Stories from Spain

The body of businessman Jesús Tavira was discovered buried under concrete in an apartment in Alicante. Authorities have detained an individual close to the businessman following the discovery. Authorities in Alicante are investigating the death of businessman Jesús Tabira. His body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition under two meters of concrete at the home of one of his workers. The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing. The deceased was found under two meters of concrete and had sustained numerous stab wounds. The body of 63-year-old businessman Jesús Tavira was discovered in a well after he had been missing for one and a half months. The discovery follows a period of family conflict over power and economic agreements between his children.

A legalization project proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's social democratic minority government has split public opinion in Spain. Political scientist Pablo Simón from Carlos III University in Madrid noted the split reflects the current parliamentary spectrum. Approximately 90 percent of left-wing voters support the measure, while 75 percent of Social Democrats are in favor. Conversely, three-quarters of Conservative People's Party voters oppose it, and nearly 100 percent of Vox supporters are against the proposal. According to the source, as contracts and tenders were awarded to specific companies, cash payments were made to him to be distributed. The source stated that part of the money was intended for individuals like Cóldo and Ábalos, while another portion was for party financing. He reported carrying this cash accordingly to fund the party.

A fire in the Villaverde district last night resulted in the death of one person and an injury to a firefighter. Madrid firefighters reported that the intervention was conducted with fewer personnel than required by internal procedures. The incident has led to demonstrations by firefighters regarding a lack of resources.

The Mayor of Madrid announced during a plenary session that the city council will appeal a judicial decision to annul the local trash tax. The demand follows reports of insufficient resources within the fire department. One person died and a firefighter sustained burns in a recent incident, according to the report. Opponents, including Martínez Almeida, argue the tax disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Comparisons show the minimum waste tax in Barcelona is 95% higher than the minimum in Madrid. The Madrid City Council will appeal a ruling by the Madrid High Court of Justice that annulled the city's trash tax. The mayor asserted the council must defend the work of municipal officials regarding the ordinance's processing. The council stated that no money will be returned to taxpayers at this time.

Two earthquakes measuring 3.8 and 3.4 magnitude occurred near Ontillén and Bocairen in the Valencia province around 7:00 AM. Several aftershocks were recorded following the initial tremors. No material damage has been reported from the seismic activity.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reached out to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) following recent disagreements. Sánchez told the PNV spokesperson in Congress that he wishes to continue counting on their support.

An autopsy of Isaac Andig, the founder of Mango, found no injuries consistent with an attempt to break a fall. Andig died following a fall during a mountain excursion while accompanied by his son.

The president of the Gymnastics Federation in Extremadura is under investigation regarding alleged recordings made in locker rooms in Mérida. The investigation involves the father of a girl who practices artistic gymnastics at those facilities.

Spain is projected to lose over 600,000 students in the next decade. The decline will primarily impact primary and secondary school classrooms in Madrid and Catalonia.

An investigation is examining allegations that a minister received 10,000 euros per month. A witness has confessed to being part of a four-person group involved in illegal dealings. The witness claimed that former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos and former advisor Cóldo García were involved in schemes. Specifically, the witness alleged that bribes of up to 250,000 euros in cash were provided to Ábalos for contract adjudications and financing the Socialist Party. Total payments reached 1.8 million euros between 2019 and 2021. The payments were allegedly supplemented by in-kind benefits including houses, trips, and other services to ensure the minister continued opening doors within central and regional administrations. The source stated these actions were intended to keep the minister bribed.