Costa de Almeria 5 • 11 January 2023 Issue 1957

Festivities extended INCREDIBLE LADY

CHRISTINE LOGAN, husband Bill and their rescue dogs Bella and Brandy moved to Spain in 2018 and whilst setting up home, Christine was enthralled to discover that there was a local animal shelter. Without another thought, she took her size 39 paws to the gates and jumped straight in; volunteering to clean, feed, water, exercise the dogs and undertake whatever chores needed attention. Not one for sitting and thinking, but for doing, Christine decided to raise much needed funds for PAWS ­ PATAS and in January 2021 decided to walk a million steps in 50 days.

This was followed in January 2022 with another spectacular idea and she swam 10,000 metres in her swimming pool wearing an array of amusing

€5,000.

So what does the month of January 2023 welcome? Christine has another fun show to present and after the annual New Year swim in Mojacar, Christine will don a dog outfit and walk every dog in the shelter; currently housing 77.

The grand finale on January 31 will see Christine snuggling up with Jamie for a sleepover. “Jamie was left at the gates in 2019 and is now probably about eight years old” Christine explained. “His ears have been clipped to make him look hard but he is a lover, not a fighter; such a friendly, intelligent and beautiful boy.”

To foster or adopt a dog or to donate and help Christine Logan reach a goal of €2,000, please visit the website: pawspatas.org or the Facebook page.

Betty Henderson MOJACAR is to keep its prize Christmas lights thanks to their popularity. The town won the dazzling decorations in the Ferrero Rocher’s ‘Together we shine brighter’ competition and they can now be admired until the end of January.

The council announced that the lights will remain up until at least Tuesday, January 31, thanks to their popularity which has seen people from all over Andalucia and further afield flock to the town to see the famed display.

Local mayor, Rosa María Cano said the spectacular lighting display could even

remain up for longer than the end of January if interest remains so high.

The council explained, “This way Mojacar will shine brightly for longer.” The decision is set to stimulate local business in the town centre.

Mojacar won the Italian chocolatier’s Christmas competition earlier in December, which seeks to award a bespoke Christmas lighting creation to an Almerian town which meets its criteria of having a rich history, culture, cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

The town received the elegant display featuring distinctive Ferrero Rocher designs as a result.

headwear. To date, both these incredible fundraising events has raised in excess of

FUN SHOW: Christine and Jamie ready for their walk.

Image: Christine Logan

Generous gift

CHRISTMAS came early for one organisation in Vera this year. Asprodalba were awarded an astonishing €111,709 by the Smurfitt Kappa Foundation which will fund a brand new residential unit providing comfortable accommodation for 11 young people with intellectual disabilities.

The grant was secured thanks to the dedication of the Asprodalba manager, Pedro, president, Paco Alonso and British couple Andy and Jo Pearson. The couple have been supporters of the association for the past four years and offered to put their expertise to good use by applying for the grants for the organisation’s vital work.

After putting in an application with the Smurfitt Kapp Foundation, the couple began an agonising wait before the foundation announced their wholehearted support for Asprodalba’s work, with unanimous support among the foundation’s board.

Pedro, Asprodalba manager expressed his gratitude saying, “Never in my dreams did I think this application would come to fruition, but thanks to Andy and Jo, and the Smurfitt Kappa Foundation, the project is now tangi­

ble, we are overwhelmed with their generosity”.

The residential unit is set to be built on the former Guardía Civil barracks and will provide a home for vulnerable young disabled people, who do not have parent figures in their lives or have complex needs that their families cannot provide for at home.

Work on the project begins in January, with the goal of being up and running by November.

To find out more information about Asprodalba or to offer your support, please contact Andy or Jo at: andyjo.spain@gmail.com.

City’s founding

IT might be Boxing Day everywhere else, but December 26 has a special meaning for the city of Almeria. This year, on Monday, December 26 the city commemorated the 533rd anniversary of the city’s capture by the ‘Reyes Católicos’ Catholic monarchs.

The Día del Pendón is a historical celebration of the city’s rich history, with this event dating back to 1489. The city marked the day with a packed all­day schedule of events which began at 8am with the hanging of Almeria’s traditional pennant flag from the balcony of the City Hall and the firing of 21 cannon shots.

Throughout the day, several more flag­bearing and commemoration events were held to the sounds of the Spanish National Anthem. The Bishop of Almeria, Monsignor Antonio

Gómez Cantero also made a speech appealing for “Humility, kindness and patience to restore a society that places importance on dialogue, justice and harmony.” The mayor of Almeria, María del Mar Vázquez, also expressed her pride at raising the historic flag, and being the first female mayor to do so.

Beatles bliss Fit finale

THE spirit of The Beatles lives on in Almeria with a magical tribute concert which was held in the city on Wednesday, December 28.

The event is held each year at Christmas by the John Lennon Almeria Forever association which works to commemorate a fascinating link between the Liverpool­based artist and the city ­ he stayed in Almeria while filming 1967 movie, ‘How I won the War’.

The audience delighted in the expert musical tributes to one of the great ­

est pop bands in world history, performed by The Beatles Connection. The group’s core members, Chipo Martínez, Pepe Blanes and Antonio Álvarez put their musical skills on show alongside several guest performers.

The two and a half hour concert at the Club del Mar restaurant took the audience on a melodical journey through The Beatles’ iconic repertoire including ‘Help!’, ‘Twist and Shout’, ‘Hey Jude’, and ‘Penny Lane’, as well as a tear ­ jerking rendition of ‘Yesterday’.

THE new year is getting off to an active start in Nijar, allowing all residents to put their resolutions into practice!

The seasonal San Silvestre race is set to be held in Campohermoso on Sunday, January 8, with options for adults and children alike. More than 200 participants are expected to turn up on the day for the event which blends festive social fun with athletic activity. Total Sport Mediterranean are organising the event which always attracts crowds of locals, dressed up in fancy dress to get in the festive spirit.

San Silvestre running events have been underway across the region since Christmas Day itself, but Nijar’s event at the very end of the festive period is an excellent opportunity for locals to catch up over some light athletic activity and to celebrate the end of another successful Christmas in the town.

The children’s race will get underway first on an 800 metre course from 5pm, followed by the adults’ 2.5 kilometre run starting at 5.30pm.

Photo credit: Asprodalba (Via email)

Photo credit: Ayuntamiento de Almería

Asprodalba Association celebrates Smurfitt Kappa’s award of a huge grant to build a new residential facility for young disabled people.

Almeria’s mayor hangs the city’s traditional pennant flag.

NIBS EXTRA

Gift campaigns

COUNCILS in Huercal­Overa and Arboleas thanked locals for gift donation campaigns. ‘Superwomen’ Jo Kershaw and Gwen Williams were named locally for their festive fundraising, while another group donated presents to 51 children in 18 different families in Huercal­Overa.

Fancy dress

MORE than 2,000 runners showed off their athletic abilities and incredible climate change­themed fancy dress choices at Almeria’s San Silvestre run on Christmas Day. An exciting sprint finish saw Youness Belyamna take the men’s victory and Alejandra Gálvez win the women’s.

Warm wishes

ALMERIA’S mayor, María del Mar Vázquez brought festive cheer to local emergency and social services and religious groups with a traditional Christmas Eve visit. She thanked them for their service and wished all service providers success in 2023.

Export figures

ALMERIA’S ports reported excellent figures in 2022 as one of the most productive ports in Andalucia after Huelva and Cadiz. Almeria’s exports contributed to Andalucia leading national export standings by tonnes of goods during the last year.

Green coast

AUTHORITIES in Almeria are set to request a further €4 million in funding from the European Union in conjunction with the local university for sustainability projects including creating new parks and gardens in the city and along the coast itself.

Festive flower

ALMERIA is one of the biggest national producers of poinsettias, the distinctive red flower popular in homes at Christmas, and Easter in Spain. The region is thought to have grown more than eight million plants this year.

Sustainable solutions

LOW emission zones get closer for Almeria as the city council voted in favour of updating the city’s Sustainable Mobility Plan with this initiative on Thursday, December 29.

The move is a huge step towards the national government’s plan for cities with more than 50,000 residents to become low emission zones in 2023.

Councillors explained that the aims of the low emission zone (zona bajo emisiones),

is to care for residents’ health and guarantee clean air and energy. The council said it is committed to using

A shaky start

A STRONG earthquake measuring 4.1 magnitude on the Richter scale woke residents of the Levante Almeriense region of Almeria Province on Saturday, December 31.

According to information from the National Geographic Institute, its epicentre was located in the municipality of Turre at a depth of 0km. That means it occurred at the surface level.

The tremor is the largest to be registered in Spain last year on land. Stronger quakes hit the country during 2022, but they were at sea. IGN placed the tremor

initially in the Sierra Cabrera. It was eventually reported to have hit in between the municipalities of Turre, Mojacar, and Carboneras, although the quake has been reported as being felt in more than 100 locations in the provinces of Almeria, Murcia, Granada, and Jaen, as reported by a national news outlet.

According to the IGN, the intensity felt in some of the municipalities near the epicentre was at level IV. This means that it would have been felt inside buildings by many and only by very few outside.

Best foot forward

PREPARATIONS are underway for the new 2023 season with Carboneras’ hiking club, El Club Montañero Carbonero. The season is set to kick off with a low difficulty hike on Sunday, December 8. All members of the club and non­members are invited to join in the fun in the walk which will cover a picturesque 17.5 kilometre route that is fairly accessible for walkers. Hikers will take in the distinctively Almerian scenery from Escullos to Cala Higuera and then on to Pozo de Los Frailes over an expected four and a half hours.

The council’s Department for Sport has thrown its support behind the event to encourage locals to get active and to take advantage of their beautiful surroundings.

As well as getting some outdoor exercise, participants can enjoy socialising and make friends with other avid walkers. The walk is also a brilliant opportunity to discover more of the local area.

To register your interest in the walk, contact the walking club by WhatsApp to: 616 104 404, by Facebook, or by email to: clubmontanerocarbonero@gmail.com.

modern and innovative techniques to develop comprehensive sustainability plans that do not restrict citi­

zens’ rights and security.

In the new plan, the low emission zone will span from Cerro de San Cristóbal and Calle de La Reina in the east across the Old Town, Vía Parque and the Pescadería area.

As well as the low emission zone, the council is also trying to encourage sustainable mobility including cycling with the introduction of better bike lanes and traffic calming measures, walking with new pedestrian zones and electric buses.

Budget breakdown

VERA is set for some major investment in 2023 thanks to the council’s largest ever and most ambitious budget plan, which was announced on Thursday, December 29.

With a total of €22,194,900, the budget will respond to community concerns, provide better social services and business opportunities in the town. And what’s more, the council’s strong economic position means the budget has been accounted for and does not require further borrowing.

FRESH agricultural products drive the entire economy in Almeria, and it is the same case in Nijar, where local farm produce is vital for the town. One such local business is CoproNijar, which has a newly developed biological facility in San Isidro.

The mayor of Nijar, Esperanza Pérez Felices made a site visit to the new facility alongside the councillor for Agriculture, Manuel Moreno Bonilla on Thursday, December 29. The

factory opened for production at the start of the pandemic, so was hit by restrictions, but has now returned to normal.

The council team observed the factory’s process to prepare fresh produce for sale, including locally grown tomatoes. Afterwards they got an opportunity to chat with the company president, Francisco de Vés and the board of directors about current production as well as medium and longterm infrastructure improvements.

The projects funded by this budget all have a community focus. Several of the projects have already been announced including a day centre for local elderly people, a new market, roadworks to improve access to the town, a business voucher campaign and protecting architecture in the historic town centre.

LOCAL businesses are celebrating their victory in the Ferrero Rocher Christmas with a unique event. The town launched ‘La Ruta Dulce’, sweet tapas trail on Friday December 23, which is running throughout the Christmas holidays with businesses offering specialty desserts using Ferrero Rocher products to commemorate the landmark win.

In the event, guests can sample a variety of Ferrero Rocher­inspired desserts in the same format as popular tapas trails. The desserts created include cakes, tiramisus, Yule Logs, truffles, and even burgers and cocktails!

After sampling the desserts, visitors get the chance to rank them on a scale of one to 10,

entering the business name into the running for a special prize from the local business association.

Vera’s mayor, José Carmelo Jorge Blanco explained, “The aim of this budget is to improve quality of life for people in our community.” He added, “The socioeconomic focus of the budget is designed to deal with challenges we expect to face in the coming year and to prepare for the arrival of the AVE trainline.”

Betty Henderson

Almeria is set to develop a low emission zone to fight pollution in the city.

Photo

Creating connections

ROAD networks in Almeria are set for a major improvement as connectivity becomes a key focus of the city council’s agenda for 2023. In a meeting on Thursday, December 22, the mayor, María del Mar Vázquez highlighted city and port connectivity as a focus for the council.

At the meeting, the mayor spoke with the president of Almeria Port Authority, María del Rosario Soto, who highlighted current infrastructure inadequacies facing the port. Soto explained that the lack of direct motorway connections with the

port “enormously hampers the development of our port and the competitiveness of companies.”

Almeria’s port is currently the only one of its size in the country that does not have a direct motorway link. The council has pledged to draw up plans with the Ministry of

Transport, Mobility and Urban Planning in 2023 to confront the issue.

Developing stronger road connections would improve business prospects and provide job opportunities in the area, both at the port and in the construction of the motorway link.

Kick off the new year

ONE of Almeria’s most eagerly­awaited events on the sporting calendar is due to return with record entry numbers on Sunday, February 5. Organisers are hoping to speed past entry number records at the Almeria Half Marathon with at least 2,000

runners on the start line.

The starting pistol will sound at 10am from the start line on Calle Alcalde Santiago Martínez Cabrejas before runners take on a challenging urban route through Almeria City.

This year’s 21 kilometre race is open to athletes of all abilities, both in clubs and as individual participants, and organisers describe it as an

excellent challenge to kick off the new year.

A more relaxed ‘Healthy Run’ will be held on Saturday, February 4 with around 1,000 participants. The little ones can also get involved in a children’s run on the same day.

Entry can be completed online until Wednesday, January 25 at 1pm at: www.cruzandolameta.es.

Riverside revival

A LOCAL riverside is set for a major revival, allowing the space to be reclaimed for the community. Almeria City Council announced a regeneration project on the Andarax delta on Thursday, December 29.

The initiative will revitalise the natural landscape for wildlife and offer residents and visitors to Almeria a beautiful seafront space to exercise, socialise and relax in. As a sustainability project, the council are seeking to introduce more native vegetation to maintain wildlife habitats, and draining dilapidated sections of the reserve.

As well as reviving the delta, authorities have designed an ambitious plan which includes creating paths for pedestrians and cyclists, introduce aerobic exercise equipment, install four volleyball courts, and wooden benches.

The project has a budget of more than €1 million and aims to increase Almeria’s leisure opportunities by next summer.

CITY’S PORTS: Almería Council has pledged to develop a new motorway link.

Photo credit: Juanjo_Almeria1 / shutterstock.com

Cryptic bank balances

SPAI N’S T reasury has delayed the implementation of legislation requiring taxpayers to declare all cryptocurrency information. The decision was announced on Friday, December 30 and means virtual currencies will not be treated the

same as traditional currency until at least 2024.

As well as technological difficulties, the reasons for the 11th hour decision include a disagreement between the national tax agency and the State Council over the format

Controlling Covid

TRAVEL restrictions due to Coronavirus might be a thing of the past for most countries by now, but a recent outbreak of the virus in China is causing countries to rethink their entry requirements. After announcing the new restrictions on Thursday, December 29, Spain’s Department for Health confirmed that inbound travellers from China will now be required to present a negative test for Covid-19, or a vaccination certificate once more. Despite originally waiting for the EU to take action, Spain is the second country in the EU, after Italy to individually take measures to prevent the largescale return of the virus. The news comes almost three years to the day that China first declared the virus outbreak.

of declarations. Spain’s tax agency is in favour of collating as much data as possible from taxpayers, whereas the State Council is concerned about potential data protection issues. The tax codes that are under review and set to be amended from 2024 include 172, 173 and 721, which could change to require taxpayers to declare earnings in cryptocurrencies abroad and domestically.

Currently, data is only required on cryptocurrencies when it is used as a currency for domestic transactions. Taxpayers also do not currently have to declare the purchase of cryptocurrency. However, more stringent regulations apply to those whose assets are worth more than €2 million.

DIGITAL CURRENCY: Users don’t yet need to declare all of their crypto assets.

Photo credit: Chinnapong / shutterstock.com

New Year’s honour

MICHELE MASSON, President of Help Vega Baja, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to British Nationals in Spain in the New Year Honours List, published on Saturday December 31, 2022.

There are more than 2,000 British Nationals living in the area covered by Help Vega Baja and for many of them the charity has been a lifeline in difficult times.

Since becoming its President in 2015, Michele Masson has steered the charity through the twin challenges of Brexit and Covid, as well as the severe flooding that hit the Vega in September 2019 - providing a source of constant support to the community when they needed it most. More recently, she has corralled the charity’s volunteers to gather supplies of food and clothes for the local Ukrainian association to distribute to the high volume of refugees arriving in Torrevieja.

HMA Hugh Elliott said: “I know that my colleagues in our Alicante consulate find it hard to imagine the south of the province without Help Vega Baja and, indeed, without Michele. Under her leadership, the charity has become one of our key partners in the region - assisting with complex consular cases and acting as our eyes and ears on the ground. During the pandemic, Michele worked with us on a partnership pilot project to distribute consular funding via food vouchers to vulnerable families whose income had been lost due to Covid restrictions. Michele is a wonderful example

of leading by doing and I am delighted that she has been honoured for her work.”

Michele Masson said: “I am honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal for services to British Nationals in Spain by his Majesty, King Charles III. The charity world has many challenges, but knowing at the end of each day we have made a difference makes everything we are faced with worthwhile. I extend my appreciation to colleagues, friends and family who support me. Thank you all.”

Michele Masson has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Image: British Embassy Madrid

Prices falling

THE reduction in VAT on foods introduced by the government took effect from January 1, but will only be lowered from Monday, January 2 as stores across the country reopen.

The reduction approved by Royal Decree sees VAT on legumes, potatoes and tuber crops, milk, cheese, eggs, vegetables and fruits, cereals, bread and breadmaking flour abolished.

Until now these all attracted VAT at 4 per cent, but will now remain VAT free for the next six months or until core inflation falls below 5.5 per cent. Currently, the CPI is at 6.9 per cent.

VAT on olive oil and pasta also falls from January 2, going from 10 to 5 per cent whilst VAT on all other foodstuffs remains unchanged.

According to a national news channel, the average shopping basket is 13 per

cent more expensive than this time last year costing the average family of four around €315 extra.

The reductions in VAT, although small, do go some way to reduce the effect of the enormous increases seen on products like olive oil (25 per cent), eggs (27 per cent), milk (30 per cent) and cereals (37 per cent).

The government hopes that the broad range of reductions will have a greater impact than the big in ­

crease in the cost of individual products.

The food industry will, however, be required to absorb the new tax on plastic, which it had asked the government to delay for one year. The new tax rate of €0.45 per kilogram will raise around €690 million according to industry sources. They believe this cost will counter some of the reductions in VAT on foods as it will inevitably push up prices.

Link with Lebanon

SPAIN’S President, Pedro Sánchez made a landmark visit to Lebanon, to strengthen relations between the two countries and offer a funding pack ­

age. Sánchez is the first delegate from the European Union to visit the country as he touched down in Beirut on Wednesday, December 29.

During the visit, the Spanish leader affirmed Spain’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Lebanon as well as the EU.

Sánchez represented the EU and Spain during the meeting with the country’s interim Prime Minister, Najib Miqati and Leader of Parliament, Nabih Berri.

Sánchez highlighted areas for improvement during the momentous visit, including developing better renewable energy networks and infrastructure.

Sánchez also pledged financial aid for the country from Spain’s ‘Apoyo Español’ funding.

Sánchez also greeted some of Spain’s 646 service people stationed at the Miguel de Cervantes base in Marjayoun, alongside the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles. The troops work in the southern part of the country for the United Nations’ Unifil programme.

SHOPPING BASKET: Averaging 13% more than last year.

Image Davizro Photography

Of course, you can review your financial planning any time to ensure it is on the right path, but the New Year is the perfect prompt to do so.

One key reason is to ensure it is up to date. Establish whether any tax rules or financial regulations have changed and consider if developments in your personal circumstances mean you should adjust previous arrangements.

But an effective review of your financial planning, to ensure it is suitable for your life in Spain and future plans, needs to go beyond that.

Many people only consider segments of their finances at a time. They may have bought shares in companies or funds they like years ago. They may speak to a tax accountant about Spanish taxation, then to a lawyer about wills. At some point they look at their pensions.

For truly effective financial planning, however, you need to consider all these various aspects together. For example, how you hold your investments can make a difference to your Spanish tax liabilities. Estate planning in

Strategic financial planning for the New Year

was, you pretty much need to start afresh in Spain. What was tax efficient in the UK is unlikely to be tax efficient here. Explore the compliant arrangements available in Spain to establish what would work for your situation and how much tax you can save.

Estate planning

UK nationals can use the EU succession regulation to distribute their estate under the appropriate UK law, but research this first to confirm if it’s the right solution for you.

Financial structuring for life in Spain

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

on what you can achieve.

Spanish residency and taxation

The fact that you are resident in Spain, rather than the UK, has a significant impact on your financial and tax planning.

The way you own assets can impact on how you can distribute them on death and how much tax your beneficiaries pay, so take this into consideration early on. The Spanish succession tax rules differ greatly from the UK’s and you need to understand these to be able to plan around them.

Spanish succession law establishes forced heirship rules and protects children over your spouse, which can have unwel -

Perhaps the key rule for financial planning is that it must be specifically structured around your personal circumstances –your lifestyle today and plans for the future, family situation, income requirements, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance.

If you don’t already have a strategic financial plan in place for Spain, you need to take a completely fresh look at your investments and consider if they remain suitable for you today. Are they too risky? Do you have adequate diversification? Could

At the same time, consider your tax liabilities on investment income and gains, as well as wealth tax, and whether you could use tax-efficient arrangements to hold your investments as resident of Spain. And how will these savings be passed to your heirs? What inheritance taxes will they pay? Can the funds be passed on directly or through a lengthy probate process?

Every family is different. Your strategic financial planning must be carefully designed for you. All the various aspects should work cohesively together to create an overall wealth management plan that provides long-term financial security for yourself and achieves your wishes for your heirs. For peace of mind take specialist advice.

All advice received from any Blevins Franks firm is personalised and provided in writing. This document/article, however, should not be construed as providing any personalised taxation and/or investment advice.

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website

THE new year is here, which means it is also the ‘Year of Picasso’. The event is a year­long collaboration between historical and cultural organisations in both Spain and France to bring the iconic artist, Pablo Picasso’s legacy closer to the public on the 50th anniversary of his death.

Through cultural events and exhibitions, travellers are invited to see Spanish cities through the lens of one of history’s greatest artists. Five Spanish cities will host exhibitions showing Picasso’s work, including his native Malaga, where he was born in 1881. One such exhibition has been attracting visitors, since October 19, in the city.

The northern city of La Coruña, where the artist spent much of his childhood will host another exhibition, alongside displays in Barcelona, Madrid and Bilbao.

In addition to the collaboration with France, Picasso organisations across the world will celebrate the

artist’s monumental legacy with exhibitions scheduled to take place in the

USA, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, Monaco, and Belgium.

Royal hot water

FELIPE JUAN FROILÁN DE MARICHALAR Y BORBON, the 24­year­old nephew of Spain’s King Felipe VI has been implicated by the Local Police after a large fight broke out in a Madrid nightclub on November 25. According to a Spanish online news site, the National Police said that they are investigating a case related to the alleged involvement of Froilán, in a brawl that included 30 people, with some carrying knives.

Police officials said that the fight started after a vehicle was damaged, and upon reaching the scene, officers discovered bloodstains on the ground along with a broken car side view mirror.

Spanish authorities now state that the King’s nephew could face a prison sentence from three months to a year, if convicted. But the charges against him could be suspended due to the law in Spain, where sentences under two years are usually suspended for first­time offenders.

Year of Picasso International investment

FOREIGN investment in the Spanish property market reached an all­time high during 2022 according to a report released on Thursday, December 29. Purchases of

Spanish properties surpassed records, causing value to similarly soar to unprecedented rates.

International interest in Spanish property bounced

Operation Munich success

SPAIN’S Guardia Civil has made multiple arrests for crimes related to ammunition trafficking and illegal possession of weapons, as reported on Tuesday, December 27.

As part of Operation Munich, which was launched in October 2020, when arms trafficking specialists from the Information Headquarters (UCE­3) of the Guardia Civil, in another separate operation, arrested one of the main ammunition traffickers in Spain’s capital Madrid.

“This person had sold more than 36,000 metallic cartridges throughout Spain via the Internet,” the report read.

One of the buyers, a resident of the province of Pontevedra, a city in northwest Spain, bought some ammunition from the dealer and it was the evidence seized from this person by the Information Group of the Guardia Civil in Pontevedra that led officers to the multiple traffickers throughout Spain.

In total, officers seized 6,760 metal cartridges of various calibres, 21 firearms, 8.6 kilos of gunpowder, 26 mortar shells and silencers.

back during the last year, following a two year slump due to the pandemic.

Now, property experts say interest from investors in new markets including the Netherlands, Norway, Ukraine, and the USA has fuelled an impressive recovery from the pandemic. Purchases among certain markets have increased by more than 100 per cent since 2020.

As well as tapping into new markets, purchases from buyers in traditional foreign markets including Germans, British, and French people have remained steady throughout the year.

Market research carried out by one property giant found that locations including the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands and Canary Islands remained the most popular with expatriate property buyers.

2023 is Picasso Year, commemorating the revolutionary artist’s impact on contemporary art, 50 years after his death.

Photo credit: AJSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY / shutterstock.com

Relations thawing out

SPAIN has taken a leap towards normalising relations with Venezuela as the government appointed a new Spanish Ambassador to Venezuela on Thursday, December 28.

Ramón Santos has become the first ambassador appointed to the Spanish mission in Venezuela since relations became frosty in 2020, signalling a new era of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The landmark decision also means Spanish humanitarian aid will now reach Venezuelan people.

Spain had withdrawn for­

mer ambassador, Jesús Silva to protest the November 2020 elections that were considered a sham, and led to widespread poverty. Two

years later, Santos, who had worked as the Chargé d’Affairs at the Spanish Embassy for Venezuela has become the latest ambassador.

Improving awareness

ACCORDING to a report by a European news outlet on Wednesday, December 28, Spain has ended the year on a tragic note with December being the third deadliest month since records began for gender­based violence.

Some 46 women have lost their lives in this way during 2022 taking the number to 1,179 since 2003. Although December has been one of the worst months, the year has seen one of the lowest number of deaths since

records began.

Spain continues to suffer from genderbased violence, where partners take the lives of their wives or girlfriends, despite concerted efforts across the country to bring an end to the problem.

The issue has been given enormous publicity throughout the year, with most town and city councils having held regular events and campaigns to highlight the issue.

Diplomatic appointment signals new era for relations between Spain and Venezuela

Photo credit: esfera / shutterstock.com

A TOTAL of 63.47 per cent of the people who have obtained temporary protection in Spain are women, while 33.69 per cent are under 18 years of age.

Spain has exceeded 160,000 temporary protections for refugees from the war in Ukraine, more than 10 months after the start of the war.

Since its activation on March 10 and up to the close of business on Wednesday, December 28, the Office of Asylum and Refugees (OAR) of the Min­

New home in Spain

istry of the Interior and the National Police have processed and granted a total

of 160,756 protections to Ukrainian refugees in Spain. This figure places Spain

among the European countries that have granted the most protection to citizens and residents of Ukraine. All of this is possible thanks to the mechanism put in place urgently by the Spanish government to comply with the European Union agreement, which, for the first time in history, authorised the application of the Temporary Protection Directive.

Streaming success stories

THE last year was filled with changes in many industries in Spain, but one industry whose success hasn’t been as affected by the pandemic is the television streaming industry. And while the rankings appear to have stayed fairly constant, there were still some surprises in 2022.

Data on streaming platform use released on Friday, December 30 found that Netflix remains the most popular choice among consumers who use streaming services. In fact, nearly 57 per cent of streaming platform users opted to buy a subscription.

Amazon Prime closely followed, with just over 50 per cent of users also choosing this service. Third on the list was a surprise with HBO Max which shot up five percentage points from last year to

be used by nearly 27 per cent of streaming service users. HBO Max soared past Disney Plus which is used by 25 per cent of users.

The last service on the top five list was Movistar+, which although used by 18 per cent of watchers, has actually lost users in the last year.

2023 Holiday calendar

WITH 17 different autonomous communities, it can be tricky to work out all of Spain’s different bank holidays. But the new year is here, and today we’re sharing the bank holidays taking place across the country to help you to start planning your 2023!

Friday, January 6, The Epiphany is the first of the Spanish holidays in 2023, taking place this week to mark the Catholic tradition of the Three Kings arriving.

Friday, April 7, Good Friday.

Monday, May 1, International Workers’ Day

Tuesday, August 15, Catholic feast day of the Assumption.

Thursday, October 12, Spain’s National Day.

Wednesday, November 1, All Saint’s Day

Wednesday, December 6, Spain’s 1978 Constitution commemoration.

Friday, December 8, the Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day.

Ukrainian refugees.

Image: Maksym Kapliuk/Shutterstock.com

Netflix remains Spain’s most popular streaming site.

Credit: Ivan Marc / shutterstock.com

Election defeat fears

RIGHT-WING Politician

Nigel Farage, fearing another successive defeat, has said that he won’t run for parliament in the next elections.

The 58 ­ year ­ old former leader of UKIP, the Brexit Party and the UK Party is said to be fearful of another election defeat. Farage tried unsuccessfully between 1994 and 2015 to become an MP for South Thanet in Kent and a number of other areas in the south of England, before opting for a role as an MEP in Brussels.

When asked whether he would be returning to frontline politics, Farage said: “It is not top of my bucket list.

“I am quite happy with life as it is.”

Analysts believe that Farage’s best days as a politician are over and that he is right to be fearful of

an eighth successive defeat. Although unelectable, they do believe that he retains influence in the country and will be at his strongest outside of parliament.

Star’s Christmas donations

FIVE years on from the Manchester Arena attack which left 22 people dead, Ariana Grande is still making an annual Christmas gift donation to children’s hospitals in Manchester.

According to a national news outlet on Wednes ­

Paying tributes

JOHN BIRD, famous for his work on ‘Bremner, Bird and Fortune’ has died at the age of 86. Rory Bremner, his friend and comedy partner, who described him as one of our great satirists, confirmed this on Wednesday, December 28.

Bremner in a tweet remembering Bird said, “It’s an irony that one of our greatest satirists, so brilliant at portraying ministers, civil servants or high­ranking officials who exuded self­satisfaction, was himself so modest and self­effacing.

Meanwhile other celebrities including comedian Angela Barnes and actor Tony Gardner, also remembered Bird in their tweets.

Barnes wrote “Ahh RIP John Bird, you were wonderful in Bremner Bird and Fortune, and Absolute Power.”

day, December 28 the ‘One last time’ singer has formed a special bond with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity which delivers the gifts she donates.

According to the charity, this year’s gifts went to babies, children and teenagers in paediatric wards at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Trafford Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospi­

tal. Tanya Hamid, Interim Director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity said: “It’s so wonderful that Ariana has once again been so thoughtful and made this special donation to our family of hospitals.

Grande, who has been awarded honorary citizen status in Manchester, sends around 1,000 presents every year to those youngsters in the city who have to spend Christmas in hospital.

Budding artist

IT’S their first Christmas as the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Prince William and Kate celebrated by sharing a winter scene painted by Prince George.

The Royals shared George’s impressive painting of a festive stag on Sunday, December 25, to wish the world a ‘Happy Christmas’.

Prince George’s sweet painting depicts a stag surrounded by a snowy scene, with two robins perched on the antlers. The nine ­ year ­ old ap ­

pears to be a burgeoning artist, and Royal fans took to Instagram to praise his talent, calling him a ‘budding little artist’.

Some also remarked that he takes after his mother, Kate Middleton who is known for her passion for art.

The Royal children have shown their festive spirit all month long, delighting viewers with their heart­warming reactions at their mother’s Christmas Eve carol service and tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Nigel Farage tried unsuccessfully between 1994 and 2015.

Shutterstock.com/lev radin

Photo by SeventyFourShutterstock.com

PATIENTS in the UK are being forced to wait in huge queues for their turn outside emergency care, as one person reportedly spent over 99 hours last week to get a bed at a hospital, at the Great Western Hospital in England.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is facing a major crisis, as a record number

of cases due to flu, Covid, and Strep A, has resulted in thou­

Incredible achievement

A 53-YEAR-OLD man from England successfully completed his 365th marathon in a year on New Year’s Eve, raising over £1 million (€1.12 million) for charity. Gary McKee from Cleator Moor in Cumbria ran a total of 9,563 miles in a year, which helped him raise more money than he was earlier targetting for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

The father of three, McKee works as a group leader at a nuclear site in Sellafield, and often ran 26.2 miles (42.1 kilometres) every day in the morning, before starting his shift. Last year, he went through over 22 pairs of trainers, completing his daily marathons, regardless of rain, snow, or sunshine.

Aside from this, McKee has climbed Kilimanjaro, trekked through New Zealand and completed the Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours. He has previously run over 100 marathons in 100 days and 110 in 110 days.

sands of people waiting outside emergency care.

According to Dr Adrian Boyle, Chief Royal College of Emergency Medicine, quoted by a national newspaper, this winter has been the worst season on record, with regards to the amount of time each patient has to wait, before getting any medical attention at Accident and Emergency (A&E).

Due to this delay, hundreds of people are dying as a result, he explains.

“We think between 300 to 500 people are dying as a consequence of delays and problems with urgent and emergency care each week. We need to get a grip of this,” said Boyle.

RISHI SUNAK has pledged to rid the UK of all EU laws within 100 days, but sources are now suggesting that it could take up to three years to do so.

Government sources speaking to a national news outlet on Tuesday, January 3 have said that the delay is unavoidable given the scale of the operation. Ministers

will need to decide which of the more than 4,000 pieces of legislation are to be kept and which will be ditched.

Those that aren’t retained will need to be rewritten and will most likely need to go through parliament for approval, prompting some departments to ask for the deadline to be extended until 2026.

Dumping EU Law Unacceptable queues Bus lane chaos

NOTTINGHAM City Council has issued more than 39,000 fines to drivers inadvertently using a bus lane, raking in more than £1 million in fines.

According to a national newspaper on Saturday, December 31 many have managed to appeal their fines after a judge found the signage to be inadequate. But a Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “We have met all legal requirements for signage and gone above and beyond these, previously adding additional advisory signage since the changes were first made to provide mo ­

The bill to approve the wholesale dumping of EU legislation, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) is expected to face fierce opposition when it reaches the House of Lords in February with any delay being further damaging for Rishi Sunak who had vowed to get rid of the laws within 100 days.

torists with further warning and diversions towards the Southern Relief Route.

“We keep this under constant review and have made changes following feedback from the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which oversees PCN appeals, and we’d happily listen to any further suggestions from the public.

But drivers in the city aren’t satisfied saying that the signage is inadequate and difficult to see, with more than 2,000 successfully arguing that to be the case.

More financial aid

Cost of living crisis.

THE UK government has announced that it will be making cash handouts for the poorest families from the spring as part of its efforts to help with the costof­living crisis.

Announcing the support on Tuesday, January 3 the government said that payments of £900 will be made directly into the bank accounts of meanstested claimants. This would they said include those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits.

It is understood that the payment will be made over three months with more assistance possible later in the year. Those

that are registered disabled will also receive an additional payment of £150. Pensioners will also continue to receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has also said that the government is aware of the difficult times being faced by many families and: “That’s why we’re putting a further £900 into the pockets of over eight million low ­ income households next year.

The announcement that the UK is to give cash handouts to the poorest to help with cost­of­living follows similar action taken elsewhere, including in Spain.

Over 500 die every week in UK due to emergency care delays.

Chic snobbery

ITALY’S Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, is being massively slammed on social media for criticising the use of foreign words in Italian and then inadvertently using foreign words when doing so.

The minister said that using foreign words in the Italian language is ‘radical chic snobbery’ but as one Twitter

user said “the irony seems to have been lost on him.”

On Thursday, December 29, the right­wing politician and journalist said: “I believe that a certain abuse of English­speaking terms is a part of a certain snobbery, very radical chic, that comes from the lack of awareness of the global value of Italian culture.”

In Italian, Sangiuliano used the expression: ‘snobismo, molto radical chic’. Chic, of course, is a French word. Though it can be used in Italian, but a local translation would be ‘elegante’ or even ‘raffinato’. Radical is an English word used in Italian as ‘radicale’ and snobismo is derived from the English word ‘snob’.

Kebab v sausages

Image:stockcreations/Shutterstock.com

ACCORDING to a YouGov DPA survey pitting the currywurst sausage and doner ke bab against each other, Germans voted for the kebab.

When given the choice of the two, 45 per cent of adults picked the doner kebab and 37 per cent chose

the currywurst sausage. Some 15 per cent of voters said they did not like either.

The sausage sprinkled with Indian spices and drowned in spicy ketchup,

which first made its appearance in Berlin after the Second World War, is more popular with older Germans, especially men.

Fans of the Berlin version of the Middle Eastern dish, the doner kebab made famous by Turkish immigrants in the 70s, tend to skew the younger generation, in particular females.

RUSSIAN President

Vladimir Putin has approved the process by which Ukrainians in occupied territories can claim a passport, effectively renouncing their Ukrainian citizenship.

The process approved on Monday, December 26 also provides for the instant recognition of anyone under the age of 14 as a Russian citizen, with anyone else unwilling to be a Ukrainian citizen able to apply for the change.

Those that do apply will have to provide proof of citizenship from the DPR, LPR or Ukraine along with proof of residence. Those documents then need to be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or its territorial body. The ministry told Kommersant that new passport applications will be processed in less than 10 days.

A bill before the Duma will see Ukrainians formally renounce their citizenship on the day the application for a Russian passport is submitted.

Russia is moving ahead

with its plans to make the annexed areas permanent regions of the country, al­

in ‘annexed territories’ to apply for Russian citizenship.

Mobile ban

GIORGIA MELONI’S right­wing government has compared the effects of using mobile phones with the use of cocaine as it moves to ban them from schools in Italy.

The Minister of Education, Giuseppe Valditara, was reported by an Italian news outlet at the end of December, as having sent a circular to all Italian schools and institutes prohibiting the use of mobiles in schools.

He said in his opinion, they represent a “distraction both for those who use them and for classmates. I’m not saying you can’t get into class with your mobile. But you can leave it at the entrance or in any case outside the lesson: you go to school, to study, not to chat.”

It is understood the circular was accompanied by a Senate report that compares mobile phones with cocaine, however this research has been based on specialist opinion only.

Putin’s passport offer Let it snow

SKIERS may be met with disappointment as a lack of snow in the Pyrenees and other French ski slopes

means some ski stations will remain shut.

The mild winter season has greatly disrupted the

Hair brain idea

HAIRDRESSERS across Belgium are sweeping up and bagging hair clipped from their customers, and then handing it over to the Hair Recycle Project which is part of the non­governmental, non­profit organisation Dung Dung. The organisation then recycles the hair to protect the environment.

The Hair Recycle project feeds locks and tresses into a machine that turns them into matted squares that can be used to absorb oil and other hydrocarbons polluting the environment, or made into biocomposite bags.

Project co­founder Patrick Janssen, explained that one kilogramme (2.2 lbs) of hair can absorb seven to eight litres of oil and hydrocarbons, and the matted squares can be placed in drains to soak up pollution in water before it reaches a river.

“Our products are all the more ethical as they are manufactured locally, they are not imported from the other side of the planet,” he told a news outlet. “They are made here to deal with local problems.”

plans for ski stations in the French Alps and the Pyrenees this year, due to not enough snow. According to a report by a French news outlet on Tuesday, December 27, this has resulted in over half of the ski slopes across France remaining shut, at a time of the peak holiday season.

The Southern Alps which have over 75 per cent of the slopes opened along with the Northern Alps, have been the least affected. However, the situation is particularly worrying in the Pyrenees, with only 25 per cent of the slopes open so far. Aside from this, the Vosges and the Jura also witnessed a lack of snow, as only 25 per cent of the slopes have been opened to date.

lowing Ukrainians

PROCESS APPROVED: Ukrainians can claim a passport.

New EU president

SWEDEN has replaced the Czech Republic as President of the European Union with security issues high on its agenda.

As of Sunday, January 1, Sweden takes over the six­month presidency of the European Union from the Czech Republic. Swedish ministers and officials will subsequently lead negotiations on more than 300 issues during approximately 2,000

meetings, mainly in Brussels and Luxembourg.

The Nordic country will have the difficult task of finding compromises among EU countries and generating consensus in the European institutions on controversial issues such as energy, sanctions against Russia, and migration policy, as reported by a national news outlet.

One of Sweden’s pri ­

orities at the helm of the EU is reported to be the issue of migration. This is a topic that continually creates tension between countries in the bloc.

This may also be the case during the Swedish EU presidency this spring. The Netherlands and Austria have already pushed for an extraordinary summit in February, which will be dedicated to migration issues.

Limiting contact

DMITRY PESKOV, President Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary, has said that the Russian leader will not meet with journalists and that he is limiting contact due to the flu and Covid ­ 19 mutations that are doing the rounds.

Speaking to a Russian media outlet on Saturday, December 31 Peskov said: “To be honest, it is unlikely that it [communication with journalists] will be the same as it was before the pandemic, in the foreseeable future.”

Referring to the growing incidence of coronavirus and flu across Russia Peskov said:

French fast food

FRANCE might be a country synonymous with haute couture and fine dining but even the French are partial to fast food.

According to France­based food writer, Camille Labro, France is the second largest fast food consumer in the world after the United States and since the US population is currently over 334 million and France’s population is around 68 million, that’s a lot of fast food.

Strides are being taken to innovate the fast­food industry in France which is home to around 30,000 fast­food establishments that churn out an estimated six billion meals every year.

A new rule which was set to come into force on January 1, means that all restaurants with over 20 seats are required to provide reusable serveware. The French government will officially ban all single­use plates, cups, and utensils at dine­in fast food restaurants.

This includes larger chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Starbucks, but also applies to smaller eateries.

“There is a mutation process and strong epidemiological waves of different strains of the flu taking place, so those responsible for Putin’s safety and health should take precautionary measures.”

He continued saying: “In such conditions, the health of the president [Putin] is a matter of state security.”

The statement adds further to the many rumours that abound regarding Putin’s health, as it will to his rumoured unwillingness to be put on the spot over failures in Ukraine.

Pope’s passing

Peter McLaren­Kennedy POPE BENEDICT XVI who has been ill and under constant care sadly passed away on Saturday, December 31 at age 95.

His death was announced by the Vatican who said his remains were to be exhibited in St Peter’s Basilica from Monday, January 2.

Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, stepping down nine years ago. The first German

pope in 1,000 years, Benedict left behind a church more in controversy with sex scandals, mismanagement and polarisation.

Although he enjoyed good relations with his successor, he proved divisive preferring to retain tradition and opposing the modernisation of the church. Despite his shortcomings, Pope Benedict XVI will long be remembered by the Catholic Church.

Influencer remanded

ANDREW TATE was remanded in custody for 30 days by a Romanian court to allow police to complete their investigations into allegations of human trafficking.

The court in Bucharest was told that Tate allegedly kept six women under house arrest and that he forced them to do online pornographic videos. It is said that he and his brother, along with two Romanian women, treated

the six like prisoners.

Appearing in court, the judge dismissed Tate’s lawyers request for the influencer and former kick boxer to be released from jail whilst investigations continued.

Tate is being held along with his brother Tristan and their two Romanian personal assistants, Georgiana Naghel and Luana Radu.

The latter is said to be a former policewoman.

KREMLIN SPOKESMAN: Dmitry Peskov has said that Putin will not meet with journalists.

PRESS EUROPEAN

DENMARK

Fewer crimes

QUITE often it’s not Santa Claus who arrives at the homes of families in Copenhagen on Christmas Eve, but enterprising burglars looking to liberate presents as owners are out visiting family, although this year, police figures reveal an all time low of just 47 reported break-ins.

THE NETHERLANDS

Keep it local

WORRIED by the number of overseas students (mainly from the EU) being actively recruited by Dutch Universities, which cause housing problems across the country and lecture hall overcrowding, Education minister Robbert Dijkgraaf has written telling them to concentrate on admitting Dutch students.

BELGIUM

Bum note

PLANS to affix a 725 kilo, seven-metre-long harmonica to the front of the new Toots Thielemans metro station in the Zuidlaan suburb of Brussels to celebrate what would have been the musician’s 100th birthday have been blocked due to health and safety fears.

GERMANY

Going ape

CONSIDERED to be gentler than chimpanzees, the bonobo apes are as curious as their cousins and a zoo in Stuttgart makes sure that they receive plenty of Christmas presents as they love to unwrap boxes and study the wrapping paper before eating their treats.

FRANCE

Racist vandals

A STATUE of Victor Hugo in Besançon created by Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow had its face painted white after rants by right-wing extremists on social media declared that its face appeared to be too much like an African and two young men have been arrested.

NORWAY

Unique find

ALTHOUGH Viking artifacts have been found in Oslo over the years, for the first time a complete Viking grave has been discovered by builders constructing a new house on a small hill overlooking the Holmendammen lake just north of the city centre.

FINLAND

Holy smoke

WORSHIPPERS at a wooden chapel in the town of Rautjärvi were lucky to escape unharmed as it was burned down Christmas Day and police believe that an elderly man who later set fire to his own property and died was the probable arsonist.

IRELAND

Dusk busk

ANOTHER survivor of the pandemic is the annual Christmas Eve busking event in Dublin’s Grafton Street which raises funds for the Simon community. Quiet for the past two years, in the past it has attracted stars such as Bono and Sinéad O'Connor who played unannounced.

ITALY

Wild boar

ANIMAL rights activists are not happy with a new proposal to be debated in the Italian Parliament which would allow for the culling of wild boar. It is estimated that there are now more than two million and increasing numbers cause health and road safety problems in cities.

PORTUGAL

More routes

EASYJET has announced that this coming summer, it will add 15 new routes from Lisbon airport which will include Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca and Menorca as well as increasing capacity to a number of destinations thus adding more than one million extra seats.

UKRAINE

McChristmas

ON December 23, 2020, burger chain McDonalds opened in the Ukrainian town of Bucha, but the restaurant was damaged following the Russian invasion. Now just in time for this Christmas, the outlet has reopened with its own generator and joins 63 other McDonalds still serving.

SWEDEN

Earworm

A SWEDISH couple, Tomas and Hannah Mazzetti hate the Wham song Last Christmas so much that they want to raise enough money to buy the rights so that they can then take it off air forever, but they are about €15 million short of the likely price.

BUSINESS EXTRA Sellers market

A Handbag!

WITH stock markets still suffering following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and central banks attempting to tackle inflation, some investors are looking for other areas to put their money and currently high quality, expensive handbags with limited production runs are considered a good longterm bet.

Pork scratching

BRITISH pigs in blankets may have ended up in South Korean festive celebrations after the UK government secured the removal of rules banning the export of certain pork products such as bacon and sausages to that country opening an estimated £1 million market opportunity.

Petrol war

WITH the removal of the 20 cents per litre government fuel discount for private vehicle owners, Spain’s two largest suppliers of diesel and petrol Repsol and Cepsa have confirmed that they will both maintain their additional discounts at least for the first quarter of 2023.

Foreign workers

ALERT to the fact there were simply insufficient people available or prepared to work in flower and vegetable picking in the UK in 2022, the government has increased the number of seasonal workers visas for 2023 by 15,000 to 45,000, in time for the daffodil season.

Best customer

SPAIN has emerged as Nigeria’s largest export destination with total exports valued at N873.6 billion (€1.84 billion) according to a report from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics with the bulk being made up of oil and liquid gas although leather from goats came third.

Tackling rising prices

ON Tuesday December 27, the Spanish government agreed a package of measures designed to keep inflation low and to help households cope with rising prices.

The measures are:

• A reduction in the rate of VAT

The VAT rate on all items that attract the current rate of 4 per cent will be reduced to zero, and a basket of basic items like pasta and olive oil will see the VAT rate fall from 10 to 5 per cent.

• Fuel discount

The fuel discount scheme has been extended for a further six months, however, it is to be discontinued for private individuals (excepting Repsol and Cepsa). Only professionals in transport, agriculture and fisheries will continue to benefit from the scheme.

• Property rental

The cap that prevents rental rates from being increased by more than 2 per cent annually

will remain in place and will be reviewed annually in line with the inflation rate. Any contract that expires between now and July will have the rental price frozen, that is no increase in the rental.

• Public transport

The free transport scheme currently in place will be extended for a further 12 months.

• Direct financial support

Households with an income of less than €27,000 could be eligible for a monthly cheque of €200,

essentially anyone who does not meet the Minimum Vital Income level or who is a Spanish pensioner.

That measure is expected to cost the government in excess of €1.3 billion, with more than 5.5 million Spaniards thought to be eligible for direct assistance.

More details will follow once the legislation is published, particularly in regard to the foods that will benefit from a VAT reduction.

WASPI women wait

SINCE the pension age for women in the UK was raised from 60 with effect from 2011 a special group WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) was formed in 2015 to lobby parliament.

According to their estimates, more than 212,000 affected women died since they were formed, saving the UK government some £3.18 billion.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is in the process of conducting a very long­term review of the situation and having decided that the Department of Works and Pension had failed to communicate State Pension age changes to the women affected in July of this year, they have now completed stage 2 of the investigation.

For reasons of their

own, they are not however publishing their report until the entire investigation is complete and at a recent meeting the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs committee Amanda Amroliwala (Chief Executive Officer at the PHSO) told WASPI that this will be ‘within the first

quarter’ of 2023.

WASPI hope and believe that the PHSO will have the evidence needed to prove that there was maladministration which has caused injustice for up to 3.8 million women and they are currently seeking legal advice on what their next steps should be depending on the

outcome of the review.

In addition, they have appointed a new PR and Consultancy agency to obtain more coverage for their campaign and during the latter part of the year, the story was picked up by several national newspapers as well as Sky News and the BBC.

UNLIKE the UK where the sale of houses appears to be in the doldrums and the government are still trying to prop up the market, Spain seems to be heading in the opposite direction.

For years, the volume of unsold (and often unfinished) property flooded the market due to the 2008 financial crisis, but finally there are plenty of buyers around.

According to the latest Tinsa IMIE Local Markets statistics published on December 30, the value of new and used housing in Spain rose 2.5 per cent between the third and fourth quarters, placing the year­on­year increase in the last quarter of the year at 8.8 per cent, around 2 per cent above inflation.

On track

SPAIN is to spend €24.2 billion between now and 2026 in order to boost the strength of its railway system both nationally and by increasing the number of international routing agreements across Europe. Part of the strategy is to ensure that passengers receive a better and safer experience when using the railway system which will be modernised as much as possible and where feasible expanded with some new lines.

The other intent is to encourage greater passenger and freight usage as part of its ongoing environmental strategy which looks to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads.

SPAIN’S Ministry of Science and Innovation, through the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), allocated €325 million in 2022 to promote biomedical and health R&D&I.

Of the total investment, the ISCIII granted €248 million through the Strategic Action in Health (AES) 2022, the main annual tool to finance biomedical and health research in Spain. This investment represents 5 per cent more than the previous year.

The balance of €77 million was utilised by way of subsidies corresponding to past annual payments for biomedical and health R+D+I in the country.

NEW MEASURES: Support announced by Spanish Council of Ministers.

WASPI WOMEN: Outside the Houses of Parliament.

is the amount that British company Howden is believed to have paid to take over Banca March’s insurance business in Spain.

3I Group 1.337,50 1.345,50 1.331,50 139,82K

Abrdn 189,55 190,90 188,70 677,32K

Admiral Group 2.136,0 2.148,0 2.128,0 58,05K

Anglo American 3.246,5 3.261,5 3.235,0 214,34K

Antofagasta 1.557,00 1.561,00 1.545,00 83,15K

Ashtead Group 4.753,0 4.800,0 4.751,0 44,28K

Associated British Foods 1.578,5 1.597,5 1.576,5 100,45K

AstraZeneca 11.254,0 11.326,0 11.250,0 87,13K

Auto Trader Group Plc 518,80 525,00 518,80 273,73K

Aveva 3.217,0 3.218,0 3.215,0 46,95K

Aviva 445,30 448,50 443,80 332,05K

B&M European Value Retail SA413,80 415,10 408,60 243,56K

BAE Systems 857,00 863,40 856,40 574,68K

Barclays 159,36 159,74 158,24 2,56M

Barratt Developments 399,30 411,80 398,80 431,24K

Berkeley 3.788,0 3.854,0 3.787,0 35,33K

BHP Group Ltd 2.571,50 2.582,50 2.554,00 63,58K

BP 477,75 480,30 477,06 606,19K

British American Tobacco 3.296,0 3.304,0 3.278,0 169,02K

British Land Company 397,60 400,30 396,60 147,04K

BT Group 113,25 116,00 113,10 1,30M

Bunzl 2.751,0 2.783,0 2.751,0 40,55K

Burberry Group 2.036,0 2.047,0 2.028,0 70,75K

Carnival 582,3 588,8 580,8 37,47K

Centrica 96,20 96,84 96,12 1,05M

Coca Cola HBC AG 1.966,5 1.971,5 1.923,5 83,61K

Compass 1.924,50 1.936,00 1.923,50 104,46K

CRH 3.302,5 3.313,0 3.281,5 53,05K

Croda Intl 6.640,0 6.694,0 6.648,0 2,08K

DCC 4.119,0 4.177,0 4.115,0 32,09K

Diageo 3.650,0 3.659,5 3.637,5 438,98K

DS Smith 321,32 322,00 319,70 396,64K

EasyJet 325,50 329,10 322,60 308,43K

Experian 2.834,0 2.860,0 2.831,0 70,00K

Ferguson 10.410,0 10.545,0 10.410,0 72,80K

Flutter Entertainment 11.260,0 11.445,0 11.240,0 132,75K

Fresnillo 899,00 899,00 875,98 16,19K

Glencore 557,00 559,50 556,10 4,51M

GSK plc 1.442,60 1.447,80 1.434,20 456,62K

Halma 1.988,5 2.020,0 1.988,5 81,36K

Hargreaves Lansdown 862,20 868,00 856,00 150,92K

Hikma Pharma 1.566,50 1.578,00 1.564,00 28,10K

HSBC 517,70 519,20 515,60 2,15M

IAG 124,50 125,72 124,10 2,29M

Imperial Brands 2.073,00 2.077,00 2.065,00 367,40K

Informa 622,00 623,20 618,00 291,18K

InterContinental 4.760,0 4.766,0 4.732,0 28,78K

Intermediate Capital 1.157,50 1.167,85 1.155,26 15,14K

Intertek 4.043,0 4.065,0 4.043,0 17,69K

ITV 75,40 76,03 74,87 267,99K

J Sainsbury 219,48 220,00 217,88 65,29K

Johnson Matthey 2.123,0 2.141,0 2.074,0 41,69K

Land Securities 627,40 634,00 626,60 128,04K

Legal & General 250,40 253,90 249,80 1,43M

Lloyds Banking 45,74 46,17 45,67 11,35M

London Stock Exchange 7.176,0 7.230,0 7.164,0 48,15K

Melrose Industries 134,10 134,45 132,85 2,22M

Mondi 1.413,00 1.423,50 1.413,00 70,58K

National Grid 1.002,00 1.008,50 996,60 506,01K

NatWest Group 266,50 267,80 265,90 879,45K

Next 5.824,0 5.848,0 5.726,0 54,95K

Norilskiy Nikel ADR 9,10 9,10 9,10 0

Ocado 621,80 638,40 620,80 154,50K

Persimmon 1.225,5 1.253,5 1.224,0 109,92K

Phoenix 611,31 616,20 610,60 127,51K

Prudential 1.137,50 1.149,00 1.132,50 572,93K

Reckitt Benckiser 5.759,4 5.762,0 5.714,0 98,44K

Relx 2.299,00 2.313,00 2.297,00 324,07K

Rentokil 511,80 521,00 511,80 255,78K

Rightmove 515,60 523,60 515,60 177,78K

Rio Tinto PLC 5.808,0 5.846,0 5.787,0 184,91K

Rolls-Royce Holdings 92,61 92,68 91,45 4,30M

Sage 745,40 752,80 744,80 114,74K

Samsung Electronics DRC 1.102,50 1.107,00 1.094,50 2,65K

Schroders 438,9 450,2 438,9 368,06K

Scottish Mortgage 709,72 714,60 709,00 296,26K

Segro 767,60 778,80 767,20 236,33K

Severn Trent 2.668,0 2.702,0 2.667,0 35,93K

Shell 2.343,0 2.346,5 2.330,0 1,21M

Smith & Nephew 1.108,00 1.113,50 1.102,50 208,26K

Smiths Group 1.603,50 1.621,00 1.601,50 89,96K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering 10.650,0 10.770,0 10.650,0 7,19K

SSE 1.709,97 1.721,50 1.709,50 152,41K

St. James’s Place 1.103,00 1.116,00 1.098,50 115,15K

Standard Chartered 627,00 629,60 624,80 360,51K

Taylor Wimpey 101,15 103,45 100,95 1,71M

Tesco 225,00 225,80 222,98 257,24K

Tui 134,25 135,15 131,75 852,90K

Unilever 4.191,5 4.201,0 4.174,5 172,46K

United Utilities 996,80 1.007,00 996,80 129,32K

Vodafone Group PLC 84,53 84,86 84,23 15,38M Whitbread 2.592,0 2.618,0 2.581,0 37,61K WPP 817,60 823,40 817,40 120,61K

3M 120,57 120,86 2,06M

American Express 147,32 147,62 144,40 1,76M

Amgen 263,16 264,88 262,14 1,45M

Apple 129,61 130,48 127,73 75,34M

Boeing 188,91 190,25 186,19 4,51M

Caterpillar 240,20 241,61 238,27 1,65M

Chevron 178,32 179,20 176,65 4,14M

Cisco 47,50 47,74 47,26 11,36M

Coca-Cola 63,95 64,15 63,70 7,16M

Dow 50,65 50,80 50,00 2,74M

Goldman Sachs 343,43 344,64 341,24 1,27M

Home Depot 320,41 321,83 317,59 1,55M

Honeywell 214,75 215,25 212,77 1,88M

IBM 141,06 142,26 140,45 2,32M

Intel 26,21 26,29 25,75 30,54M

J&J 177,56 178,30 177,07 2,82M

JPMorgan 133,22 133,27 132,31 6,53M

McDonald’s 265,93 267,81 264,88 1,39M

Merck&Co 110,82 111,70 110,75 4,46M

Microsoft 241,01 241,92 235,65 19,73M

Nike 117,35 118,07 115,80 4,56M

Procter&Gamble 152,59 153,24 152,14 3,80M

Salesforce Inc 132,54 132,95 129,50 5,76M

The Travelers 189,44 190,04 187,96 676,54K

UnitedHealth 529,88 533,68 528,86 1,38M

Verizon 39,26 39,53 38,81 17,31M

Visa A 208,06 208,53 205,50 3,68M

Walgreens Boots 37,47 37,97 37,36 5,24M

Walmart 142,15 143,02 141,75 3,04M

Walt Disney 87,18 88,24 84,97 12,96M

Most

628,159

Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. +11.23% 31,557

AppLovin Corporation +10.96% 2.601M

Symbotic Inc. +10.52% 157,934

Fluence Energy, Inc. +10.21% 1.525M

Most Declined

PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk -22.86% 296,078

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. -14.50% 6.09M

Federal National Mortgage Association -10.42% 32,035

PetroChina Company Limited -5.63% 138,900

Woori Financial Group Inc. -5.24% 58,353

Harbour Energy plc -4.53% 433,487

Alpha Services and Holdings S.A. -4.35% 22,588

MINISO Group Holding Limited -3.94% 529,044

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc -3.28% 894,663

POSCO Holdings Inc. -2.60% 201,582

Deutsche Lufthansa AG -2.60% 24,597

Currency outlook: Hawkish ECB turbocharges the euro, Pound rally undermined by dovish BoE

Euro

EUR/GBP: Up from £0.85 to £0.88

EUR/USD: Up from $1.04 to $1.06

The euro enjoyed strong support through December. Supported by positive data including an upwardly revised Eurozone GDP print and stronger-than-expected German industrial releases.

The bulk of the euro’s gains were linked to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) latest interest rate decision. The ECB hiked rates by 50bps and signalled that it will continue to tighten monetary policy at its current pace through the first part of 2023.

However it wasn’t all plain sailing for the euro, with concerns over a potential escalation of the war in Ukraine weighing on EUR sentiment throughout the month.

Looking ahead to the start of 2023, it’s likely the primary focus for EUR investors will be on the Eurozone’s latest GDP release. While a slump in the bloc will not surprise markets, the focus is on the size of the contraction.

A larger-than-expected slowdown could stoke concerns over the size of the recession facing the Eurozone and push the euro sharply lower.

Pound

BUSINESS

EXTRA

Dropping sales

NOVEMBER was a bad month for Spanish retail sales which fell 0.6 per cent compared to last November after rising 1 per cent in October according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).

Oil ban

FOLLOWING the decision by the European Union and G7 members to put a price cap on the purchase of Russian oil, Putin has issued a decree banning the sale of oil to those countries running from February 1 to June 30.

Inflation drops

ALTHOUGH core inflation in Spain stands at 6.9 per cent, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December which is a more immediate indicator of price rises is estimated by the National Statistics Office as 5.8 per cent, the lowest figure since November 2021.

GBP/EUR: Down from €1.16 to €1.13

GBP/USD: Up from at $1.19 to $1.20

The pound initially firmed in December as some above-forecast PMI releases bolstered hopes the UK may see a milder recession than previously feared.

However, Sterling then faced a major setback as the Bank of England (BoE) concluded its final interest rate decision of the year.

While the BoE also raised rates by 50bps, two members of the Monetary Policy Committee called for rates to be left unchanged. Stoking speculation the BoE could pause its tightening cycle in early 2023.

GBP exchange rates then trended broadly lower through the latter half of December amid concerns over the UK’s ‘winter of discontent’, with GBP investors fearing widespread industrial action would severely disrupt economic activity at the end of the year.

Turning to January, ongoing strikes could see the pound face an uphill battle. Although some positive data releases could still garner some support for Sterling.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Down from at £0.83 to £0.82

USD/EUR: Down from €0.96 to €0.93

December confirmed the US dollar’s bullish

First time buyers

THE UK Mortgage Guarantee Scheme will be extended by a year, having already helped over 24,000 households get onto the property ladder.

Launched in April 2021, the scheme supports firsttime buyers, who make up 85 per cent of scheme transactions, buy a home with a 5 per cent deposit.

Under the scheme the government offers lenders the financial guarantees they need to provide mortgages that cover the other 95 per cent, subject to the usual affordability checks, on a house worth up to £600,000.

It was originally planned to close at the end of this year but will now be extended until the end of 2023 and will help to boost the flagging UK property market.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP said:

“For hard­working families facing today’s challeng­

ing economic conditions, it’s right that we continue to help them secure their first home or move into their dream house.

“Extending this scheme means thousands more have the chance to benefit, and supports the market as we navigate through these difficult times.”

To also support people to get onto the property ladder, the government has increased the level where first­time buyers start pay­

ing stamp duty from £300,000 to £425,000. Furthermore, first­time buyers can get relief on properties costing up to £625,000, as opposed to £500,000 previously.

Other government home ownership options available include Shared Ownership which gives first time buyers the option to buy a share of their home (between 25 per cent and 75per cent) and pay rent on the remaining share.

run was well and truly over, with USD exchange rates plummeting to multi-month lows.

The ‘greenback’ slumped through the first half of the month amid a prevailing risk-on mood and expectations for a dovish pivot from the Federal Reserve at its December policy meeting.

A larger-than-expected drop in US inflation further undermined Fed rate hike bets and sent the US dollar sharply lower in the middle of the month.

However, the Fed surprised markets by proving more hawkish than expected. With the US dollar rebounding from its worst levels as the Fed signalled interest rates will peak higher than previously forecast next year.

A cautious mood and stronger-than-expected GDP release then offered additional support to the US dollar in the run up to Christmas.

USD investors will be keeping a close eye on the latest US employment figures in January. A below forecast payrolls print could see the US dollar get off to a poor start in 2023.

Currencies Direct have helped over 325,000 customers save on their currency transfers since 1996. Just pop into your local Currencies Direct branch or give us a call to find out more about how you can save money on your currency transfers.

EU sued

US energy giant ExxonMobil which markets fuel in Europe under the Esso and Mobil brands has announced that it is going to take legal action to try to make the EU cancel its proposed windfall tax on oil firms.

The EU hopes to raise around €140 billion by charging a new 33 per cent tax on major energy suppliers by way of a ‘crisis contribution’ from their increased 2022 profits caused in part by the hike in energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

ExxonMobil argues that Brussels is not only exceeding its legal authority, but could hurt the European economy in the long­term as it would have second thoughts about further investment in the EU.

Good advice

FORMER Spanish government minister Luis de Guindos and now vice­president of the European Central Bank (ECB) said at a meeting of the Spanish Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs’ Associations (CEAJE) that the ECB expected Spain to enter into a short­lived recession in the first quarter of 2023.

He also told those present that “My advice for all young entrepreneurs is to persevere, and to always do so with caution, despite the challenges. And I would encourage all young people to study, learn languages and get to grips with new technology so as to be prepared for the future and able to better manage situations of uncertainty or instability.

GUARANTEE SCHEME: The key to home ownership.

Credit: Hippopx CCO

Almeria, North Costa Blanca and South Costa Blanca.

STERLING: Faced a major setback as the BoE concluded its final interest rate decision.

Peter Loveday

WITH their plastic bottles, food cartons and litter left laying everywhere in their wake, plus the output of untold thousands of vehicle exhausts as they idled in traffic jams, badly misled young protesters of 2022 have left a carbon footprint that will probably not be ‘offset’ until they reach their coming of age.

This present generation has to be the most spoiled, self­centered, misinformed bunch of youngsters the civilised world has ever produced.

They have air­conditioning in the classrooms, mobile phones and gismos, they ride in cars to school, they suck up junk food like hoovers and insist on the latest trendy outfits at all times. All of these luxury products, which they seem to think is their God given right, are manufactured or supplied by ginormous companies that pour billions of tons of carbon dioxide emission into the Earth’s atmosphere.

These children’s selfish attitudes and life styles cause far more damage to our environment than the previous generations they are so keen to accuse. The generations preceding them were mobile and ‘designer’ free and took bicycles or walked to their destinations.

Most had never experienced jet travel or air conditioning and opened windows when it was hot, instead of closing them. They received new shoes or clothes only when the previous attire needed replac­

Spoiled rotten

If we truly wonder who is responsible for these utterly disruptive attitudes and protests, it’s all pretty obvious.

ing, ate home­made sandwiches instead of Whoppers and read books.

However, in these modern day youngsters’ defence, most have of course been brainwashed and misled by the ‘usual suspects’! Many of the culprits are those who laughably profess to be ‘schoolteachers’.

Stringy haired trendies, who actually started the rot when the first long haired leftie ‘free thinker’ plonked his behind on his desk and told the class to call him John! The same leftie brigade who welcome drag acts into the classrooms to ‘enlighten’ four­year­olds and abolish winning and losing.

A whole generation of youngsters who not only have no respect for their elders but truly do believe they are actually superior. Ever increasing numbers of them would rather walk into the class with a knife than a ruler.

The main contributors are the third generation of children who have been raised by the children of another generation whose own parents suffered abominably when their very existence was threatened by the death and destruction of a world war. Rather than allow their offsprings to relive the horrors and deprivations their ancestors experienced themselves they have often quite understandably spoiled their descendants rotten ­ and all this public disruption and rampant disorder is the unfortunate result. The lefties absolutely love it. It could actually win them the next election.

Happy New Year everyone. Keep the faith.

Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS OVERLOAD OUR VIEW

ALTHOUGH most people enjoy Christmas, even the most tinsel­hardened Britons in Spain may be forced to admit that marking both December 25 and January 6 ­ and every holiday in between ­ is perhaps becoming a little too much.

The imposition of British traditions on Spanish culture now mean that what was previously a few days of festive celebration is now almost a fortnight extravaganza.

The Spanish may always have marked December 25 with a bank holiday, but in recent years they have also adopted the very British traditions of exchanging gifts and taking children to see Father Christmas, stretching the holiday period even further.

This assimilation of UK values into Spanish traditions do tell us two important ­ and rather lovely ­ things about the country we have chosen to call home however.

Firstly, that the Spanish really do love a fiesta. And secondly that they are quick to welcome the traditions of others with open arms.

For all the UK’s multiculturalism, festivities like Diwali aren’t widely adopted, yet over the past decade or so the Spanish have taken to a British Christmas like a turkey to gravy.

You can have too much of a good thing however and after the December hooha of ever­changing shop hours, bank holidays, overeating and overdrinking, it can be comforting to get back into the routine of work.

January is a time for reflecting on the past year’s achievements and failings as well as to plan ahead. And just as a change is as good as a rest, the familiar Monday to Friday routine can add the perfect backdrop for some reasoned contemplation on what’s ahead.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

A Permacrisis Omnishambles

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

THE ousting of two prime ministers, rising inflation and war led to ‘permacrisis’ (an extended period of instability) being named the 2022 Collins Dictionary word of the year. Other words include Carolean, (the reign of King Charles), splooting (the way animals stretch to cool down) and quiet quitting (doing no more work than contractually required).

Apart from Kiev and, ahem, Partygate (don’t ask!), there’s lawfare (using legal proceedings to intimidate), sportswashing (sponsorship/promotion of sporting events to enhance a tarnished reputation), vibe shift (a significant change in a prevailing trend) and warm bank (a heated building where people who can’t afford

their own heating may go).

Well, let’s see if I got them all in the following version:

In the post­Partygate permacrisis that greeted the vibe shift to a new Carolean age, while war raged in Kyiv and the unseasonably warm autumn left dogs splooting at warm banks, the quiet quitting generation crowdfunded lawfare to keep sportswashing in the headlines.

This time we have ‘permacrisis’. In the past we had ‘omnishambles’ and ‘fustercluck’ [anagram!]. Is it just coincidental that new words to describe the misery suffered by millions appear when we have Old Etonian school mates in charge?

Nora’s latest thriller.

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.nora­johnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

NoraJohnson’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

A sense of relief

OVER the festive period most of us feel a sense of solidarity with those less fortunate than ourselves.

The British Benevolent Fund receives many calls for help from individuals in dire financial situations, often aggravated by the inability to work due to circumstances beyond their control. One such case came last Christmas when we received a distressing mail from a married British lady living in northern Spain.

She had lost her job as an English teacher at the start of the pandemic, her teacher husband lost his soon after. They had two young children. They received little by way of compensation or state help and soon ran out of savings to support themselves and keep their rented apartment.

Her mother­ in­law offered space in her house ­ for her husband and the kids ­ but not for her! Given it was winter with Christmas coming, it was the only offer around and they literally were down to a few

Euros. They had no choice.

From one day to another she found herself without her family and children ­ she felt alone, depressed and with an overriding feeling of failure.

She contacted the British Benevolent Fund out of desperation ­ could we help?

It was in the run up to the festive period, she knew she would find work and hoped he would too in the New Year but nothing was certain.

We provided an emergency grant for the family to be together in a rented apartment over Christmas and some living expenses.

It changed everything ­ from desperation came hope ­ and a determination to overcome.

On Christmas Eve he was of­

fered a job with a decent contract that would start in the New Year.

As they sat down as a family on Christmas Eve, they felt a sense of relief and joy.

It was the best Christmas imaginable.

The BBF supports our community in Spain who face up to the worst life can throw at them.

We can only do so with your support and generosity. If you can please support our work with a donation. www.british benevolentfund.org or contact me olaf.clayton@britishbenev olentfund.org.

Reducing food waste

A RECENT poll found that up to 70 per cent of people living in Spain admit to wasting food. Whether it’s from keeping it in the cupboards too long, or making too much food, it’s easy to waste food, but that doesn’t mean we can’t act.

Here are three tips to cut back on food waste.

Meal plan

While we’re feeling or ­

A KEY feature of many Spanish homes are wooden doors and window frames, but what is the best way to clean them?

Today we’re bringing you four useful tips to help you get started.

• Regular dusting

The first step towards clean wooden door and window frames is regular upkeep. Clear dust using a feather duster before it builds up and gets harder to shift.

ganised at the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to start meal planning. Meal planning cuts food waste by stopping you from buying extra products you won’t get through.

Food storage

Storing foods correctly is one of the most useful ways to cut down on waste. Keep bananas on the counter and potatoes

and onions in a cool, dark space. Buy only what you can get through and keep some frozen fruits and vegetables if you need a boost later on.

Use leftovers

Develop your cooking skills while cutting waste. Get creative with your leftovers, look up recipes by ingredient in the index of recipe books or using the internet.

Wood care

• Light cleaning

For day ­ to ­ day wood care, you don’t always need to go all out. Instead take a cloth and lightly wet it with water and washing ­ up liquid before wiping the wood down. Pat dry with a tea towel before air drying, or use a fan to speed dry it.

• Heavy duty

Stubborn stains require a more serious approach. Try a solution of olive oil and white vinegar, using a cotton cloth to bring back some shine to your door. Other tried and tested remedies include liquid spirits for problem areas.

Brexit backtrack

SALLY UNDERWOOD POLITICAL ANIMAL

ACCORDING to a poll for The Independent, two thirds of Britons now support a future referendum on rejoining the EU.

While I was (and still am) firmly in the remain camp, is another referendum really the answer? Does it not just open the door for yet another referendum another 5/10/insert appropriate number of years time?

And more than anything else, did the last one really not just teach us that using such a blunt tool to give answers to nuanced questions just isn’t a great idea?

The UK’s political system largely runs on the basis of indirect representation, ie we elect people who take decisions on our behalf, rather than us voting on those decisions directly.

Yes, it often means getting any sort of solid answer to big political questions is a bit slower ­ but then Brexit itself wasn’t exactly speedy was it?

It made me think though, how do countries that make a high number of their politi­

cal decisions through a ‘yes’ ‘no’ vote normally fare?

Somewhat ironically, given the huge internal battles caused by Brexit in the UK, the country which normally uses referenda the most is the one generally considered the most peaceful, Switzerland.

By 2016, the year of the Brexit vote, the Swiss had held 180 referendums in the previous 20 years on everything from plans to abolish their army to making August 1 a bank holiday (the first vote lost and the second won by the way for anyone thinking of launching a sneak attack on Switzerland).

So how have the Swiss ended up the paragon of internal harmony when the UK is still so divided after one referendum seven years ago?

Perhaps it’s because Brexit deals with issues that, at their heart, are actually quite personal; everything from how we feel about our freedoms to how we believe those coming from other countries should be treated.

Maybe it’s just that they’ve had more practice than us.

Either way, perhaps we can agree that referendums ­ unlike their chocolates ­ are something that are better left to the Swiss alone.

The long awaited Digital Nomad Visa here in Spain

CONSULAR MATTERS

ON December 2, 2022, the BOE (Spanish State Official Gazette) published the new approved Law n. 28/2022, of December 21, promoting the system of emerging companies, also known as the ‘Startups Law’. The law came into force on December 23, 2022.

The law will not only affect companies, but will also introduce a new kind of visa for so­called ‘Digital Nomad Visa’, ie thirdcountry nationals (non EU), for example United Kingdom, Canada, United States etc who will be authorised to stay in Spain to carry out a professional activity at a distance for companies located outside the national territory, through the use of computer systems, telematics and telecommunications.

What could be termed very loosely as working from home in Spain for a company located outside of Spain, for example, in the United Kingdom or any other non EU country.

The new type visa, will have a new type

of residence permit connected to it, valid initially for one year and extendable for two or three year periods, depending on your circumstances, there is no limit to the number of extensions, of course provided that the conditions and requirements required by law remain.

Finally, the rule also regulates in a new way income revenues and tax declarations of this type of workers and enterprises.

If you are a non­EU country worker, again for example the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, both self­employed or a dependent of a foreign company, and your work can be carried out mainly at a distance by computer or telematic means, we can give you advice and help you get your new visa as Digital Nomad as well as your next residence in Spain, so that you can continue your work, enjoying the climate and quality of life of the Costa del Sol or Spain in general.

Moreno Castillo Consul for Denmark and Senior Lawyer at Just Law Solicitors. www.justlawsolicitors.com • contact@justlawsolicitors.com

Marisa

Sally’sopinionsareherownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Feel good resolutions

THE new year might be already upon us, but don’t worry if you haven’t created any resolutions yet. Today, we’re sharing four feelgood lifestyle resolutions ­ and the best part? None of them include dieting or exercising.

• Try volunteering Giving back to your community is one of the simplest ways to feel good about yourself and others. There are so many worthy organisations operating in Spain, so whether education, healthcare, or fighting poverty is your passion, there is something for you.

• Grow something Gardening may seem like an intimidating activity for many, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can start as small or as big as you like with gardening, but one thing is for sure, tak ­

ing care of a living plant and introducing some greenery to your home can only be positive for your mental health.

• Redecorate

You don’t need to break the bank, but giving a room a lick of paint can give it a new lease of life and give you the change you need in your

home.

• Create a bedtime

If you want to improve the quality of your sleep and feel better in your daily routine, creating a bedtime is a great way todo this.

This will help you feel fresher in the morning and give you energy all day long.

GROW SOMETHING: Which will provide you with an interesting project and add some greenery to your home.

Photo credit: Lucigerma / shutterstock.com

Healthy eating habits

Betty Henderson

THE new year is nearly here, which means many of us are looking for lifestyle and diet changes. Today, we’re sharing some tips from a lifestyle nutritionist on how you can set healthy eating habits that will actually last.

1. Don’t restrict certain foods

Labelling certain foods as ‘bad’, and restricting them can be counterproductive to our health journeys since they drive cravings and binge eating.

2. Set realistic objectives

Objectives for our health need to be achievable to keep us motivated. Set healthy daily, weekly and monthly goals for your health to stay on track and ensure that you are moving in the right direction.

3. Get organised

If you want to see results from changed eating habits, it’s crucial to have sensible,

robust habits that are clear in our minds. Preparing to achieve our goals is a neces­

sary step which will also allow you to enjoy the journey towards them.

LIFESTYLE CHOICE: Avoid restricting foods in New Year’s resolutions. Instead, create a list of healthy foods that you do want to eat.

Photo credit: Pixel-Shot / shutterstock.com

WOKE OR NOT

I WAS shocked by the recent article ‘The norm’ by Leapy Lee. (December 22 ­ 28 , 2022)

Leapy is definitely an old ‘lad’ of the 60s or more like the dark ages.

He compared old drag queens to today’s transsexuals.

No facts, just silly right ­ wing hysteria about gender neutral toilets.

How more outdated, out of touch and offensive could old Leapy be?

It sticks in his craw that minorities are allowed to shout their beliefs from the rooftops.

I’m surprised he didn’t use the old phrase about it being rammed down his throat!

I will shout loud and proud from the rooftops for equality, diversity, fairness and compassion. And if that’s being woke then I’m proud to be woke.

Leapy is absolutely not the norm, he’s from the dark old past.

Darren Bradshaw (Torreblanca, Fuengirola)

Christmas specials

I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed the Christmas articles in the paper over the last few weeks. I am of a certain age, and being the biggest Christmas fan, thought that there is very little that I didn’t know about Christmas, and was fascinated reading about the meaning behind certain songs and traditions. Well done.

Joy Lovall

Pick it up

Fed up now of seeing dog muck on the street. If you are going to have a dog please be responsible and pick up their mess, it is not the street cleaners or anybody else’s job to do this.

B Simpson

Keep on doing

Leapy, I love reading your column, it really does make me smile, not just because you say what other people are thinking, but you stand by your thoughts, never apologetic, which takes a real strong character. Keep doing what you are doing and don’t mind the woke generation.

Brian James, Marbella

Total shambles

We will still be unravelling from the Brexit referendum in 10 years time. Ok it may in the long run make good on some of the promises made during the Brexit campaign, but on the whole it will only cause misery. I live in Spain and like thousands of expats who have recently moved abroad or are thinking about moving abroad it has caused nothing but heartache and headaches and for some destroyed long held hopes and dreams of living outside of the UK. Complications with driving licences, residencia applications, visas etc is not the problem of the host country they are simply following the EU rules for non EU citizens, blame the politicians and the UK population that voted for it the first place. Total shambles from the start.

New junction numbers

I read your article shifting gears about the new road numbers, and I have to agree that this is so confusing. I understand about them being replaced due to duplication, but the hassle that faces many landlords and businesses having to explain the new junction numbers to holidaymakers and consumers alike. Sometimes a small problem for the few, can become a bigger problem for many.

Cathy Moore Malaga

Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

G Barry

THE NORM: Woke or not, everybody has a voice.

Large Villa in pretty La Perulera

LARGER than average, four bed, two bath villa with 10m x 5m swimming pool, H&C air con, meshed enclosure, conservatory, sun terrace and lovely views on a private 505m2 walled and gated garden.

Located in the pretty hamlet of La Perulera between Huercal­Overa and Taberno towns. Forty ­ five mins drive to the coast at San Juan del Los Terreros or Mojacar, Vera and Garrucha.

Huercal­Overa is a thriving but traditional Spanish town of 20,000 people and has numerous shops, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, squares, parks, a theatre, sports and leisure facilities, twice weekly market (Mon and Thurs) and hospital etc. Taberno is a lovely whitewashed village with a couple of shops, restaurants and small Friday street market.

Villa Roberto has tarmac road access and is on an enviable corner plot. To the front of the villa is a gated driveway large enough for two or three cars.

A covered porch leads in to the hall and large open plan living room / dining room with H&C air con, ceiling fan, log burning

fireplace and glazed doors leading out to the glazed conservatory with mosquito meshing. This makes an ideal second living/dining room with views over the swimming pool. Attached to this conserva­

tory is a further meshed relaxation / dining area.

To the right of the hallway is the separate kitchen and utilty room. The kitchen has plenty of worktop and storage space

and also has a glazed door taking you in to the conservatory and fly free dining area.

Also from the hallway are the two downstairs double bedrooms, both with built­in wardrobes. Next to these is the downstairs shower room.

A grand, marble stairway leads up to a spacious landing. There is the main bedroom with fitted wardrobes and glazed doors out to the sun terrace with lovely country views.

Next is the second upstairs bedroom, also with a door leading out to the sun terrace. There is a family bathroom with bath and overhead shower. The second upstairs bedroom could be used as a dressing room or study making the upstairs your own private suite or guest suite. To the rear of the villa is a gravelled garden with two garden sheds.

Voss Homes is a British family­run business with offices in the thriving, market town of Huercal­Overa and the village of La Alfoquia village (Zurgena). We are the main selling agent for the Huercal­Overa, Zurgena, La Alfoquia and Taberno area.

WHEN YOU GO SHOPPING - GO LOCAL!

VILLA ROBERTO: Situated on a 505m2 walled and gated garden with lovely views.

EXCITING LAUNCH INFORMATION

YOUR last chance to live in a LUXURY property in a privileged location, right on the seafront in San Juan de Los Terreros, Almeria. This is the last residential that can be built so close to the sea front. All remaining homes here will be built behind. This offer cannot be repeated! We urge you to call us now. Telephone: 950 466 112.

The first five buyers will receive free electrical appliances, contact us now to arrange your viewing and make a reservation with just €6,000.

The first buyers will also have the chance to personalise their homes, free of charge.

A choice of two bedroom and three bedroom ground floor, or Penthouse properties, prices starting from €193,000

Puppy power

Puppies

CHRISTMAS is the most popular time of year for owners to get a new puppy. And in the flurry of activity to prepare your home for your bundle of joy, it’s easy to overlook nutrition. But we’re here to help!

Today we’re sharing some nutritional fundamentals to help you feed your growing puppy.

Six to 12 weeks

This is a crucial period of growth and development for your puppy, support this with specially developed puppy food which contains essential nutrients which are not present in adult dog food. During this period, puppies need to be fed around four times per day and should also get at least 30 per cent of their protein from milk.

Three to six months

During this period, you can reduce feedings to three times per day. Owners can also start the shift onto dry food from around 12 weeks.

Six to 12 months

From six months, most owners reduce feeds to twice per day. Neutering reduces energy meaning your dog doesn’t need as much food each day. During this period smaller dog breeds can be started on adult food, but big dogs may need a little longer.

From one year

By now, your dog can generally be moved onto adult feed, and most owners feed half portions twice per day.

Winter cat care

PET experts often talk about winter care for pets that spend lots of time outdoors, but this isn’t always the case with cats. Today we’re bringing you some expert advice from vets on how you can take the best care of your cat now that temperatures have dropped.

Healthcare

The first step towards happiness for your cat is its

Top 10 names

YOUR dog’s name is one of the most important decisions you will make during their lives, you’re giving a name to another member of the family and you’re sure to use it many times every day!

But naming your dog isn’t the easiest job in the world, it needs to work well with their appearance, character and be appropriate for all of the stages in their lives. According to dog training experts, your dog’s name should also be simple enough that it will be easily recognisable for them when you call them.

Today we’re sharing a list of the

top 10 dog names in Spain in 2022, to give you an insight into the latest pet trends in the country, or to give you some inspiration if you’re searching for the perfect name!

This year’s top names were exclusively one or two syllables long showing the popularity of catchy names that you can easily call and your dog can pick up quickly. Movie names also tended to be particularly popular this year with Thor, Rocky and Nala making the top 10 list.

Female dogs

Luna, Kira, Nala, Lola, Bella

Male dogs

Coco, Thor, Max, Leo, Rocky

health. Ensure that your cat is up­to­date with all necessary vaccinations against seasonal and general sicknesses, particularly at this time of year when immune systems are often weaker.

Nutritious diet

Vets warn against overfeeding your cat during the winter. Cats tend to exercise less during cold spells of weather, so adjust their diet accordingly to avoid excess weight gain which can cause health problems. Nutritious food and fresh water are essential aspects of your cat’s winter wellbeing.

Sleeping space

Ensure your cat has a comfortable and warm place to sleep. Take advantage of sunny spots by opening curtains for daytime cat naps and use blankets or a heater during the night if necessary.

Physical activity

Encourage your cat to stay active during the winter. Playing simple games with your cat has physical benefits for your cat as well as keeping them warm, and developing your bond with your pet.

Photo credit: OksMi / shutterstock.com

need specially made puppy food in their first 12 weeks to keep energy levels high and to fuel early development.

Photo credit: Mariia Boiko / shutterstock.com

Help your cat to take advantage of sunny spots for naps in your home over the winter by opening curtains completely.

ALMERIA BUILDERS : Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www.almeri abuilders.com (253556)

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

LOCAL ANGLICAN (C of E) church services at Mojacar Los Llanos Del Peral and Alhambra. Communion every Sunday in Mojacar at 11am. Communion at Los Llanos every Sunday except the last Sunday in the month when there will be Prayer and Praise all at 11am. The services that were being held in the South American church Albox have now returned to the chapel and Communion is held on the second Thursday of the month at 11am. Priest in charge Rev Canon Alan Bennet telephone number 680 243 436. For further information, please go to The Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida web page. Or contact Tony Noble 950 069 103. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 617 914 156 (10021)

as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, www.britishlegion.org.uk/ counties/spain-north ZURGENA Branch meeting on the first Thursday, Coffee Morning on the third Thursday and Buffet & Quiz Night on the last Tuesday of the month all at Bar Trinidad, Arboleas, for further details please email zurgenarblchairman@ gmail.com - (253989)

ABBOTT ELECTRICS

From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691

STAY SAFE! Abbeygate

Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

WANTED Gold, Silver, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693

Male/Female viagra, cialis, kamagra jelly, mixed trial packs available, all areas mail order. 604 385 476. viagra4you19@ gmail.com

MOBILE homes & static caravans bought, sold and transported. +34 630 055 418 or elsyd7@hotmail. com (302142)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? Call and see how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvis its@gmail.com. If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well

MOTOR INSURANCE

For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

FOR SALE

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €7.75, medium dogs €8.50, big dogs €9.25, cats from €7.00 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@ gmail.com fivebonehotel. com (296266)

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (296493)

INTERNATIONAL SKIPPER LICENCE: Courses held in English and starts soon. RYA VHF and Radar Courses. 636 444 929

SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR

WIND

POWER

SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@suner gyalmeria.com (295779)

PROP FOR RENT WANTED REMOVALS & STORAGE

REMOVALS

Start the year with a classic alternative

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

WITH so many car makers sharing platforms and engines, mergers and amalgamations of brands, it’s perhaps no surprise that many cars feel rather similar. Arguably in many cases look similar too. For example one company is now in control of Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Vauxhall/Opel, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Abarth.

Unless you pay a lot of money for your car, and even then there are companies sharing parts and technology, individuality is becoming a rare commodity. Cars seem to have become the automotive equivalent of

white goods, we buy them when needed and change them for a newer, more efficient model in a few years.

However it doesn’t have to be this way. Many modern classics

are perfectly useable day ­ to ­ day and can be subtly tweaked to provide a more modern driver experience. Cars like Renault’s once ubiquitous 5 can be had for very little money, in

good condition and provide a characterful and economic daily commute.

Even newer companies like SEAT have a back catalogue providing far more character and in ­

terest than a modern equivalent. More luxurious modern day classics such as Mercedes Benz models from the 1980s/ 90s are incredibly useable and surprisingly economical in daily use.

Another benefit is that many countries and cities give exemptions to classic vehicles in terms of road tax and charging schemes.

If you like your cars then driving a modern classic can draw far more attention than some uber ­ posh modern car, and it’s not the kind of negative attention that modern super cars can sometimes draw. It’s also a way to drive a car that you would never have been able to afford in the day, and certainly wouldn’t be able to afford its modern equivalent. So

on both economic and style grounds modern day classics seem to be a winning choice for classy and unusual transport.

There are downsides though. No matter how much you improve the driving experience, a modern classic will never, in this writer’s view, drive as well, or as easy, as a modern car. Although many modern day classics have a great parts network, increasingly via the manufacturer but also specialists, depending on your choice, some parts can take a while to track down.

So take a look at the classic car press and online presence, do your research and you may just find the most interesting and stylish car you’ve ever owned.

MODERN CLASSICS: Are perfectly useable day-to-day and can be subtly tweaked.

Used car sales

AS countries across Europe speed to reduce emissions from pollution, the Spanish car market continues to lag behind with the transition to electric vehicles. Now experts warn that the market desperately needs to be modernised.

What’s happening?

Currently, the average age for cars on the roads in Spain is a staggering 13.5 years old, two years older than the European Union’s average. This year, cars older than 10 years old sold almost 40 per cent more than new cars. Experts are concerned by this because older cars generally emit more polluting gases than newer vehicles which have to conform with current pollution regulations.

Why is this happening?

Motoring industry experts say that supply shortages causing problems for manufacturers and spiralling inflation have put consumers off buying new vehicles during the last year.

Experts believe supply shortages have also caused car sellers to prioritise corporate buyers for the vehicles that they have had available, which led to shortages for private buyers.

What can be done?

Experts are calling for more financial incentives for motorists to buy new cars. Regulations against older vehicles being driven in urban areas are being introduced for 2023, but this won’t combat the root of Spain’s old car problem. Financial incentives could be offered as discounts or lower taxes on new cars.

Photo credit: Ody_Stocker / shutterstock.com

Motoring experts are advocating for financial incentives for new car purchases in Spain.

World mourns Next generation

THE Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have announced the launch of the Accelerator Programme.

The groundbreaking initiative is designed to accelerate the careers of young aspiring tennis players in 2023.

The programme will see playing opportunities at ATP Challenger Tour ­ level reserved for the world’s top junior players, creating an accelerated pathway into professional tennis. The new initiative supplements the 2023 Challenger Tour changes announced in September, which signal ATP’s long ­ term strategy for the circuit through significant prize money increases, a balanced calendar and an increase in total and premium playing opportunities.

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, confirmed: “Tennis has always been a sport that rewards hard work, and we must create an environment that allows young, aspiring players to reach their potential. It is our responsibility to open the door to opportunity and allow them to thrive in the sport. The Accelerator Programme is creating a pathway for the next generation of champions and we look forward to seeing it come into play in 2023.”

BRAZIL f ootball legend Pele passed away on, Thursday, December 29, at the age of 82. The footballer had been in hospital for the last four weeks battling cancer but his body had reportedly stopped responding to treatment. His death was confirmed in his homeland by the country’s government.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento was arguably the greatest footballer to have graced the game. During a glittering career, the No10 became the only player to even win the World Cup three times. His nation landed the trophy in 1958, 1962, and again in 1970.

At the age of 15, Pele made his debut for Santos FC, and broke into the national side when he was just 16. In Sweden on June 29, 1958, Pele became the youngest player to appear in the final of a World Cup tournament aged 17 years and 249 days.

Such was the demand for this incredible footballer that in 1961, Janio Quadros, the President of Brazil, declared Pele an ‘official national treasure’ to prevent him from being transferred to any team abroad.

During his career, he racked up an astonishing 1,279 goals in 1,363 games. This total though included friendly matches, but is still recognised as an official Guinness World Record. His record of 77 international goals was only this month broken by Neymar at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

New manager

AFTER being sacked by Bournemouth, Scott Parker made a dream return to top­level management on Saturday, December 31. The 42­year­old has been named as the new head coach of Belgian giants Club Brugge.

He was welcomed with a tweet on the club’s official Twitter profile that read: ‘The Englishman has just been appointed as our new head coach’.

Fabrizio Romano, the esteemed sports journalist also announced Scott’s new position with a tweet that read: “Official. Club Brugge have appointed Scott Parker as new head coach after he was sacked by Bournemouth in August. #Brugge Parker will be managing in the UCL knockout stages.”

As a result, he faces the prospect of Champions League football for the first time in his management career. The Belgians are in the last 16 of the tournament where they will play the first leg at home against the Portuguese giants Benfica on February 15.

After a 9­0 thrashing by Liverpool at Anfield, Parker was fired by Bournemouth, only four matches into the new season.

Shutterstock.com/ Nelson Antoine

Football legend passed away aged 82.