Stories from Spain

Spain's new Finance Minister, Arcadia, stated that addressing economic uncertainty is the government's current priority. The minister also noted that confronting the consequences of the war in Iran is a key focus.

Retired Guardia Civil Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified in the Kitchen trial, denying the use of reserved funds to spy on and steal evidence from Luis Barcelás. The investigation involves 48,000 euros in reserved funds received by the driver, which were questioned as far back as 2015. A retired colonel, Pérez de los Cobos, admitted he never investigated specific expenses from the 'Fonda de Reservados' fund. The investigation involves allegations that a driver for Barzenas received 700 euros to purchase a pistol. The colonel described the management mechanics of the fund but could not recall if the specific expenditure was on the list. Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos testified at the Audiencia Nacional that he does not recall any payments from reserved funds intended for spying on the PP treasurer. The testimony is part of the ongoing Gurtel case trial.

Employment figures in Spain have seen the worst start to a year since 2013, according to reports in the press. The country saw 170,300 fewer employed persons and 31,500 more unemployed persons compared to the previous period. Some analysts suggest the Holy Week calendar in April may distort quarterly comparisons. The report contains contradictory headlines regarding the data, with one metric measuring flow in January and March and another measuring the accumulation of unemployed persons. The government and opposition reportedly use different metrics to support their respective political narratives. Analysts suggest that previous claims of 170,000 occupants were a mirage involving temporary campaign contracts rather than structural employment. The current situation is linked to high poverty rates, inaccessible housing, low wages, and loss of purchasing power.

The Vigo City Council is attempting to recover funds from 3,500 unpaid water utility bills. Aqualia has requested assistance to collect debts totaling 200,000 euros.

A witness in the Gurtel investigation case testified that they were pressured to manipulate reports to exclude the name of Mariano Rajoy. The testimony follows ongoing scrutiny regarding corruption and brand wear. A witness has alleged that senior officials applied pressure to prevent the investigation from prioritizing documents related to Bárcenas. Additionally, the witness claimed that while in charge of the Gurtel case, they never proposed spying on the Bárcenas family. The source also noted that there was no evidence the driver of the excess vehicle was acting as a police informant. Chief Inspector Manuel Morocho, who led the Gurtel investigation, claims he faced pressure to modify reports regarding Bárcenas's documents. Morocho stated that these pressures increased after the PP entered government and gained control over the police.

Data shows 297 deputies in the Spanish Congress own at least one additional property, representing 85% of the total deputies. This ownership rate is significantly higher than the 74% reported for the rest of Spanish society.

The spouse of Adorno and Pagosa was reportedly found with $10,000 in cash in Spain. The report suggests the individual traveled using these funds. Questions have been raised regarding how a woman paid 6,000 dollars in cash during a trip to Spain.

Atletico Madrid will host Arsenal in a semifinal match at the Estadio Metropolitano at 9:00 PM. The team faces absences of Barrios, Jiménez, and Nico González, who was injured during the last training session. Manager Diego Simeone is uncertain if Lukman will start the match despite training normally. Atletico Madrid is set to host Arsenal London at the Metropolitano Stadium for a semifinal match. Approximately 3,500 Arsenal supporters are expected to arrive for the game. Around 1,500 security and emergency personnel will be deployed to manage the event. The winner will advance to the final in Budapest scheduled for May 30. The first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal London takes place this evening. The second leg is scheduled to be held in Munich in one week. This follows a high-scoring match involving Bayern Munich.

Unemployment in Spain has risen to 10.8 percent following the addition of 2,000 individuals to the statistics. Spain has lost 170,000 affiliates and the unemployment rate has risen above 10 percent. The increase breaks previous trends and presents a challenge for the government of Pedro Sánchez. The report was discussed following a period of political tension regarding confidence motions. The SADON 2025 report indicates that one in ten youths aged 18 to 29 lives in severe exclusion. Additionally, 11% of individuals aged 16 to 24 are neither studying nor working, which is one of the highest percentages in Europe. For the first time in six years, births in Spain have exceeded deaths, according to data from Bicel Caldeza. The information was shared during a press conference following a weekly government meeting.

A former minister is expected to provide testimony in an ongoing anti-corruption investigation in Spain. Declarations from Víctor Daldama and Cooldo García have refocused attention on corruption within the Socialist Party. This development has frustrated Socialist expectations. Far-right agitator Vito Quiles is under investigation for an alleged aggression incident at a Madrid restaurant this week. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, has not unequivocally condemned Quiles' actions and has placed him on the same level as the Spanish Prime Minister's wife. Feijóo stated that the facts need to be clarified and that violent attitudes should not be shared by Spanish society. Former Socialist Organization Secretary and Minister José Luis Ábalos is scheduled to testify before the Supreme Court in Madrid starting at 10:00 AM.