Costa Calida 2 July – 2 August 2023 Issue 1986

Issue No. 18 (1986) 27 July - 2 Aug 2023

PP RECLAIMS MURCIA

IN a significant political turnaround, the Popular Party (PP) has successfully reconquered one of its traditional strongholds, the Region of Murcia. During the general elections on July 23, the PP secured four out of 10 deputies in the Congress of Deputies, narrowly missing its goal of five representatives. The party’s victory was also reflected in the Senate, where it won three out of four seats from Murcia.

The PP’s triumph in Murcia has unseated Vox, the party that previously emerged victorious in the region, effectively doubling its seats and almost doubling its votes. PSOE, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, managed to retain its three seats in the Lower House, signalling a recovery from previous setbacks. With improved voter confidence, the PSOE secured 25 per cent of the votes, a significant increase compared to the regional elections held just two months earlier.

Vox experienced a disappointing night in the Region, losing votes compared to previous elections. The party,

ON Thursday, July 20, the prestigious Economic Association of Friends of the Country in Cartagena witnessed the gathering of the jury to announce the recipient of the esteemed ‘Cartagena Person of the Year’ award for 2022.

Among numerous remarkable candidates, María Gómez García, the talented

which celebrated its first electoral triumph in 2019, now finds itself as the third political force in Murcia. This result underscores the changing dynamics within the right­wing spectrum.

Sumar, represented by Javier Sánchez Serna from Unidas Podemos, retained its seat and will continue to have Murcian representation in the next legislature.

Person of the Year

chef and co ­ owner of the Michelin ­ starred Magoga Restaurant, emerged as the well­deserved winner. Cartagena’s mayor, Noelia Arroyo, lauded María’s culinary journey, emphasising

her invaluable contributions to local gastronomy. The mayor also highlighted María’s efforts to promote tourism to the city, attracting national and international attention.

The award ceremony, set for October 7, will celebrate María’s commitment to Cartagena and her exceptional culinary artistry that has put the city on the map of quality culinary tourism.

Accessible beaches

CARTAGENA’S city council, Famdif, and ‘la Caixa’ Foundation have collaborated to create three assisted water access areas for people with reduced mobility at San Ginés, Puerto Bello, and Playa Honda beaches. The service, supervised by Cristina Mora, the councillor for Social Policy, includes accessible facilities like parking, toilets, showers, amphibious chairs, lifts, life jackets, and umbrellas.

Juan Jesús Lozano from Caixa Bank expressed pride in the initiative, which benefits over 200 people from Famdif. This service is available until August 31, from 11.30am to 7pm, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The service welcomes people of all ages with functional diversity or reduced mobility, promoting equal access to beach enjoyment in Cartagena.

CELEBRATING INCLUSION: Everyone deserves beach bliss.

Image:Twitter/Fernando

Lopez Miras

Image: Twitter/@Magoga_

Resurgence in Murcia: signalling shifts in Spain’s political landscape.

WELL-DESERVED: María Gómez García shining bright as the star chef of Magoga Restaurant!

Image: Cartagena town hall website

Sports upgrade

THE Santiago de la Ribera football ground is undergoing transformative upgrades, funded by the San Javier Town Hall with almost €400,000. The additions include a 400seater stand, showers, and changing rooms for the benefit of the Sports Faculty and the local Santiago de la Ribera Riber Club. The mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, confirmed the facilities will be ready for use in September, enhancing the quality of sports practice and community engagement. The ongoing development aims to create a premier sports complex, having already inaugurated the football pitch in 2021.

Future plans involve constructing triple pavilions with training rooms and laboratories to expand the Faculty of Sports Sciences’ offerings. This ambitious project is set to elevate sports and education opportunities in the region, fostering growth and excellence for athletes and students alike.

Family stranded

A FAMILY’S day at the beach turned into a life­threatening ordeal in La Azohía, Cartagena, as they found themselves stranded and unable to return. The family of three, comprising two adults and their young son, faced dehydration and hunger.

The situation came to light when one of the parents made a distress call to the Emergency Coordination Centre 112 of the Region of Murcia at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19. The family reported their dire condition, with one member suffering from hypoglycaemia, render­

ing them unable to walk.

Responding swiftly to the emergency, the Civil Protection of Cartagena and firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Service arrived both by land and sea to reach the

THE Pinatar Summer Fest returns on Friday July 28 from 7pm at the Recinto Ferial in San Pedro del Pinatar. The festival promises to be even more exciting this year with an array of activities for all ages. Mayor Ángela Gaona, along with Councillors Javier Castejón and Valentín Henarejos, joined the festival’s organiser, Israel Espín, to announce the event.

stranded family.

Within three­quarters of an hour, they located the family, who had not eaten since the previous day. Fortunately, after treatment, the family was accompanied

Pinatar Summer Fest

Designed for families, the festival offers a diverse range of children’s activities, including magic shows and entertainment. Music enthusiasts can look forward to a concert by the group Siloé and a vibrant DJ performance. Raffles

Celebrating Patron’s Day

SAN CAYETANO is gearing up for its Patron’s Day celebrations, running until August 13.

The festivities will kick off with the ‘chupinazo’ rocket launch, initiating a programme of activities for both residents and visitors.

back to their vehicle safe and sound. The emergency services remind everyone that proper planning and awareness of potential risks can prevent such incidents and ensure everyone’s safety.

featuring prizes, such as a week­long all­inclusive trip to the Caribbean, gift cards, and weekend stays, will add to the excitement.

Thanks to the collaboration of the town Council and various companies, admission to the festival is free, with only nominal fees for children’s activities and the restaurant area. Don't miss this incredible day of fun and music.

A lively parade with the Children and Youth Court will take place followed by the Sermon Act by Rosario Peñalver in Plaza de Iglesia, accompanied by music from Resident DJ Fran Garcia.

There will be gastronomic delights, live music, and shows throughout. The programme is action­packed and includes Children’s Day featuring theatre, popular games, etc.

On August 7, Patron’s Day will be celebrated with the grand Patron Saint Procession. The festivities will conclude on August 13 with the Pilgrimage to Cabezo Gordo uniting the community in honour of San Cayetano.

For details of the schedule check out the Torre Pacheco Town Hall social media pages.

Image: Shutterstock/ Lukas Jonaitis STRANDED: Family’s beach ordeal ends in rescue.

A-33 complete

THE last section of the A­33 dual carriageway connecting the Region of Murcia with Valencia will open in November, ending 15 years of construction delays. The 16­kilometre stretch between Yecla and Caudete cost €88.8 million.

Climate concern

THE Region of Murcia leads in climate change concern, with eight out of 10 people acknowledging its seriousness, surpassing the national average by three points, as per a recent study. Notably, 91.3 per cent of young people aged 18­29 in Murcia express concern about the crisis.

Hidden treasure

THE Arqua, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, uncover hidden treasures in its storeroom, offering new scientific insights. Fascinating findings include a double­tailed mermaid made of coral from Naples and evidence of Roman heating ducts.

Golden Bean

THE Michirón de Oro (the golden bean) is a competition in the quest for the best Michirones (A typical Murcian bean dish). Venta San José emerged winners located between el Algar and Los Alcázares.

Musical debut

THE Music Group Sauces of Cartagena recently made their international debut in Mandello del Lario, Italy, alongside the ‘Alessandro Manzoni’ Music Band. After a cancelled 2020 trip, subsidies from Cartagena Town Hall made this trip possible.

Historical fort

CARTAGENA’S City Council initiated the restoration of the Despeñaperros fortress. Led by Mayor Noelia Arroyo, the project aims to comprehensively preserve Cartagena’s historical heritage. Significant investment will fund structural restoration.

Aerial warriors

THE Murcia City Council is waging an all­out war against mosquitoes, especially the tiger mosquito, which poses a threat to public health due to its potential to transmit tropical diseases.

As temperatures rise and seasons become warmer, mosquitoes have extended their breeding periods, making it imperative to combat them throughout the year.

The council has enlisted the aid of four drones and a helicopter to survey the entire region, identifying and mapping mosquito outbreaks, includ­

ing hard­to­reach areas. The pest control campaign intensifies during the months of significant temperature rise,

Operation Watermelon

FARMERS and the Lorca Local Police are celebrating the early success of ‘Operation Watermelon’, an innovative approach to safeguarding crops from theft in the region. The joint effort initiated a few weeks ago, has effectively deterred thieves from targeting the watermelon crops.

Thanks to the tight surveillance and coordination between the police and nearly 50 farmers, not a single theft has been reported so far.

To bolster security further, police officers are also scrutinising local markets, requesting purchase

invoices for melon and watermelon stalls to ensure the produce’s legitimate origin.

This additional measure helps clamp down on illegal sales and trade. However, the farmers are now requesting continued vigilance throughout the winter months, especially for the artichoke and onion crops, which are more susceptible to theft.

In the past, thieves not only stole the crops but also caused significant damage to irrigation infrastructure, disrupting the vital water supply to the fields.

Winged conservation

IN a remarkable conservation effort, two Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni or small falcon) were released into Saladares del Guadalentín natural area. The Meles Association, in collaboration with the General Sub directorate of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of the CARM and the Alhama de Murcia Town Council, led this project.

The kestrels, classified as endangered, joined a group of five others that had been released earlier this year after a period of acclimatisation. All of them were rehabilitated at the Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de la Comunidad Autónoma before release. These small birds of

from April to November.

Ground­based teams focus on public spaces, watercourses, and irrigation channels, while

YOUR EWN HAS

drones conduct localised spraying.

Innovative techniques, like silicone application in swimming pools and biocides that target larvae, have shown promise in curbing mosquito populations. Future experimental methods, like releasing sterile male mosquitoes, are also being explored.

Through collaborative efforts, the council aims to create a safer and healthier environment for the residents of Murcia, ensuring these disease­carrying pests no longer pose a threat to the region.

Tutankhamun

SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR is set to host an extraordinary exhibition titled ‘Tutankhamun, images of a Treasure under the Egyptian Desert’ starting on Monday July 31. The presentation of this event was led by the mayor, Ángela Gaona, the councillor for Culture, Carmen María López, and the director of the Baron de Benifayó Museum, Marcos David Gracia.

The exhibition will showcase over 60 original funerary objects and a vast selection of

72 STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Los Narejos Carnival

THE first Carnaval de Vera de Los Narejos was a resounding success, captivating all in attendance.

prey play a vital role in pest control in rainfed crops. Its mi gratory nature prompts it to take an arduous journey to Africa at the end of summer, seeking winter refuge in regions around Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali. With the onset of spring, it returns to the Iberian Peninsula, where it seeks out its previous year’s nesting sites making the conservation of their traditional breeding sites essential.

images, offering a glimpse into the historic discovery of this magnificent tomb buried under the Egyptian desert.

Among the exhibited items are sarcophagi, masks, models, and a variety of funerary amulets.

These precious artifacts were crafted from diverse materials, each holding significant symbolic value in the ancient Pharaonic culture. Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike are eagerly anticipating this exhibition!

This exhibition is free but you must make a reservation by contacting the following number: 695 265 269.

Avenida Santiago and Avenida de la Constitución transformed into a vibrant spectacle of feathers, music, and dazzling dances. The event showcased the best talents of the participants, leaving the audience mesmerised.

The Los Alcazares Town Hall expressed its gratitude on social media to the exceptional groups that contributed to this extraordinary summer night, making it an unforgettable experience.

With such an overwhelming response, it’s certain that this was just the beginning of a long­standing tradition. The Carnaval de Vera de los Narejos is set to return, promising even more unforgettable memories!

Unleashing the Sky Defenders: Drones and helicopter in mosquito combat.

Image: Pexels/David McBee

Two Lesser Kestrels soar free in Saladares del Guadalentín.

Image: Shutterstock/Jesus Giraldo Gutierrez

Summer election

ON Sunday July 23, over 750,000 people in the Region of Murcia headed to the polls to cast their votes in the general elections, surpassing the number of voters recorded in the previous regional and municipal elections held on May 28. The turnout in the middle of the summer was over 70 per cent, whereas it was around 65 per cent in May.

The Partido Popular (PP) emerged as the most favoured party on both occasions, with 306,160 votes in the general elections and 293,051 votes in the regional elections. Despite the scorching summer temperatures, voters were determined to exercise their right to vote. Polling stations saw a continuous flow of people seeking relief from the heat and fulfilling their civic duty. While many brought fans and found inventive ways to stay cool, the uncomfortable conditions primarily affected polling station staff and public workers.

Even the President of the Region, Fernando López Miras, witnessed the impact of the heat when he encountered an elderly woman suffering from heatstroke at his polling station in Lorca. Quick action was taken by officials to assist her.

Exceptional services

IN a small town called Camposol, in Mazarron lives a remarkable individual who has devoted his life to serving others. Barry Hamilton, the President of FAST charity, has not only etched his name into history books, but has also won the hearts of a grateful community of approximately 4,000 British nationals living in the region. Barry’s journey of service began when he served in the British Army. For his commendable contributions to the military, he was awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal in the military division back in 1990.

Recently he was awarded this prestigious award for the second time. It was recently presented to him by Hugh Elliott, the British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, recognising the significance of his services to the expatriate community.

Given Camposol, which is situated a considerable distance from major health centres and hospitals, the need for medical emergency response and support for the expatriate commu­

DURING the first half of 2023, Spain’s construction sector experienced a significant surge in growth, playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic recovery according to data re­

PROVERB

In hot water

THE Mar Menor has experienced an alarming rise in water temperature, reaching a record high of 31ºC. The rising temperatures are attributed to two successive heatwaves affecting the region, resulting in an average water temperature of 31ºC.

nity was keenly felt. It was in this context that Barry assumed the role of President of FAST charity, an organisation that responds to medical emergencies.

On receiving this prestigious award, Barry expressed profound gratitude. He acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife, Annie, and the members of FAST charity.

Construction growth

leased by Nalanda the multinational construction platform. The region of Murcia stood out with a remarkable growth rate of 33.7 per cent. A total of 10,441 construction projects were tendered through the platform during this period, with June alone accounting for 2,419 tenders, a record­high month. The majority of projects, 78 per cent, were valued at up to

€500,000, followed by projects ranging from €1 to €10 million at 11.5 per cent. Nalanda’s Marketing Director, Ricardo Muriel, expressed optimism, stating that the construction industry has rebounded from the supply crisis and is in a favourable state.

In addition to the construction sector, related industries also witnessed significant growth in the first half of 2023.

176 seats

Needed to control the Spanish parliament

The concern is that the lagoon has never been so warm, and this unprecedented warmth raises questions about its future.

Data indicates that the water temperature has been increasing rapidly, rising one degree Celsius per week in the last month. For example, on June 21, it was 27.19ºC, and by July 5, it reached 29.53ºC. Despite the high temperatures, oxygen levels in the water have not been negatively impacted, which is seen as a positive sign.

This phenomenon is not isolated to the Mar Menor; the entire Mediterranean region is experiencing abnormally high water temperatures, with records of 28ºC at the Cabo de Palos buoy. The extreme temperatures of last week will have impacted this record high as parts of Murcia experienced temperatures surpassing 44ºC which triggered a number of red alerts in the region.

Barry Hamilton, President of FAST charity in Spain, honoured with a second British Empire Medal.

Image: Twitter/ @HughElliottUK

OF THE WEEK

“A fool and his money are soon parted.”

This means that it is easy to persuade someone who is not sensible to spend their money. The phrase was originally used in a rhyme by Thomas Tusser in 1573.

BEATING THE HEAT: Record turnout in summer polls.

Image: Facebook/Cartagena Town Hall

Superfood solution

MURCIA­ based Blendhub and Colombian startup BeAmaz are teaming up to tackle global malnutrition using the Sacha Inchi seed. The Sacha Inchi seed, native to the Amazon region, is packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fibre, vitamins A and E, and healthy fats such as Omega 3.

Notably, it is a highly efficient crop, yielding one tonne of protein per hectare, making it a promising solution to combat malnutrition on a global scale. Blendhub’s portable factories, easily transported and installed worldwide, allow localised production close to the raw materials, reducing costs and environmental impact. The collaboration aims to develop nutritious and

affordable foods exclusively sourced from Latin America.

Besides combating malnutrition, they seek to restore the Amazon’s biodiversity and support local economies by engaging indigenous farmers. Both companies have been recognised for their positive social impact by the World Economic Forum.

Presenting their initiative at the UN High­Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, they hope to find support from governments worldwide. Despite challenges in attracting private investments, Blendhub remains committed to its mission, self­financing its efforts for sustainable and nutritious food production.

IN Cartagena, a much­anticipated project is about to take shape as the Port Authority announces the construction of a new cycle path. Within two weeks, construction will start on a 500­metre route, linking the historical Las Baterias of San Isidoro, Santa Florentina, and Santa Ana with Cala Cortina.

This project is valued at over €750,000, with a projected completion time of five months. The cycle path aims to provide a safe and serene

New cycle path

passage for cyclists and pedestrians.

The planned improvements include enhancing the paving for pedestrians and cyclists and addressing uneven surfaces. A new access area to Cala Cortina will also be created as an alternative to the existing stairs leading to the car park. To amplify the area’s beauty, over 1,000 native shrubs will be planted, along

Panto preparations

DESPITE the torrid heat of the summer, the Adapt Theatre Group doesn’t rest and preparations are going on behind the scenes for this year’s performance of ‘Ali Baba and the Four and a Half Thieves’ to be performed in San Pedro del Pinatar at the end of November.

One of the most entertaining features of every panto is an ‘on­location’ video to enhance the plot in strange and unexpected ways.

This year is no exception and some of the filming has already been done to portray the dramatic entrance of two of the characters involving spectacular shots of local scenery. No more can be revealed as yet as it all has to be seen in person to be appreciated!

For more information

about the ADAPT Theatre group contact Eric at: er icberg2@hotmail.com or visit their website: https://adapt theatregroup.wordpress.com.

Fallen pine

TWO women suffered injuries when a 100 ­ year ­ old pine tree toppled onto Avenida Sandoval in the town of Santiago de la Ribera.

The incident occurred in an uninhabited private estate, and the tree was later found to be decayed on the inside.

The accident prompted multiple calls to emergency services at around 9.45am on Thursday July 13. The 44 ­ year ­ old and 79 ­ year ­ old victims were swiftly attended to by medical personnel and then transported to Los Arcos del Mar Menor hospital for further treatment.

María Dolores Ruiz, the councillor for Parks and Gardens, emphasised that the responsibility for maintaining trees on private property lies with the owner of the site.

The pine tree had broken through the estate’s perimeter fence during its fall, highlighting the urgency for proper upkeep. In response to the incident, Local Police, and the emergency services of San Javier promptly arrived on the scene.

with Aleppo pines, stone pines, and cypresses throughout the path.

Amenities will be strategically positioned, offering comfort and functionality. Recycled plastic information panels, concrete benches, bike racks, and litter bins will be thoughtfully installed. A video surveillance system will further safeguard against vandalism.

Magical proposal

MANUEL CARRASCO’S concert in Plaza de Toros in Murcia was a night filled with emotions and magic. With a sold­out crowd, the Huelva­born singer delivered a memorable performance, highlighted by a touching proposal of marriage during the show. Amidst the crowd and illuminated by lanterns, a young man got down on one knee and asked his girlfriend to marry him, to which she tearfully said yes, drawing heartwarming reactions from the audience.

Carrasco played his classic songs, and a special moment came when he paid tribute to Elena Huelva, who bravely fought cancer and passed away. The entire audience was moved by the song ‘Un pasito más’, dedicated to her memory.

For over two hours, Carrasco performed receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. As the night neared its end, he played a song dedicated to Murcia, mentioning its iconic places and traditions, which resonated deeply with the audience.

Image: Adapt Theatre Group/Gill Brown

99% Of the votes have been currently tallied.

The ADAPT Theatre Group brings a sizzling spectacle to San Pedro del Pinatar this November.

Exotic breeding uncovered

MOLINA DE SEGURA Town Council and Local Police recently intervened in an illicit exotic bird breeding operation in Los Conejos, Molina de Segura, prompted by a noise complaint from concerned neighbours.

The unauthorised facilities housed over 250 birds of different breeds. Authorities found the house lacking the necessary permits required rendering the breeding op­

eration illegal.

Upon investigating the location, Local Police officers and Public Health inspectors from the town council discovered numerous cages filled with Love Birds, originally from Africa, alongside parakeets and cockatoos.

The well­being and conservation of these species raised concerns.

To address the issue, the Directorate General of Live­

MURCIA City Council has approved the Drought Emergency Plan to optimise water resource consumption during scarcity. The plan classifies drought scenarios into pre­alert, alert, and emergency levels, with corresponding voluntary and compulsory measures.

Pre­alert focuses on increasing resource availability, reducing demand, and improving water usage efficiency. Alert level aims for a 10 per cent consumption reduction through conservation measures.

Emergency situations prioritise extending available resources, with a 15 per cent mandatory consumption reduction for lower­priority uses.

Voluntary measures include remote meter reading, fraud management, and awareness

stock, Fisheries, and Aquaculture of the Autonomous Community was promptly informed, and further actions were taken to ensure animal health and compliance with regulations.

This intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible exotic bird breeding practices within the bounds of the law to protect the welfare of the animals and the community.

Drought plan

campaigns. Mandatory measures are enforced after declaring drought states and include mayoral decrees for specific durations.

The plan aligns with Aguas de Murcia’s resource preservation strategy, employing internal measures like micro­zoning (this refers to dividing the distribution network into smaller zones or sectors to enhance efficiency and optimise resource allocation) and leak detection.

By adopting this plan, Murcia takes a proactive approach to water management, setting an example for sustainable practices in times of scarcity and working towards a resilient and water­secure future.

Geological wonders

Catherine McGeer

SPAIN’S geological wonders are often overlooked. From the geode of Pulpi to the Gredas de Bolnuevo, here are five geological marvels in Spain that will leave you in awe.

Region of Murcia: Gredas de Bolnuevo (Mazarron). Located near the beach of Bolnuevo, the Gredas de Bolnuevo, also known as the Enchanted City of Bolnuevo, is a fascinating sight. Composed of yellowish sandy loams, sandstones, and micro conglomerates, these rocks have been sculpted by water and wind into shapes resembling gigantic mushrooms.

Extremadura: Los Pilones (Cabezuela del Valle, Cáceres). Nestled in the Jerte Valley, Los Pilones is a unique bathing area and geological marvel. The Garganta de los Infiernos, a granite gorge, features 13 enormous pools that have been sculpted by the flowing water, creating fantastic shapes and tex ­

tures.

The cascading waterfalls and natural pools offer visitors a refreshing escape during the hot summer months.

Region of Valencia: Els Arcs de Castell de Castells (Alicante). In the mountains of Alicante, the Els Arcs de Castell de Castells awaits with its colossal limestone arches. These natural arches frame a landscape that resembles an alpine paradise. The arches stand tall and majestic, offering a spectacular sight for hikers and nature lovers.

Catalonia : Congost de Mont­rebei (Lleida). Located in the Montsec massif, the Congost de Mont­rebei is a dramatic gorge carved by the Noguera Ribagorzana River.

Towering walls of orange limestone rise over 1,000 metres, creating a breathtaking and vertigo ­ inducing spectacle. Visitors can cross a narrow bridle path carved into the rock, pass over suspension bridges, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints that offer glimpses of the local wildlife

Andalucia : Giant geode from Pulpi (Almeria). On the eastern edge of Almeria, the giant geode from Pulpi was discovered in an old mine. This extraordinary geode is a cavern adorned with massive gypsum crystals, reminiscent of the legendary Fortress of Solitude. The sparkling crystals create a mesmerising display of natural beauty, captivating everyone.

TENS of thousands of people gather in Buñol in Valencia once a year to throw tomatoes at each other in a food fight more commonly known as La Tomatina.

This beautiful story began on the last Wednesday of August 1945, when some young people spent time in the Plaza del Pueblo to witness the popular local parade of the giants and big heads.

Some naughty boys decided to knock one of the big heads off, and with its momentum caused a participant to fall.

The participant, filled with anger, began to hit everything that was in his way. By a whim of fate, in the middle of it all was a vegetable stand which was used by the angry crowd to release adrenaline: those present began throwing tomatoes until the public enforcers put an end to this strange fight.

The following year, the young people deliberately repeated the altercation, even taking tomatoes from their homes.

Far from accepting this event as a custom, the police

La Tomatina

prohibited it from being repeated in order to prevent it from taking root as a tradition.

La Tomatina was banned in the early 1950s, a decision that did not dissuade its participants, even though some were arrested.

The people protested and the festival was authorised again, adding more participants every year and becoming more and more frantic.

Finally, La Tomatina was authorised and institutionalised as a local festival.

Over the years this celebration began to become popu­

lar in the rest of Spain.

Since then, year after year the excitement for it and the number of participants has grown.

The overwhelming success led to La Tomatina of Buñol being declared a Festival of Interest to International Tourists by the General Secretariat of Tourism in 2002. These days, the food fight takes place on the last Wednesday in August and has now become an official event.

La Tomatina is now so popular that you even have to buy a ticket to participate!

NATURE’S MASTERPIECES: Unveiling Spain’s Geological Wonders.

Photo credit: La Geoda de Pulpí Facebook page

Photo credit: Shutterstock/Marisa Estivill

Image: Buñol Turismo

OFFICIAL EVENT: You even have to buy a ticket to take part.

Spanish tradition ‘Sobremesa’

Catherine McGeer

I N Spain, eating is not just a necessity but a beloved pastime. The country’s gastronomy holds a special place in its cultural heritage. Central to this culinary tradition is the practice of spending hours around the table after a meal, known as ‘sobremesa’. It is a cherished custom that epitomises the Spanish way of life. The beauty of sobremesa lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether the conversation revolves around the events of the week, the latest gossip, or even the sometimes­dreaded topic of politics, sobremesa is an integral part of the Spanish heritage. Its magic lies in the way it effortlessly blends the pleasures of good food and lively discussions.

The Romans began the concept, following their lavish feasts, they would enjoy spectacles of artistry, featuring acro ­

bats, dancers, actors, and poets. These post ­ meal entertainments added to the splendour of sobremesa. During medieval times they continued this tradition, it was also during this era that the tradition of spending time before lunch emerged, ultimately influencing the practice of tapas in Spain.

Today, sobremesa remains an integral part of Spanish culture, embodying the values of social

connection, unhurried enjoyment, and appreciation for good food and company. It is a time for families and friends to gather, sharing stories, engaging in spirited discussions, and relishing the simple pleasures of life.

When visiting Spain, immerse yourself in the magic of sobremesa. Embrace the lingering conversations, the laughter, and the joy that comes from taking the time to savour the experience.

SOBREMESA: Unveiling the cherished Spanish tradition.

Photo credit: Pexels/Askar Abayev

Owl found on beach

AN owl that washed up on a beach in Mijas, Malaga, was rescued from the sea, and after a week or so of recuperation, experts hope the bird will soon be able to fly to freedom.

One of the first visitors to arrive on the beach of Calahonda saw the rare sight of an eagle owl trying to get out of the sea. The bird of prey used its wings and managed to swim to the shore, wrote a news source.

By the time the Environmental rescue team arrived, the owl had reached the sand and was taking refuge under the coastal path along that stretch of the beach. “It was exhausted by the effort,” said Francis Pérez, one of the technicians who rescued the animal.

In his first assessment, it didn’t look bad, just tired and soaked. So they decided to call the Threatened Species Recovery Centre in Malaga, where it has been since July 11.

For the time being, the owl has been isolated in a four­by­four metre enclosed cage where it is fed by its keepers. As soon as it is able to hunt live prey, it will be able to share space with other birds.

Eagle owls are common in the area. “There is usually a pair per municipality,” confirms CREA. Moreover, they are a sedentary and very faithful species. They can spend up to 20 years with the same pair. It is estimated that there are around 50 pairs of eagle owls in the province of Malaga.

SPAIN’S tourism industry is on a roll! In June, more than 9.1 million international jetsetters flocked to the country. The figures released by the national government on Tuesday, July 18 revealed that Spain’s June arrivals smashed last year’s numbers by an incredible 10 per cent.

The first half of 2023 also saw the country welcome a whopping 43 million visitors, setting the bar high with an incredible 24.3 per cent surge on last year’s figures.

Brits led the charge, making up a quarter of the June arrivals with a 9.8 per cent increase in tourists. Germans also made up a significant 14.5 per cent of all passenger arrivals. Meanwhile, a notable 37 per cent increase in arrivals from Poland caught officials’ attention.

The Balearic Islands stole hearts as the top destination, attracting sun­seekers like a magnet and accounting for 22 per cent of arrivals. But Catalonia and Madrid didn’t lag behind either, each claiming around 20 per cent of arrivals during the first six months of the year.

Sky-high figures

Minister Héctor Gómez praised the extraordinary growth as he

highlighted the potential for more wealth and jobs in the tourism sector.

Fashion frenzy

A BRAND­new report has unveiled Spain’s fashion powerhouses’ incredible performance in 2022!

Following a steady pandemic rebound starting in 2021, the country’s top 10 fashion distribution groups achieved doubledigit sales growth, totalling over €42 billion, according to figures released on Thursday, July 20.

Fashion fever has apparently taken over, with industry leaders enjoying a 19.4 per cent surge in revenues.

Inditex, under the reign of Marta Ortega, has enjoyed a remarkable record­breaking year, driven by price increases and strategies. The group owns some of the country’s biggest brands including Zara, Pull & Bear, and Stradivarius.

Puig, the beauty and fashion giant, confidently holds its posi­

tion as a runner­up. The Barcelona­based distributor owns brands including Paco Rabanne, and Jean Paul Gaultier in Spain.

Mango came in third place in the report. Mango’s business plan’s fruits have ripened, with exciting expansions, like a flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and new brand sponsorships, sparking new interest.

122 seats

Currently held by Pedro Sanchez

Government

OWL RESCUED: The bird was tired but is now recuperating.

Credit

Spanish Elections: What’s Next?

by Lisa Zeffertt

ON Sunday night, July 23, in a tense and close election race, the results were finally in, but the results are no clearer after its conclusion.

No Clear Winner

The right­wing block made up of Partido Popular (PP), and Vox reached a maximum of 169 votes, while the left­wing bloc made up of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Sumar totalled 153 votes. Neither party obtained results from an absolute majority.

PP won with a higher number of votes in total, but this is not a clear path to victory. Now, the decision is down to pacts that the parties form, as both leading parties do not have sufficient votes to govern Spain as a single party.

PP Falls Short of 176 Votes

As PP has made clear that it did not want to rule with Vox, despite the two parties governing several regional governments together after the regional elections in May 2023, Alberto Núñez Feijóo does not have enough votes to be sworn in as Spain’s next leader, falling short of the threshold of

176 seats. In his speech, Feijóo said that he wants to claim his right to become the next leader of Spain since he won with a majority of the popular vote.

PSOE’s Success Relies on ProIndependence Parties

Meanwhile, the PSOE must form pacts with other parties and can govern with the support of Sumar, Catalan and Basque independence parties, the ERC, Bildu, PNV and BNG (other regional parties) despite not obtaining the highest votes.

The success of PSOE hangs heavily on the Junts party decision,

led by Carles Puigdemont, the former Catalan president who fled to Belgium after holding the referendum in October 2022 on Catalan independence, a move that sparked controversy and created fissures in Spain between the left and right. Puidgdemont has already stated that he would neither support the PSOE nor PP and now his decision may have a significant impact.

Pedro Sánchez, the PSOE candidate and current Prime Minister, celebrated a victory, saying, “We have won more votes, more seats and a higher percentage than four

Globetrotter’s dream

years ago.”

Yolanda Diaz of Sumar said, “Many people were worried, and tonight, they will sleep more soundly,” regarding national and international concerns about a right­wing bloc forming between PP and Vox.

Meanwhile, the leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, who lost popularity compared to the 2019 elections, criticised the PP government in his speech and warned that “Pedro Sánchez, even after losing the election, could still block the formation of a government.”

Record Voter Turnout

With a 70.33 per cent voter turnout that was four points higher than the 2019 elections, and despite scorching hot temperatures in the middle of July, in the peak of summer holidays, 24 million people cast their ballots, including by post in one of the record­breaking numbers of mail votes cast in Spain.

With such close results, a likely outcome may be a call for new elections, with Pedro Sánchez remaining in Moncloa as Prime Minister.

SPAIN secured a prominent spot in the 2023 Henley Passport Index, updated on Thursday, July 20. The Spanish passport ranked as one of the world’s most powerful passports.

Based on official data from the International Air Transport Association, the index reveals which passports offer visa­free access to the most countries. Surprisingly, Japan, which held the top spot for five years, has now slipped to third place. Singapore claims the new title as the country with the most powerful passport, allowing its citizens visafree access to an impressive 192 out of 227 recognised countries or territories.

Spain shares second place with Germany and Italy, offering visa­free access to 190 destinations. Japan joins six other nations in third place, granting its passport holders access to 189 countries without visas.

Spain’s high ranking reflects the country’s open approach to international travel, providing its citizens with the freedom to explore a wide range of destinations without the need for visas.

PEDRO SANCHEZ: May remain in Moncloa as Prime Minster.

Be careful what you say

A SOCIAL media account is less private than people assume, the UK’s Telegraph revealed.

As Ukip founder Nigel Farage discovered when Coutts closed his account, high street banks monitor customers’ social media after incorporating this right in their privacy policies.

Exclusive Coutts, banker to royals, celebrities and the wealthy, now belongs to NatWest. Thirty ­ nine per cent publiclyowned following a 2008 bailout, the bank maintained that it closed Brexiteer Farage’s account as his views “do not align with our values.”

A dossier compiled by the bank justified this stance by including examples of his Twitter posts.

Farage also wants an apology from the BBC for unfounded reports that his account was closed for commercial reasons. These appeared the day after its business editor sat next to Dame Alison Rose, NatWest’s chief executive, implying that Rose had passed on details of Farage’s financial situation.

The same Telegraph article revealed that the Treasury is examining three more banksMetro Bank,Yorkshire Building Society and American Express ­ which appear to have closed customers’ accounts owing to their political views.

The Telegraph disclosed that the ‘specifics’ of the cases now under review have not been made public, although both Reform UK

Gatwick Airport strikes

AIR travellers look set to face delays and disappointment this summer as workers at London’s Gatwick Airport are preparing to take industrial action during the peak getaway period.

Within a matter of weeks, staff at Gatwick Airport will stage eight days of strikes which are likely to hit major holiday airlines such as TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and BA, according to a news source on Monday, July 17.

Tourists wanting to leave British shores from Gatwick airport on a foreign break could face travel misery as workers are due to go on strike from the end of July until early August.

airport, despite the fact that airlines have the job of notifying their customers of any problems.

The strike dates are as follows: Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29, Sunday, July 30, Monday, July 31, Friday, August 4,

Saturday, August 5, Sunday, August 6, Monday, August 7. The strikes appear to have been timed to coincide with some of the busiest travel periods as many UK families take advantage of the school holidays.

Smoother travelling

THIS summer more families arriving in the UK will benefit from quicker entry when using eGates, thanks to an expansion of the service to 10 and 11­year­olds.

and the Brexit Party allegedly had difficulties with their Metro Bank accounts.

The Yorkshire Building Society closed the account of Reverend Richard Fothergill days after he complained to the bank regarding its Pride month messaging.

Reform UK leader, Richard Tice also told the Telegraph that his American Express account had been suspended for some weeks earlier in the year.

Disgruntled Gatwick employees numbering almost 1,000, with roles including ground handling and baggage handling operatives as well as check­in representatives, are walking out over a dispute about wages.

Passengers have been advised to check their flight details before they set out to the

According to a statement published on Saturday, July 22, by the British government, successful trials have been carried out across major ports including Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow Airports this spring. As a result, from Monday, July 24, more returning families and eligible visitors to the UK over the school summer holiday will now benefit from the use of eGates as a faster way to travel through the UK border. A recent YouGov poll showed that 42 per cent of the UK public planned to jet abroad over the summer. With passenger volumes expected to return to 2019 levels this summer ­ and some ports exceeding those volumes ­ Border Force expects to see over 34 million air arrivals coming through UK passport control over the coming months. This new eGate change is expected to benefit thousands of families this summer, with over 400,000 children aged 10 and 11 years old projected to use eGates. The national rollout of the expansion of eGates to this age group will come into effect across 15 air and rail ports that currently have 293 eGates.

NEATER HEATER WANT ‘SQUIRRELS’ AS CUSTOMERS

RICHARD and Tony from NEATER HEATER are urging all our readers to start preparing for next winter now. “We really want peo ple to imitate SQUIRRELS,” said Tony “As we know; all the other woodland crea tures just laze about in the summer, relaxing. So when the winter comes they have to furiously compete with each other for the scraps left over or hide ­ away and hiber nate, waiting for next summer. But not the squirrels! Squirrels plan for the winter by hoard ing nuts, berries and seeds in the summer, so when winter comes they are well prepared for it, and are able to enjoy themselves on

SQUIRRELS: Are well prepared for the winter during the summer and so should you be.

those 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, des ­

perate 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 website www.neaterheater.es , or email info@neaterheater.es.

NIGEL FARAGE: Complaints to Coutts and the BBC regarding bank account closure.

Photo credit: CC/Nigel Farage, Gage Skidmore

Nun To Rod Stewart

ON July 21, 1972, Rod Stewart released the album ‘Never A Dull Moment’, whilst 51 years later, on the same date he performed to a large crowd at Starlite in Marbella.

Coincidentally, Euro Weekly News spoke to author and scriptwriter Steve Attridge on the same day about his latest book ‘God, Rod Stewart & Me: Years of Mayhem & Madness’ which reveals several stories about his exploits as a teenager.

Not overly successful at school, he had a few jobs but also wanted to learn about life and see the world, so he was delighted when he won a competition to meet Rod Stewart and the Faces, but the meeting was to be during a long weekend in New York.

Steve explained “It was a fantastic opportunity for a teenager who had never flown before but who loved rock music and before I knew it, not only was I there but everyone seemed to take a shine to me and I was offered a job for the rest of the tour.

“It was only when we started on the next leg of the tour that I asked what I was going to do and was told by the band’s manager that I would sit at the side of the stage with ice buckets full of bottles of the then very trendy German Blue Nun wine and serve it to Rod and members of the band during the concert!”

According to Steve it was a fantastic month but because they were often playing in large stadiums and Rod was a massive football fan, there were plenty of ‘pick up’ football matches including members of the band as well as support act Free and crew.

Laughing, he said “There was however an unspoken agreement that Rod was always allowed to score the winning goal.”

When the tour was over, he made his way back to the UK and decided he

needed to explore religion, so joined a monastery where he spent nine months before moving on to become a follower of Hare Krishna and then the Divine Light Mission plus as many cults as he could find.

“Before I ‘settled down’ I took a job working for a local council’s parks and garden division and it was a bit like being in a care in the community operation but with pay.

“Perhaps the strangest discovery was a preserved dead body found in undergrowth that myself and a friend cut down and there he was sitting quite peacefully but long dead!”

He went to a rather rough school in North London and discovered that if he told stories and made people laugh, he was less likely to get beaten up and this was his what got him into writing.

Since then, he has published 26 books, written for TV, spent some time writing scripts for movies in America (“terrible job with so many rewrites and every director wants to be a writer”), was a regular warm up performance poet for John Cooper Clarke who doesn’t even remember him and recently a writer of children’s books.

Now a long term resident of Mijas, Steve loves being in Spain and is lucky enough to be able to do what he loves from the comfort of his own home.

Visit https://steveattridge.com/ to find out about all his work and how to get hold of his latest creations.

Steve playing football with Rod Stewart in America.

The more mature Steve Attridge.

Credit: Steve Attridge

BUSINESS

EXTRA Linda Hall

Pret profit

COFFEE and sandwich chain

Pret a Manger reported profits of £50.6 million (€58.4 million) for 2022 after making losses of £225.9 million (€260.67 million) in 2021 owing to the pandemic. Sales during the first half of 2023 also rose by 20 per cent to £429.9 million (€496 million), the company said.

Lips sealed

A NATIONAL High Court judge in Madrid is keeping open an enquiry into producer and ventriloquist Jose Luis Moreno who allegedly headed a scheme to defraud banks and private investors of at least €50 million. The judge announced a sixmonth extension to examine all documentation seized during the investigation.

Not safe

AN Aberdeen court fined BP £650,000 (€750,075) following the death of a worker who suffered fatal injuries after falling through an open grating on the lower deck of company’s Unity North Sea oil platform in 2014. The oil company had breached health and safety regulations, the court ruled after an eightday trial.

Not going

MEMBERS of Spain’s Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) have voted in favour of removing the existing restriction that limits presidents to serving two consecutive four ­ year terms. This clears the way for its current president, Antonio Garamendi, to continue at the head of the association for a third term.

Argos exit

ARGOS, owned by Sainsbury’s, which is shutting 100 stores between now and 2024, has already closed four stores in England with 34 planned for Ireland. The catalogue retailer confirmed that some will close next month, starting with the Grimsby centre which relocates to Sainsbury’s between August 9 and 10.

BRITAIN’S Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) saved consumers more than £2 billion (€2.3 billion) between April 2022 and March 2023.

According to the CMA’s Annual Report and Accounts, it generated £26 (€29.9) for every £1 (€1.15) it spent, up from the previous year’s £22.50 (€25.9). This was comfortably higher than the UK government’s £10 (€11.52) target and saved consumers around £8 billion (€9.2 bn) over the last three years.

Meanwhile, the watchdog has responded to major issues that included cost of living increases, while launching a project that focused on supermar­

STAT OF WEEK €300 million

Consumer savings

2 and blocking three owing to competition concerns.

The remaining Phase 2 mergers were either cleared after the CMA accepted remedies addressing its concerns or the deals were abandoned by the businesses involved.

SHAREHOLDERS in Avangrid, a leading US energy company which belongs to Iberdrola Group, approved all proposals at the 2023 Shareholders Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

ket food pricing.

The CMA also commenced a new mediumterm strategy supporting people, businesses, and the UK economy by promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair practices.

It is now outlining which issues to examine, ensuring

ABERTIS has put in a bid for the concession to run the Attiki Odos bypass and network of roads in metropolitan Athens. Its offer is believed to be in the region of €2 billion.

The Spanish multinational, owned by Italian holding company Mundys and ACS ­ the engineering and construction company chaired by Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid ­ specialises in toll road management.

Abertis has five rivals for the contract, in which the Australian asset manager Macquarie and Fincop Infrastructure consortium is the frontrunner.

The Greek government initially whittled the number of possibles down to eight, although Fininc, an associate of

Onion effect

SPANISH private equity firm Portobello Capital has entered the agri­foods sector.

The firm acquired Nazca’s 45 per cent stake in Eurocebollas, a leader in processed onions, in a €100 million operation.

At the end of last year, venture capital fund Nazca sounded out the possible sale of a minority stake in Eurocebollas or, possibly, the entire company.

In the event, Nazca divested itself of less than half of its holding and Eurocebolla’s founder, Francisco Alberola remains as majority shareholder and continues to head the company.

that it can achieve real impact for the UK public, particularly those people who most need help.

During the 2022­2023 period, the CMA has scrutinised approximately 700 mergers, investigating 43 at an initial Phase 1 stage, 13 at the more in­depth Phase

Actions included £60 million (€69.16 million) in fines for 10 construction firms who illegally colluded to rig bids for public and private sector projects.

There was also an investigation into whether fashion labels owned by ASOS, Boohoo and ASDA were misleading customers with their ‘green’ claims .

Toll road bid

Abertis is going it alone in its proposal to manage the 60­year­old Attiki Odos roads although it is allegedly sounding out possible partners in Greece should its bid be successful.

Addressing Avangrid’s shareholders, Iberdrola chairman Ignacio Galan ­ who also heads the US company ­ reaffirmed the group’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition, while moving towards decarbonisation.

Galan also reported that Avangrid had invested €2.5 billion in its networks and renewables in 2022. The company would continue to support “a stronger and more resilient grid” for its customers, while delivering “a clean energy future for all,” he said.

Outlook cloudy

OCADO’S association with Marks and Spencer has been disappointing, chief executive Tim Steiner confessed.

another Spanish multinational, Sacyr, has since dropped out. So too has a consortium between two French firms and the Dutch company, DIF.

Inflation falling

INFLATION in the UK fell to 7.9 per cent in June, down from 8.7 per cent in May.

This was its lowest since March 2022, when prices first began to rise following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts had predicted a less noticeable reduction in the headline ratecovering fuel and energy prices as well as food ­ to 8.2 per cent. Underlying inflation calculated on items like processed food, clothing, restaurants and communications also eased although food inflation’s 17.3 per cent was higher than in June 2022.

June’s largely unexpected figures were the result of reductions in the price of petrol and diesel, which now cost 20 per cent less than a year ago.

In comparison, Spain’s inflation rate currently stands at 1.9 per cent, its lowest since March 2021.

Other contenders for the motorway contract include the Greek companies Aktor and Avax, which are currently managing the toll road until their contract comes to an end in 2024. On this occasion, they are forming an alliance with the French investment fund Meridiam substituting Ardian.

Big cash injection

TELEFONICA has injected €762 million in its Mexican subsidiary Pegaso via seven capital increases since 2021.

Pegaso belongs to Telefonica Hispanoamerica (Hispam) which underwent recapitalisation in January after Telefonica Peru lost its longstanding battle with the country’s tax authority.

Shareholders agreed at the time to a fully­subscribed capital increase of 2.3 billion Mexican pesos (€113 million), which was paid in cash by Hispam’s own holding company.

The company undertook several capital increases last year totalling two billion pesos (€98.18 million). Prior to that in 2021, Pegaso carried out capital increases in January, June, September and December, for 13.3 billion Mexican pesos, equivalent to €551 million.

When the £750 million (€866.2 million) joint venture was agreed in 2019, replacing a previous Ocado­Waitrose deal, both hailed the opportunity of creating a “profitable, scalable presence in the online grocery market.”

Marks and Spencer should pay Ocado a final instalment of £190.7 million (€220.2 million) by August 2024 if performance targets are met.

Instead, Ocado has reduced the ‘fair value’ of this payment to £78 million (€90 million), suggesting it suspects that there is less than a 50 per cent likelihood of getting the money.

Windfall worries

TWENTY per cent of savers are hoping for a substantial inheritance to maintain their quality of life.

A survey by Lime Solicitors found that many Britons rely on a legacy from their parents to guarantee a comfortable future. An increasing number would struggle in retirement if they were to inherit little, the law firm’s Debra Burton warned.

Even those who were left more would have to contend with inheritance tax, charged at 40 per cent above £325,000 (€375,296) or £500,0000 (€577,367) if a property went to children or grandchildren, she said.

will be spent by Seat on building a plant in Martorell (Barcelona) to assemble the battery cells that are produced for electric vehicles at Volkswagen’s gigafactory in Sagunto (Valencia).

CMA: Headquartered in Canary Wharf.

ATHENS MOTORWAYS: Spanish multinational Abertis bids to manage system.

Photo credit: competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk

Photo credit: Attiki Odos

LONDON - FTSE 100

DOW JONES

Off-the-grid

NATIONAL GRID has sold another 20 per cent of its National Gas holding to the existing majority owners, a consortium headed by Australia’s Macquarie Asset Management. National Grid said the sale would be ‘financially equivalent’ to the 60 per cent stake it sold for £9.6 billion (€11.5 billion) to the consortium in January.

Fine stuff

CATALONIA’S regional government, the Generalitat, is exploring the possibility of sanctioning Spain’s electricity supplier Endesa for allegedly infringing the rules that govern energy self­consumption. Using practices that imposed ‘unjustified conditions, difficulties or delays’ which hindered Catalonia residents’ access to individual energy autonomy could now bring a fine of between €600,000 and €6m.

Tata backs Britain

Linda Hall

TATA GROUP has chosen the UK as the location for its first gigafactory outside India.

One of the largest ­ ever investments in the UK automotive industry, which was officially announced on July 19, the plant will create up to 4,000 new direct jobs, and thousands more in the wider supply chain for battery materials and essential raw minerals.

At 40GWh, the £4 billion

(€4.6 billion) plant will be one of the biggest in Europe, while also guaran ­

teeing UK­ produced batteries for another Tata Sons investment, Jaguar

Grain deal apprehension

AS Russia suspended its grain agreement with Ukraine, Spain’s grain­based industrialists began to worry about future supplies.

“Spain is a major importer of cereal grains,” said Jose Manuel Alvarez, director of Spain’s Grains and Oilseeds Trade Association (Accoe).

“As Ukraine is one of our main sources we shall have to keep a close watch on future developments.”

Prices would inevitably rise, he said, although supplies were currently guaranteed, as the sector’s production campaign runs from July to July.

For the first six months of the year, grain comes from Latin America, principally Brazil, Alvarez explained, but during the second half it is imported from Ukraine.

“Problems could start in January next year,” Alvarez predicted.

Best yet

Land Rover cars, as well as other manufacturers throughout the UK and Europe.

“We can be incredibly proud that Britain has been chosen as home to Tata Group’s first gigafactory outside India, securing our place as one of the most attractive places to build electric vehicles,” Britain’s prime minister Rishi Sunak said.

Work on putting up the huge new factory in Bridgwater (Somerset) is likely to begin “very soon” according to local MP Ian Liddell­Grainger, who was quoted in Somerset Live.

“Our multi­billion­pound investment will bring state­of­the­art technology to the country, helping to power the automotive sector’s transition to electric mobility, anchored by our own business, Jaguar Land Rover,” Natajaran Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons chairman, said.

BANKINTER concluded the first half of 2023 with profits of €418 million, a 54 per cent increase on the same period last year and the bank’s best ­ ever figures for the period between January and the end of June.

This result also took into account the €77.5 million ‘windfall tax’ on last year’s profits which fell due in 2023.

Bank note

THE Bank of England paid out £25 million (€28.8 million) in staff bonuses despite warnings from its governor, Andrew Bailey, that employers needed to show ‘restraint’ over wage rises as inflation continued to rise.

The Bank confirmed that 429 employees were given annual bonuses of more than £10,000 (€11,514) in the past year, with some receiving £22,500 (€25,907).

JAGUAR-LANDROVER: Batteries assured for its electric vehicles.

Photo credit: Jaguar Land Rover

WILL something ever be done about these ludicrous UK ‘human rights?’ To be honest I hardly know what the phrase actually means. And there of course lies the true problem.

The more obscure and complicated any point of law can be, the more the money grabbing lawyers can exploit them ­ which of course make them the last people on earth who would want them clarified. In fact, complexity and confusion in matters of law is like money in the bank for this unscrupulous bunch of legal parasites.

The Rwanda fiasco poured yet more profits into their ever ambitious currency grabbing vaults. Lawyers (who else) stepped in and declared that a large number of these illegal immigrants shouldn’t be deported because their ‘uman rites’ had been denied.

This legal Mafia, no doubt once again riding high on tax payer’s money; subsequently presented their case and the British courts have now agreed. The whole expensive plan to export asylum seekers to Rwanda has now sunk under a sea of obscure laws and ‘uman rights. Not surprisingly this

Advertising Feature

Human rights

has created an ocean of opportunity that is now promoting a brand new source of riches for these privateer gannets. Floating accommodation, which will no doubt develop into their next legal piracy campaign. I dread to think of the numbers of them brushing up their life jackets and briefcases to scramble on board for their latest money grabbing cruise.

As usual the thing that once more emerges from the actions of these despicable con merchants is that they yet again find themselves in a win win situation. Lawyers of course never lose. Well it’s about time they were curbed. From their persecution of our brave servicemen, to getting murderers and rapists released back on the streets, most of these people are not interested in justice, all they are concerned with are their own self ­ centered ends ­ and the human rights laws are a licence for them to print (tax payers) money. Well I think that these ‘rights’ should be resolved during trial.

Judges should have the power to decree human rights ‘denied’ or ‘mini­

TAKING A TOLL OUR VIEW

mal’. Lawyers receiving legal aid remuneration from the public purse should also have their fees capped at a reasonable level. Weed out the ambulance chasers and those without any moral conscience whatsoever and their ill­gotten gains could be put toward the branches of law and order that put the law abiding public first. Not as a means for lawyers to buy another villa in the south of France!

Many thanks for all your recent letters. Particularly those of you who have sent such kind and caring messages concerning my recent accident which resulted in a broken shoulder. Wonderful attention from our local hospital services. Thank goodness it didn’t happen in the UK. Mix their NHS problems with their money grabbing union leaders and lawyers and I’d probably still be waiting for treatment.

Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com

Mon. Fri. 1pm till 4.

THERE seems to have been a great deal of confusion and mind changing over the matter of the introduction of charges on certain currently toll free motorways in Spain.

The European Union is determined that every major Spanish motorway will charge drivers for their use by 2024 in a move to try to reduce the number of cars on the road and therefore the amount of pollution.

Euro Weekly News has its headquarters on the Costa del Sol where the main motorway, the AP7, not only charges but is allowed to increase the tolls charged at Easter and the summer.

Currently the inflated summer cost to travel from Fuengirola to Manilva is €17.25 which is a 76­kilometre journey.

You can travel on the A7 which is free and allows you to drive from Malaga City to Algeciras and part of the journey is shared with cars on the AP7.

The fact is many drivers choose not to pay to travel on the AP7 which means that the A7 is constantly backed up with traffic in both directions, with some guaranteed huge traffic jams which add rather than reduce the pollution generated by cars, lorries and of course the annual pilgrimage of workers from Spain, France and Italy heading for the ferries to Morocco and back.

The actual roads themselves are not in a good state of repair and it seems that little of the money generated from the tolls is actually diverted to ensuring that the highway is in good condition.

Regardless of which party or parties triumphed in last Sunday’s General Election, it seems more than likely that there will be an ongoing disagreement with the EU over the need to reintroduce tolls.

Liberty posts a 10.5% first half growth in expatriates

LIBERTY SEGUROS organised a brunch meeting in Malaga with its main brokers engaged in the Expatriates segment along the Costa del Sol, where the excellent results of the first half of the year were applauded and a very positive outlook for the second half of the year was discussed.

This meeting forms part of a round of meetings with its Expatriates insurance brokers throughout Spain, particularly in coastal areas such as Levante, Murcia and Almeria, Costa Brava, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

The Expatriates segment encompasses foreign residents in Spain who are real estate owners, tenants or simply spend long and alternate periods in the country. Expatriates constitute one of the groups in which Liberty has a more solid and differential presence in the market that is not only built on a technology­driven, product and advice­based commercial model, but also sustained by a network of brokers who are consolidat­

INSURANCE BROKERS: Celebrated excellent results in the first half year.

ed and highly specialised in the needs of this group.

Liberty’s premium volume in this segment grew by 10.5 per cent between January and June 2023, standing at €42 million in car, home and miscellaneous premiums. This solid performance arose from new customers and renewals of existing policies.

Jesús Núñez, Executive Director of Distribution and Sales at Liberty Seguros in Europe, pointed out that “this positive performance reflects the long­standing and trusting part­

nership between Liberty and its brokers” and also “a unique business model that provides brokers with Liberty’s digital and data analytics knowledge and capabilities so they can further develop their businesses.” On this point, Jesús Núñez reiterated his “absolute commitment to brokers,” who “are at the heart of offering customers a policy best suited to their needs.”

Rafael Nadales, Regional Director for the Expatriates segment, hailed the excellent results of the first half of the year, which he views as “proof of

just how successful Liberty’s model can be combined with the support we give to brokers so they can respond quickly to customers' needs and develop their business through their knowledge and closeness with their customers.” He also explained that “the Expatriates segment holds great growth potential, so we expect a second half of the year with plenty of opportunities.”

Specialised advice for Expatriates and digital nomads

Liberty Seguros carries a comprehensive range of flexible and modular insurance policies for foreigners working or temporarily residing in Spain. This group also includes digital nomads, who can work in Spain on temporary visas since the entry came into force last December of the Spanish Startup Ecosystem Promotion Act, known as the Startup Act.

Some of the modular insurance policies Liberty can offer to the Expatriates segment include car, home, life and accident policies, including options such as Europe­wide car insurance coverage, or coverage for theft at home or in a public place.

Liberty is a leading Expatriate insurance provider through the combination of business knowledge, the insurer’s technological capabilities and the experience of a broker network.

mostly comprising expatriates working in Spain who can provide a professional and personalised service to customers in their own language.

If you need more information or would like a personalised quote, you can contact any of their brokers or agents or visit quote.libertyexpatriates.es and fill in a short form for a local agent in your area to contact you as soon as possible.

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

LETTERS

DGT indicates fines are possible

AT last, drivers in Spain can be fined up to €200 for not using their vehicles’ indicators when moving from one lane to another or making a turn.

There are some very good drivers on Spanish roads, but to those of us who learned to drive in other parts of Europe, especially the UK, the use of indicators was drummed in to us if we wanted to gain a licence.

It has taken the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), some time to decide that enough is enough and that there is

Comments

Lorry drivers are the absolute worst, not only do they hit the indicator as they turn the wheel, they just veer out without checking their mirrors! As they have so many blindspots, they should be constantly monitoring the traffic behind them. I’m aware of the blind­spot, so I always signal my intention to overtake, and pull over with plenty of distance so they can see me coming, but the problem is often they aren’t paying attention and just suddenly change lanes carelessly. Unfortunately, I have to drive hundreds of KM a week and many times I’ve almost been taken out by this particular action, or because they’re swerving all over the road, not staying in their lane. They cause so many accidents, deaths and complete chaos when they crash, or catch on fire. A lot more should be done to regulate them and educate them to:­ Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre!

Concha

Spanish drivers are a complete law unto themselves. Once cocooned in their little tin box, the roads and all surroundings belong to them and them alone. They have to be the worst drivers in Europe! Of course, when a family member is not allowed to teach them and they have to attend a driving school which costs money, how many actually have a licence?

Ian Hannah

Was expecting a few thousand comments on this one, :):).

Driven in a lot of differing countries, but Spain is the worst for indicator use, or not as per norm. No realisation there is a degree of precognitive thought process required to carry out this action correctly.

DJH

It is time the authorities took this action. I have seen far too many ‘near misses’ because a driver has failed to indicate their intentions.

Spanish drivers are the worst I have encountered for not using their indicators. Do

no charge for using the indicator, but there could be a €200 charge for not using it.

According to the DGT, over the average life of a vehicle, the indicators can be used up to 200,000 times and they are there for a safety reason and need to be used with plenty of advance warning, not just at the last minute.

This thorny subject has been discussed by the readers of Euro Weekly News many times over the years and below, you will find the most recent.

they know what the little stick on the side of their steering column is for?

Mike Brister

Maybe they should show Spanish drivers where the indicators are on the steering column first.

John McLean

Maybe this piece should be in Spanish.

Eleni Lolkema

OMG well the police are going to be rolling in it lol what about using roundabouts correctly as well in fact how to learn to drive lol.

Kim Reilly

In the campo, where we live, the police could have a field day, as no one uses their indicators ­ you have to guess where they are going!!?

Angie Ellacott

Do the fines apply to the police? Can they give themselves tickets as most never use their indicators.

Sheree Ruiz

Funniest thing I’ve read in ages.

Andrew Weller

Should apply to all road users including cyclists and scooter riders.

David King

About time.

Michael Hunka

Yeah right! Let’s see how many take notice.

Lorna Button

Loadsamoney will be coming in not from the Brits. We know the right way to do things.

Gill Stevens

Thought Spanish cars only came with a horn .

Steven Barker

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THEY’VE served, protected, and now they’re ready to snuggle! Spain’s retired police dogs are trading their badges for comfortable beds in loving homes. After years of rigorous work, these canine heroes are seeking retirement amidst family warmth and affection.

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Welcoming a retired police dog into your home is not just about adopting a pet. It’s an opportunity to show gratitude to these unsung heroes. These dogs, known for their discipline and training, make wonderful pets, offering a unique blend of companionship, loyalty, and courage. Retiring from service doesn’t

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Murcia’s Supercup

THE Region of Murcia is all set to host its first Spanish Basketball Supercup on September 16 and 17, 2023, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Murcia City. The decision follows the Governing Council’s approval, with a €544,500 advertising sponsorship agreement proposed by the Regional Ministry of Presidency, Tourism, Culture, Youth, Sports, and Spokesmanship.

The Endesa Super Cup highlights the region’s dedication to promoting sports tourism, attracting both amateur and professional sports enthusiasts and creating a significant economic impact of approximately €2,500,000. The direct impact includes expenses for accommodation, hotels, catering, complementary services, and transportation, while promotional efforts through national media and social networks aim to draw fans from outside the region.

This major basketball event is the most significant one hosted by the region in 27 years. The Palacio de los Deportes will host FC Barcelona, Unicaja Malaga, Real Madrid, and UCAM Murcia, promising an exciting competition.

Off to a flying start

REAL MURCIA started their pre­season on a high note, securing a 2­1 victory against Damac FC of Saudi Arabia. This marked the team’s first win under coach Munúa, making it a significant milestone for the upcoming season. Striker Iker Guarrotxena, a new signing for the team, showcased his potential by scoring the opening goal in the ninth minute. Héctor further strengthened the lead by scoring the second goal. Despite Damac’s efforts to reduce the deficit, they could only manage one goal.

In the second half, Munúa made some changes to the lineup, providing playing time to other key players and youngsters. Real Murcia also completed the signing of central defender Álex Zalaya, from FC Barcelona’s reserve team. With the team continuing to bolster their squad ahead of the 2023­2024 season, expectations and aspirations have risen. Real Murcia will face Zaragoza in their next friendly, followed by preparation matches against other opponents to fine­tune their strategies for the upcoming campaign.

The Endesa Supercup enjoys widespread national and international sporting interest, with extensive media

Star encounter

coverage, including television broadcasts on Movistar’s #Vamos channel.

Cartagena’s progress

CARTAGENA FC received good news this week as work resumed on their La Manga Club sports complex with the approval from Talasur Group for the second phase. The club encountered delays due to plan changes and requirements, but the first phase with three grass pitches and changing rooms was completed.

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ON a thrilling morning filled with excitement, the renowned Real Madrid Basketball player, Walter Tavares, graced the Campus de Tecnificación de Baloncesto (Basketball Camp) ‘Lolo Calín Los Alcazares’. A momentous occasion for all the young basketball enthusiasts, boys, and girls alike, as they were treated to a unique opportunity to train alongside this celebrated international basketball star.

Walter Samuel Tavares de Veiga is a Cape Verdean basketball player who was discovered by a neighbour who went on to put him in contact with CB Gran Canaria. He played there for two years and was selected in the 2014 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He joined Real Madrid in 2017.

As the training session unfolded, the young players soaked in every moment, cherishing the memories of this unexpected encounter with a sports icon. Walter Tavares’ visit left a mark on the young players, sparking a newfound determination to push their boundaries and make their mark in the world of basketball.

WORLD No. 1 and Wimbledon champion, Carlos Alcaraz, from El Palmar in Murcia showed no signs of slowing down as he continued his winning streak at the Hopman Cup, just four days after his remarkable Wimbledon victory.

The 20 ­ year ­ old tennis sensation faced off against David Goffin on Friday, July 21, representing Spain in the prestigious tournament.

Alcaraz’s tenacity and skill were on full display as he secured a hardfought victory against Goffin with a scoreline of

Unstoppable Alcaraz

4 ­ 6, 6 ­ 4, and a tense tiebreak of 10­8.

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CHAMPION: Carlos Alcaraz at the Hopman Cup.

Image: Twitter/Hopman Cup

HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Witness the thrills and skills at Murcia’s Supercup.

Image: Twitter/@RMBaloncesto

BIG OCCASION: Courtside with a legend.

HIGH NOTE: Real Murcia kick start pre-season with a 2-1 win.

Image: Twitter/@realmurciacfsad

Image: Facebook/Los Alcazares Town Hall