The document prohibits attendees from using applause, banners, or exclamations during sessions.

Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli chargé d'affaires to convey condemnation regarding an incident involving a civilian flotilla in international waters. Netanyahu stated that activists would be returned home and remarked they would continue watching Gaza via YouTube. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the top representative of the Israeli embassy in Spain to protest the detention of approximately 180 volunteers. The volunteers were reportedly on board a flotilla more than 1,000 kilometers from Israel. This diplomatic action follows the entry into force of the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement. The agreement includes tariff reductions for olive oil, wine, and cheese. Spain's Foreign Minister summoned an Israeli embassy representative to the Spanish Parliament.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Israel is violating international law following the detention of 175 activists. The group includes Spanish nationals and members of the grassroots network Al-Muna. Sánchez said that the US must provide tangible guarantees regarding Israeli sovereignty and the safety of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. The incident involved the detention of activists during an attempt to deliver aid convoys. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares labeled the detention of an activist by Israel as 'illegal' and a 'kidnapping.' The statement follows recent tensions regarding the treatment of activists in the region. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the abduction of a Spanish citizen by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sánchez stated that Spain will protect its citizens and defend international law.

The People's Party (PP) has defended Kiles following an assault complaint filed by the wife of the President of the Government.

A former aide is facing trial in Galicia as one of three accused in a mask-related bribery case. The UCO stated the individual is an accused party rather than a witness and is not obligated to tell the truth. The defendant is facing a potential sentence of 19.5 years.

A former aide has denied bribery allegations during a judicial proceeding regarding a mask trial. The individual testified that the Socialist Party (PSOE) received payments in 500 euro banknotes. The source stated the aide's testimony aims to justify the large sums of money handled by refuting claims that the funds originated from bribes. A former aide, identified as Coldo, testified in the Supreme Court that he acted as a subordinate to Ávalos to avoid causing him headaches. Coldo claimed he handled mundane tasks, such as finding an apartment for Ávalos's ex-partner, which was paid for by the scheme for nearly three years. The source stated that the ex-partner pressured the group to resolve her housing issues to prevent public knowledge of the situation. Police presented evidence to the Supreme Court regarding the former aide's responsibilities.

New Attorney General of the State, Peramato, has removed the head of the Madrid Prosecutor's Office, Mudén Alastra, from his position. The Superior Prosecutor of Madrid, Almudena, has been replaced. Lawyer Alejandra Jacinto described the dismissal as good news. Lastra, has been removed from her position. The source stated that for six years, she had refused to investigate and had previously claimed there was no political responsibility regarding the matter. These appointments must still pass through the Council of Ministers. Peramato had previously stated in December that she intended to heal old grievances. The Spanish Attorney General has proposed a list of approximately twenty appointments, a move that critics claim is an attempt to settle scores regarding the judicial process that ended the mandate of predecessor Álvaro García Hortiz.

The Spanish retail sector reported a 0.6% growth rate and a turnover of 11.107 billion euros. Small business closures reached 13,586 in 2025. Approximately 18,000 businesses have closed in Spain since 2019. The sector has not yet recovered to its pre-pandemic performance levels. Approximately 11 percent of the Spanish population is currently living in poverty. This figure represents the second highest poverty rate in the European Union, trailing only Bulgaria. The report was discussed by Jacobo de Regollos. Spain's poverty rate has reached 11 percent, according to reports.