Costa Calida 21 – 27 September 2023 Issue 1994

Issue No. 26 (1994) 21 - 27 September 2023

THIS IS CARTAGENA

THE Carthaginian and Roman festivals in Cartagena began with the symbolic lighting of the holy fire at the Mirador de Bay, followed by its transfer to the Roman Theatre of Cartagena. The event was accompanied by a dramatic lightning storm which lit up the skies during the lighting of the holy fire.

The Carthaginians and Romans Festival is an annual event held in Cartagena during the second fortnight of September. The festival site is transformed into an ancient city where both locals and tourists take part in the reenactment of the historical events which took place in the city during the Second Punic War.

The festival features games and shows that depict the heroic events that occurred during the period of 209 BC. The neighbouring municipality of Mazarrón also participated, emphasising its Phoenician roots. This event was not just a celebration but also a symbol of unity among neighbouring municipalities.

The proclamation was attended by local and regional authorities, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the festival. The criers playfully incorporated football rivalry

IN a gripping rescue mission, two hikers, aged 37 and 39, found themselves lost near Dam de la Mulata and Almadenes Canyon in Cieza.

Their distress call to the 1­1­2 Emergency Coordination Centre triggered a rapid response. Environmental agents from Cieza used cell phone location data to assess their situation, revealing the hikers' disorientation and challenging terrain. Recognising the need for specialised assistance, the Consortium of Fire Fighting and Rescue, in conjunction with the General Directorate of Citizen Security and Emergencies, launched a daring helicopter rescue.

The helicopter safely airlifted the hikers and their dogs and upon landing an

Royal Audience

IN a recent audience with His Majesty King Felipe VI, President Fernando López Miras of the Region of Murcia expressed his gratitude for the King's unwavering support and deep interest in the welfare of the region. The President conveyed the admiration and affection of the people of Murcia for King Felipe VI's exemplary leadership.

Cartagena's Carthaginian and Roman Festivals Ignite the Spirit of the Mediterranean

into their speeches, adding a touch of humour and excitement.The Carthaginian and Roman festivals will continue until September 24. This celebration is a testament to the city's ability to rise from challenges and proudly continue its legacy into the 21st century. With fireworks, music, and reenactments, these festivals invite visitors from around the world to explore Cartagena's vibrant history and culture.

Heli-Rescue

During the audience, President López Miras reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and equality for all Spaniards. He announced his participation in an upcoming event organised by his party against

amnesty and in favour of Spanish equality. Additionally, President López Miras invited King Felipe VI to visit Caravaca de la Cruz in 2024 during the Jubilee Year celebration. He highlighted the need for national agreements and state pacts that promote equality among Spaniards, mentioning the National Water Pact and an agreement on regional financing as vital components. The President also shared the exciting news that Princess Leonor will be studying at the General Air Academy in two years, making her an ‘Adopted child of Murcia’ like her father.

environmental agent was on standby, ensuring the hikers and their dogs re ­

ceived the care and support they needed. Eventually, they were reunited

with their vehicles, marking the end of a harrowing adventure.

Image: Cartagena.es

Image: noticias.112rmurcia.es

President López Miras and King Felipe VI during their audience.

Miraculous Airlift: Hikers and Canine Companions Rescued.

Image: casareal.es

Textile crisis A Royal cleanup

THE textile industry in the Region of Murcia is dealing with a crisis, as production plummets by 28 per cent between January and July compared to the previous year. This decline has shrunk the sector's capacity to just 37 per cent of its 2015 levels, raising concerns about its long­term viability.

In a curious turn of events, the industry experienced a brief resurgence last year, witnessing a 28.6 per cent increase in clothing sales, totalling €116.3 million, along with a 75 per cent boost in fabric sales. However, this revival was not matched by substantial investments, cast­

ing doubts on sustainability. Despite Murcian families increasing their clothing expenditure to €514.2 million in the past year, the market is still far from its pre­pandemic state. While there's a glimmer of hope in the summer tourism boost, inflation constraints prevented brands from offering substantial discounts during the seasonal sales. On the international front, the Murcian textile industry continues to flourish, with exports surging by 19.6 per cent. Nevertheless, the trade balance remains unfavourable, and Murcia's textile sector lags behind other provinces in terms of income.

QUEEN Emeritus Sofía of Spain joined the '1m2 for the Beaches and the Seas' campaign, organised by the Libera Project, as a volunteer to combat marine pollution. The initiative, ongoing since 2017, aims to clean coastal and natural areas across Spain. It kicked off in San Javier, coinciding with 'World Beach Day.' The Libera Project, a collaboration between SEO/BirdLife, Ecoembes, Anse, and the Reina Sofía

Foundation, spearheads the efforts.

The cleanup took place on La Manga's Caleta del Estacio beach, an area affected by construction works. About 50 volunteers removed waste, including car batteries, beach chairs, plastics, and fishing gear. Nationwide, around 5,000 volunteers will participate in cleanup efforts until September's end, targeting nearly 20 beaches and coves in the Region of Murcia.

Queen Sofía, clad in black plastic gloves, collected plastic debris, emphasising the need for citizen awareness regarding marine pollution's detrimental effects. The Libera Project's mission is to reduce littering and protect Spain's natural biodiversity. After the beach cleanup, Queen Sofía visited Tomás Maestre port to learn about ANSE's work in removing floating garbage and microplastics from the Region's coast.

THE Council of Murcia passed the 2023 budget amid opposition from PSOE and Vox. In a recent development, the Popular Party (PP), with its absolute majority, successfully passed the 2023 Murcia City Council Budget, totalling over €456.7 million. The approved budget reflects a 1.21 per cent increase from the previous year, equating to an expenditure of €992 per resident in Murcia. However, it faced strong opposition from the

Budget approved

PSOE and Vox, who both voted against it.

José Francisco Muñoz, the Councillor for Economic Management, defended the budget as a responsible measure aimed at sustaining essential public services like street cleaning, garbage collection, and payroll for approximately

3,000. Muñoz emphasised the burden inherited from the previous socialist administration, including unpaid bills amounting to €18 million and excessive expenditure of €47 million. The PSOE criticised the reduction in funding for equality, higher education, tourism, civil protection, and housing, citing a lack of time to review the proposal. Vox expressed concerns over excessive spending,’ including €7 million for public transportation.

Image: X/@ecoembes

Celebrating Queen Sofía's Commitment to Clean Oceans

Halloween Trip

JOIN the spooktacular Halloween adventure of a lifetime! San Javier Town Hall and Zafiro Tours have conjured up a bewitching trip to PortAventura on October 21­22. Prepare for spine­tingling thrills, ghostly delights, and unforgettable memories. For details and bookings, visit www.juventudsanjavier.es. Don't miss this hauntingly good time!

Urban Renewal

THE San Javier Council is renewing urban services in streets near the new municipal parking by Avenue Aviation Española. This project, costing nearly €320,000, includes sewer and water line upgrades, electrical system improvements, new asphalt, sidewalks, and enhanced accessibility. The project is set to be completed by the end of October.

Sailing EUROSAF

THE Club Nautico Mar

Menor in Los Alcázares is set to host the European Championship of Inclusive Sailing EUROSAF and the Spanish Championship of Adapted Sailing Hansa 303 from September 23 to 30. Athletes from several countries, including Spain, will compete, in Los Alcázares.

Sports Overhaul

LOS ALCÁZARES is set to score big with a new Football field. With a €700,000 budget and a 6­month timeline, the field will boast 120­seat stands and versatile locker rooms. Mayor Cervera also revealed plans for further sports infrastructure upgrades, including Pavilion 13

Paraíso Salado

THE gastronomic event ‘Paraíso Salado’ returns for the third year in Lo Pagan. The event will take place from October 6­8. Along with a host of tapas to try there will be chef presentations, tastings, show cooking, and fun workshops for kids, it's a flavour­packed experience by the Mar Menor.

Storm Strikes

OVER the weekend, the Region of Murcia was gripped by a severe storm, bringing heavy rains and flooding to the area.

The storm left more than 200 incidents in its wake, with the Emergency Coordination Centre receiving 217 calls from concerned citizens.

Most incidents were related to obstacles on the road and stranded vehicles and 15 cases involved rescuing individuals trapped inside their vehicles.

The storm also featured a lightning storm, resulting in

YOUR

11 calls related to fires, although none were of significant magnitude. The City Council of Murcia had to take the drastic step of closing access to the popular walkway along the river because of the rising water levels resulting from the flood.

As if the torrential rains, high winds, thunder, and lightning weren't enough the region was also pelted with enormous hailstones. Many people took to social media to show images and videos of this hailstorm and the damage it caused.

Fitness drive School investment

RESIDENTs in the Cartagena area get ready to boost your fitness levels and have a blast while doing it! This September, the Cartagena City Council has launched an exciting new sports programme offering a diverse range of physical activities for people of all ages including everything from Pilates to Water aerobics.

You can enjoy these activities at various municipal sports facilities across the city, from the heart of the city centre to locations like El Algar, Barrio Peral, Los Dolores, and La Palma.

With classes running from Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon, you can easily find a schedule that suits you.

Don't miss this opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and have fun with your local community.

Get registered and make a splash in the world of sports! For more information on locations and timetable of the activities see www.cartagena.es

THE Cartagena City Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to boost municipal investments in schools for the remainder of 2023. Mayor Noelia Arroyo recently announced that over €300,000 will be allocated to enhance 15 schools within the region.

This announcement came during a meeting with the Federation of Mothers and Fathers of Students of Cartagena (FAMPA).

Arroyo emphasised the importance of these funds in further improving and adapting local schools, with a focus on air condi ­

Alamillo promenade

EXCITING news for history enthusiasts

as the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Regio n de Murcia has given the green light for the continuation of the works on the Paseo del Alamillo.

This decision comes after the recognition of the immense historical value of the archaeological remains discovered in the vicinity.

The new design will incorporate a boardwalk system that not only preserves these archaeological treasures

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Record heat

but also makes them accessible for public viewing.

This innovative approach will seamlessly connect the promenade on both sides of the area with the archaeological remains.

Mayor Jorge Duran Gonzalez and Councillor of Historic Heritage, Gine s Campillo, expressed their satisfaction with this decision, as it meets their prior requests to guarantee the appropriate presentation and safeguarding of these recently unearthed Roman relics.

tioning, accessibility, toilets, common areas, and patios.

These investments supplement the nearly €500,000 already allocated for school infrastructure during the summer.

The mayor attributed these financial resources to effective government management and resource allocation, allowing them to ‘do more with less.’

She stressed that every euro saved could be invested in the future of Cartagena's children, making it a worthwhile endeavour for the city.

THE summer of 2023 has made its mark as the second hottest in the Region of Murcia's recorded history, following closely behind the scorching summer of 2022. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) revealed that this year's summer season exhibited a thermal anomaly of 1.6 degrees, resulting in an average temperature of 26.1 degrees Celsius between June 1 and August 31, 2023. This temperature was significantly higher than the average recorded between 1991 and 2020. Juan Esteban Palenzuela, the territorial delegate of Aemet, emphasised the unusual warmth during this period, with June being 0.6 degrees hotter than the norm, July surpassing it by 2.5 degrees, and August ranking as the second hottest August in history with an excess of 1.7 degrees. July was notably singled out as one of the warmest since at least 1941.

and in

is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

The Enrique Roca Stadium covered in hail.

Image: @realmurciacfsad

Behind the scenes of the festivities

BEFORE the festivities of the Carthaginians and Romans kick off in Cartagena, both the Cartagena City Council and the Troops and Legions have made extensive preparations to ensure that everyone can enjoy the upcoming ten days of cultural revelry safely and comfortably.

The Cartagena City Council has invested nearly €100,000 in enhancing the festival's camp facilities, focusing on gardening, accessibility, and general maintenance. Over the past two years, a total of €300,000 has been allocated for various maintenance projects.

Approximately 450 law enforcement agents, including local police, national police, and Guardia Civil, will be strategically deployed throughout the city. Their presence will ensure that the festivities occur under the best conditions, with a special focus on the camp, fair, and market area,

MAZARRÓN takes a giant leap into the digital age with the launch of Acomaza.com, a groundbreaking website brought to life by the Asociación Comerciantes De Mazarrón (Commercial Association of Mazarrón) Acoma. Spearheaded by the Councillor for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Silvia García, along with ACOMA's vice president, Sandra Diestra, and web designer Jorge Ortiz, this digital portal marks a significant milestone in the town's digitalisation efforts.

Acomaza.com is designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional local commerce and the digital world. With its user­friendly interface, visitors can now access an extensive directory of businesses, establishments, and hospitality services 24/7.

PROVERB OF THE

expected to host between 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily.

Urban buses will be free all day on September 22 and 23. Additionally, on select dates, the night bus service will run until 3:00 AM to promote safe transportation.

During the festival, on September 22, Puerto de Culturas will offer free access to all its historical sites and the Roman Theatre of Cartagena. Exceptions include the tourist bus, tourist boat, and panoramic elevator.

Foreign student impact

IN the past year, the Region of Murcia has witnessed a record number of foreign students, reaching almost 47,000, reflecting the region's commitment to inclusive education. The percentage of foreign students in Murcia's schools has now reached 15.7 per cent, marking a significant increase compared to prepandemic years. The enrollment of foreign ­ origin students has emerged as a crucial mitigating factor against the declining birth rates in the Region of Murcia.

Digital hub

Each listing provides comprehensive details, including location, contact information, customer reviews, and opening hours.

This initiative reflects Mazarrón's commitment to keeping pace with the evolving digital landscape while supporting its local business­

es. Acomaza.com promises to be a valuable resource, connecting the community with the diverse offerings of Mazarrón's local businesses. Discover the convenience of modern shopping and service exploration at your fingertips – visit www.acomaza.com today!

This means that the person you are describing does not care much about money and possessions. This saying has been around a long time and the Chinese had a variation which was quickly come and quickly go.

The contribution of students from diverse backgrounds has a significant impact on sustaining educational units and centres, particularly in rural areas. Foreign mothers consistently have a higher birth rate than Spanish mothers, highlighting the importance of adapting to the changing student population through education. The creation and addition of ‘reception classrooms’ play a pivotal role in providing language support to foreign­origin students, and efforts are underway to increase their availability as needed throughout the academic year. However, educators stress the need for additional resources to effectively address the unique needs of these students.

1 Spanish speaker for every 2.65 English speakers globally

Cartagena Gears Up for Carthaginians and Romans Festival

Shop Local with Acomaza.com

Image: cartagena.es

Image: Facebook/Mazarrón Town Hall

WEEK

“Easy come, easy go.”

THE SAMM Golf Society gathered for a remarkable day of golf at the renowned Villa Martin course. Designed by Paul Putnam in the 1960s, Villa Martin is one of the region's most esteemed courses. Villa Martin holds a special place in golf lore, having hosted the prestigious PGA Mediterranean Tour in 1974. This event was won by the legendary José María Olazábal, who went on to secure a Masters victory just one week later. Among the course's memorable holes, the 17th stands out as Seve Ballesteros' favourite par 3 in Spain, boasting an unsurprisingly challenging Stroke Index of 1.

David Shephard led the event as captain, setting the stage for a day filled with competition. Rona Agnew claimed

SAMM’s Golf Day

Santa Lucia mural

the Stableford victory with an impressive 34 points. Other highlights included George Ruston winning nearest the pin on the 9th hole, Mike Bates on the 13th, and Tim Pritchard with the longest drive on the 11th. Walter Palsson earned the title of ‘Best Guest.’

As the day concluded, the SAMM Golf Society expressed

gratitude to all participants and looked forward to their next adventure at La Manga on November 28. This prestigious course promises a day of golfing excellence with discounted fees including buggy, exciting prizes, and a festive Christmas bash. Additional guest golfers are welcome to join; inquiries can be directed to sammgolfsociety@gmail.com.

Murcia leads

THE Region of Murcia has taken the lead in business creation, experiencing a remarkable 36.5 per cent increase in July, the highest nationwide. In total, 258 new commercial companies emerged, with 257 being limited companies and one being anonymous. This increase reflects the region's resilience and appeal to entrepreneurs.

Remarkably, only 23 companies dissolved in Murcia during the same period, marking a 47.7 per cent decrease compared to the previous year, indicating the stability of businesses in the region.

Nationally, Spain saw a 15.4 per cent increase in new business formations in July, totalling 8,292 companies. Although it was a positive trend, this marked the lowest figure for business creation in 2023. However, the seven consecutive months of year­on­year growth suggest an overall positive trajectory.

Flocking flamingoes

FLAMINGOS flock to the Salinas y Arenales Regional Park in San Pedro del Pinatar. During the scorching months of July and August, this area witnesses the highest concentration of flamingos. However, the reason behind this annual pilgrimage is a tale of survival. The flamingos seek refuge here because their usual wetland habitats, such as Doñana and the Tablas de Daimiel, often dry up due to droughts. In recent years, the Murcian wetland has become their primary sanctuary, thanks to an artificial flooding system using water from the Mar Menor. Around 3,000 flamingos now spend their summers in San Pedro del Pinatar, a significant increase since 1957 when scientists J. F. W. Bruhn and B. Jeffrey first documented their presence. Notably, these flamingos are not born with their characteristic pink plumage. Instead, their diet primarily consists of Artemia salina, a tiny crustacean found in brackish waters. The pigments from these crustaceans gradually transform the flamingos' plumage into the vivid shades of pink and red that we all recognise. However, the Salinas y Arenales Regional Park faces challenges from an increasing water table, which alters the habitat for these magnificent birds. The impact of freshwater leaks from the Segura basin is beginning to take its toll, emphasising the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem for the future.

IN Saint Lucia, a monumental mural by renowned artist José Luis Martínez, aka Goyo 203, celebrates the historical and festive legacy of the Carthaginians and Romans. Funded by the Federation of Troops and Legions of Carthaginians and Romans and supported by the Cartagena City Council, this twophase masterpiece captures the essence of the epic Carthaginian ­ Roman battle, a highlight of the local festival. Phase one vividly portrays the Roman perspective, featuring the clash between Hannibal's elephants and valiant Roman defenders, with the mural strategically located near the annual battle reenactment site.

Goyo 203, known for his expressive large ­ format faces, meticulously brings this historical event to life, emphasising the significance of the confrontation. The mural's first phase spotlights Scipio, the Roman general, with the second phase focusing on Hannibal. This artwork, provided space by the Blázquez Maritime Agency, is a vibrant addition to the region, bridging history and artistry while reminding us of the power of creativity to connect generations and ignite the imagination.

SAMM Golf Society Tees Off for a Day of Fairways and Fun

Image: SAMM/Terry Chapman

Artisan Fair Camposol

FOR over a decade and a half, The Original Artisan Fair has been a beacon of creativity and community spirit. This year, they celebrate the 15th anniversary at The Clubhouse, Camposol, on Saturday, November 4, from 11:30 am to 3 pm. What makes our fair truly exceptional? Every item showcased is meticulously handcrafted, reflecting the passion and skill of local artisans.

But this fair isn't just about artistry; it's also about heart. It has always been dedicated to supporting charitable causes, and this year, they are proud

to announce that they will be raising funds for Hugo's Home Farm once again. Hugo's Home Farm is a noble initiative established by Helping Coco

Horse Rescue, a registered charity in Spain, with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, or abandoned equines in the Alicante/Murcia area.

Colin, the founder of this heartwarming charity, started the centre with equines but expanded it to include a variety of other animals. During your visit, you might encounter chickens, ducks, love birds, peacocks, micro pigs, pygmy goats, alpacas, donkeys, ponies, and, of course, horses. For more information contact Mal Wylde at 626 656 447 or originalarti sanfair@gmail.com

Vintage toy success

THE first Toy and leisure Fair, MENORTOY, drew crowds this weekend at the Club Nautico Villa De San Pedro del Pinatar. The event showcased a special guest, Peter Beale, renowned executive producer behind Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars. Peter Beale took the time to sign autographs and give the mayor of San Pedro del

Pinatar Ángela Gaona a special tour of the Star Wars collectibles and toys. With hundreds in attendance, it celebrated leisure and entertainment, highlighting the growing influence of collectible and vintage toys and experiences. MENORTOY was a resounding success and a must see event for everyone.

Crafting Hope: Supporting Hugo's Home Farm at the 15th Annual Fair

Image: Mal Wylde

Grand Finale

IN a historic display of faith and unity, over 800,000 devoted pilgrims flocked to accompany the revered Patron Saint of Murcia, the Virgin of Fuensanta. This massive turnout marked the end of the September 2023 Fair, exceeding all participation expectations.

The day began with a solemn Mass at the Murcia Cathedral, presided over by Bishop José Manuel Lorca Planes. Mayor José Ballesta, along with the Municipal Corporation, joined the procession in the early morning. Prominent figures like President Fernando López Miras and Government delegate Francisco Jiménez were also in attendance.

Adorned in a green mantle of hope, the Virgin of Fuensanta departed from the cathedral, taking on a scenic route through

the heart of Murcia. The streets teemed with enthusiastic onlookers as the Patroness passed through iconic locations like Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, Glorieta de España, and Plaza Camachos.

After a momentous journey, the Virgin of Fuensanta reached her destination at the Sanctuary in Algezares. Mayor

Casa Rubio Revival

EL ALGAR's beloved historic gem, Casa Rubio, is on the path to revival, with restoration efforts now in full swing. Mayor Noelia Arroyo, accompanied by Diego Ortega (Councillor of Infrastructure) and Paqui Martínez (Councillor of Social Participation and Celebrations), recently announced the commencement of this ambitious project during their visit to Cartagena council.

council offices, including the Neighbourhood Council, Neighbourhood Association, and OMITA. The second floor will be transformed into a plenary hall and a study classroom.

Additionally, El Algar is set

to receive an investment of nearly €400,000 to modernize and enhance the drinking water supply network in nine streets, creating a pedestrian­friendly nucleus around the Church and Casa Rubio.

Costa Cálida Brand

Ballesta, who walked the entire route, lauded the overwhelming participation of the people, emphasising the unity and inclusivity that characterised the event. This pilgrimage not only celebrated faith but also marked the successful conclusion of the September 2023 Fair, featuring over 300 vibrant activities.

The initial phase focuses on urgently needed repairs to the first ­ floor roofs, which have suffered significant deterioration over time. The city council has allocated over €2 million for this historic building's restoration, drawing from European funds, regional resources from the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, and local funds. The restoration project aims to preserve the building's historic charm and functionality. The first floor will house county

IN a significant development for the Mar Menor region, mayors from the towns surrounding this coastal paradise convened in a meeting recently. The gathering was orchestrated by Ana Correa, the president of the COEC employers' association, and was attended by prominent figures like Noelia Arroyo of Cartagena, Joaquín Zapata of La Unión, Mario Cervera of Los Alcázares, José Miguel Luengo of San Javier, and Javier Castejón, the Mayor of Tourism from San Pedro del Pinatar. The mayors and the coastal employers' association emerged from this meeting with a shared vision for the region's future.

The mayors are pushing for a feasibility study to connect Mar Menor municipalities to the Mazarrón arc via a narrow­gauge railway for improved accessibility. They also seek unified global tourism promotion under the 'Costa Cálida' brand. Additionally, they urge the Autonomous Community to manage coastal affairs for sustainable growth. Regular meetings are planned to enhance cooperation, and they're united in boosting the 'Costa Cálida' brand to ensure regional prosperity.

The Virgin of Fuensanta's Historic Pilgrimage in Murcia

Image: centromedios.murcia.es

Beer reigns

THE latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture on family expenditure reveals intriguing trends in the culinary habits of Murcia's residents. Notably, Murcia stands out as the region where olive oil consumption has plummeted, solidifying a trend that has persisted since 2000. In 2022, the Region of Murcia ranked lowest in olive oil spending, with a staggering 34.18 per cent decline in consumption.

This decline in oil purchases is evident in the 2022 Food Consumption Report, which

also highlights Murcia's affinity for rice and beer, both alcoholic and non­alcoholic. Inter­

estingly, wine and beef purchases are less favoured in this region, with chicken reigning supreme in most households. Despite this, the Community of Murcia ranks fifth among Spanish regions in overall food and beverage expenditure, surpassing an average of 583 kilograms or litres per capita annually. Rice remains the hallmark of Murcia's gastronomy, ranking third in intensive consumption. Similarly Murcia is third in intensive drink consumption, with beer taking the lead at 24.3 liters per person.

Earthquake felt

RESIDENTS of Yecla were jolted on Monday morning, September 18, as a 2.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 11:29 am. The tremor, which originated three kilometres beneath the surface, also sent shockwaves through neighbouring Jumilla. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the quake's intensity as II, indicating it was a mild event. While no significant

damage was reported, it served as a reminder of the seismic activity occasionally felt in the Altiplano region. Fortunately, the local authorities and emergency services are well­prepared to handle such occurrences, ensuring the safety and security of the community. As always, it's a valuable reminder to be vigilant and prepared for any natural event in these regions.

Culinary Insights: Murcia's Unique Food and Drink Trends

Image: Shutterstock/Alter-ego

Exploited worker rescued

IN a recent incident in Tarragona, a Peruvian national found himself trapped in a nightmare of labour exploitation, living in squalid conditions surrounded by manure and waste. A report published

on Wednesday, September 13, gave details of how justice prevailed when the Guardia Civil stepped in.

In Baix Penedes, two individuals were arrested for the crime of trafficking for labour exploitation. They

preyed on the victim’s vulnerable status as an irregular migrant in Spain, ensnaring him with the promise of legitimate employment. The victim, responding to a job advert, was lured into becoming a groom, a role he undertook under gruelling conditions.

Living in a cramped warehouse within the horse stables, the victim endured abhorrent hygiene standards. Water for personal needs and cooking was sourced from a nearby trough, lacking basic sanitary measures. Furthermore, he lacked the necessary safety equipment for his tasks.

The consequences were dire, leading to various health issues, including eye and skin problems, substantial weight loss, and severe emotional distress. Shockingly, he was compelled to work even when unwell or symptomatic. His employers di­

Olive oil deception

rectly managed his wages, cementing their control over him.

In a collaborative effort with competent social services, the Guardia Civil secured aid for the victim. This encompassed decent housing, temporary residence, and work permits, with physical accompaniment throughout the process. A true testament to the dedication of those involved.

This operation was meticulously coordinated with the Prosecutor’s Office for Human Trafficking and Immigration in Tarragona, the Territorial Labour Inspection of Tarragona, and the Cruz Blanca Foundation. Subsequent legal proceedings have been entrusted to Investigative Court No. 6 of El Vendrell, Tarragona.

The horrors endured by the victim serve as a shocking reminder that exploitation can lurk in even the most idyllic settings.

FOUR individuals are on trial at Madrid National Court, facing accusations of running a deceptive scheme aimed at duping consumers into buying bottles of adulterated olive oil.

Allegedly, these bottles were labelled as extra virgin olive oil, obscuring the fact they actually contained a mixture of sunflower oil and olive oil, with an approximate ratio of 70 per cent sunflower oil to 30 per cent olive oil. The operation unfolded between 2017 and 2018, and the prosecution has brought multiple charges, including forgery in a commercial document, crimes against industrial property, and continuous fraud. If convicted, each de­

fendant could be sentenced to up to 13 years in prison.

In 2017, the accused introduced the bottles under the fictitious ‘Bellum Olei’ brand, which did not exist. The labels claimed to contain extra virgin olive oil, with the name of ‘Jaén oil’, when, in reality, they contained a blend of oils.

To further mislead consumers about the authenticity of their product, the labels displayed false information, including a claim that the oil was produced by the non­existent ‘Virgen de las Angustias Cooperative’ in Úbeda, Jaén. This label also included fabricated details such as an email address, and barcode, all of which were fraudulent.

OLIVE OIL: But instead contained a blend of oils.

Credit: Freepik

ON Friday, September 15, streets in over 20 Spanish cities, including Madrid, Bilbao, and Valencia, were flooded with passionate demonstrators, as climate crisis demonstrations gain momentum.

This global movement, in which representatives from various sectors gathered in over 400 cities, urged decisive action against the climate crisis. The demonstrations were timed as a pre­

ON a recent survey conducted by the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), Spaniards were quizzed about the hallmark dish of their respective communities. The results? The Valencians stood out with a whopping 92.8 per cent confidently choosing the renowned Valencian paella. While heated discussions continue about what ingredients make up a paella, does it contain rabbit, chicken or duck?

Most Valencians are united in that it must not contain shellfish, ever!

Paella arguments aside, the Asturians are in no doubt about their signature dish. A significant 88.7 per cent believed fabada represents their culinary identity. Fabada is a hearty bean stew that contains shoulder of pork, morcilla (black pudding)

Demos demand decarbonisation

cursor to the upcoming UN Climate Summit in New York, scheduled for September 20.

The Spanish leg of the demonstration was spearheaded by the Climate Alliance and Fridays for Future­Youth for Climate. They were backed by more than 40 organisations and

platforms. Madrid saw the largest gathering, with around 600 participants, as per the Government Delegation of the Community.

Other cities like Malaga, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Palma de Mallorca also witnessed a significant turnout. ‘Youth for Cli­

mate’ emphasised the urgency of rapid decarbonisation, stating it’s ‘what science demands’. They criticised current climate laws for their inadequacy. Their call was not just for swift action but also for fairness, ensuring ‘no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable’.

Iconic dishes define regions

dalucia, gazpacho was the top pick for nearly half of its residents. Aragon’s pride lay in ternasco, a type of lamb dish, while over 50 per cent of Canary Islanders celebrated the iconic wrinkled potatoes paired with mojo picon sauce.

Castilla y Leon presented a culinary conundrum. Roast suckling pig led with 36.4 per cent, but roast lamb and suckling pig weren’t far behind.

ham.

Catalonia’s top choice was pan con tomate (bread with tomato), but botifarra (sausage) and escudella (Catalan stew) trailed closely. Murcia’s preferences varied between the Murcian caldero (rice with fish), zarangollo (scrambled eggs, courgette and onions), and the marinera (anchovy and salad).

and chorizo. Similarly, 75.6 per cent of Cantabrians favoured the mountain stew, while 77.2 per cent of Madrileños opted for Madrid stew.

La Rioja had a majority, with 69.8 per cent leaning towards Riojan­style potatoes. However, other regions showcased a diverse range of favourites. In An­

Castilla ­ La Mancha’s residents were split, with 24.7 per cent favouring migas, a type of stew with breadcrumbs. Extremadura faced a similar dilemma, torn between migas, and Serrano

In the Basque Country, the competition was stiff between marmitako (tuna pot stew) and cod al pil pil. Navarra’s favourite was the stew, and Galicia was split between octopus a feira (36.2 per cent) and seafood (33.1 per cent).

PAELLA: Rabbit, chicken or duck? But no shellfish!

ORGAN DONATION:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN LIVING IN SPAIN

By Emma Mitchell

WHILST most foreign nationals moving to Spain make a Will to ensure that their estate is disposed of in the way they wish, many don’t think about organ donation.

If you come from a country where organ donation is an opt­in activity it may come as a shock to learn that, in Spain, there is presumed consent. Unless you have explicitly stated that you don’t want your organs used, the default position after your death is that they will be considered for donation.

Spain is a World Leader In Organ Donation

Spain can boast that it contributes 24 per cent of the total number of donors in the European Union and 5 per cent of those registered globally, even though the country only represents 11 per cent of total European population and 0.6 per cent of global population.

It has the highest donation activity in the world with 47 donors per million people, against the USA in second place with 44.5 donors per million.

The Spanish Model has become globally recognised as the most successful due to a few pioneering factors:

● It allows medical professionals to identify donor opportunities not just in intensive care, but also emergency departments and other hospital wards.

● It considers donations from people aged over 65, an age which is much higher than many other countries. In Spain over 10 per cent of deceased donors are over 80.

● Where many countries only consider organ donation in the case of brain death, Spain also considers it in the case of circulatory death ie heartbeat and breathing has stopped.

● It is an opt­out model; unless you have expressed your opposition to organ donation via a Living Will or informally to next of kin, you are presumed to be eligible for organ donation.

What Happens After You Die?

Unless you have a Living Will stating that you do not wish to be a donor for all, or some, of your organs or you have communicated

your wishes to next of kin or legal representatives who are contactable in the event of your death, you will be considered for organ donation.

In Spain the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, lungs and intestine are considered for donation.

If you die in a medical facility, the medical staff who are appointed in charge of transplant coordination carry out a few checks:

1. Consult the Advanced Directives Registry, clinical notes or relatives present to see if you opposed organ donation.

2. Examine any personal belongings you had with you for anything that indicates total or partial optout.

If those checks don’t identify any opposition, the coordinators must

then give any relatives present information about the need for organ donation, what is donated and how the process works.

One important thing to understand is that the medical professional who makes the decision about your suitability for organ donation has had no part in your medical care leading up to your death.

What Happens if Your Child Dies

If your child, or an adult you are legally responsible for dies, you need to remember that the default position is that the organs will be donated. Speed is of the essence in organ donation so you, as parent or legal guardian, will be asked to consent almost as soon as your loved one dies.

It’s critical that you think ahead

and have agreement on what you will do regarding organ donation of your child or loved one.

Who Do Your Organs Go To?

In the case of both living and deceased organ donations, the personal information of donors and recipients are protected by a number of European privacy laws as well as medical ethics so your relatives won’t be told the identity of anyone who receives one of your organs.

In the case of living donation, it may be the case that the identity of the recipient is known since the majority of organs donated in these situations are between close relatives.

You are not able to dictate the characteristics of who you want your organs to go to so you can not, for instance, state that you want organs to go to people of particular age ranges, gender, sexuality, lifestyle etc.

What if You Don’t Want to Donate Organs?

If you have strongly held beliefs that rule out you donating your organs after death, you should visit your local health centre to discuss your options, such as making a Living Will and filing it with the Advance Directives Registry.

Since medical professionals check the personal belongings you have with you at death, another option may be to get a wallet sized card made up or a piece of jewellery that states, in Spanish, that you don’t wish to donate.

ORGAN DONATION: The default position after your death is that your organs will be considered for donation.

DENMARK

Eco-friendly food

THE Danish Agriculture & Food Council is poised to make a resounding impact at COP28 in Dubai. With a focus on pioneering methods, rigorous research, and unwavering sustainability commitments, they aim to champion climateneutral food production demonstrating that exemplary agricultural practices and cutting-edge research pave the path to eco-friendly food production.

Cruise grounded

IN a remote corner of Greenland, the Ocean Explorer, a luxurious cruise ship, ran aground with 206 passengers aboard. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were reported. The Danish navy swiftly mobilised to assist the vessel, located 870 miles northeast of Greenland’s capital Nuuk, providing much-needed relief in this isolated area.

PRESS EURO

Damaged statue

JUST one day after the old Brussels Stock Exchange building was reopened following a four-year facelift which cost €90 million, part of an important statue was broken by a drunk Irish tourist. As he was clambering over the recently cleaned statue of a warrior standing with a lion, he managed to break the arm off which then dropped to the ground.

Dublin ‘meteor’

Still from police video.

NORWAY FRANCE

Royal wedding

PRINCESS Märtha Louise, the eldest child of Norwegian King Harald V, is set to wed her Hollywood partner, self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett, next summer. King Harald V expressed the family's joy in welcoming Verrett, a Californian native and sixth-generation shaman. The princess's lineage traces back to Britain's Queen Victoria.

Norwegian’s bid

NORWEGIAN's ambitious bid to acquire Widerøe, Norway's third-largest airline, has encountered a brief setback. The Norwegian Competition Authority has requested an extended assessment period, citing concerns about potential price hikes and limited choices for travellers. Despite the delay, Norwegian remains hopeful, highlighting constructive discussions and the sharing of valuable third-party insights with the authority.

ITALY

‘Hypertourism’

ITALY’s oldest encyclopedia, Treccani, has added the term ‘hypertourism’ to describe the excessive influx of tourists in popular locations, potentially harming monuments and local life. Derived from ‘overtourism’, the term highlights the global surge in tourism, which now contributes to 7 per cent of global CO2 emissions.

Controversial comparison

ITALIAN politician Mattia Santori compared a jar of CBD inflorescences to pesto, stating both are legal, Made in Italy products with potential health risks. Critics, including members from the Fratelli d'Italia and League parties, condemned the comparison, demanding an apology. Santori defended his remarks, challenging misrepresentations of his statement.

GERMANY

Royal birthday

PRINCE HARRY marked his 39th birthday at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. Amid the festivities, he savoured traditional delights like bratwurst sausages and wiener schnitzel, complemented by the local Schumacher Alt beer at the charming Im Goldenen Kessel restaurant in Dusseldorf.

Wind power

GERMAN power prices hit a four-month low, plummeting over 20 per cent to €67.75 per megawatt-hour as wind turbine output is set to soar, peaking at 48,502 megawatts. This increase signals a potential relief for consumers and a boost for renewable energy in Germany.

THE NETHERLANDS

Bathtub body

THE partially frozen body of a six-year-old boy was discovered in Perpignan. It is alleged the boy's father had contacted a funeral company to enquire about the possibility of repatriating his son's body to Algeria despite the absence of a death certificate. Two girls aged two and three were also hospitalised showing signs of trauma. The father, his brother, and the deceased boy’s grandmother were all arrested for attempted murder.

Taken hostage

BELGIUM FINLAND

High times

ALTHOUGH it is illegal to smoke a joint in the streets there are still ‘coffee houses’ in different cities and a new experiment starts in December where two Dutch producers have been granted licences to supply these outlets in Tilburg and Breda with the intent that eventually only Dutch grown cannabis will be legal.

Virtual loot

DUTCH Museum, the Mauritshuis lost a huge number of artifacts to Napoleon and the Nazis and it is estimated that some 70 major works of art remain in France. The museum hosts a blank room which is now part of the Loot-10 stories exhibition and visitors can sit in the room wearing VR Goggles and view some of those missing items.

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Sylvain Itté, the French ambassador to Niger had been taken 'hostage' by the ruling military. At the end of August, his expulsion after the military overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. Paris refused to comply with this ultimatum, arguing that the government had no authority to make such a request.

Young lifesaver

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Meeri Pussinen from Kangasa, Finland, heroically performed CPR on her grandfather after he suffered a stroke, saving his life. Despite having no prior CPR training, Meeri's quick actions were crucial until the ambulance arrived. Her bravery was recognised with a lifesaving medal presented by the Finnish President.

Border restrictions

FINLAND is considering restricting the entry of vehicles with Russian registration, specifically those carrying fewer than 10 passengers, aligning with EU guidelines against allowing Russian-numbered vehicles. Current travel restrictions to Finland for Russian nationals are stringent. Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Russia would not impose similar restrictions in response to the Finland’s move.

A REPORTED meteor crater on Portmarnock Beach, North Dublin, sparked cosmic speculations after being featured on Virgin Media News. Local space enthusiast, Dave Kennedy, believed it might be an impact site. However, a video later revealed youngsters creating the pit with a spade, debunking the meteor theory.

Dublin Marathon

THE 2023 Dublin Marathon faced criticism for misquoting poet W B Yeats on their commemorative medal, mistakenly attributing ‘There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met’. Yeats Society Sligo confirmed Yeats never penned those words. The quote was traced to a 1961 Irish Tourist Office advert.

Record numbers

THE number of passengers using Portugal's airports nationally in 2023 increased by 12.5 per cent year-onyear. According to the latest data published on Thursday, September 14, by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the month of July broke all existing records. British travellers represented the country providing the largest number of international passengers flying in and out of Portugal in the first seven months of 2023.

Wine river

TWO wine tanks burst open at a local distillery in the Portuguese municipality of Anadia. As a result, a huge flood of red wine was sent through the streets of the small town like a river. Some damage was caused to the residential properties of Levira's residents. Although the liquid was eventually drained, the flow was so great that the local authorities feared they might have an environmental disaster on their hands.

IRELAND PORTUGAL SWEDEN

Major fraud

SWEDISH fraudster Sebastian Karl Greenwood was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a federal court in New York last week. Greenwood was singled out as one of the principal characters behind the fictional OneCoin cryptocurrency. Founded in 2014 in Bulgaria, the global pyramid scheme will go down in history as one of the biggest international frauds of all time.

Coach backing

THE request from Spain to have Catalan, Basque and Galician incorporated into the official languages of the EU now has the backing of Manchester City’s Catalan coach Pep Guardiola. He appeared in an online video urging Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson not to hesitate in his deliberation over the matter. Officials in Stockholm revealed last week that their administration felt 'undecided' on the initiative which needs the approval of all 27 member states.

CREDIT: X (TWITTER)

Things ain’t what they used to be: Religion

Linda Hall

SPAIN is a Catholic country, isn’t it. Or is it?

Both the short and the long answer are no.

Catholicism is no longer the state religion, as set out in the 1978 Constitu tion, although if asked, the majority of the Spanish claim to be Catholic.

Those I met and got to know through my husband ­ especially his familyopenly anticlerical which came as a surprise rather than a shock.

After all, I had an extremely Catholic educa tion but took a wrong turning when the librarian in the small community where I lived recommended a book about the Span ish Inquisition when I was 15.

The fact that he was an atheist probably possibly influenced his choice of reading matter which turned me into a god ­ fearing agnostic.

I’d like to be able to take the credit for that phrase, but must thank Santiago Carillo, secretary general of Spain’s Communist party between 1960 and 1982. Politics apart, Carillo probably summed up the relationship of Spain’s non ­ churchgoing population with the Church.

Religiosity comes to the fore in Holy Week because there’s nothing better than a lavish procession and it’s all to the good if this can be done while wearing sumptuous versions of a penitent’s robes after falling foul of the Inquisition.

In my experience, apart from christenings, first communions, weddings and funerals, churches are now practically empty except for the truly faithful.

Unlike the 1960s, many couples live together and when they do marry, only 46 per cent of Spanish weddings take place in church. As always with a church wedding, it is and always was necessary to have a civil ceremony too.

I use the word ceremony loosely because when we married in 1970, a week before our daughter was born, we went first to the Benidorm juzgado which was then a modest building in what everyone now calls the Old

Town.

To be honest I wasn’t bothered about marrying but my husband, his family, my family and even the woman who owned the greengrocer’s assured me that we should.

That would also bypass problems about the two surnames that every Spanish child receives because at that time an illegitimate child took only its mother’s surname.

So I gave in and there I was, heavily pregnant, sitting with my prospective husband on one side of a desk and the registrar on the other. We signed something and that was that.

“Are you having a church ceremony too?” he asked and when we said yes, explained that we’d receive the Libro de Familia ­ the official booklet that recorded a family’s marriage, births and deaths ­ at the church next day.

It was evident that Benidorm was already aware of the need to be tolerant and relaxed where moral and religious issues were concerned, unlike Madrid.

A year later, when my sister ­ in ­ law married there, she wanted a civil ceremony but was faced with countless obstacles, which included signing a document abjuring her religion and, although it was only implied, facing hellfire forever.

So, like all god ­ fearing agnostics, she tore up the piece of paper and decided she might as well be married in church, after all.

CIVIL WEDDING: Problem-free in Benidorm 1970.

Photo credit: Linda Hall

BUSINESS EXTRA

EY in NI

BRITISH multinational E & Y (EY) intends to create 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years. The jobs in cyber security and data analytics paying an average £33,000 (€38,373) a year will be based in Belfast as well as a new hub in the Northern Ireland’s north­west.

New firms

TOTAL of 53,811 new companies opened in Spain between January and July, 15 per cent more than during the same period in 2022, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This made 2023 the most dynamic period for new businesses in 15 years, INE said, followed by 2016’s 52,800 startups.

Power play

A NEW iPhone in the UK could involve paying out another £19.99 (€23.26) as Apple changes the charging port and cables on new phones in response to pressure from the EU. As the new cable is incompatible with most charging blocks, owners must buy a power adapter along with a phone.

Fair shares

FLORENTINO PEREZ, chairman of civil engineering company ACS and its chief executive Juan Santamaria, will receive a respective 590,000 and 100,000 shares as a bonus over the next five years. With shares currently valued at €32.94 each, they can expect to take home €23 million between them.

Dearer beer

STONEGRATE group, which owns the Slug and Lettuce pubs in the UK, will charge an extra 20p (around €0.37) for pints in 800 of its 4,000 in the evenings and at the weekend owing to higher overheads. Stonegate pointed out that the travel sector also increased prices in line with demand.

STAT OF WEEK €2.5 billion

27 September 2023 profits for Inditex between February and July, a record result for the Galicia-based multinational clothing company and 40.1 per cent more than during the same period in 2023.

Unclear plan Port Aventura venture

PORT AVENTURA’s owners, InvestIndustrial and KKR, plan to sell the Tarragona theme park with an asking price of around €1 billion.

Reports which first appeared in Spain’s financial daily, Cinco Dias, maintained that good results this summer and in 2022 will have prompted the theme park’s investment fund owners’ decision to sell.

Port Aventura, Spain’s first theme park, had 5.1 million visitors in 2022, not far short of 2019’s record 5.2 million attendees. Inside sources are confident that when the 2023 season comes to an end, the instal­

lation will have beaten the pre­pandemic figure.

According to 2021 accounts filed with the Registro Mercantil ­ equivalent to Companies House ­ the owners’ holding company Paesa Entertainment reported revenues of €162 million and profits of €8.81

BMW confirmed plans to retool its Cowley factory with a £600 million (€697.2 million) upgrade to build electric Minis.

This takes investment in British electric vehicle (EV) production to £6 billion (€6.97 billion) in recent years.

The BMW initiative is reputedly backed by £75 million (€87.15 million) in UK government funding, the BBC revealed.

The plant will build an electric version of the three­door Mini Cooper and the new Aceman SUV, with 100 per cent production expected by 2030. A third EV, the Countryman, will be made in Germany.

The first electric Mini was launched at the Cowley plant in 2019 and is now

Good outcome

INSURER Aviva is selling its 25.9 per cent stake in Singapore Life Holdings, together with two debt instruments, to Sumitomo Life.

The British­based company announced that Sumitono would pay £800 million (€930.8 million) in cash, of which £500 million (€581.7 million) corresponded to Singapore Life’s equity.

Sumitomo Life currently owns a 23.2 per cent holding in Singapore Life and views Singapore as key to its Southeast Asia plans, Aviva said.

Amanda Blanca, Aviva’s chief executive, described the sale as a “good outcome” for the company.

million, compared with losses of €56 million during the pandemic years.

Despite the improvement, this was still considerably below 2019’s €241 million in revenues and profits of €41 million.

InvestIndustrial has been the park’s principal operator

since 2009, after acquiring a 50 per cent stake from Port Aventura’s owner, Criteria. In 2012, Criteria sold their remaining holding while KKR joined InvestIndustrial with 49.9 per cent ownership in 2013.

In January, the joint owners refinanced a €700 million credit that was used to acquire Port Aventura. The original €620 million loan, which fell due in 2024, in turn replaced a €420 million bond issue in 2013.

With this new arrangement, the park has three years free of repayment deadlines which will make it easier to find a buyer.

Maximum Mini investment

guarantees the future of the plant, but also that of another BMW­owned factory in Swindon.

It also ensures the jobs of roughly 4,000 people employed at both plants.

BRITAIN’S prime minister Rishi Sunak avoided pledges to maintain the pensions triple lock beyond the next election.

Roughly 12 million pensioners would be affected by changes to the triple lock which guarantees that pensions increase in line with whatever is highest amongst average earnings, inflation or 2.5 per cent.

During his last Question Time before the break for party conferences, Sunak did not set out clear plans for a policy that has featured largely in recent Conservative governments.

After Mel Stride, Work and Pensions secretary admitted that the triple lock’s long­term sustainability was uncertain, Sunak would only say that the Tories had “always stood up for pensioners.”

Hotel deals

THE Gomez Casals family has sold two of its three hotels for more than €85 million.

Britain’s sixth bestselling EV with 7,400 registered in the UK in 2022 after Tesla, Kia and Volkswagen models.

The Cowley upgrade, which includes extending the body shop and building a new area for installing batteries not only

Bank takes the rap

MORGAN STANLEY informed Spain’s National Securities Commission (CNMV) that it has a 12.178 per cent Telefonica holding.

This includes the 9.9 per cent €2.1 billion stake Morgan Stanley has quietly acquired for the Saudi telecommunications company STC since February, plus its own 2.278 per cent stake. Spanish media sources maintain that Telefonica’s board was unaware of the operation.

STC’s stake is now a derivative with a sell­buy option protecting the holding should it be vetoed by the Spanish government. Foreign investments of more than 5 per cent in companies listed on Spain’s stock market need specific authorisation and, owing to Telefonica’s prominent presence in the national defence sector, it could be withheld.

If this were to occur, Morgan Stanley would then take over STC’s 9.9 per cent on previously­agreed terms.

The BMW announcement came shortly after Stellantis, which owns Vauxhall, began electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing at Ellesmere port, following a £100 million (€116.2 million) cash injection.

“This is a ‘vote of confidence’ in the country’s automotive manufacturing industry,” declared Mike Hawes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive.

Slim chance for Delgado

MARGARITA DELGADO, deputy governor of the Bank of Spain, missed out to Claudia Buch as head of the European Investment Bank (BEI).

The decision did not reflect a previous decision by the European Parliament which favoured Delgado, as the board of the European Central Bank (ECB) voted for Buch.

Currently vice ­ president of the Bundesbank, she takes over on January 1 next year from Italian Andrea Enria.

The BCE decision is not binding and Buch’s appointment will be put to the vote during a plenary session of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and subsequently confirmed by the EU council.

Pontegadea, Inditex owner Amancio Ortega’s property investment company, was also in the running for the 110­bed, fourstar Gallery Hotel located in the heart of the exclusive Eixample area.

Instead, the €50 million sale went to Meridia Capital, an investment fund that specialises in private Spanish markets and has also bought the €35 million Hotel Molina Lario in Malaga from the same family.

The group plans to invest in luxury campsites via its Meridia Glamping Programme, together with WeCamp in which it has a holding.

Ups and downs

ALDI and Lidl have lost their UK market share for the first time in months, Kantar has revealed.

Aldi slid from 10.2 to 10.1 per cent for the quarter ending on September 3, the market research company announced. Lidl dipped from 7.7 to 7.6 per cent.

As UK supermarkets introduced price cuts, Tesco had a 27 per cent market share during the same period, with 14.8 per cent for Sainsbury’s.

Neverthless Aldi sales increased by 17 per cent for the year to September 3, with Lidl’s growing by 16 per cent.

PORT AVENTURA: Spain’s first theme park is up for sale.

COWLEY PLANT: Chosen to produced electric Minis.

DOW JONES

EXTRA Wilko rescue collapses

Longer wait

THE John Lewis Partnership reported a pre­tax loss of £59 million (€68.5million) in the first six months of this year. Although this was less disappointing than last year’s first­half losses of £99.2 million (€115.2 million) the company, which also owns Waitrose supermarkets, announced that its “turnaround plan” would take another two years to implement.

Green fuel

SOLARIS, Polish subsidiary of the Spanish company CAF, has received a €150 million order to build 200 hydrogen­powered buses for urban transport use in Italy and Germany, although according to the terms of the contract, this could later be increased. The buses are destined for Bolina and Venice in Italy and Cologne in Germany.

Linda Hall

THE deal to save Wilko has failed, heralding the loss of 12,000 jobs and the closure of 408 stores.

Doug Putnam, who owns Toys R Us in Canada and turned round HMV record shops in the UK, had hoped to save 200 stores and staff.

The operation came to nothing because of “the inability to reduce central infrastructure costs quickly enough to make a deal commercially viable,” administrators PwC explained.

Negotiations stalled in early September when

Right to return

THE Inditex clothing giant has put a hypothetical price of €211 million on a future return to Russia.

In its recently­published half­year report, the company emphasised that this would only occur “in new circumstances” although it also defined the right to return as “an intangible asset with a useful” life.

Until the Ukraine invasion, Russia was

Inditex’s second biggest market after Spain, but the Zara owner divested itself of 243 of the 502 stores it owned there in April last year. The remainder were closed. Inditex sold its Russian operation to the United Arab Emirates’ Doher Group, saying at the time that the company would resume activities in Russia “only if the situation changed.”

Hard cash

Wilko suppliers including Unilever and Procter & Gamble wanted debts repaid now to continue guaranteeing future deliveries.

With 52 shops already closed and more than 1,300 employees out of work, the GMB union revealed that PwC told staff all stores would close by early October.

Nevertheless, the writing was already on the wall during the 12 months between 2021 and 2022 when Wilko shed approximately 1,600 staff, reducing the total to around 12,400.

Founded in 1930 when J K Wilkinson opened his first Leicester store, the retailer has seen sales reduced over each of the last four financial years. These fell by 20 per cent to £1.2 billion (€1.39 billion) between 2019 and 2022 when the chain had debts of £35.9 million (€41.77 million).

FOR the first time in 10 years, cash was the second most­used payment method after debit cards in 2022 as Britain’s families were forced to budget more during the cost­of­living crisis.

Cash was used for 6.4 billion payments last year, UK Finance said, 7 per cent up on 2023 and accounting for 14 per cent of all transactions.

Inflation

SPAIN’S consumer prices rose 2.6 per cent in August, an increase of three­10ths of a percentage point compared with July, owing to increases in fuel and transport prices, the National Statistics Institute announced.

Food price inflation steadied at 10.5 per cent after accumulating 17 months of double ­ digit growth, while underlying inflation fell by one­10th of a percentage point.

WILKO LEEDS: One of the 408 stores that will close.

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor848

S´not another rant

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

QUITE frankly, I'm just about up to here with all of it. I'm peed off, bored and utterly fed up with, global emission, immigrants, Political Correctness, welfare whinger’s, gay rights, racism, all the politicians on the planet and Love Island! In fact, I'm so sick of all the dissent and conflicting confusion engulfing the human race that this week I'm not going to mention any of it. (Hurrah) Instead we are going to talk about Snot eels! (Please don’t continue this piece if about to plunge your fork into.... well just about anything really!) It appears that this fish, properly known as hag fish, has been around for some three million years and has developed a defense mechanism which allows it to produce up to five galleons of mucus through the nostrils when distressed. Also labeled the most disgusting fish in the ocean, it is never

the less ­ surprise surprise, considered a delicacy in South Korea. Sometime back a lorry in Oregon, carrying almost three and a half tons of these creatures overturned, creating a wave of sticky goop that spread across the road engulfing five cars, the occupants and ultimately rescuers in its slimy wake. 'What to tell the dry cleaners?' Oregon state police asked on Twitter, beneath a picture of one of their officers standing in a torrent of eel mucus. S'not our fault would be a start! You really couldn’t make it up. Deviating a little from my intention to not mention anything particularly current, the reports coming in as I write concerning the death of the man mauled by two American XL Bully dogs, has rather thrown me off the track. Some years ago I suggested in my column that certain breeds of dangerous dogs belonged in the zoo and should be banned. My view created such an outcry against ‘yet another Leapy rant’ that our publication actually donated a whole page to cater for the positive avalanche of mail which

arrived at our offices, mostly decrying my suggestion. Interesting to see that the British Prime minister has decided to order the banning of dangerous dog breeds. Well well, if the old Leaper had been agreed with and not scoffed at all those years ago, who knows, a whole glut of deaths and injuries committed by these dangerous animals may possibly have been prevented. Wonder how many apologies I‘ll be receiving now a British Prime Minister has finally approved something I suggested back in the dark ages? Don’t hold yer breath. Told you last week that sexual provocation laws concerning ladies in Spain were being tightened up. Rubiales, now being considered with a criminal complaint of sexual assault for kissing a young lady without consent, has brought my observation up with a real smackeroo has it not? Be careful out there. Keep the faith. Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland.com Mon. and Fri. 1pm till 4.

TRIPLE LOCK PENSION OUR VIEW

IT looks as if the Conservative government in the UK will be wincing once again over the triple lock pension promise as in theory state pensions should jump by 8.5 per cent in April of next year.

What must have appeared as a great idea at the time with relatively low inflation is now becoming a major financial problem for the government and it looks as if wily politicians are investigating ways to bring pension rises down.

Possibly the most benign option is to remove public sector bonuses from the calculations as there were several significant amounts awarded in order to avert some (if not all) strikes over the summer period.

Economists suggest that by removing these from the calculations then the government would save £1 billion granting a pension increase of a still attractive 7.8 per cent next April. The triple lock guarantees that pensions are increased by total pay growth, inflation, or 2.5 per cent, whichever is higher, but currently it seems that pensions are generally growing faster than wages and with more pensioners living longer and fewer new workers contributing to the economy, there will come a time when there certainly isn’t enough money to go around.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s a political hot potato especially as by 2024 it is more than likely that all who were born in the UK will be eligible to vote in General Elections, not just those who left Britain less than 15­years ago.

The next election looks as if it’s going to be a close run thing so those in Spain receiving the UK State Pension should enjoy next year’s increase as the triple lock could soon be a thing of the past.

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

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A new era for the UK?

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ON the back of the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s manufacturing output soared to £224 billion last year, according to a news source on Wednesday, September 13.

Despite the broader economy showing only slight growth, a fresh report released by Make UK highlights a flourishing goods production sector. In the 1970s, products like British cars, aircraft, and chemicals made up a quarter of the GDP. However, the subsequent move towards services saw this contribution dip below 10 per cent.

Make UK believes that if the government sticks to its aim of manufacturing contributing 15 per cent of GDP, it could inject an extra £142 billion into the British economy. This would surpass any potential gains from post­Brexit trade deals currently under discussion.

The robust performance of the sector has propelled the UK past France, making it the world’s eighth­largest manufacturer, based on the most recent global data. In 2021, the UK’s manufacturing output was £218 billion, trailing Italy’s £252 billion, but surpassing France’s £210 billion.

However, Make UK warns that while this rise in rankings is ‘encouraging’, it’s only the third time in 20 years that the UK has outperformed its French counterpart.

Representing 20,000 manufacturers na­

tionwide, Make UK states that the sector now underpins 2.6 million jobs. On average, these roles offer salaries that are 9 per cent higher than the national average. The mean yearly gross pay stands at £36,488, compared to £33,402 overall, and £32,676 in the services sector.

Exports from the UK have also seen a boost. Exports surged by 19.5 per cent in the year leading up to June, while imports increased by 11.7 per cent. Consequently, the total trade value has reached a recordbreaking figure of nearly £1.75 trillion.

The car industry played a significant role in the UK’s 0.2 per cent economic growth in the last quarter. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) projects that car production in the UK will exceed last year’s figures by 100,000 units.

EXPORTS: Have also seen a boost.

SOME weeks ago, we published a pair of letters criticising an article by Leapy Lee and we asked whether our readers were for or against his forthright views. Ninety per cent of the comments received were positively in favour of the ‘ol boy’, so do keep abreast of his articles which feature each week in all editions of Euro Weekly News.

Hola

I am a French resident of Albir where my husband and I bought a house two years ago and we spend approximately 1/3 of our time in Spain and 2/3 in our home town of Versailles.

Upon arrival in Spain, I collect in my supermarket (Mendoza in Albir to name it) all the free newspapers I can : in English as well as the ones in German and Dutch (the other ones being in Swedish/Norwegian...).

I read them all thoroughly, ending with EWN and keep Leapy's article for the very end, that is I skip it, read the newspaper until the last page and then like a good French pastry at the end of a good meal, delight myself reading Leapy, the epitome of good journalism.

I always 100 per cent agree with his views and couldn't say better. Of course, he will be treated as an old dinosaur, a racist blablabla blablabla : in France, it is the same, the so-called "open" journalists or politics who know better than anyone and above all, deny the right to give one's opinion that is not their opinion "you are extreme-right, fascist, you remind me of ‘les heures sombres de notre histoire’ (how many times do we have to hear this phrase!)". If you say there are too many migrants in France, it means you want to reopen concentration camps so end of discussion... this woke stuff and the cancel culture coming from the USA is starting to be unbearable for our European countries, so open and mostly non-racist... also if you try to understand the Ukraine-Russia war, you are pro-Putin or if you give an opinion on Pfizer jabs (I have been vaccinated three times...) you are a complotist...

So Leapy is a breath of fresh air, so please Leapy, go on giving your opinion, I love it and share it to my English-speaking friends as much as I can. I think the majority of the people agree with you anyway and

the ones who don't, please let ‘Leapy Lee say it’.

And BTW, I am back in Versailles and miss his articles : is there a way to read EWN online please ?

Sincerely Laurence (in French a woman's name, Laurent is for men, oh my ! I forgot : there shouldn't be any genders anymore ).

Everyone needs a dinosaur

True, but today's dinosaurs are more 'with it' than the ones the likes of you and I had to contend with. My Dad thought I was on the road to ruin when he saw me jiving to Red River Rock, still gets me going today.

Love reading your Euro Weekly articles.

Regards

Shirley Hunt

Yes ... young people today, more so than ever, do see older people as less than, instead of hanging on every word and LEARNING.

Everything is geared toward youth. My grouse for this week is all the kerfuffle about the kiss. Young women are emasculating men; and when they have completed their work, they will then complain that men are 'not what they used to be'. Of course he overstepped the mark but that is what he did; he didn't torture, kill, rape or touch any sexual parts. And it is not as though she was Miss World, is it? If she did not like what he did then, AT THE TIME, she should have remonstrated, pushed him off, given him a slap, whatever. All this climbing on the bandwagon calling it 'disgusting' etc. is utter rubbish. And suggesting that he should be fired from his job for it is ludicrous. Get real.

So I am a dinosaur but I really would not want to be part of this Facebook-loving 15 minutes of fame generation. We might be dinosaurs but they are amoebae!

Warmest wishes.

Jane Corbett

AS A MATTER OF FACT

AT 6,992 kms, the River Amazon is marginally longer than the Nile (6,853 kms), making it the longest river on Earth. It is also far and away the greatest. Its discharge (volume of water carried) is 224,000 cubic metres per second (80 times that of the Nile), equalling the next six biggest rivers combined. These are headed by the Ganges (43,900 m3), while the narrower and shallower Nile carries a mere 2,810 m3.

The residential population of Antarctica is just 1,100 but, like Nerja, it quadruples in the summer season. Its land (or ice) area of 14,200,000 km2 is second only to Russia (16,378,410 km2) and way ahead of India (2,973,190 km2) with the world highest population of 1,428,628,000). Each single inhabitant of Antarctica enjoys available space of 13,000 km2 (about the size of Montenegro). This is 65,000 times the space for each resident of India.

The Caspian is the largest lake by far (371,000 square kms). The combined volume of the next seven biggest (headed by Lake Superior) is 355,490 m2. The

Caspian is bordered by two continents. Its major port is Baku, capital of Azerbaijan and the world’s lowest­lying capital at 28 metres below sea level.

Mahon, Menorca has the third largest natural port in the world, after Pearl Harbour and Sydney Harbour, which both cover a larger area, but are much shallower.

Globally, the hottest 28 days ever recorded were all in July 2023. In the UK it was one of the wettest months ever,

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM ‘SKIMPFLATION’?

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

SHOPPERS, already struggling with rising prices and shrinking pack sizes, now also have to struggle with ‘skimpflation’the quiet downgrading in specification of some products.

Crisps, cakes and biscuits are most noticeably ‘skimped’. But surely this is yet another effective way to help reduce the weight of our ever­expanding, overweight population? Certainly cheaper than those ‘wonder drug’ injections. People could spend the money saved on healthier food or make it themselves, maybe even take a walk occasionally instead of ordering in!

I actually calculated, based on a linear projection, a tub of Cadbury Roses will be empty by 2030. Yes, except for the strawberry

creams, unfortunately, and those ghastly wrapped toffees. But here’s hoping that mint Aero is not deemed STRUCTURALLY unsound...

I’ve certainly noticed the quality of the most expensive brands of toilet rolls. Not only getting thinner (two­ply to one­ply) but also narrower. Used to cover the entire width of a standard toiletroll holder. Not anymore. A good half­inch gap either side now.

‘Bring back Izal!’ some say. Heavens, no! Though good as tracing paper, it was like using sandpaper!

Oh, a stack of loo rolls recently fell on me at the supermarket. I’m OK though. Just soft tissue damage...

Nora Johnson’s 12 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers (www.norajohnson.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

but June there was the sunniest since 1957 and the hottest on record (overtaking 1976, 1940 and 1884). In Phoenix, Arizona the temperature reached 43+ for 28 consecutive days.

The Arctic is warming at four times the rate of the rest of the world. Meanwhile in Antarctica, 12 trillion tons of ice has been lost from its glaciers since 1997.

Not a lot of people know that a pineapple grown in Australia weighed

28kg. On a slightly different subject, Germany’s smallest municipality is Groede with a population of seven. The biggest (Berlin) has 3.5 million.

The highest number of murders last year were committed in Nigeria (64,209). In Singapore there were eight. Spain recorded 292 murders; the UK had 784; USA 16,200; South Africa 21,000; Brazil 57,400.

The Nerja cave is almost five kilometres in length and 32 metres maximum height. The world’s biggest cave is in Vietnam, Hang Soon Doong, at 9 kms long and 200 metres high.

Spain is the only major country whose National Anthem has no words. It shares this distinction with San Marino and two partly liberated territories in former Yugoslavia.

Cordoba as a seat of learning predates the universities of Bologna, Oxford and Salamanca by over 200 years. Academics from many advanced countries came to teach and to learn subjects ranging from philosophy and maths to medicine, astronomy and botany.

NORA’S LATEST THRILLER.

Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist.

David Worboys’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors

The Amazon is far and away our greatest river. The Caspian is incomparably the greatest body of inland water, ie lake?

Photo credits: Pinterest and azerbaijan.travel

PETS

PETS

Caring for Nukka the Labradoodle

NUKKA the Labradoodle is a particular favourite on HouseSitMatch.com.

Labradoodles are very popular pets with both our homeowners and house­sitters in the network. They are very friendly and playful creatures. Nukka’s owners love having house­sitters care for her because the photos they get show a happy dog, always ready for a new game.

It’s a fair exchange

All our sitters offer a fair exchange ­ free accommodation for free pet care and an online review. It’s a win win!

If you’re planning a trip for the holidays, don’t delay. Register today as a member of our network to find affordable home and pet care.

Plan ahead to secure great sitters

However long your trip pets need someone with them at home. Young and senior pets in particular benefit from routines undisturbed. Plan ahead of time to find house and pet­sitters who will come to you for free!

Next steps to join

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

Report missing pets

ON September 29, the new Animal Welfare Law will enter into force in Spain.

After this date, pet owners will have to adapt to the new stringent measures that this law entails or they could face some very expensive fines.

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. How does it work?

HouseSitMatch helps you find sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert with trip dates. House­sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter you want.

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

READER OFFER

Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com

House-sitting is 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 code 20EWN.

Many pet owners will have probably already faced the stressful situation of their canine or feline friends suddenly going missing.

Some of the rules are clearer and easier to understand than others. The government insists that these rules are being put in place to protect those most vulnerable and that the new law is a step in the right direction.

Starting September 29, owners whose dogs go missing can be fined up to €50,000. The pet must be reported to the authorities within 48 hours of their disappearance. Failure to do so could result in a massive fine according to a news source.

Most owners instinctively resort to sticking ‘missing’ posters everywhere in the area and posting information and images of the missing animal on social media asking people to look out for it. Others sometimes get friends together to go looking for their pets.

To avoid those hefty fines it is essen ­

FOR dog owners looking to form a close bond with their pets, an astrologer claims to have the answer.

According to an online astrologist known as Bella (@as trobellaluna), the secret to the perfect match between a man and his best friend is written in the stars.

The stargazer published a list of dog breeds that she claims will correspond directly to human owners of certain zodiac signs.

Aries : The Chihuahua, ‘because they destroy everything and fight with everyone in the street.’

Taurus: The English Bulldog, ‘because they love to sleep all day and get dirty

tial to first contact the authorities. They must also follow the guidelines laid out and have a responsibility to help the owner locate their pet, either by joining them on the streets to search for it, or by looking online.

Of course, we all know that dogs, especially young pups, can easily slip out of a home without anyone being able to catch them or sometimes we don’t even realise that they have gone until it’s too late.

Dog owners will have to be very attentive in the future if they wish to prevent accumulating huge fines.

Best dog breed for owners’ star sign

faces when they eat, as well as being very expensive to keep.’

Gemini : The Yorkshire Terrier, who ‘bark excessively and are too nosey for their own good.’

Cancer: The Pug, because ‘they always look a bit sad and are as clingy as hell,’

Leo: The Afghan Hound, ‘Look at their hair, their confidence...! Come on, this dog knows he’s a star.’

Virgo: The Border Collie, ‘they live to serve and will herd your sheep for free

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

without asking for anything in return.’

Libra : The Bichon Frisé, ‘because they were bred to please people and always have to look good before they leave the house.’

Scorpio: The Pitbull, ‘because they are ‘misunderstood.’

Sagittarius : The Husky, ‘Look at this guy, he’s ready for adventure.’

Capricorn : The German Shepherd because, ‘of all the breeds, they have the highest employment rate.’

Aquarius: The English Bull Terrier ‘because it looks so strange and adorable at the same time.’

Pisces: The Pomeranian, ‘Emotionally needy, physically lazy, but very loving and compassionate.’

If you identify with the breed and your sign, social media has hit the nail on the head in this relationship of breeds to people.

LOST DOGS: Owners have to be attentive.

Credit: Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com

Nukka meets her dog-sitter.

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU

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Suzuki Swace – well-equipped and practical

ROAD TEST

by Mark Slack

WHEN it comes to cars not everyone is after a sleek, sporty or uber ­ luxurious model designed for the fashion ­ conscious motorist. Some people just want a nice car, decent amounts of standard equipment and the space to carry the family, and capable for runs to the garden centre and maybe a bit of work­related travel in there as well.

With those thoughts in mind, I have been driving a perfect candidate for the role.

Suzuki’s Swace is a comfortable and very well­equipped estate that looks smart and comes with more than a degree of practicality. Based on Toyota’s Corolla Touring the Suzuki incarnation has some subtle styling tweaks and a straightfor ­

ward range of two trim levels, one engine choice and few options. Standard fare on the lead ­ in version includes climate, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, main beam assist, auto lights, keyless start, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, intelligent cruise control and rear parking camera. There’s no built­in navigation but you can use the maps app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

The 1.8 ­ litre petrol en ­

Facts at a Glance

• Model: Suzuki Swace Motion

gine is mated to a selfcharging system for the on ­ board battery to provide a hybrid drive that ensures low Co2 emissions, great fuel economy and three drive modes. The Swace is no performance machine, it isn’t meant to be, but has no problem nipping past slower traffic. The CVT automat ic trans

mission occasionally becomes rather audible, it’s a trait of these systems that on hard acceleration the revs rise while the forward motion takes a second or two to catch up, but otherwise it’s a

smooth and efficient system.

As one might expect from Suzuki the build quality is good and there’s a general premium feel throughout, along with par­

are a tad fiddly. However, the good news is there are buttons, as opposed to a touchscreen for everything, and those on the touchscreen apart they are clear and well laid out. Prices for the Swace start at €33,672/ £28,999 and for the level of standard equipment and space represents particularly good value.

• Engine: 1.8-litre self-charging petrol/electric hybrid

• Gears: CVT Automatic

• Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 9.4 seconds/Maximum Speed 180 km/h (112 mph)

• Economy: 4.5l/100km (62.7 mpg) Combined driving (WLTP)

• Emissions: 102 g/km (WLTP)

• Price: €33,672/£28,999

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

Radars to use Artificial Intelligence

SPAIN'S General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) intends to install radars incorporating Artificial Intelligence to reduce the accident rate figures on the Spanish road network. The objective of this latest scheme is to help raise awareness among drivers in Spain to help them avoid committing motoring offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone, or running a red light.

There are currently more than 2,000 speed cameras distributed throughout Spain. They include fixed, mobile and section speed cameras, to which must be added the infrared cameras that are now being installed in traffic lights.

With the implementation of these new devices, the DGT aims to reduce

the number of accidents on the Spanish road network. In view of the fact that the vast majority of accidents occur when infractions against road safety are committed, the DGT wants to install these intelligent controllers on the roads as soon as possible. Thanks to AI, these new devices are allegedly capable of detecting violations in up to six lanes of a high ­ capacity road with the help of their video surveillance cameras, which are powered by solar energy.

A similar system, which has already been put into operation in the United Kingdom, is already bearing fruit in its first tests. In the first three days of operation, the devices generated more than 300 fines.

These radars not only control the speed of vehi­

cles but can also detect whether the car’s occupants are wearing their seat belts.

Also, they can spot if a driver has a mobile phone in their hand or even whether the vehicle exceeds the maximum number of seats allowed. In addition, they are capable of operating both at night and during the day.

As a result of the video surveillance cameras that these radars use, they are capable of detecting numerous infractions that the specific vehicle commits at any one time.

At the same time, they will also be able to fine a motorist for not having a valid ITV since they will have direct access to the database of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), according to a news source.

SWACE MOTION: A very likeable and comfortable choice.

ticularly comfortable seats. It’s fair to say that the graphics on the touchscreen do look a little dated and some of the accompanying buttons

It’s a very likeable, comfortable and practical choice that doesn’t stint on features and doesn’t bewilder with numerous options, largely because of the high levels of standard equipment. It makes a compelling case as a firstclass family holdall.

ON September 10, SAMM’s autumn racing season kicked off with a strong showing of competitors, bringing six boats to the starting line for the inaugural race. With ideal conditions ­ a steady ENE wind at 10 knots and calm seas ­ four boats surged ahead while Sirocco (a Sailfish 18) struggled with a five ­ minute delay, and Dos (a Laser 2000) had to return to shore for rudder downhaul repairs.

SAMM 1st race day Supercopa host

The race gradually evolved into a procession, except for a fierce battle between a single ­ handed Laser Radial and the two ­ crewed Omega. The finish signal sounded after 52 minutes, resulting in the closest ­ ever race in SAMM history. Calculations were carried out to two decimal places, revealing the Laser Radial as the victor with an average lap time of 425.1 seconds, and the Omega a close second at 425.8 seconds.

However, the drama continued when the starboard end start/finish line buoy nearly sank due to an improperly closed inflation

FC CARTAGENA faced Real Valladolid at the Estadio José Zorrilla with a crowd of 16,138 spectators, hoping to turn their recent misfortunes around.

However, a disappointing second ­ half performance condemned them to their fifth defeat in six matches.

The match took a sombre turn for Cartagena in the second half, as they struggled to mount any significant attacks and appeared to focus primarily on defence. This conser ­

valve. Swift efforts by the management and support boat crew resolved the issue, albeit delaying the second race by 30 minutes.

Final

425.1 seconds Omega425.8 seconds Gamba ­ 440 seconds Sailfish ­ 460 seconds Second Race: Omega ­ 414 seconds Sailfish ­ 427 seconds Gamba ­ 430 seconds.

Late defeat

vative approach ultimately proved costly when they conceded a late goal in the 89th minute, sealing their fate.

The lone goal of the match came from Cédric in the dying moments, securing a 1 ­ 0 victory for Real Valladolid. FC Cartagena’s decision to renounce their attacking ambitions and prioritise defending left them languishing last in the standings with just three points out of a possible 18.

It was a disappointing night for the team, as they played what many consider to be their worst game of the season. The consequences of their defensive strategy are clear, as they now find them ­

IN the heart of Murcia, a basketball spectacle unfolded as Real Madrid triumphed, claiming their sixth consecutive Supercopa. The event was a resounding success, showcasing not only Real Madrid’s dominance, but also Murcia’s ability to host a grand sporting event. The Spanish giants defeated arch­rival FC Barcelona before overcoming a determined Unicaja team. This early ­ season achievement solidified Real Madrid’s position as the team to beat.

Murcia, as the gracious host, exceeded all expectations. Familiar faces, including the multi­talented ‘beatboxer’ Grison and veteran journalists like Ricardo González, attended the event, expressing their admiration for the Supercopa particularly when held in cities like Murcia. The city’s warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and top­notch facilities were topics of unanimous praise among attendees.

Pierre Oriola, former Barça captain and now a Movistar Plus commentator, said he ‘felt at home in the Palacio de los Deportes of Murcia’s electrifying ambiance’, emphasising the importance of such events in cities beyond the usual suspects.

Before the games began, a touching tribute was paid to the late Pepe Domingo Castaño, a cherished voice in Spanish sports radio, who passed away on Sunday September 17.

Clash postponed

IN an unexpected turn of events, the eagerly anticipated match between Ibiza and Real Murcia, scheduled for Sunday, September 17, was postponed. The decision came after Real Murcia’s travel plans were disrupted when their flight to the Balearic island of Ibiza was cancelled.

Real Murcia expressed their predicament on social media, revealing their inability to board the scheduled flight from Alicante to Ibiza due to the unforeseen cancellation. The

cancellation was caused due to an issue at the Balearic airport, where a plane incident blocked the runway.

Following Real Murcia’s plea, the competition committee invoked Article 262.1 of the General Regulations of the RFEF, which permits postponement in cases of ‘undoubtedly proven force majeure’.

Consequently, the new match date remains uncertain, pending the resolution of circumstances that would allow for a safe and undisrupted encounter.

selves in a precarious position in the league.

Image: X/ @FCCartagena_efs

FC Cartagena’s defensive gamble ends in late heartbreak.

Catherine McGeer

Image: SAMM/Terry Chapman

PHOTO FINISH: SAMM’s historic race day delivers nail-biting results.

Image: X/ @ACBCOM

MAGNIFICENT MURCIA: Where sports and hospitality shine.