Costa Calida 22 – 28 June 2023 Issue 1981

Issue No. 13 (1981) 22 - 28 June 2023

COSTA CALIDA • EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM

PENSION POWER

HUNDREDS of elderly residents of Cartagena made their voices heard on Thursday, June 15, as they participated in a massive march organised by the city council of Cartagena to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The event aimed to shed light on the mistreatment experienced by seniors and promote their integration and participation in society.

Starting from the Alameda de San Antón, the determined group walked to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where a manifesto was read in defence of their cause. Acting mayor Noelia Arroyo emphasised the significance of assisting every elderly person in Cartagena, ensuring that no one is left without support.

Mercedes Garcia, the acting mayor of Social Services, re­

SAN JAVIER is set to host the International Parachuting Tournament (CISM) 2023 and the National Military Parachuting Championship.

The event will take place from July 15 to July 21 at the General Air Academy (AGA). Competitors from Spain’s

vealed that out of the 39,590 individuals over 65 years old in the municipality, 23 per cent live alone, amounting to 9,077 individuals. To combat loneliness and enhance the well­being of the elderly, the Cartagena City Council introduced the Cartagena Friendly City Plan for the Elderly. As part of this initiative, various programmes have been implemented, such

as active ageing workshops, which have already engaged over 2,000 senior citizens in the past year.

During the spirited march, participants proudly carried banners bearing messages such as ‘We are not invisible’ and ‘Ask me before deciding for me’. These expressions emphasised the desire for autonomy and dignity in old

age. This initiative serves as a reminder of the prevalence of elder abuse and aims to promote a positive perception of the elderly within society. By walking together under the slogan ‘Walking towards the good treatment of the elderly’, the march sought to raise public awareness and ensure that seniors receive the respect and care they deserve.

Parachuting spectacle

Army, Navy, and Guardia Civil will participate, alongside teams from eight guest countries: Germany, Austria, Qatar, Morocco, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ko­

rea, and Turkey. Around 250 people, including organisers, judges, and competitors, are expected to attend.

The tournament will feature jumps in the morning and afternoon at three venues, two within the AGA

and one in the vicinity of the former heliport of the old Los Arcos hospital. Spectators will have access to the sports field during the competition, where there will also be a small static aircraft exhibition.

THE Local Police recently encountered an interesting visitor in the district of Casillas in Murcia.

A sizable snake, identified as a Montpellier snake, had made its way into a house, sparking a mild commotion. However, there was no cause for alarm, as this particular species is not dangerous to humans. With a potential length of up to two

metres, the snake certainly commanded attention. The Ecological Patrol swiftly intervened, capturing the reptile and ensuring its safe transfer to the Wildlife Recovery Centre El Valle. Such encounters are not unheard of in the region, as the same team had encountered a horseshoe whip snake in a nursery just last May!

Catherine McGeer

Photo credit: Cartagena town hall website

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Enrique

ELDERLY RESIDENTS: Hundreds marched for respect and dignity.

Aerial showdown scheduled for San Javier.

Photo credit: Policia local Murcia Twitter account

Unwanted house guest in Murcia.

Swift collaboration

IN a commendable display of collaboration, the fire services and the Local Police responded swiftly to a distress call involving disoriented hikers in Puerto del Garruchal recently.

Their joint efforts and quick response ensured the safety of the hikers involved whose group included a child, bringing the situation to a reassuring conclusion. The incident highlights the significance of effective teamwork and preparedness in addressing challenging scenarios.

The team remains resolute in its commitment to the community, standing ready to provide assistance whenever it is required. Through their efforts, they continue to exemplify the importance of collective action in safeguarding individuals in need.

Nineties nostalgia

Catherine McGeer NINETIES Hits take centre stage at San Pedro del Pinatar’s Fiestas Patronales 2023 beginning on Saturday June 24 featuring with Bombai and Los Rebujitos!

The Plaza de la Constitución came alive on June 13 as Radio Pinatar, the local radio station, unveiled the programme for the upcoming Fiestas Patronales. The event featured a special broadcast and included an interview with David Jiménez, this year’s town crier! Known for his passion for communication and gastronomy, Jiménez hails from a family with a long­standing tradition of run­

Summer plans

CARTAGENA Port of Cultures and the Roman Theatre Museum offer a range of exciting activities this summer. You can explore the fascinating influence of Egypt in Cartagena through the ‘Treasures of Egypt’ exhibition at the Augusteum. The exhibition showcases the art, traditions, and beliefs of ancient Egypt. Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s ticket offices.

‘Cartagena under the Condor Legion’ explores the Civil War and the strategies used to protect civilians. ‘In the Footsteps of Cleopatra’ highlights the influence of Egypt in Carthago Nova, and ‘Isaac Peral, the Inventor, and the Sea’ focuses on the great inventor of the 19th century. Additionally, the ‘Panoramic Cartagena’ route takes you to the city’s highest point, offering stunning views.

ning the renowned Restaurant Venezuela in Lo Pagan.

Javier Castejón, the acting councillor for Festivities, also took the stage to present the programme. Alongside the traditional events like the gala ceremonies for the Queens’ elections, the procession in honour of San Pedro, the Folklore Festival, the Livestock Fair, and the offering of fruits to the patron saint, there will be a diverse range of concerts and leisure activities at the fairgrounds. The full programme for the patron saint fiestas and the summer activities can be found on the municipal website sanpedrodelpinatar.es

For a more interactive experience, dramatised routes like ‘Lucrecia Prima, the Woman in Carthago Nova’ bring history to life. These tours provide a unique perspective on the city’s past. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover Cartagena’s rich cultural heritage this summer!

IN an effort to promote animal welfare and support the APROAMA association, the Council of Animal Welfare of the town hall of Mazarron is organising the third annual Canine Kayak Route. This exciting event, scheduled for Saturday, June 24, promises a fun­filled day of adventure on the picturesque beach of the Ermita of Puerto de Mazarrón. Collaborating with the Grímpola Sailing School and the APROAMA association, the Animal Welfare

Paddling paws

Council aims to bring together pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts for a common cause. The Canine Kayakathon offers participants the opportunity to bond with their furry companions while enjoying a scenic kayak ride. With limited spots available, interested individuals are encouraged to register promptly by calling 699 057 950. The registration fee of €8 will directly contribute to the APROAMA association, enabling them to continue their vital work.

PATRONALES: The programme for the upcoming fiestas unveiled.

Photo credit: San Pedro del Pinatar town hall Facebook

Murcian melons

A DEVASTATING blow hits

Murcia’s melon and watermelon crops as extreme weather conditions wreak havoc. Unprecedented high temperatures followed by heavy rainfall forced premature harvesting, causing a massive production decline in 2023. Melon and watermelon will be in short supply in the coming weeks.

Blood donation

SAN JAVIER’S plane located at the Dos Mares roundabout was illuminated with red lights in a symbolic gesture for World Blood Donor Day on June 14 emphasising its significance throughout the year. San Javier expresses heartfelt gratitude to all donors for their support.

Driving danger

PANIC on a Murcia motorway due to car­lorry incident sparks social media controversy. An incident between drivers’ dangerous behaviour, was captured in a video on Social Drive. Another vehicle intentionally brakes, risking harm to themselves and others. This situation is sadly common, highlighting the need for safer driving practices.

Shop closures

C&A is set to close its shop in Cartagena’s Espacio Mediterráneo shopping centre, impacting about 90 employees. This move is part of an ERE initiated by the company, resulting in the closure of five stores across Spain. These include stores in Madrid, Leganés, Melilla, and Marbella.

Export surge

MURCIA’S export growth remains strong in the first four months, surging by 6 per cent compared to the same period last year. International sales soared to €4,885 million, propelling the region to the fourth spot among provinces with the highest overseas sales, trailing only Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.

San Juan Festival

SPANISH and foreign citizens alike will flock to the beaches on the evening of Friday June 23 for the annual festivities of the noche de San Juan (San Juan night). This cherished tradition captivates people of all ages, offering a delightful mix of ancient customs and modern festivities.

The Spanish San Juan festival is renowned for its captivating bonfires, symbolising the purification and renewal of the soul. Locals and visitors gather on the beaches, creating a mesmerising ambience that truly sets this festival apart.

At midnight the night sky is illuminated by dazzling fire­

works, set off from various locations all along the Spanish coastline from Cadiz, through the Costa del Sol and Almeria to the Costa Calida and Costa Blanca.

It is not uncommon to see lines of people waiting to

EBAU exams

Catherine McGeer INMACULADA MARTÍNEZ, a student from Santomera, has emerged as the number one achiever in the Region of Murcia’s EBAU exams (university entrance exams). With a remarkable score of 13.972 out of 14, she will be pursuing a degree in Biology at UMU.

With such an exceptional achievement, she has not only secured admission to any degree programme of her choice but has also opened doors to countless Spanish universities.

The release of the EBAU 2023 results has sparked a

wave of reactions among the young minds of Murcia. After enduring weeks of anticipation and anxiety, students now have clarity on their performance in these crucial university entrance exams. In the Region of Murcia, an impressive 94.7 per cent of students have successfully passed the EBAU exams, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the academic year. While some regions are still awaiting their results, the students of Murcia can finally breathe a sigh of relief! Congratulations.

jump over the embers of one of the many moragas (bonfires), an act based in the belief of fire warding off evil spirits and curing disease.

Whether taking a picnic and chairs down for a night on the beach, or enjoying a

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Flood plan

meal with friends in one of the many chiringuitos that the Spanish coast has to offer, food and drink will be a central feature, with espetos de sardinas and plenty of ice cold beer and tinto de verano consumed.

Swimmer

A 65-YEAR-OLD man had a life ­ threatening incident while swimming in the waters of San Pedro del Pinatar, possibly due to a stroke. The incident took place at the Lo Pagán beach, prompting the response of health services in the Region of Murcia.

On Thursday, June 15, 112 received a distress call at approximately 19:53. The caller reported that a man had been rescued from the water, but he was experiencing breathing difficulties, disorientation, and was unable to walk.

Sports complex

THE Santa Rosalía Resort in Torre Pacheco is set to witness the commencement of preliminary work for the construction of an impressive Sports Complex. The project is being undertaken by the company ‘Jose Diaz’.

Currently, the work has begun on the designated plot within the public equipment zone, which will house the upcoming Sports Complex. The ambitious project includes the construction of various essential facilities such as parking spaces, locker rooms, offices, and a canteen.

The Sports Complex will feature 12 out­

door paddle courts and two football fields with an 11­a­side capacity. These state­ofthe­art facilities will not only cater to the residents of the Santa Rosalía Resort, but will also significantly enhance the tourist and leisure services available in the wider Mar Menor region.

The mayor of Torre Pacheco has emphasised that the contracting company is currently in negotiations with the city council to finalise the agreement for the construction work. The city council has granted a 75­year concession for the designated parcel.

scare

Medical professionals quickly stabilised the man’s condition before transporting him to the Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena. Due to the possibility of a stroke, the neurology service was requested to conduct a thorough assessment.

In addition to the medical team, a mobile emergency unit from the 061 Emergency and Health Emergency Management Service, as well as the Local Police and Civil Protection, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and support.

BRIDGE reconstruction project commences on Avenida Gerardo Molina in Torre Pacheco to prevent flooding. The Torre Pacheco Town Hall is set to initiate a significant project aimed at preventing canal overflow during heavy rainfall.

As part of the comprehensive flood prevention measures, the reconstruction of the bridge located in the south Rambla, adjacent to the Gerardo Molina Institute, will start shortly.

The project includes the expansion of crossdrainage works, the elevation of Avenida Gerardo Molina, and the enhancement of road safety. The town hall officials, along with representatives from engineering and construction companies, have announced the commencement of these vital works, which are expected to be completed within five months, preferably before November 29. The project has a budget of approximately €650,000.

SAN JUAN: People flock to the beaches.

MURCIA hotels are experiencing improved forecasts for the summer season, thanks to a growing music scene in the city.

Traditionally, the capital of the Region faced low occupancy rates during the summer months, while coastal areas thrived.

However, recent years have seen a shift in this trend, with hotels finding success in de­seasonalising their business.

One of the main factors contributing to this change is the increase in events, particularly large concerts, and musical festivals, which have filled Murcia’s agenda with exciting activities. The presence of such events has compensated for the absence of business

travellers and conference attendees, who used to drive the hotel industry in the capital.

Hotel occupancy rates for July are expected to reach 62 per cent, matching last year’s figures and surpassing the 2019 record of 57 per cent.

Additionally, the arrival of renowned artists such as Iron Maiden who will play in the capital in July, and the establishment of new outdoor music festivals have bolstered hotel revenues.

While the results are not groundbreaking, the positive change in trend and the improvement in room prices indicate a promising outlook for the traditionally slow summer months.

Catherine McGeer

A RECENT incident involving the theft of a cable has caused significant disruptions at a sewage plant, resulting in the closure of Cala Reona Beach.

Beach closure

The cable, which was approximately two and a half kilometres long, was stolen from the control building of the La Manga­Sur treatment station (EDAR).

As a result, the normal functioning of the wastewater treatment systems was affected, leading to inadequate purification processes.

Following the cable theft, the EDAR experienced a malfunction in the systems responsible for regulating the purification processes. Repair

work began immediately, but until the issue was resolved, as a precautionary measure, the city council of Cartagena decided to prohibit bathing at Cala Reona Beach due to concerns

Croissant sensation

THE latest dessert sensation taking social networks by storm: the croissant with ice cream has arrived in Cartagena. This innovative twist on the traditional ice cream cone has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers everywhere.

about the water quality.

Musical boost Villas Caravaning

THE Cartagena Town Hall has taken action to address safety deficiencies at Villas Caravaning, a long­standing establishment located on the edge of the Mar Menor, between Mar de Cristal and Playa Honda. In recent talks, the council emphasised the need to dismantle an unauthorised water park with slides and reminded them that the beach bar needs permission from the town hall.

Improvements focused on

fire prevention, electricity, and urban planning have been made. Last summer, they installed 28 fire hydrants and acquired a small fire truck. Additionally, camping staff have received training to respond in the event of a fire.

There are also plans to construct centralised electricity meters to prevent voltage and current manipulation. However, approval from the town hall is awaited before implementing these up ­

IN an unfortunate incident at Cala Cortina beach in Cartagena on Sunday, June 18, a 15year­old boy was rushed to hospital after stumbling on rocks. The fall resulted in severe injuries to his mouth and legs which left him unable to move. Prompt action by the lifeguard and emergency services ensured that he received immediate medical attention.

In response to the lifeguard’s distress call, Civil Protection Cartagena vehicles and a patrol from the Local Police of Cartagena were dispatched to the scene. The medical staff quickly assessed the teenager’s condition and worked diligently to stabilise him. After providing im­

The cable theft and its impact on the sewage plant were promptly reported to the Guardia Civil by Hidrogea, the operator of the station.

Maison Kayser, the renowned French patisserie, is the mastermind behind this creation. Instead of a plain biscuit cone, they have replaced it with a crunchy croissant dough, resulting in a delightful combination of textures.

grades, as the project is costly and complex, estimated at around €1 million.

With these measures and the implemented fire prevention improvements, the management company and residents hope to prevent the closure of the campsite.

Recent fires at the location have revealed significant safety deficiencies, leading to the suspension of the activity licence by the town hall in May of 2022.

Boy injured

mediate on­site medical care, they decided it was crucial to transfer him to the Santa Lucía Hospital in Cartagena. The incident at Cala Cortina Beach serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise. It is essential for beachgoers to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents like these. Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of safety measures and encourage everyone, especially children, to take care when enjoying outdoor activities.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK “Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You”

Meaning don’t treat badly the person who is helping you or has helped you. This was originally used about 600 BC by the Greek poet Sappho, this metaphor of a dog biting its master was first recorded in English in 1711.

The croissant with ice cream cones is filled with vanilla ice cream and offers a variety of toppings to choose from natural, Oreo, lotus, caramel, or pistachio. Customers have been raving about it, and thanks to the power of social media, its fame has spread far and wide.

While originally available only in Madrid, the croissant with ice cream has now arrived in Cartagena. Holy Cakes Bakery, located in Plaza Castellini, is proud to announce that this dessert is now a part of its menu. No need to travel to the capital city anymore; you can indulge in this heavenly treat right in Cartagena!

3.7 million passengers in Malaga airport during first quarter 2023.

Cala Reona Beach closed due to cable theft.

Photo credit: Cartagena town hall website

Summer extravaganza

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR has lined up an incredible list of events that will make your summer truly special. Join the Spanish Cancer Society every Tuesday for their group walks. Not only will you enjoy

the beautiful scenery, but you’ll also contribute to a great cause. And mark your calendars for the second Sunday of every month, as the town comes alive with a vibrant street market showcasing local

Airport limits

arts and crafts from 10am to 2pm.

Many exciting exhibitions and concerts happening throughout the summer. For families, a special tribute to The Lion King awaits, offering an enchanting experience for kids of all ages.

Learn traditional crafts, try your hand at painting, or participate in the folklore festival to immerse yourself in the local culture. If you prefer outdoor adventures, embark on guided walking and cycling routes through the breathtaking nature reserve.

Water enthusiasts will find plenty of activities with water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. San Pedro del Pinatar has planned a summer like no other, filled with fun and excitement for everyone! Check out the Concejalía de Turismo San Pedro del Pinatar Facebook page for more details and timetables.

Catherine McGeer

THE main reason given for the closure of San Javier Airport was its timetable restrictions due to the fact it is under military management. The International Airport of the Region of Murcia (Corvera Airport) was inaugurated with the promise of round­the­clock operations. However, the reality has fallen short of expectations. The airport’s closure time is fixed at 22.30, with a slight possibility of extension at critical times. This constraint poses a significant challenge as it did when the same restrictions affected the flights leaving San Javier Airport. It prevents any operations beyond the stipulated time, resulting in diverted incoming flights and stranded passengers unable to board departing flights. And this is exactly what happened on Wednesday, June 14. An easyJet flight to London­Gatwick due to depart at 21.40 failed to take off before

the cut­off, and because of this approximately 180 passengers were left stranded overnight. According to AENA, the Spanish airport management company, operations at Corvera Airport are carried out under special circumstances. The tower at Corvera airport controls the airplanes that taxi and take off but as soon as they are at 2,500 feet (almost immediately) they are transferred to approach control at San Javier.

Unsettling tremors

FORTUNA experienced a series of seismic events during the early hours of Monday. According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), four earthquakes struck the area between midnight and 9.24am, creating a sense of unease among the local residents.

The initial earthquake, measuring 2.2 on the magnitude scale, occurred at 12.42am toward the northwest of Fortuna. Just 40 minutes later, a second tremor with a magnitude of 1.6 hit the same loca ­

tion, albeit with slightly less intensity.

At 3.44am, a third seismic event was registered to the west of Fortuna, measuring 1.5 on the magnitude scale and reaching a depth of 10 metres. Finally, at 9.24am, the last earthquake of this series took place, with a magnitude of 1.6 and a depth of 4 metres.

The precise cause of these earthquakes is yet to be determined, but authorities and seismologists are closely monitoring the situation to ensure

Cabo Cope

THE Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park, are nestled in the enchanting region of Murcia. Spanning across a 17kms coastline along the bay of Mazarrón, this protected area is a treasure trove of unspoiled wonders. The most distinctive feature lies in its unique beach, distinguished by towering cliffs and breathtaking yellow walls sculpted by nature’s artistic touch.

Sadly, the park’s tranquillity is currently under

threat by the looming Marina de Cope development project. This ambitious venture intends to rezone a significant portion of the park, paving the way for the construction of a sprawling tourist complex.

Preserving the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park is of utmost importance. It not only safeguards the aweinspiring landscape but also protects the diverse array of plant and animal species that call this area their home.

the safety of the residents.

3D Technology

FOUR hospitals in the Region of Murcia have integrated 3D technology into their ophthalmology operations, enhancing surgical procedures related to the retina, cataracts, and corneal transplants.

The Murcia Health Service (SMS) has furnished La Arrixaca, Morales Meseguer, Reina Sofía, and Rosell (Cartagena Hospital Complex) with digital ophthalmological surgical microscopes equipped with 3D capabilities.

Since the implementation of this advanced equipment, approximately 15 surgeries per week have been conducted. The innovative microscopes allow ophthalmologists to move away from observing the surgical field through traditional binoculars and instead utilise a much larger and more detailed image projected onto a 55­inch screen positioned near the patient’s feet.

With the aid of 3D glasses, surgeons can now operate with a fully immersive 3D vision, enabling increased precision during intricate procedures.

CORVERA: Restricted operating hours leave passengers stranded.

Photo credit:Pixabay/ hugo_petitjean

Ryanair’s ban on alcohol on board

OVER recent days, Chris King, online news reporter with the Euro Weekly News has reported on the Ryanair ban prohibiting passengers from taking alcohol on board its aircraft when travelling from the UK to Spanish destinations. Passengers had reportedly been sent an email stating that any customers would not be able to carry alcohol on board, and any alcoholic drinks purchased in the airport would be placed in the baggage hold.

With most people boarding a flight from the UK to one of the popular Spanish resorts for a relaxing holiday, the consumption of alcohol is a common occurrence. However, when does this become a problem?

The Euro Weekly News was inundated with comments and responses from readers

on our website and Facebook. Among the online commenters, John McLean, said “They wouldn’t have so much trouble if they stopped the drunks from getting on the aircraft at the gate in the first place,” while Dave Moores added “There is nothing new about this, but Ryanair do not check! They also allow passengers who are clearly drunk to board the aircraft, pushing the problem on to the flight attendants who also do nothing.”

On Facebook the comments heated up with Ben Brady stating “Nothing has changed, they’ll still buy alcohol on board” with Michael Stanton agreeing “Ryanair makes more money” (from buying on board).

Social media feedback also included responses from people who see the step as positive: Susan Stewart said “about time.” and Hans Albert commented, “not everyone likes to fly with drunken lads.”

RYANAIR: Banning alcohol being taken on board.

WORLD TAPAS DAY arrived with a burst of flavour on Friday, June 16. The mouthwatering event, organised by Saborea España, the leading brand in Spanish gastronomic tourism aimed to honour a quintessential aspect of Spanish cuisine and society, tapas.

Now in its fifth year, World Tapas Day is a favourite event among food enthusiasts and an excuse to discover more of Spain’s rich culinary scene.

To mark the date, a series of exciting initiatives took place across the country.

The National Tapas and Pintxos Competition was held in Valladolid on Friday. This year marked its 25th anniversary bringing together top culinary talents to create incredible miniature dishes.

Tapas takeover

World Tapas Day also made its mark on the international scene with an appearance at the Taste of Dublin fair. Experts showcased top culinary destinations like Cambrils, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Mallorca, and Zaragoza along with their standout dishes.

The prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon also hosted a presentation with representatives from destinations such as Cambrils, Denia, Pamplona, and Sevilla.

Representatives from the Chinese market also visited Spanish cities like Sevilla, Segovia, and Valladolid, aiming to promote culinary tourism and to strengthen trade relations.

Jet2 adds more flights

JET2 have announced plans to expand its services to Spain and Europe in order to meet the increasing demand for spring vacations.

Starting early next year the holiday airline is going to add extra services from Manchester Airport to Spain and other popular destinations across Europe, according to a news source.

As of March 2024, Jet2 will offer flights to Girona, while also boosting its capacity to destinations such as Ibiza and Reus.

Jet2’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Heapy said: “As the UK’s largest tour operator, we are continuing to react quickly to the demand we are seeing by adding on even more capacity for Summer 24 from Manchester Airport.”

He went on to explain how the company was quick to spot new trends and meet demands: “Customers and independent travel agents in the region have been flocking to book holidays for the early summer season, so we are delighted to be offering even more choice and flexibility to eight sun destinations and giving holidaymakers many opportunities to get away on our award­winning flights and holidays.’

Speaking about the exciting new development he concluded: “By adding additional services during peak times such as the Easter holidays, we are giving customers exactly what they want ­ an early slice of summer sun.”

AENA airports have recorded more than 25.4 million passengers in May which is up by 14.4 per cent from last year.

This figure is 3.4 per cent higher than in 2019.

At airports throughout the network, 215,257 aircraft movements were recorded and 87,583 tonnes of cargo were transported.

In the first five months of the year, Aena handled almost 103 million passengers, 27.7 per cent more than in 2022 and 2.3 per cent more than in 2019.

May is the fifth consecutive month in which they have surpassed the

Seat for Nadal in Parliament

RAFA NADAL is to take his place in the Balearic Parliament, representing the People’s Party, but by way of clarification, it isn’t the legendary tennis player, but rather his namesake cousin.

The 26­year­old cousin of tennis player Rafa Nadal has won a seat in the Balearic Parliament. Rafael Nadal Barceló will take the seat that belonged to the secretary general of the party, according to a news source on June 14.

The relative of the former world’s number­one tennis ace will fill the void left by the secretary general of the party, Sandra Fernández, who resigned after being designated number 2 on the PP Balearic candidacy for the Congress of Deputies in the general elections on July 23.

Not much is known about Rafael Nadal Barceló other than this will be his first introduction to public office, and until this point, there is hardly any information about him, except his famous family connection, as he maintains a discreet private life in Mallorca.

However, his father, Rafael Nadal Homar, has been a councillor for the PP in Manacor Town Hall and a member of Parliament.

Flying high

figures of four years ago.

Of the total travellers recorded in May, 25,417,978 were commercial passengers. Of these, 17,335,127 passengers travelled on international flights, up 14.9 per cent from May 2022.

Meanwhile, 8,082,851 passengers travelled on domestic flights, 13.5 per cent more than the same month last year.

Adolfo Suárez MadridBarajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in the fifth

month of the year with 5,053,366, representing an increase of 16.8 per cent compared with May of last year.

It is followed by Barcelona ­ El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport, with 4,477,108 (+17.2 per cent compared to 2022); Palma de Mallorca Airport, with 3,421,182 (+9.7 per cent); Malaga ­ Costa del Sol Airport, with 2,151,259 (+16.1 per cent); and Alicante ­ Elche Airport, with 1,500,278 (+18 per cent).

World Tapas Day celebrations kicked off in Ireland.

Goalkeeper won’t be held back

LIVING with Down Syndrome, Pedro Payares from Puerto de Santa María has chosen not to let it hold him back. Whether as a goalkeeper for Cádiz Genuine or starring in a documentary Fanáticos de lo Real.

Pedro’s mother describes him with a single word: resilience. She acknowledges that since his birth, overcoming challenges has been a constant part of his life. Despite initial difficulties, Pedro has come a long way and continues to bring joy to everyone who knows him.

Being an advocate for his city, Pedro is well­known, enjoys an active social life and has many fans. One daily ritual Pedro never misses is having breakfast at his favourite bar. Every morning, he occupies his regular spot at the bar, surrounded

by waiters and clients who have become his friends.

But his absolute favourite activity is going out to parties with his cousins. With a mischievous smile, Pedro affirms that music makes him feel great, which is why he loves going to discos.

Alongside his infectious enthusiasm for life, Pedro also nurtures a dream that he tirelessly works towards. Becoming a professional

goalkeeper like his idol, Keylor Navas. He is already a goalie for Cádiz’s team in LaLiga Genuine Santander, a project that aims to provide a space for footballers with mental disabilities.

Pedro has already earned a place in the official Cádiz store. A poster of him there serves as a reminder to other people with disabilities that they too can succeed in football.

PEDRO PAYARES: Wants to succeed in football.

Betty Henderson

THE summer season is nearly upon us and Ryanair is surging ahead. The low­cost airline is overpowering rivals including Iberia and Vueling. That’s according to the latest industry data released on Wednesday, June 15.

In May, Ryanair commanded an impressive 23 per cent of shares in the market, serving nearly 5.8 million passengers across its 12 airport bases in Spain.

According to data collected by airport operator Aena, Ryanair continues to dominate over its closest rivals, Iberia and Vueling.

Vueling saw a 14 per cent improvement in May on last year’s figures, welcoming a total of 4.1 million passengers. Meanwhile, Iberia achieved a respectable 17 per cent growth on last year’s figures, transporting 1.8 million passengers during the month of May.

Air Europa secured the fourth spot with remarkable

figures, experiencing a significant resurgence. The airline welcomed 1.36 million passengers, surpassing both last year’s numbers and pre­pandemic levels. Despite potential disruptions from pilot

PRESS EUROPEAN

strikes, Air Europa bosses are anticipating a busy summer.

Foreign carriers, including Jet2, easyJet, and Eurowings, also made their mark, entering the top 10 airlines during May.

Reign over Spain Job seekers delight

SPAIN’S job market is experiencing an unprecedented surge with 149,645 unfilled job vacancies, setting a new record.

The Quarterly Labour Cost Survey (ECTL) by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), released on Friday, June 16, revealed approximately 9,000 more vacancies than during the previous quarter of 2022.

Interestingly, Spain stands out in Europe with less than 1 per cent of job vacancies remaining unfilled, much lower than the European average of 2.8 per cent. Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have the highest vacancy rates at 4.7 per cent.

DENMARK

Last act

WARNER BROS INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION PRODUCTION (WBITVP) is closing its Denmark production centre and centralising Scandinavian operations in Sweden. The decision was prompted by ‘ongoing uncertainty’ in the Danish media market and the rising costs of content creation, Warner Brothers said.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment highlights that these vacancies are relatively small compared to Spain’s employed population of 20.8 million. They also cite data from the final quarter of 2022, indicating constant improvements in Spain’s employment figures.

Minister Yolanda Díaz is confident that Spain doesn’t face a job vacancy crisis, stating that companies are not struggling to fill employment needs statistically. Spain’s thriving job market, with a record number of unfilled job vacancies,reveals its potential for economic growth by attracting job seekers and bridging the employment supply to demand gap.

THE NETHERLANDS

Screen scheme

SUN cream dispensers will be available this summer in schools, universities, at festivals, parks, sports venues and in open public spaces in the Netherlands. Skin cancer levels have soared, and it wants everyone to have access to sun protection without concerns about cost or inconvenience, the government said.

BELGIUM

Bittersweet

A YOUNG Ukrainian refugee now living in Brussels won €500,000 after buying a €5 lottery scratchcard. The unnamed winner had “very mixed feelings”, a lottery spokesman said, as his mind was clearly in Ukraine and it was difficult to be happy with all that was happening in his country.

GERMANY

Rare find

ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Bavaria announced that they had found a well-preserved Bronze Age sword in the town of Nordlingen. The discovery of the 3,000-year-old sword was extremely rare for this part of Germany as most burial mounds were looted during antiquity or opened during the 19th century.

FRANCE

Red line

NUCLEAR power was an absolute, non-negotiable red line, declared France’s Finance minister Bruno Le Maire following Franco-German disagreements over nuclear energy in Europe. “France will not relinquish any of the competitive advantages linked to nuclear energy,” Le Maire insisted at the Electricity Union’s annual conference.

NORWAY

Going up

NORWAY’S krone rose to €0.088 on June 14, the strongest it has been since steady growth began in June, attributed by currency strategists to unexpectedly high core inflation. The value of the krone against the euro had declined steadily since spring last year, when it was worth more than €0.1.

FINLAND

Cry wolf

FINLAND’S wolf population has increased by an annual 10 per cent since 2017, with an estimated 310 now living in the country, the Natural Resources Institute said. Wolf packs are nevertheless creating tension after allegedly killing 1,261 reindeer and 518 sheep and attacking approximately 50 dogs last year.

IRELAND Big data

WHILE Ireland is failing to meet climate targets, its data centres consumed almost a fifth of the country’s electricity in 2022, the same amount used by all the country’s urban homes. Central Statistics Office showed that this was a 31 per cent increase on 2021 and nearly 400 per cent more than 2015.

ITALY Uber exit

IN line with the company’s policy of focusing on markets with opportunities for sustainable growth, Uber is winding up its food delivery business in Italy where it trails Just Eat and Glovo. Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi previously said Uber will invest only in markets where it can be the largest or second-largest player.

PORTUGAL

Not going

COLM MURPHY, a senior cybersecurity advisor at Huawei said that Portugal appears to have gone further than other European countries regarding 5G restrictions. Asked whether this could lead to Huawei’s departure Murphy said, Huawei had “legal and contractual obligations” in Portugal and “would never let customers down.”

UKRAINE

Cood reception

ELIZABETH GILBERT, author of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, announced on Monday that her upcoming book set in 1900s’ Siberia will not be released as scheduled. She made the decision following a backlash from Ukrainian readers who feared the book would romanticise Russia at a time when the country is accused of war crimes.

SWEDEN

No harm done

THE Monet painting, The Artist’s Garden at Giverny, daubed with red paint by environmental activists, is undamaged, said the Orsay Museum in Paris, which loaned the picture to Stockholm’s National Museum. The Restore Wetlands campaigners had also glued their hands to the protective glass without harming the picture.

BUSINESS EXTRA Linda Hall

Sun spots

UNIVERSITIES and tech companies will receive £4.3 million (€5 million) in funding from the government to develop spacebased solar power, which collects energy from the sun using satellite­mounted panels and beams it to Earth. The scheme has huge potential, Energy Security Secretary, Grant Shapps, said.

Shanghai deal

GRIFOLS, Catalonia ­ based multinational pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturer, is taking steps to reduce its debt with a corporate manoeuvre within the Chinese company, Shanghai RAAS. If the transaction goes ahead, Grifols will receive $1.5 billion (€1.4 billion) while remaining ‘a significant’ Shanghai RAAS shareholder.

Shell payout

SHELL intends to boost its dividends by 15 per cent as part of the company’s plans to hand back more cash to its shareholders under its new chief executive Wael Sawan. Shell has told investors that the dividend increase would become effective from the second quarter of its financial year.

No vote

PORTUGUESE company Western Gate, with a 2.18 per cent stake in the Dia supermarket chain, will vote against Benjamin Babcock as a major shareholder­director representing LetterOne, which owns 77 per cent of the company. Minority shareholders should have more weight on Dia’s board, Western Gate said.

Not the same

FREETRADE, the investment app, has slashed its pre­money valuation by 65 per cent while blaming current conditions and a “different market environment.” Freetrade’s valuation rose to £650 million (€760 million) during the pandemic, but the company announced that it has since fallen to £225 million (€263 million).

THE UK economy recovered from the impact of strikes and returned to growth in April. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) registered a 0.2 per cent upturn owing to increased car sales and more spending in shops, bars and restaurants.

Growth over the first quarter increased by 0.1 per cent.

“Gross domestic product (GDP) bounced back after a weak March,” announced Darren Morgan, ONS’ director of Economic Statistics.

Bars and pubs had a comparatively strong April while car sales rebounded. Education partially recovered from the effect of the previ­

STAT OF WEEK €649 million

was the record turnover figure which Ayesa, the Sevilla-based IT consultancy firm, announced for 2022, a 130 per cent increase on 2021 following a year that included several acquisitions.

Networks merge The road to recovery

4.5 per cent.

Analysts explained the regulator is concerned that core inflation, which does not cover energy and food, remains stubbornly high.

VODAFONE and the owner of Three will merge their British networks to create the UK’s largest mobile phone operator.

ous month’s industrial action, he said, although health output was affected by the junior doctors’ strikes.

“There were also falls in computer manufacturing and the often­erratic pharmaceuticals industry,” Morgan added.

April was a poor month

HAWALA has existed for centuries as an informal method for transferring money.

“It is used to transfer funds from one location to another through service providers, known as hawaladar, regardless of the nature of the transaction and the countries involved,” according to an International Monetary Fund report.

Requiring no documentation, it is an anonymous way of moving money in Muslim communities in the Middle East, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and India although its use is not limited to Muslims.

Illegal in the US, and some EU member nations, the practice is allowed in the UK, where the hawala system must comply with regulations set in England

More Waitrose reductions

WAITROSE has invested £100 million (€116.9 million) in lowering the price of its own­brand range.

After cutting the prices of more than 300 items in February, the supermarket chain has reduced another 200 products as it competes with cheaper rivals like Aldi and Lidl.

More than 100 items have been slashed by at least 10 per cent, Waitrose announced, as it hopes to woo shoppers looking out for bargains.

“We want customers to benefit every time they shop with us,” Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose’s commercial director said.

for house builders and estate agents, under pressure from rising interest rates and falling property values, the ONS report revealed.

The latest ONS figures coincided with the certainty that the Bank of England was about to hike interest rates for the 13th time in succession from its current

The UK’s Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said he backed the Bank over increased interest rates, and the country was in a situation very different from last autumn’s.

“The International Monetary Fund, the international commentators, think the British economy is on the right track and the government is doing the right thing to support the Bank of England.”

Old custom, new uses

minimal documentation make it vulnerable to abuse by individuals and groups transferring funds to finance illegal activities.

Misuse of the system has been linked to the financing of terrorism and money­laundering, although it is also used to bypass sanctions against Iran.

The companies are the UK’s third­ and fourth­biggest operators respectively and, once the merger is completed, will have more than 27 million subscribers between them. This will put them ahead of EE, owned by BT, and Virgin Media O2, jointly owned by Spain’s Telefonica and the US­listed company Liberty Global.

The deal will be closely examined by competition regulators, although the UK’s telecommunications’ regulator, Ofcom, announced last year that it was less opposed to consolidating the sector than in the past.

Mega-station

DIF has announced a €514.3 million contract connecting the highspeed networks linking northern and southern Spain.

The project will create a huge Madrid station with terminals in Chamartín and Atocha connected by a tunnel, explained the stateowned company which maintains and manages Spain’s rail networks.

HAWALA: Exact scale unknown, said EC’s Executive vice-president Valdis Dombrowskis.

and Wales, register with HMRC and comply with UK money laundering. Although routinely used by legitimate businesses, hawala’s anonymity and

Everest not climbed

CARMINE DI SIBIO, global chief executive at Ernst & Young (EY) will retire next year.

Di Sibio, aged 60, was responsible for Project Everest, a plan to separate the consultancy and audit divisions of the Londonbased company, which was scuppered by EY’s New York office.

This would have involved spinning off EY’s consulting arm and listing it on the stock market, bringing multimillion­dollar windfalls to the firm’s partners.

The initiative cost more than $600 million (€554.2 million) but Di Sibio still maintains that the deal was necessary to free consultants from conflict­of­interest rules that restricted them from advising audit clients.

Di Sibio will not step down immediately, he said, but would oversee the organisation through a transition period lasting until the end of the next financial year in June 2024.

Valdis Dombrowskis, the European Commission’s Executive vice­president admitted in 2020 the hawala system was regarded as a matter for concern.

“Its exact scale in the EU is unknown,” he said. “Tracing the value flow is virtually impossible for law enforcement agencies.”

Far reaching

LEADING aerostructures company

Aernnova is taking part in building the new Honda Jet 2600.

The Basque company will design the aircraft’s wings and their components, including the flaps, ailerons, the spoilers that open during landings, and the empennage or tail fin.

The Honda Jet 2600 takes its name from the aircraft’s range target of 2,625 nautical miles (approximately 4,861 kilometres) and is designed to be the world’s first light jet capable of non­stop transcontinental flight across the United States.

Honda plans to market the aircraft, which will have seating for 10 passengers and cost between $11 and $13 million (€10.1 and €12 million), in 2026.

The project will ensure maximum capacity for the second phase of Spain’s rail liberalisation, providing Atocha with four new tracks and two platforms under the existing station and Calle Mendez Avaro.

This will connect with the new high­speed southern access ­ operational since July 2022 ­ and allow trains to stop at either Chamartin or Atocha.

Bending rules

ANTONIO GARAMENDI, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) president, allegedly wants to lift restrictions on the number of terms a president may serve.

When re­elected in November, Garamendi was adamant changes to the statutes, were “out of the question.” Seven months later, however, Garamendi has met the CEOE’s vice­presidents to discuss altering the rules and “modernising” the election process.

All involved insisted any modifications were at an early stage and would first need to be discussed at the June board meeting and the General Assembly in July.

ONS HQ: UK’s Statistics Office, based in Newport (Wales).

Photo credit: ONS

Photo credit: audiovisual.ec.europa.eu

DOW JONES

Top changes

SANTANDER, which is currently renewing its top executives in Europe, announced the appointment of Pedro Castro e Almeida, until now chief executive of Santander Portugal, as its new Regional Head of Europe. He takes over on September 1 from Antonio Simões, who is leaving the bank to join the British insurer Legal & General.

Football fund

TWENTY top­flight UK football clubs were consulted over making permanent a funding package that was set up during the pandemic. Sources revealed the government proposed to increase the existing £100m (€116.7m) allocation for grassroots, community and other football projects to £133m (€155.2m), subject to future increases in Premier League revenue.

No good options to hand

LEADING market analysts at CMC Markets hardly predicted a wave of cheerful news after UK inflation failed to fall as low as hoped.

The latest Ofgem price cap changed little for household bills, they pointed out, but the end of the two government schemes helped to lower inflation.

Experts at CMC, a leading global provider of online financial trading and institutional technology solutions, foresaw a further squeeze

Zara soars high

INDITEX shares have shot up since the textile giant, which owns Zara and other fashion labels, presented record quarterly figures on June 7.

The shares went above €34 for the first time in six years and now approach their all­time high of €34.85 in June 2017

On June 14 they stood at €34.21, an increase of 7.5 per cent following Inditex’s

quarterly figures, giving the company a value of €106.6 billion.

According to financial daily Cinco Dias, 65.7 per cent of investment and trading analysts recommend buying Inditex now. A further 28.6 per cent advised those who already had shares to hang on to them, while just 5.7 per cent said they should sell.

Riders law

on consumers and a possible rise in the base rate.

Nor did they rule out a recession like Germany’s, with reduced household and business expenditure, reduced demand for debt, and a rise in unemployment.

“We already know from the Kantar grocery numbers earlier that food inflation is slowing down. In May, it came in at 17.2 per cent, but the process looks increasingly glacial,” said Michael Hewson, CMC Markets’ chief market analyst.

“For now, the central bank is in the invidious position of having no good options,” he declared.

“Do nothing and inflation will take longer to work its way out of the system, squeezing consumers further. Raise by 0.25 percentage points to show they are trying to do something,” Hewson said. “Or be more aggressive and push the economy into recession.”

THE majority of Labour Ministers from the EU’s 27 member states voted in favour of a directive setting out the working conditions for the food delivery and other riders employed by digital platforms. Spain abstained, as Yolanda Diaz, who is also second vice­president, considered that the new measures were insufficient and were “difficult to understand in democratic terms.”

Export fiasco

FIGURES from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UK’s goods and services exports had a value of $813 billion (€756 billion) in 2012 but rose only 6 per cent by 2021. Overall, the EU’s 27 member enjoyed a 29.1 per cent increase in the value of their exports during the same period.

UK REGULATOR: Tricky choices for Bank of England.

Photo credit: CC/Colin Smith

Stoked up

NATIONAL GRID is in talks with power generation group Drax over bringing two coal­fired units at its Selby (North Yorkshire) plant out of retirement. ESO, the grid’s system operator, has discussed restarting the units, shut down this year after 50 years of coal­fired power generation, to prevent power cuts in winter.

Prove it

SPAIN’S Supreme Court ruled temporary public­sector employees who are not covered by the 2021 Employment Stability Act and sacked after working for several years, are not automatically entitled to compensation. Instead, they must demonstrate that dismissal has caused them significant ‘moral or financial’ damage.

Pigging out

SWIZZELS, which also makes Refreshers and Parma Violets, will redesign the Pig Mugs it has sold since 1996, after M &S argued they were too similar to their own product. M & S sells 271 bags a minute of Percy Pig fruit gums since their 1993 launch, generating a £131.7 million (€153.9m) turnover since then.

Des res

ANA GAMAZO HOHENLO­

HE, who is the wife of Juan Abello, one of Spain’s richest businessmen, intends to sell one of her properties in Calle Padilla in Madrid’s Salamanca district, equivalent to London’s Mayfair. The sale of the 8,500sqm five­storey building is expected to raise around €80 million.

Ashes to ashes

ALASDAIR WARREN, WE Soda’s chief executive, said New York could eventually be a “credible alternative” for a stock market flotation. The world’s principal natural soda ash producer abandoned plans to list in London, claiming valuations were “unrealistically low.”

More HORSEpower for Madrid

HORSE, the new Renault company, will be based in Madrid.

Romania, which produces the Dacia range, was competing with Spain to be chosen by the joint venture initiative between Renault and the Chinese automotive company Geely. Instead, the June 14 announcement has underlined Renault’s commitment to Spain, its second­most important industrial hub after France.

The new company, Horse, will focus on developing internal combustion engines, hybrids and new technologies including e­fuels, although the announcement will not have immediate investment repercussions.

Nevertheless, the presence of Horse in Madrid will put Spain at an advantage regarding decision­making by a company that foresees an annu­

al turnover of €15 billion for its 15 production plants worldwide.

Renault’s currently operates a gearbox factory in Sevilla and an engine factory in Valladolid, both of

Letting go

which will become Horse assets.

While the future Renault spinoff Ampere will focus on electric vehicles, Horse represents Renault’s endeavours to continue producing combustion engine vehicles using less polluting technologies both in Europe and outside it.

The company believes that synthetic fuels will prolong the combustion engine’s life inside Europe, although the European Commission is banning the sale of polluting vehicles, including hybrids, from 2035 onwards.

While Italy totally opposes the ban, Germany is calling for an exemption for vehicles that use climate­neutral synthetic fuels, although at present these are exceptionally expensive compared with petrol or diesel.

Inflation’s toll on salaries

PAY in the UK has fallen once it has been adjusted for inflation, even though most salaries have increased.

Global employee pay company, CloudPay, warned that more sustainable benefits packages needed to be adopted to offset this problem.

“It’s clear that the rising cost of living is continuing to put significant pressure on businesses as staff and potential recruits seek higher pay packages in what remains a tough economic climate,” CloudPay’s John Pearce said.

Inflation had created a scenario where salary rises were having little or no impact on household budgets and firms seemingly faced an unsustainable level of demand for more increases, he added.

“The challenge, of course, is that employers are already struggling with skills shortages, meaning that many are having to use pay inflation as an attraction and retention tool,” Pearce said said.

“But this can only be sustained for so long and businesses will need to find an alternative soon,” he warned.

Benefits packages, which were more cost­effective long­term for businesses, would be increas­

SPANISH engineering and construction company Elecnor will cede a controlling interest in its wind power subsidiary, Enerfín.

It no longer seeks a financial partner to take a ‘relevant but not majority stake’ in Enerfin, as it did a year ago.

Until now Elecnor has been able to finance growth and pay shareholders dividends of €31 million last year and €29 million in 2021, but now requires more cash to maintain commitments.

Parallel to the Enerfin operation, Elecnor, worth an estimated €1 billion, has launched a new programme to place €400 million in promissory notes. This will finance multiple projects in Spain and internationally, the company announced.

Top secret

ingly relied on, CloudPay foresaw.

“That includes flexibility around pay solutions allowing individuals to control when and how often they access their pay to help mitigate against some of the budget challenges that the UK population is facing,” Pearce said.

5G comes in to land

AIRPORTS group Aena and Cellnex Telecom are launching the first private network based on 5G technology at Spanish airports.

The pilot project at San Sebastian airport in the north of Spain is one of the first at a European airport, Aena announced.

The agreement with Aena will takes Cellnex a step

forward in developing a strategy based on organic growth within the company rather than the multi­million acquisition of telecommunications infrastructure it has made recent years.

Aena regards 5G as a key technology in its digital transformation process, a source at the state­owned company explained.

THE UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has rebuked Sainsbury’s and Asda for irregular land agreements that hindered rival chains from opening up nearby.

It had found a total of 32 examples where the chains had placed restrictions on land agreements which, the regulator said, were anti­competitive.

Sainsbury’s and Asda respectively hold the second and third highest market shares in the UK, but both had breached the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010, the CMA said.

This had been brought in precisely to

Connectivity at its airports has existed for years, but the new technology would enable the development of applications in important fields, Aena said.

These included the advancement of the internet of things (IoT), which connects and exchanges data with other devices and systems via the internet.

Big players’ stitch-up

stop supermarkets imposing new restrictions to stop rivals from opening competing stores nearby.

“By ensuring that supermarkets can compete freely, the CMA is ensuring that shoppers have more choice and so benefit from a wider range of groceries and access to cheaper prices,” the watchdog said.

TUFAN ERGINBILGIC, chief executive who took over £12 billion (€14 billion) engineering company RollsRoyce in January, has joint British and Turkish citizenship.

Owing to his dual nationality, Erginbilgic cannot access top secret UK government documents relating to its submarines business, RollsRoyce sources told the Guardian Rolls­Royce’s submarines division builds the nuclear reactors powering Britain’s submarines, including the Vanguard armed with nuclear warheads, and Whitehall security protocols prevent him from viewing ‘UK eyes only’ documents.

Chris Cholerton, the group’s president since March, has instead been given responsibility for handling sensitive information.

Pilot scheme

SPAIN’S BBVA bank is trialling a scheme to close less­used urban branches for two or three days each week.

This does not affect staff, who provide support for busier branches in the same locality, BBVA sources explained.

The pilot scheme is currently operating at 12 branches in Valencia, according to unions quoted in financial daily, Expansion.

The bank ‘constantly’ tries out new projects, it insisted, adding that the current trial did not entail staff reductions or branch closures. Neither did it mean that BBVA would leave more towns in future.

RENAULT HORSE: Madrid, CEO Luca de Meo announced.

PAY INFLATION: More pressure on businesses and staff.

Photo credit: Pixabay/Joergalman

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

I HAVE never trusted the SNP. Because I retain quite a number of Scottish friends I have always kept my views pretty much to myself.

Many rather agreed to the quest for independence and despite the fact I would have simply hated to have seen the rebuilding of Hadrian’s Wall and Lord knows how many rules and regulations, including border passport control, a change in currency and a slow decline into oblivion as they endeavoured to rejoin the EU, I always respected their opinions and ideas for an independent Scotland.

To me Scotland will always be independent. To have this glorious country for a partner has always instilled a great deal or pride into the ol boys psyche. Touring and appearing all over, including the notorious Glasgow Empire, has always granted me lifelong wonderful memories.

In my opinion all the SNP were after was control. Nothing they ever did was beneficial to the people of Scotland. All they are truly interested in, is the power

Not trusted

and financial gain Scottish independence would bring them. For 15 years they’ve achieved precisely nothing. The Royal Hospital opened nine years late and cost the taxpayer £23 million. Drug deaths have tripled. The NHS maintenance backlog is over £1.3 billion.

The SNP tax rises mean the Scots pay more income tax than any other part of the UK. They are wasting over £8 million a year employing 52 members of staff in overseas offices. They have spent £7 million on government car services with a fleet of chauffer driven cars at their disposal and between 2020 ­ 21 spent over £1.3 million on car trips. They attempted to cover up their loss of a £10 billion Chinese investment. Crime rates are rocketing. I don’t really need to go on.

They are all power mad crooks. Sturgeon’s resignation, in the middle of her ambitions and promise to continue the fight for independence to her last breath, was almost unbelievably suspicious and now with half of her cabinet hurriedly resigned and both she and her husband arrest­

ed and questioned, this whole affair looks like becoming the scandal of the century. The idea of Sturgeon in prison uniform waiting for her dinner in line with fellow female prisoners simply defies the imagination! Welcome back Scotland. The only country in the world I never purchased a brandy ­ not with all that wonderful whisky available.

I’m just trying to take in the reports of the horrendous slaying of the two young students and caretaker of the Nottingham University. Repetitively, as usual, the woke inveigled immigrant authorities are attempting to rule out terrorist connections.

At the time of writing I have no idea of the final decision, but can once again assure all of them that the UK is now impregnated with thousands of these people, all waiting for the call to arms. Heaven help the plunder of the innocents when that time arrives. Which, unless they rid themselves of woke diversity doctrine, most surely will. Keep the faith.

Love Leapy.

leapylee2002@gmail.com

TRAIN STRAIN OUR VIEW

IT seems quite incredible that with the Costa del Sol being such a major tourist attraction there is no way to travel by train from Fuengirola to anywhere along the western coast.

As Spain takes advantage of so much European Funding and is expected to persuade travellers to move out of their cars and use public transport as much as possible there is just no way of catching a train.

There are more and more relatively low cost connections from Malaga City to Cordoba, Madrid and Sevilla, as well as Granada, but apart from a short route to Velez­Malaga nothing east to Axarquia and of course nothing past Fuengirola heading west.

For decades there have been calls to at least extend the suburban rail link to Marbella, if not Estepona, but it seems unlikely that this will ever happen.

The problems of course are three­fold, firstly the cost, secondly the need to take over huge amounts of land currently in private hands and thirdly the time it would take to complete such an operation.

Good news for taxi drivers, the ubiquitous private hire companies and car rentals, but this is not going to help reduce pollution or the number of vehicles currently clogging up the main roads and making parking an often impossible task made worse by those who park on pavements or double park.

There are of course bus services, but they can be quite a slog for even the most hardened holidaymaker, often laden down with baggage and maybe a baby carriage and young child.

The same need exists across much of the nation but it’s probably too late to do anything about it.

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

NEATER HEATER WANT ‘SQUIRRELS’ AS CUSTOMERS

RICHARD and Tony from NEATER HEATER are urging all our readers to start prepar ing for next winter now. “We really want people to imitate squirrels,” said Tony “As we know; all the other woodland creatures just laze about in the summer, relaxing.

“So when the winter comes they have to furi ously compete with each other for the scraps left over or hide away and hibernate, waiting for next summer.

But not the squirrels! Squirrels plan for the winter by hoarding nuts, berries and seeds in the summer, so when winter comes they are well prepared for it, and are

nice bright winter days when the sun does come out. They are obviously the wisest creatures in the wood. And that is what we want our customers to be.”

“What Tony is trying to say” interjected Richard, “is that when winter finally arrives in Spain, northern Europe has been cold for months. This means that Chilly Czechs, Frozen Fins and Shivering Swedes have been stripping the shelves for months. Every year we have panicking customers calling us in December,

desperate to have heaters supplied and fitted by Christmas. Frequently these customers have to compromise on their choice, or be put at the back of a long queue. Every year we think to ourselves ­ ‘It’s a shame you didn’t order them in the summer when we had loads of them in stock and, equally as important, the time to process the orders’.”

NEATER HEATER is the sole Spanish distributor for BEHA and ADAX NEO convector heaters. We currently have more stock than ever before at various locations, just waiting for the ‘squirrels’. Please feel free to call us on 634 312 171 for more information, or visit our web site www.neaterheater.es , or email info@neaterheater.es.

A medical emergency

THE British Benevolent Fund was founded over a century ago to provide assistance for UK nationals in Spain facing extreme financial hardshipwhether resident, visiting or in between. Over the weekend the BBF was alerted to a case of a young man of 28 who suffered a medical emergency whilst on a trip to Benidorm with his friends.

A medical emergency that is continuing to this day.

Jack was taken to A&E after he had collapsed on a night out.

He is Type 1 diabetic.

The initial diagnosis was that he had collapsed due to extremely low blood glucose and admitted to ICU.

He needed a tracheotomy and feeding tube. He had seizures and swelling of the brain and was moved to a specialist traumatology ward where the doctors concluded he had most likely also suffered brain damage.

At one point the doctors were contemplating the worst.

But Jack’s time is not yet.

Jack cannot travel yet but he needs to be returned home to receive ongoing treatment and care.

It is likely that his life will be significantly impaired even with the best care.

His parents came over straight away and visit him as much as they are allowed.

They cannot stay indefinitely. Their insurance company will not cover the cost of Jack’s repatriation because he did

not declare his condition.

The family have set up a crowdfunding page and we are working with the consulate and our partner charity Help Benidorm to get Jack home.

It’s a lot of money.

A private medical flight is a king’s ransom ­ but there is no other way of getting him home. The BBF is supporting Jack’s family to our best ability ­ we can only do this with your support and donations that allow for people who have to face the worst that life can throw them alone ­ Jack is one of many who need all our help.

If you would like to support our work, please visit www.britishbenevolentfund.o rg to make a donation. Thank you, Olaf Clayton, Chair BBF.

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Jack Stone.

Spanish beaches LETTERS

I lived for almost 10 years close to Nerja in southern Spain where the beaches were supposed to be safe as it is an upmarket tourist spot. Raw sewage was pumped directly into the water as the local authorities had not finished building the waste treatment plant, even though they had been allocated the money to do so. The EU fined them thousands of euros yet it still didn’t get completed. That is only one instance reported whilst I was living there, as another previously named blue flag beach was at Caleta and Torre del Mar, yet it was reported the mussel farms had to be closed because the sea water was contaminated.

Alan

Cooks warning

You wrote: Neither meat nor fish should be washed and do not need any additional treatment such as washing. You have no clue what you are talking about. Even the Spanish health authority mandatory classes for restaurant workers tell you to wash all fresh meat in water (no soap) before cooking, to remove bone fragments and specks of fecal matter. As long as proper kitchen cleanliness rules are followed, there is little chance of cross contamination.

Ernst Tibres

Thank you

Editor’s letter

We thank you and everyone who spoke about our cause and supported us, and we hope that everyone will stand with us because there is a humanitarian issue that must be highlighted and that the detainees of the Religion of Peace and AlNour Al ­ Ahmadi detainees in Turkey be immediately released and this tragic file be ended as quickly as possible.

Shadi Mahdi

Sad subject

Thank you so much Euro Weekly News for cover up on this sad subject in the injustice, torture and violation of human rights, it is a criminal act against humanity and we hope that human rights organisations will intervene immediately and save the lives of innocent people.

Nesrin

A better world

Hey, Euro Weekly News it’s so amazing to see a beating heart behind a news report. We thank you for collaborating with humanity and making this world a better world just by bringing to light important

matters that otherwise have no voice and are shouting at every second “help!” and “injustice!” Thank you.

Veronica

Short flights

Agree with Alexander, this is just headlining actions without real facts and data. Are they going to keep prices low and services as at least equal to flying, no stop changes and in some cases longer travel times?

DJH

Vaccine passports

This is another attempt at a controlling mechanism. It is quite clear from the Covid era that none of the so called ‘vaccines stopped or prevented transmission’, and were there for monitoring and control purposes. People are now aware of this overwatch mentality under the guise of ‘Virus control’. Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on me!

Mark

Very fair

Dear Sir,

Not one for usually adding comment to newspaper articles, I would just like to thank you for your recent article Leapy.

Absolutely fantastic piece to which I concur 100 per cent and written in such a frank, common sense and experienced tone and yet very fair.

It is rare these days to hear a voice that reflects mine and my wife’s view, as we become more ignored by the powers that be in the UK or Spain.

Thank you once again and continue your wonderful articles. Keep up the good work and keep the faith : )

Steve (60 years) Jalon, Marina Alta and Leeds UK

San Juan

Having bonfire night and fireworks so near the summer solstice is pretty silly. Much better to have them at a time when it gets dark earlier, so that you can enjoy the fireworks and then still get a good night’s sleep. November is much better.

Joe

Flamingo colony

Tell them to come to our salt water lagoon near Obidos, Portugal. It’s the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe and it’s fed by the Atlantic so never dries up.

David Goulty

PETS

Dog-sitters come to your home

YOU may be planning a trip this summer and thinking about how to find dog­sitters who come to your home. Well we can help. We have dog­sitters and house­sitters who love to come to Spain to care for your pets as part of their working holiday in exchange for free accommodation.

If you’re planning a trip, register now to find pet­sitters in time. Whether your trip is short or long, you’ll know that sometimes you must leave pets at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house­sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take:

1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSit Match.com

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed

3. Create a profile with photos of your pet and the house

4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

Revolutionary injection

Catherine McGeer

Sometimes

How does it work?

HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets. Trustpilot Testimonials ­ 4.9 / 5 Excellent 10 out of 10 for housesitmatch.com

I have had nothing but good and helpful service from the people who run this site, and my experience has been excellent. Tristram Cosgrave ­ Dog and cat owner, Malaga

How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer. To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

CAT sterilisation is widely recommended by veterinarians and animal welfare organisations as a responsible approach to cat care, population control, and promoting the well ­ being of both individual cats and the community as a whole. For this reason, veterinarians recommend sterilising cats to improve living conditions and prevent certain health issues associated with uncontrolled reproduction.

The CER method (capture, sterilisation, and return) is commonly used to manage cat colonies and prevent overcrowding. A recent study published in Nature Communications introduced a new injection developed in the United States for sterilising female cats.

RESPONSIBLE: Injection initiative safer and kinder.

The injection delivers a hormone called anti­Müllerian hormone (AMH) that inhibits ovulation and prevents pregnancy.

The study involved nine female cats, with six receiving the treatment and three serving as a control group.

The initial results showed the method’s effectiveness without any observed side effects after four years.

While there may still

be considerations and further research needed, the injection method for sterilising cats shows potential as a positive step towards improving the welfare of domestic cats and those in colonies.

The use of injections is seen as preferable to invasive surgeries with open wounds, especially when considering the subsequent release of cats into the environment.

Fur-bidden mess

LIVING with pets brings immense joy and companionship, but it also comes with the inevitable challenge of dealing with pet hair.

Whether you have a lovable dog or a cuddly cat, the sight of their hair scattered around the house can be a bit overwhelming. However, fret not we will discover the tricks to effectively clean the hair that our beloved pets leave behind. One of the most effective ways to combat pet hair buildup is through regular grooming sessions.

Depending on the type of pet you have, establish a

grooming routine that includes brushing or combing their fur. This not only helps to remove loose hair before it has a chance to scatter around the house, but also

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

promotes healthy skin and reduces shedding.

To efficiently tackle pet hair, it’s essential to invest in the right tools. Consider purchasing a high ­ quality pet brush or de ­ shedding tool that suits your pet’s coat type. Additionally, lint rollers and vacuum cleaners with pet­specific attachments can be helpful.

To prevent pet hair from embedding itself deep into upholstery and bedding, consider using protective covers or throws. These covers are easy to remove and wash, making it simple to keep your furniture and bedding free from pet hair.

Living with pets doesn’t mean you have to surrender to the constant battle against pet hair. Remember, regular grooming, investing in the right tools, and maintaining a cleaning routine are key to keeping your living space clean and comfortable for both you and your furry friend.

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BUY & SELL CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www. aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS)

MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

ABBEYGATE Insurance Call 971 277 455 For your security www.abbeygateinsure.com (302721)

INSURANCE MASSAGE

RELAXING MASSAGE FOR MEN - Mario qualified masseur in Alicante - Special Massage for Men - 7 days 10am to 10pm - APPOINTMENTS visit : www.masajeyrelax.es/en or WHATSAPP 649 761 607 (290198)

ELEGANTE , slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (302437)

MOTORING

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)

OTHERS

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

PERGOLAS

TAILOR-MADE in durable canvas, pergola covers, sails, umbrella, spa and CAR COVERS. 10% off Cushions. Mazarron to Costa Blanca. RETIRING SOON DON’T

REMOVALS & STORAGE

MISS OUT Google: KrugerCanopies.com WhatsApp: 667 879 399 kruger canopies@yahoo.co.uk

SAMM Golf Society

IN addition to sailing SAMM members have a golf society, find out how they got on at their recent competition.

‘Tuesday, June 6 the course was in great condition and the sun shone as captain for the day, Jack Moss, led us away. Pride of Scotland, Rona Agnew won the Stableford with 26 points. David Shephard took the longest drive on the 18th with a herculean effort easily clearing 250 metres. Steve Rocks won the nearest pin, while Tim Pritchard took the best guest. Congratulations everyone.’ La Finca Hotel overlooking the 18th green, with its elevated views of the course, played host to the after ­ game celebrations. ‘There was much forensic discussion of the day’s play and a certain amount of humour was taken over the ‘snack of shame’ handed out to non ­ winners ­ in reality, a bag of chocolates.’

The day out was complete when they ran into Northern

Mazarron marvel

SPANISH motorcycle racer Pedro Acosta showcased his skill by claiming victory in a thrilling race at Sachsenring. The triumph marked his fourth win of the season and solidified his position as a top contender in the championship. Acosta’s main rival, Tony Arbolino, was left trailing in his wake as Acosta controlled the race from start to finish.

Although Acosta, from Mazarron in Murcia, initially lost the lead to Arbolino after a less­than­ideal start from pole position, he quickly regained his composure. With calculated precision, he swiftly overtook Arbolino and seized control of the race by the end of the first lap. Meanwhile, Arbolino found himself under pressure from British rider Jake Dixon, who rapidly closed in on him. Acosta capitalised on their battle, maintaining a comfortable lead while Dixon posed a threat to Arbolino’s position.

Throughout the race, Acosta displayed flawless execution, avoiding any errors and skilfully managing his lead. As a result, he closed the gap in the overall championship standings, now trailing the leader by a mere 15 points. Acosta’s remarkable performance in Germany solidifies his status as a formidable force in motorcycle racing.

Ireland, Tottenham, Arsenal, and FA Cup ­ winning legend that is Pat Jennings as we were leaving.

The next SAMM Golf Society venue is Villa Martin on September 12. If you would like to join this game please mail sammgolfsociety@gmail.com

Real Murcia’s revamp

SAMM ­ Sailing Association Mar Menor, encompasses dinghy to catamaran sailing, Cruising, and motorboat groups. If you like sailing and would like to know more, visit their website at www.sailing marmenor.com or follow them on their Facebook pages.

Record-breaking

THE sprinter from Murcia, Ana Irene Elewe, broke her own records in the 200m dash at the X Gran Premio Diputación, VIII Memorial José Antonio Cansino. She finished sixth in the A final with a time of 24.15 seconds, improving her previous U20 and absolute record by one­10th of a second. Ana Irene has a history of breaking records and has demonstrated her dedication to future success. In other results, Víctor A Requena from UCAM Cartagena placed eighth in the 1,500m B final, Alejandro Ortuño from Playas de Castellón withdrew from the 2,000m steeplechase, and Marta Meroño from UCAM Cartagena finished fifth in the 800m B final.

REAL MURCIA CF has announced some significant changes within the club’s management. Javier Recio has been appointed as the sporting director for the next two seasons, bringing with him a wealth of experience and professionalism. Recio previously served as the sporting director of RCD Mallorca, where he achieved remarkable success with two consecutive promotions from the Second Division B to the First Division. He also worked as a scout and recruiter for esteemed clubs such as Sant Andreu, Real Madrid, and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Mario Simón will no longer continue as the coach of the first team of Real Murcia CF. The club has also announced that Francisco López will take over as the general manager. López, who joined the club in March 2023, has a vast background in football, having worked in various clubs including Elche CF. Additionally, David Sánchez, player and coach, will be leaving Real Murcia.

ARACELI , a 22 ­ year ­ old professional padel player from Murcia, recently achieved a significant milestone in her career. Ranked 42nd in the world, she emerged victorious in her first A1 tournament held in Monaco last week. Having transitioned from tennis to padel at the age of 14, Araceli’s decision proved to be a wise one. She has been training at the M3 academy in Madrid, preparing for upcoming competitions. Currently, her focus is on the European Games, scheduled to commence on June 21 in Krakow, Poland.

Padel prodigy

The European Games hold great importance for Araceli and the sport of padel, as it will be the first time the game is included in the event. This development signifies a step toward Padel’s aspiration to become an Olympic sport.

Araceli holds a special place in her heart for the Murcia Tennis Club. It was there that she began her tennis training and subsequently transitioned to Padel. Whenever she returns to Murcia, she always makes it a point to visit the club that played a pivotal role in shaping her sporting career.

ANA IRENE: Determined Murcian athlete breaks record.

Photo credit: Federación de Atletismo Murcia website

Araceli’s remarkable journey in padel.

Photo credit: World Padel Tour Twitter account

Pat Jennings with Steve Rocks.

Photo credit: Terry Chapman of SAMM

BIG CHANGES: New faces in key positions.

A dominant display for the win in Germany.

Photo credit: Pedro Acosta’s Twitter account

Photo credit: Real Murcia’s official website