Stories from Spain

Businessman Victor de Aldama has identified Coldo Garcia as a person of trust for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Aldama is a member of the criminal network currently under investigation.

Caldo has denied allegations regarding cash payments from Aldama. The statements come as he attempts to clear accusations made by a commission agent. The source noted these clarifications were made before a recess. He described his role as a simple intermediary rather than a decision-maker. García is expected to provide further testimony on Monday. The source noted that pressure was applied to resolve these personal matters to prevent public knowledge of certain details. He stated he is awaiting further details from Ávalos's upcoming declaration. She claimed there was pressure to resolve personal problems to prevent public knowledge of certain matters. García has denied having decision-making power and characterized himself as a simple intermediary in his statement.

The heir of Mario Vargas Llosa has received a royal letter of succession for the title of Marquess of Vargas Llosa. The title was issued by King Felipe VI of Spain to fulfill the wishes of the Nobel laureate. The announcement was made via a social media message explaining the succession process. The heir of a title previously held by Juan Carlos has received a nobility title from King Felipe VI. The marquessate of Vargas Llosa, originally created in 2011 by King Juan Carlos I to honor Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, is passing to his heir. Álvaro Vargas Llosa stated that the title recognizes the author's contribution to literature and the Spanish language. The transfer follows more than a year since the death of the Peruvian author. The son currently leads the Vargas Llosa Chair and the International Foundation for Liberty.

Queen Letizia held a meeting with women at the Gypsy Secretariat foundation to discuss employment, education, and gender equality. The foundation was previously visited by the then-Princess of Asturias in 2008. The meeting took place in Spain.

The Móstoles city council approved a proposal to ratify the urban development text for the former El Corte Inglés site in Mendes Álvaro. The municipality will purchase 72% of the approximately 8,500 square meter plot.

Madrid regional president Ayuso announced the start of procedures to construct a new 42-kilometer southeast highway. The bypass will feature two lanes in each direction and will not require tolls. The project is expected to serve more than 120,000 residents.

Police discovered the body of Jesús Tariben inside a hole covered with concrete at a worker's residence on Tuesday. Tariben had been missing since March 18, following his role as a private lender.

Spanish Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Sports Milagros Tolón stated during a press conference that the 2030 World Cup final should be held in Spain. The tournament is being co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Tolón indicated that the Spanish government is actively working toward securing the Santiago Bernabéu stadium as the host venue. She specifically advocated for the Santiago Bernabéu stadium to host the match. While the specific city has not been confirmed, the push is to secure a Spanish host over other potential locations. She did not specify whether the final should be hosted in Madrid or Barcelona. When questioned by European press regarding the possibility of the final being held outside of Madrid, the minister said the necessity of the event taking place within the country.

The Rodalíes train service will return to a paid model starting May 9. The service had been free for several months following alterations caused by the Gelida accident that killed a train driver.

A second flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza has sailed from Barcelona. Israeli warships reportedly attacked the flotilla west of Crete using drones and lasers. The flotilla consists of 58 boats that set sail from Spain.