Stories from Spain

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida announced the city council will appeal a Supreme Court ruling that declared the municipal waste tax null. Javier Ortega-Smith, acting as a Vox spokesperson, was present during the session. Mayor José Luis Martí de Zalmeida announced an appeal during a plenary session regarding the waste management tax. The decision follows inquiries from Vox spokesperson Javier Ortega Smith concerning whether taxpayers would receive automatic refunds for payments made. No immediate refunds to residents are expected at this time. The Mayor's office noted that the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95 percent higher than the minimum in Madrid. Opponents of the tax argue it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Madrid currently ranks 12th among major Spanish cities for these costs according to the OCU.

Musician Patti Smith has been named the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award winner for the Arts. Smith won the award over 54 other candidates representing approximately 30 different nationalities. The announcement identifies her as a prominent figure in the punk genre. The jury described her as a vigorous performer who captures individual rebellion through popular music icons. The award recognizes her poetic vision and commitment to messages of hope against injustice. Her career includes the emblematic work People Have The Power. The jury cited her creativity and the connection between poetry, rock, and cultural spirit in her work. The announcement was made during a broadcast marking the anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The award recognizes her impetuous creativity and vigorous style, noting her songs have become icons.

Aldama claims that payments were made to individuals including Cóldo and Ábalos as part of a scheme involving public works. An investigation is examining allegations of irregular financing within the Socialist Party. The case involves direct accusations of receiving commission payments. A UDF inspector and Gurtel investigator, Moropcho, confirmed the matter involves a police operation conducted without authorization. The investigation is expected to continue until May 4. The allegations suggest these funds were used for personal expenses, including monthly payments of 10,000 euros. A trial described how an organization collected illegal commissions for public works projects. Money was transported in various ways, including envelopes for amounts between 50,000 and 60,000 euros.

Dr. Balacic successfully raised up to 3 million euros for pharmaceutical research. The source noted that while basic research is covered by public systems, private or financial investment is required to transition research into pharmacy-ready drugs.

Real Earth has issued a recall for all batches of Blonde Henna and Oil Balance cosmetics. The company stated it cannot guarantee the safe use of these specific products.

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.