Spain News Today

Spanish news in English

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Spain Revives Electric Car Subsidies

Spain has reinstated its Plan Moves III to support electric vehicle (EV) purchases, addressing a four-month gap in subsidies that caused a 53% drop in EV orders earlier this year. The program, now extended until December 31, 2025, offers up to €7,000 for buyers scrapping old cars and €9,000 for replacing old vans.

55 min

Economy

Judicial Council Defends Judges Amid Criticism

Spain's General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has issued a statement defending the judges who acquitted footballer Dani Alves of sexual assault charges. The CGPJ emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence, calling it a fundamental right, and urged political leaders to respect judicial decisions while maintaining public trust in institutions.

18 h

Politics

Tragedy Strikes Cerredo Mine

A devastating explosion in the Cerredo mine in Asturias, Spain, has claimed the lives of five miners and left four others seriously injured. The incident, believed to be caused by a sudden release of grisú gas, occurred on the third level of the mine, which had been reopened for exploratory purposes.

22 h

World

Spain Tightens Rules for Private Universities

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has announced stricter regulations for private universities to ensure higher education quality. The new measures include mandatory evaluations by the national agency ANECA, stricter financial requirements, and a minimum student enrollment of 4,500 within five years.

22 h

Education

Atlantic Storm Brings Heavy Rains to Spain

Spain is bracing for heavy rains as an Atlantic storm, potentially named Nuria, approaches midweek. Starting Wednesday, widespread showers will affect much of the country, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the Central System and western Andalusia, where up to 60 liters per square meter could accumulate.

Yesterday

Weather

Dani Alves Acquittal Sparks Outrage

The acquittal of former footballer Dani Alves by the Catalonia High Court has ignited protests and debates about justice in sexual assault cases. Feminist groups gathered in Barcelona's Sant Jaume Square to support the accuser, criticizing the court's decision as a setback for women's rights.

Yesterday

Justice

Andalusia's Migrant Care System at Breaking Point

Andalusia's child protection system is nearing full capacity, with 96. 3% of its 6,092 available spots occupied.

Yesterday

Immigration

Tragedy Strikes Asturian Mine

A devastating accident at the Zarréu mine in Degaña, Asturias, claimed the lives of five miners and left four others injured. The incident, believed to be caused by an explosion of grisú gas, occurred during a private mineral research project aimed at exploring alternatives to coal.

Yesterday

Accidents

Spain Defends Repsol Amid US Oil Ban

The Spanish government has called for calm after the United States revoked licenses for several oil companies, including Spain's Repsol, to export crude from Venezuela. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares assured that Spain will always defend its companies' interests and emphasized ongoing dialogue with the U.

Yesterday

Politics

Judicial Independence Sparks Debate

Spain's Vice President María Jesús Montero has faced backlash after calling the acquittal of footballer Dani Alves for sexual assault a "shame. " Her remarks have drawn criticism from judicial and political circles, with judges and prosecutors emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial independence.

Yesterday

Politics

Man Arrested for Threats to Valencian Leader

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Valencia for allegedly threatening the president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, on social media. The suspect reportedly sent death threats and hateful messages over three months, criticizing Mazón's handling of the October floods that caused significant devastation.

Yesterday

Politics

Spain Reaches Tax Deal on Minimum Wage

The Spanish government has reached a political agreement to address tax concerns related to the minimum wage increase for 2025. The deal introduces a tax deduction ensuring that workers earning the minimum wage will not pay income tax that year.

28 March, 10:00

Politics

Government's Monument Redesign Plan Faces Hurdles

The Spanish government has announced a plan to redesign the Valley of Cuelgamuros, formerly known as the Valley of the Fallen, as part of its democratic memory law. Despite earlier promises to remove the Benedictine community from the site, the monks will remain following an agreement with the Vatican.

28 March, 05:29

Politics

Valencia Flood Tragedy Sparks Accountability Debate

Five months after the devastating flood in Valencia that claimed 227 lives, tensions remain high as victims' families demand accountability. Joaquín Amills, president of SOS Desaparecidos, has criticized the Generalitat's response, particularly President Carlos Mazón, for alleged failures in emergency management.

28 March, 01:13

Politics

Protests Disrupt Castellón Festival Visit

Valencian President Carlos Mazón faced protests during his visit to the Magdalena festival in Castellón. Demonstrators criticized his handling of the October DANA disaster, which caused significant casualties.

27 March, 20:55

Politics

Bullying Scandal Shakes Spanish School

A shocking case of bullying has emerged at the Leonardo Torres Quevedo Institute in Santander, Spain, where four students allegedly attacked a classmate with cerebral palsy. The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage after being broadcast on national television.

27 March, 16:16

Education

Judge Probes Emergency Response Failures

A Spanish judge is intensifying the investigation into the handling of the October 29 storm that caused 227 deaths in Valencia. Judge Nuria Ruiz Tobarra has tasked the Guardia Civil with examining the emergency coordination center's video surveillance and communication systems.

27 March, 16:16

Law

Catalonia's Political Landscape Shifts

The latest survey by Catalonia's Centre d'Estudis d'Opinió (CEO) reveals significant shifts in the region's political dynamics. The Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC) remains the leading force, projected to secure 41-43 seats, maintaining its current strength.

27 March, 16:16

Politics

Europe's Defense Dilemma

The European Union faces a critical moment as it debates increasing defense spending amidst growing security threats. With the war in Ukraine ongoing and tensions with Russia escalating, EU leaders are pushing for a unified strategy.

27 March, 06:42

Politics

Spain's Defense Spending Debate

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a major plan to consolidate spending on security and defense, aiming to meet NATO's 2% GDP target. In a speech to Congress, Sánchez emphasized that this increase will not come at the expense of social or environmental budgets.

26 March, 21:59

Politics

Madrid Challenges Migrant Child Relocation

The Madrid regional government, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has filed a constitutional challenge against Spain's central government over a new migrant child relocation policy. The policy, agreed upon with the Junts party, redistributes unaccompanied minors from overcrowded areas like Ceuta and the Canary Islands to other regions.

26 March, 17:40

Politics

Aitor Esteban Bids Farewell to Congress

Aitor Esteban, the long-serving spokesperson for the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), has officially bid farewell to Spain's Congress after 21 years. Known for his eloquence and dedication, Esteban is leaving to assume leadership of his party in the Basque Country.

26 March, 17:40

Politics

French Police Arrest Triple Murder Suspect

French police have arrested Allal El Mourabit Ahmmar, a man accused of killing three farmers in Spain between November 2023 and January 2024. The suspect, of Moroccan origin and Spanish nationality, was previously convicted in 2018 for attempting to join ISIS.

26 March, 12:59

Crime

Supreme Court Orders Action for Migrant Minors

The Spanish Supreme Court has ordered the national government to take responsibility for over 1,000 unaccompanied migrant minors currently under the care of the Canary Islands' child protection services. The court has given the government an unextendable 10-day deadline to ensure these minors are integrated into the National Asylum Reception System.

26 March, 12:59

Politics

Spain Advances Digital Child Protection Law

Spain's Council of Ministers has approved a groundbreaking bill to protect minors in digital environments. The proposed law, now heading to Congress, aims to address growing risks like cyberbullying, grooming, and the misuse of AI-generated content.

26 March, 08:15

Politics