Axarquia 25 – 31 January 2024 Issue 2012 by Euro Weekly News Media S.A.

Axarquia • Issue No. 2012 • 25 - 31 January 2024

CARNIVAL SPIRIT ILMAINEN

GRATIS

VRIJ

FREI

Image: Shutterstock/ Luciano de la Rosa

Catherine McGeer ALMUÑECAR is gearing up for a spectacular Carnival celebration on February 9 and 10, promising a weekend filled with excitement. On February 9, festivities kick off at 11am with a Disney-themed children’s show. In the afternoon, the Children’s Carnival takes centre stage with tributes to Toy Story and Barbie, featuring various activities and bouncy castles from 5pm onwards. February 10 marks the grand Carnival day, beginning with a ‘Carnival on Bikes’ at 6pm, followed by the Carnival Parade at 8pm, featuring the Grand Showman. All events will take place at the Río Verde fairground. The Carnival will conclude with the ‘Carnival Fest,’ a lively party featuring special guests and renowned DJs. Almuñecar is not alone in embracing the Carnival spirit. Throughout the

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DANMARK DOCKS IN a surprising turn of events, the arrival of the KMD Danmark at La Herradura port has ignited a flurry of activity on social media platforms. The historic Image : Facebook/ Rocío Alarcón vessel, a naval training ship belonging to the La Herradura Port abuzz Danish Maritime Auwith excitement. thority, gracefully sailed into the bay of La Herradura on January 20. The three-masted ship, similar to the Spanish Navy’s Juan Sebastián Elcano, is no stranger to Spanish ports. A full-rigged training ship, it regularly tours the Mediterranean, often allowing the public to explore its decks. With almost a century of history, the KMD Danmark remains in remarkable condition. In the past 12 months, it has visited ports in La Coruña and Cartagena, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich maritime heritage. This time, the ship sailed to La Herradura from Porto Grande, Cape Verde, leaving enthusiasts eager to uncover the purpose behind its enchanting visit to this port.

CARNIVAL TIME: Masks on, spirits up!

Axarquia region, towns are gearing up for their festive fiestas and parades. Each town has crafted a unique celebration, adding their local flair to the festivities. To discover more about

the Carnival events happening in each town, be sure to check out your respective town hall’s social media pages for detailed schedules and exciting updates. ‘Carnaval’ in Spain is a

festive and lively celebration that typically takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent, which is the period of fasting and reflection observed by Christians before Easter.

Image: Shutterstock/ Lukasz Janyst

TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

THE Costa del Sol Axarquia Municipalities Consortium is set to make a splash at Fitur 2024 (the International Tourism Fair) with its campaign, ‘The Secret of Good Living,’ targeting both the general public and industry professionals. President Jorge Martín emphasised the region’s exceptional destination appeal, rooted in its diverse landscape and privileged location within Andalucia and the province of Malaga. The Axarquia stands out for its varied offerings, from the charm of white villages and blue flag

GRATUITO

The secret of good living in Axarquia.

beaches to natural parks, historical heritage, local cuisine, and a plethora of outdoor activities, according to Vice President Jesús Pérez Atencia. In a sustainable move Axarquia is going digital, the region has introduced QR codes for tourist information, abandoning traditional paper brochures. Notably, the campaign will also be highlighted on two giant screens in Plaza Callao, near Gran Vía in the centre of Madrid, featuring a 10-second looped TV spot throughout the week, reaching an audience of over five million people.

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25 - 31 January 2024

FUNDRAISING: Embrace the Sunflower Movement.

Catherine McGeer CUDECA Hospice, a beacon of support for individuals in the ﬁnal stages of life, has initiated the Sunﬂower Movement, urging the community to rally behind its latest fundraiser. The goal is to raise €250,000 to sustain two vital Home Care Teams. Over the past decade, the demand for Cudeca’s services has increased by nearly 250 per cent, from 727 patients in 2012 to 1,800 in 2022. In response to this growing need, Cudeca in-

troduced two additional Home Care Teams (numbers 8 and 9) in 2023. However, financial constraints threaten their continued operation in 2024. These teams, comprised of skilled medical and nursing professionals, require funding for their vehicles as well. Contributions to the Sunflower Movement will empower the new teams to care for approximately 400 patients annually, offering support to over 800 relatives and caregi-

vers. The funds will also enhance the quality of care, allowing more dedicated time for each patient and their family. Cudeca also has charity shops on the Axarquia coast, the Costa del Sol, and online. Join the Sunﬂower Movement and be a part of providing compassionate care to those in need. To donate go to www.cudeca.org.

VELEZ-MALAGA’S Hospital de Axarquia is embarking on its ﬁfth annual dog-assisted therapy initiative for paediatric patients, conducted in collaboration with Perruneando Malaga and supported by the Malaga Diabetics Association. As part of the hospital’s patient-centred care plan, the programme introduces therapy dogs Giselle and Nirvana to provide com-

fort and support in various paediatric areas. The recent presentation, attended by health officials including Carlos Bautista and José Manuel Ramón, highlighted the programme’s benefits. By integrating therapy dogs into hospital routines, the initiative aims to alleviate stress and anxiety for young patients undergoing medical procedures. Beyond benefiting

children, the programme also recognises the importance of creating a conducive work environment for healthcare professionals. With sessions scheduled until June in the Paediatric and Neonatal units, this programme continues to make strides in improving the overall well-being of both paediatric patients and the dedicated professionals who care for them. Image: Shutterstock/ Monkey Business Images

Image: cudeca.org

Cudeca Hospice Dog therapy

DOG THERAPY: Axarquia Hospital paws for wellness!

Nordic connections IN 2004, Los Nórdicos (the Nordics), a non-profit association, was established with the goal of promoting social interaction and cultural exchange through various acti-

vities. This independent organisation is both cultural and social, aiming to foster mutual understanding and friendship between Spaniards and Scandinavians.

Apart from being a non-profit, Los Nórdicos remains religiously and politically neutral. As a proud member of AHN (Asociacion Hispano-Nordica), Los Nórdicos is one of six local associations along the south coast of Spain. These groups come together to organise an array of activities, including day trips, boules competitions, hiking adventures, seminars, and engaging events. Recently, they have introduced a theatre group and are actively seeking musicians and children to participate. Through its diverse initiatives, Los Nórdicos continues to enrich the lives of its members while celebrating Nordic cultures and traditions. Join Los Nórdicos in building bridges of friendship and cultural appreciation.

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Bowling club

AS President of the ‘Almijara Bowling Club’ Nerja, I wish to publicly thank the owners of Lual, Fernando and Felipe Alvarez for their help since we have to leave the present location La Raqueta, and move to another site, Lual, and the Town Hall Urban Planner, Alberte Tome, have given us a new location, both giving outstanding help. David Trippas, President of Almijara Bowls Club

Flamenco show

COMPETA will host a ﬂamenco show on Saturday, February 10 at 7pm at the Sala de Conciertos Musarmonia on Avenida Constitucion 61.

Antique fair

THE Almuñecar Town Hall has advised that every Sunday morning at the Ferial de la Paloma in Almuñecar an antique fair will take place.

Dance display

ON Saturday, January 27 a dance show will take place at the Teatro del Carmen at 8pm. The show is titled ‘La Psicologia del Color’ and is aimed at children. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased at the tourism oﬃce.

Lighting up

A LIGHT installation will take place in the Jardin del CAC in Velez-Malaga on Friday, January 26 at 8pm. This contemporary art show by Pablo Berenguer will light up the patios and the façade of the building. Don’t miss out!

Grace Meredith THE General Assembly of Axarquia has unanimously approved six motions aimed at improving communications, road infrastructure, and increasing security resources for the Axarquia region. Proposed by various political groups, all 41 members endorsed the motions, addressing longstanding citizen demands. The assembly urged the central government to increase the number of law enforcement officers in the Axarquia region, emphasising the need to safeguard rural areas. Concerning transportation improvements, a unanimous motion encouraged the Junta de Andalucia to include additional Axarquia

Future funds Image: Shutterstock/ Pabkov

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25 - 31 January 2024

Paving the way for an enhanced future.

towns in the Metropolitan Transport Consortium of Malaga. The

assembly also called for railway network expansion along the coast and throughout the province, extending the Metro of Malaga to Rincon de la Victoria and connecting it with Campanillas, and Ciudad Jardín. In terms of road infrastructure, unanimous approval was given for the completion of safety works on the A-7204 road in Alta Axarquia and the construction of the pending section of the A-402 road between Alcala la Real (Jaen), Alhama de Granada, and Velez-Malaga.

Cave of Wonders Almuñecar Go! NERJA Town Hall and the Cueva de Nerja (the Cave of Nerja) Foundation are collaborating at the tourism fair Fitur 2024 to spotlight Nerja’s unparalleled charm. This year’s joint efforts emphasise the town’s natural beauty, sunny beaches, and historical cave, home to the Epipaleolithic skeleton ‘Pepita.’ The campaign includes a week-long presence in Madrid, featuring a city-wide screen campaign, daily presentations, and a gala event. The Gala, titled ‘Nerja and its Cave: Experience Them!’ will be hosted by Foundation President Javier Salas and Mayor José Alberto Armijo, attracting professionals from the tourism, culture, and communication sectors. Special guests include former Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón and filmmaker Miguel Martí. The Cueva de Nerja takes centre stage in 2024 with the campaign ‘Cueva de Nerja: Journey to the Epipaleolithic,’ inviting visitors to experience the cave through the eyes of ‘Pepita’ (the skeleton). This initiative marks the most impactful joint tourism effort by Nerja Town Hall and Cueva de Nerja in the last decade.

ALMUÑECAR is gearing up for its ﬁrst Manga and Alternative Culture Expo, Almuñécar Go! on February 3 and 4 at the ‘Río Verde’ fairgrounds tent. Organised by the Youth Council and Events GO! the event boasts Pablo Domínguez, the voice of Goku from ‘Dragon Ball,’ as a special guest. The event is aimed at ages 16 to 30, Almuñecar Go! oﬀers over 45 activities, including video games, sports, crafts, exhibitions, and more. Director Antonio Camacho highlights a family-friendly environment, encouraging parents to join. The expo runs from 11.00am to 9.00pm, with a €4 entry fee allowing at-

Community fun THE Torrox Community Club has announced its next adventure. On March 10 they have organised an exclusive day trip to Osuna, La Petra de Andalucia. Departing Torrox at 7.30am, the journey begins with a visit to the captivating Coto of Canteras, followed by exploration in Osuna City. With a dedicated guide, you’ll gain profound insights into the rich history behind each monument. Priced at just €40 for members and €47.50 for non-members, the comprehensive package includes a comfortable coach trip, guide services, entrance

to Las Canteras, and exclusive vouchers for must-visit sites like Colegiata, Monasterio, and Museo Arqueologico. The package also includes insurance coverage. During your free time in Osuna, savour the opportunity to wander the town, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. Help make this journey unforgettable by securing your spot, 35 participants are needed for this excursion. Visit facebook.com/groups/ torroxcommunityclub to reserve your seat. Embrace history, culture, and camaraderie on this remarkable day trip!

Image: Shutterstock/ Antonello Marangi

Family fun at Manga Expo.

tendees to come and go freely. Tickets are available at the tent’s box oﬃce, and Sunday February 4 oﬀers a 2-for-1 deal. Minors under 16 accompanied by an adult enter for free, promoting family participation. Francisco Rodríguez invites youth to the event, with hopes for its continued success. Stay tuned to Almuñecar Town Hall’s social media for ticket giveaways until the event.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Water security

AXARQUIA, amidst Malaga’s severe drought, is poised for a transformative solution with the upcoming desalination plant. Facing water restrictions and pressure reductions, the region anticipates relief through a €100 million government-backed initiative. Collaborative efforts between the Andalucian Government and central authorities aim to integrate private technical expertise for a public desalination facility near Velez-Malaga. The desalination project comes as an encouraging development for Axarquia’s agricultural community, a long-standing advocate for water security. Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez has identified a suitable site, that meets both technical and municipal criteria, for the plant’s construction.

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25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

Is democracy dead?

VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON I’M not saying it is, but just asking the question. Winston Churchill had a lot to say about the democratic process in a world which was very different from the world we inhabit today. “A five-minute conversation with the average voter would make you question the very principle of democracy,” he said. A harsh statement if there ever was one. The Greek roots of the word indicate ‘the rule or power of the people’. Again, I ask the question, ‘Do the ‘people’ feel in charge of the country they live in?’ I think not. There is no single system of democratic process. In the UK they still use a ‘first past the post’ election system which does allow voters to select the

person they want to represent them and allows individuals to stand independently. Many in the UK have advocated for proportional representation which they claim will be fairer and more representative of the will of the people. However, even proportional representation is not a unified concept and there are many forms of the beast. The starting question is, how do we ensure that the best people are put into the political jobs which best match their skillset? Frankly we don’t. Having survived six years in the Spanish political world, I am very clear that the lists presented have little or nothing to do with what candidates have to offer, and everything to do with how many votes

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those in charge feel that candidates can draw from their own community. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that there are no skilled people on these lists or holding positions of responsibility that they are completely capable of doing. There are some very good people, but you didn’t get the opportunity to decide who went on that list. It’s like going into a restaurant and being told what they are going to serve you: like it or lump it. In a perfect world, people presenting for office should have altruistic motives, but how many hairdressers or plumbers do you know that can command the salary levels of a politician? Once they are in, they want to stay there. No one

wants to see their lifestyle deteriorate. The next question I ask is ‘Who actually runs the country?’: the people we elect, or the unelected, shadowy bodies that pull the strings? The European Commission, the World Economic Forum, The World Health Organisation. Unelected and non-removeable. The more influence and power they have, the further we drift from the democratic process. To what extent are these unelected overlords dictating and determining what our future will look like? We can only guess and speculate. Giving Churchill the last word, “Democracy is the worst form of government - except for all the others we have tried.” Like it or lump it.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

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PROVERB OF THE WEEK “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”

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Basically there are some things that you cannot know until you are older, until you have lived a bit. The clarity of hindsight. This is a quote from poet, Robert Frost.

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25 - 31 January 2024

Barn dance Image: Shutterstock/ Brian A Jackson

Dance the night away.

THE Todo Ayuda Project, a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to aiding and supporting smaller, local animal welfare initiatives, is gearing up for an exciting fundraising event.

The project focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. Their next fun-filled fundraiser is a traditional Barn Dance, promising an evening of lively entertainment. Attendees can try their hand at classic dances like the Do-Si-Do and the Gay Gordon, whether in longways, square, or a big circle formation. The event, set for Friday, February 16 at The Panty Factory from 7.30pm, will feature live Music by Mitch and a Tex-Mex buffet. Tickets are available at Todo Express in Competa, with all profits contributing to the support of local rescues. Join the community for a night of dance, food, drinks, and more, while making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.

Image: Shutterstock/ Jan_S

RICH HISTORY: White-washed villages attract tourists.

Catherine McGeer FRIGILIANA has once again been singled out, this time by Travel and Leisure, the renowned US travel magazine, which has recognised Frigiliana as one of Spain’s most charming towns, citing its rich history, traditions, and natural surroundings. This acknowledgement further highlights the growing appeal of small, white-washed villages in the country that are driving tourism. Frigiliana was not the only town singled out in the region, as Parauta,

En Vogue

another picturesque village, was also honoured by the association Pueblos más Bonitos de España (Beautiful Villages of Spain). The increase in tourism focusing on villages is evident throughout Spain, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Costa del Sol, a favoured destination for international tourists, witnessed a significant increase in British visitors, with 262,215

overnight stays in Malaga in 2023, a 14.9 per cent rise from 2019, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE). Rural tourism in Spain experienced a 4 per cent growth in 2023, with 10 per cent of travellers, as per the Cetelem Observatory, opting for a rural village experience. This trend signifies a rising interest in exploring unique, historically rich villages.

Torrox growth TORROX Town Hall has revealed its first budget exceeding €30 million as the town surpasses 20,000 residents. The budget, at €31,573,384, marks an 18 per cent increase from 2023, aiming to address the challenges accompanying the town’s successful growth. With a treasury surplus of €12 million, investments include the second phase of the Santa Rosa sports complex and a new Palace of Justice. Mayor Óscar Medina, noting an almost 40 per cent population rise during his eight-year term, emphasised the beginning of a new growth phase with the focus on managing Social Services locally. This transition, alongside an expanded workforce and increased support for various sectors, reflects Torrox’s commitment to maintaining quality public services, fostering cultural activities, and addressing infrastructure needs.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Image: Shutterstock/ KlingSup

25 - 31 January 2024

Hiking season

THRILLING MATCH: Kickboxing warriors collide.

Fight night

IN a thrilling event promising a host of kickboxing matches, the Rincon de la Victoria Town Council, in collaboration with Gym Pitu, is gearing up to host the Night of the Fighter on February 24 at the municipal pavilion Rubén Ruzafa in Torre de Benagalbon. The night will feature 40 kickboxing fighters from various provinces of Andalucia, including Cordoba, Cadiz, Sevilla, Jaen, and Malaga, with two standout local representatives. This event will see the Professional Andalucian title contested in the 70 kg K1 category, with a coveted belt up for grabs. Mayor Francisco Salado highlights the importance of backing sports competitions that draw local and visiting audiences. “This event diversifies the municipality’s activity calendar and solidifies its position in the national sports events calendar,” said the mayor. The match, featuring athletes over 18, promises a unique opportunity to witness the skill of these elite athletes. Tickets for the Night of the Fighter are available at Gym Pitu and at the door on the day of the event. It kicks off at 5.30pm, offering spectators thrilling competitions in the world of Kickboxing and K1.

Image: Shutterstock/ Cabrerafoto

HIKING PROGRAMME: Discover, trek, and thrive with AMD Almuñecar.

Catherine McGeer THE Municipal Sports Area (AMD) in Almuñecar, in collaboration with the town council’s Sports Department, has launched the eagerly anticipated hiking programme for 2024. Designed to promote a love for nature and the environment, the programme boasts 13 different routes throughout Axarquia, Malaga, and Granada. Presenting the initiative, Sports councillor Luis

Aragón and AMD’s Hiking Coordinator, Javier del Castillo, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming hiking season. The schedule kicks off on January 28 with a trek from Sendero de la Pavilla to the Nigüelas fault, offering breathtaking views of Los Cahorros and the Lecrín Valley. The first phase concludes on May 26 with a journey through the unique natural setting of Caminito del Rey in Malaga. The second phase, starting on

September 22, explores Poqueira village, concluding on November 24 with a route through the Cascada de los Árboles Petrificados in Granada’s Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Interested participants can register at the municipal sports stadium ‘Francisco Bonet’ in Almuñecar from Monday to Friday, between 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 10pm. For more details, contact AMD Almuñecar on 958 883 142 or 673 369 309.

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New court

IN a move to enhance local sports, Councillor Rocío Ruiz and Deputy Mayor David Vilches have unveiled a new 405-square-metre sports court in Lagos, Velez-Malaga, with a €40,000 investment. The swift two-month construction was made possible by PAEM funds from the Provincial Council of Malaga. Local authorities emphasised the court’s significance, underlining the commitment to fostering physical activity throughout the town. The multi-sports court boasts an asphalt-based resin surface, green welded wire fences, and versatile outdoor goals (22x12 metres). Deputy Mayor Vilches praised the investment, noting its positive impact on the growing demographic of Lagos. He expressed gratitude to Councillor Ruiz and announced plans for additional sports facilities in Mezquitilla, inviting residents to enjoy and make use of the new public space.

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Town of witches

John Smith ON the face of it, the village of Soportujar in the central part of the Alpujarra region of Granada is just like any other small community in the mountainous area. In actual fact, it has gained notoriety by positioning itself as the home of witches and the entire tiny municipality invites visitors to enjoy the slightly spooky feeling as you walk through the narrow winding streets not knowing what you are going to see next. Soportujar can trace its history back to the 13th century and was occupied at one stage by the Moors and then became firmly Christian and despite the façade of paganism still recognises all of the Catholic feast days. There is a history of fables about witches and other supernatural beings, but a little like the Blue Smurf village of Juzcar,

Credit: Soportujar Facebook

MACABRE ATTRACTIONS: A huge spider greets visitors.

someone thought that to amplify the supernatural side of the village would be good for tourism and the local economy, so the Town of Witches was born in 2007. As well as numbers, houses invariably have a witch on her broomstick, the central fountain features witches, snakes appear out of walls, there are broomsticks to take selfies on, somehow Hansel and Gretel’s house made of sweets has found its way there and a giant spider commands one wall.

There are plenty of other macabre attractions including several black cats as well as shops selling all that a budding young witch might need and imagine what the town is like come Halloween! Parking may be a bit difficult and there aren’t too many places to stay or indeed eat but any young lover of Hogwarts or the supernatural in general will be a much happier sightseer than if you just visit one of those pretty, but possibly bland, simple white villages.

Sweet spot IN a breakthrough venture, researchers at IHSM (the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture) La Mayora in Axarquia have accomplished the seemingly impossible - successful cocoa cultivation in controlled greenhouse conditions. Historically, attempts to grow cocoa in the region, dating back centuries, had always failed until a private initiative from La Despensa de Palacio and IHSM researchers bore fruit recently. Overcoming the challenge of the region’s winter temperatures, which are lower than cocoa’s tropical ideal, researchers used two greenhouses - one heated and one unheated. Manual pollination was crucial, given the absence of native

pollinators in Spain. The result: a modest but significant 70-kilogram cocoa harvest, marking Europe’s first successful cocoa yield. While the yield is currently limited, researchers are optimistic about refining the cultivation process. Axarquia’s unique microclimate, with its moderately low minimum temperatures, proves beneficial for unheated greenhouses. Although large-scale commercial production faces challenges, the project has sparked interest from the chocolate industry, hinting at a potential niche market for European-grown cocoa. The successful venture opens doors to further innovations in cocoa cultivation outside traditional tropical regions.

Sleep tight THE Malaga-based group specialising in sofas and armchairs will open a new shop in Calle La Unión at the end of January. The expansion of the Malaga firm MiColchón in the capital of the Costa del Sol continues with the opening of a new store in the emblematic Calle La Unión. The shop will offer a wide variety of beds, mattresses, bases, bedding and accessories, maintaining the high standards that characterise the brand and bringing its quality products and exceptional service to a wider public in Malaga. This new establishment will be the 12th for MiColchón, the fifth in the capital, and it will not be the last. The company is doing its best to contribute to the local economic and social fabric by generating job opportunities and co-

Photo: MiColchón

NEW SHOP: Due to open shortly.

llaborations with local businesses. The company’s ‘mattressologists’ are specialised advisors in back problems and can advise on the most suitable mattress for each individual. From the end of January, shoppers will be able to try out for themselves the most comfortable beds and learn first-hand about Colchonology, MiColchón’s business philosophy based on advising and recommending the best option to guarantee healthy sleep.

Long live Axarquia AS the curtain falls on the past year, various statistics are emerging, shedding light on life expectancy. According to recent data from the National Institute of Statistics, Rincon de la Victoria leads the way in the Axarquia region. With an average life expectancy of 82.53 years, residents of Rincon de la Victoria have the third highest lifespan in all of Andalucia. Fuengirola claims the top spot in the entire autonomous community with an average of 82.94 years, closely followed by Benalmadena at 82.83 years. At the regional level, Velez-Malaga se-

cures the second position with an average life expectancy of 81.30 years, slightly ahead of Malaga City at 81.29 years. The survey also looked at the quality of life in the region and measured the healthy life expectancy. This is the time lived free from illness or disability. Factors such as chronic diseases, mental health issues, and physical disabilities increase in prevalence with age, affecting the overall well-being of those living with these health conditions. These statistics provide valuable insights into geographical and individual differences in healthy life expectancy within the European Union.

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25 - 31 January 2024

RENFE OFFER: More destinations at an affordable price.

services include AVE, Long Distance, and International AVE trains connecting Spain and France. Renfe’s statement encourages travellers to take advantage of this offer: “Advance the purchase of your tickets for your 2024 getaways and get the best price with the Gold Card. “We offer you all the destinations and train plans to forget about Christmas commitments and travel for pure pleasure. “Discover our selection of winter getaways and

WHILE the UK braces itself for Storm Jocelyn, Spain is set to experience uncommonly warm ‘spring temperatures’ for January. On Thursday, January 25, a notable weather phenomenon is set to occur, with temperatures expected to reach 27 degrees in Murcia and Valencia. Following a period of icy conditions, this surge in temperature, as forecast by the Spanish State Meteorological Agen-

buy your tickets now with a 30 per cent discount thanks to the Gold Card. Nobody gives you more!” The Gold Card isn’t just for this week’s promotion. Throughout the year, it offers a standing 25 per cent discount on various services, including AVE, AVE International between Spain and France, and Long Distance trains. This makes it an invaluable asset for senior travellers looking to explore these destinations at a more affordable price.

Facing the food crisis

SUPERMARKET SHOPPING: Cash cards to be introduced.

and dignity in selecting their groceries. The allocated amounts, ranging from €130 to €220 per month based on family size, mark an increase from previous allocations. Initially, the Red Cross will oversee the management of these cards, including their production and distribution through agreements with supermarkets. The funds on the cards will be proportional to the number of people in

‘Spring-like’ temperatures cy (Aemet), signals a temporary reprieve from the cold, bringing an early hint of spring to mid-January. The warmth can be attributed to a strong anticyclone, effectively warding off any rain across Spain. This unusual weather pattern is predicted to persist for at least two weeks, with high temperatu-

Credit: 1000 Words/Shutterstock.com

MORE January discount packages have been announced with Renfe’s latest offer being just the ticket. Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, has rolled out an enticing offer for senior travellers. Starting from Monday, January 22, and running until Sunday, January 28, the company is providing a substantial discount on train tickets for those holding its Gold Card. For a nominal fee of €6, travellers over the age of 60 can obtain the Renfe Gold Card. This personal and non-transferable card is the key to unlocking numerous travel discounts throughout the year. The current promotion offers a significant price reduction of up to 30 per cent on select train services. This special discount applies to several train categories, enhancing travel options for seniors. Eligible

Credit: V_E/shutterstock.com

Affordable travel

IN a major overhaul of its food aid system, Spain is transitioning from distributing food baskets to issuing supermarket cash cards. This significant change, taking effect from May 2024, will impact families in need across Spain. This new approach is specifically designed to combat child poverty, with eligibility limited to families with dependent children earning less than 40 per cent of the average income. According to government estimates, around 70,000 families are set to benefit from this initiative. “We dignify social protection so that families do not have to go to the hunger lines,” stated Minister Pablo Bustinduy. The new system allocates funds directly onto cards or vouchers, which families can use in supermarkets. This method allows beneficiaries greater choice

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res and minimal rainfall, except for some early Tuesday showers in the far north of Spain On January 22, the weather displayed contrasting trends, with lower temperatures in the southeast and a noticeable rise in the northwest and Pyrenees. Cities such as A Coruña in Galicia expe-

the family unit, varying from €130 for a two-person family to €220 for families of five or more. The new card system, part of the European Social Fund Plus programme, boasts a budget of €619.3 million for 20212027. Fesbal, the food bank federation, has expressed concerns that the new system might overlook certain groups, such as those with very low pensions or the homeless.

rienced unusually warm nights, with minimums reaching 14 degrees, the highest in the country. January 23 saw high pressure across the peninsula. Clear skies dominated, though an Atlantic front brought clouds and some rain to western Galicia, and light drizzle to the Eastern Cantabrian Sea. Temperature-wise, cities like Valencia, Sevilla, Oviedo, and others saw highs between 20 and 23 degrees.

10 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

IRELAND Two graces A STATUE of Mayo’s legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley was unveiled in Newport, which is promoting itself as the ‘Town of the Two Graces’. The sculpture joins the statue inaugurated by Prince Albert of Monaco in 2023 in honour of his mother, Grace Kelly, whose grandfather left Newport for the US in 1887.

Battery injury A GP apologised and the Health Service Executive paid €220,000 compensation to the mother of a 14-month-old boy from Tuam (County Galway) who swallowed a button battery which burnt his oesophagus and trachea. This was lodged in his throat for nine days before an X-ray was carried out and it was removed.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS BELGIUM Organ honour ANDERLECHT craftsman Johan Deblieck has been commissioned to build a ‘positive’ organ to celebrate the reopening of Notre-Dame in late 2024. Deblieck is a recognised expert in making these small, portable organs and constructed a similar instrument for the Bach Archive in Leipzig (Germany) in 2001.

Stuck fast SEBASTIAN STRIEGEL, a Green Party MP in the national parliament, was hurt during a Last Generation climate demonstration in Halle (Saxony-Anhalt). Striegel was not taking part but suffered minor injuries when a car mounted the pavement to avoid demonstrators who had glued themselves to the road.

School lunches

JOHAN DEBLIECK: The Belgian craftsman is a ‘positive’ expert.

ITALY

GERMANY

Photo credit: VRT.be

FRANCE

THE Nutrition in Transition Council, created in May 2023, presented Bundestag Speaker Bärbel Bas with a list of recommendations to improve public health and promote healthy eating. Free lunches for all state-school pupils topped the list, as healthy food ‘was often too dear for economically-disadvantaged families’.

DENMARK

Wildlife peril

DNA clues

Not for me

Adoptions veto

A TOTAL of 68,592 animals were killed on Sweden’s roads and railway tracks in 2023, an increase of almost 3,000 on 2022, the National Wildlife Accident Council said. Most occurred in Vastra Gotaland in western Sweden and generally involved deer although incidents affecting elk were becoming more common.

DOG owners living in Bolzano Province must pay €65 to test their pet’s DNA after which the results will be uploaded to a data base enabling the authorities to trace animals responsible for depositing poo on local streets. Once a dog has been identified, its owner will face a fine of between €292 and €1,048.

THE Social Affairs ministry suspended adoptions from the six countries currently cooperating with the Danish International Adoption Agency (DIA) following reports of irregularities. Although the DIA is at present processing 36 adoptions from abroad, no information was given regarding the outcome of these cases.

Modern piracy

Green corridor

NEW Education minister Amelie Oudea-Castera was criticised for educating her three sons at Stanislas, an exclusive private school described by Le Monde as “Catholic, elitist and conservative.” The minister upset teachers by claiming she had been “frustrated” by the state system’s shortages and unreliable cover for absent teachers.

TWENTY-FIVE per cent of Sweden’s population access television programmes and films via illegal media services, up from 20 per cent in 2022, a Mediavision survey found. This rose to 50 per cent amongst young people and was costly for the industry, Mediavision analyst Natalia Borelius said.

THE government agreed to fund a feasibility study to construct a pipeline transporting green hydrogen from Morocco to Italy. The project is promoted by MP Debora Serracchiani (Democratic Party) who pointed out that it would boost sustainable energy while strengthening commercial links with Morocco.

NORWAY

THE NETHERLANDS

Office-bound EMPLOYEES wanting to work exclusively from home had “absolutely no attachment, passion or creativity” according to L’Oreal’s chief executive Nicolas Hieronimus. L’Oreal employees are expected to work from the office for three days a week, which was “vital” for creativity and company profits, Hieronimus said.

FINLAND

Watch watched THOSE in the know noticed that Denmark’s King Frederik wore an Omega Seamaster 300M watch which, apart from its hefty price tag, did not entirely blend in with his ceremonial uniform. The watch, said to be his favourite, was a unit watch given to Frederik by fellow officers during his time in the Navy.

PORTUGAL

Good starters

Best medicine

Flight plans

Times-past

VEHICLE rescue service company Viking had to attend many more callouts than usual during the recent severe weather conditions, mainly to solve battery problems for drivers unable to start their cars. Only 13 per cent of electric vehicles had difficulties compared to 87 per cent of fossil fuel vehicles, Viking revealed.

RESEARCH by Hanneke van der Wal-Huismana showed that live music helped people recover from surgery faster, she found. Music played for Groningen hospital patients, especially the elderly after an operation, not only cheered them up but helped to normalise the heart rate and blood pressure while reducing pain.

A TOTAL of 1.8 million passengers used Finnish airports in December 2023, Statistics Finland announced, 7 per more than 2022, but 20 per cent lower than in pre-pandemic December 2019. Passengers on domestic flights increased by 2 per cent and on international flights by 9 per cent compared with December 2022.

PLAQUES highlighting Lisbon’s part in the slave trade and Portugal’s African history have been installed in different parts of the city. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, more than six million Africans were captured and transported in Portuguese ships to be sold as slaves, mainly in Brazil.

Right choice

In a hurry

Few babies

PRIME MINISTER Jonas Gahr Store defended his choice of Anniken Huitfeldt as Norway’s US Ambassador despite having sacked her as Foreign minister owing to conflict with her husband’s business interests. Future US ambassadors should have a political background rather than diplomatic experience, Store insisted.

A MOTHER-TO-BE on her way to hospital in the early hours of January 17 had to pull over on a roundabout seven kilometres away from the hospital when it was clear the baby would arrive before she did. Assisted by her midwife mother and police officers, she delivered a healthy boy without complications.

FINLAND’S birthrate declined noticeable in 2023, especially in the Uusimaa region covered by Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) where if fell by 1.5 per cent. The dip in births was more rapid than expected, raising government concerns regarding population trends and their implications for the country’s future.

Try harder PORTUGAL has made little progress in preventing corruption amongst MPs, judges and public prosecutors, the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body GRECO wrote in a report published on January 15. Three of GRECO’s 15 recommendations had been applied so far but 12 were yet to be implemented.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Art theft VITTORIO SGARBI, Italian Minister for Culture, and friend and art advisor to Silvio Berlusconi, has been accused of stealing a valuable painting. The scandal focuses on a 17th century painting by Rutilio Manetti, from Siena. The work is ‘The Capture of St. Peter’, which until 2013 was on display at the Buriasco Castle in Piedmont. The owner of the castle and the painting, Margherita Buzio, reported the theft of the work in February 2013, but investigations hit a brick wall. Then in 2021 the painting reappeared in an exhibition inaugurated by Sgarbi himself, which allegedly contained an ‘unpublished’ painting by Manetti. A work almost identical to the stolen one except for a few small details including the addition of a candle to the background. Sgarbi denies that it is the same painting and explained that it is just a coincidence, as the painting was allegedly found in a villa that Sgarbi’s mother had bought years earlier. But Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper also identified a restorer to whom Sgarbi is said to have sent the painting. Only in the photos shown by the restorer, the candle is not there. Sgarbi continues to say that they are two different works, and indeed that the original one is his and the other a copy. However, the Carabinieri of the Heritage Protection Unit searched three of Vittorio Sgarbi’s homes and managed to seize Rutilio Manetti’s original ‘The Capture of St. Peter’.

25 - 31 January 2024

EWN 11

Europe’s greenest Canaries’ flight diverted John Smith A NEW study by solar experts Hemsol reveals that Norway is the greenest country in Europe. The study used data from the European Environment Agency, the Odyssee-Mure Project and the Energy Institute to create an index with factors such as renewable energy share, recycling rates, carbon dioxide emissions. Norway is considered to be the ‘greenest’ and most environmentally friendly country thanks to its high renewable energy share recorded in 2022, despite having high carbon dioxide emissions per capita and large amounts of farmland area. The Norwegian government’s commitment to sustainability does not just stop at its own country; in fact, there is an international commitment to ensure that many

developing countries can access clean and renewable energy through both bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as pledging up to three billion Norwegian Krone (€262 million) a year to help save the world’s tropical forests while improving the livelihoods of those who live off, in, and near them. Second is Austria, third is Finland which in 2022 enacted a new Climate Act which established revised emission reduction objectives for 2030 and 2050, while also updating the target for 2050. Fourth is Iceland, followed by Sweden which has set the target to eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere by no later than 2045. Of the 30 countries studied, Spain came in at a rather low 21, but was still ahead of France, Ireland and Portugal.

Phone ban in schools A RECENT initiative by the government in the Netherlands to ban iPhones and all other mobile telephones seems to be working out well. Many of the schools involved have indicated that their initial experiences are positive, reporting that students are talking to each other again, and are calmer and more focused. Frank Engelen, who is the Headmaster of Niftarlake College in Maarssen, Utrecht, said things are going well at his school, explaining that “they are coming into contact with each other more often, even with students who they do not know.” The new rules, which came into many secondary schools at the beginning of 2024, mean that students must either leave the phone at home or lock them up once school starts. One teacher beamed on the schools website that: “students are bringing playing cards for the break, and a Discman was even seen for listening to music.” In 2023 in the Netherlands a study showed that many secondary school students did not dare to express themselves freely at school because they were afraid of being filmed or photographed by classmates. “School should be a safe place,” said Engelen. So, teenagers are actually talking to each other again, and perhaps learning much more about themselves and the real world as they do so. Would this rule be beNO PHONES: School should neficial for secondary be a safe place. school childrens in other European countries too?

A RECENT incident on a flight from the UK to the Canary Islands has raised the question, is air travel becoming more unpredictable? On Friday, January 19, a Ryanair journey from the UK to the Canary Islands, chaos erupted mid-air. The flight, originally set to land in Lanzarote, had to make an unscheduled stop in Portugal due to a violent altercation which involved seven passengers. The mid-air skirmish led to the plane’s diversion to Faro Airport, which landed at approximately 10.50am local time. Portuguese police confirmed the involvement of seven individuals in the fight, which led to one person being arrested. Although there has been no official statement, all those involved in the altercation are said to be British nationals.

Credit: Sergio Rojo/Shutterstock.com

RYANAIR FLIGHT: Chaos erupted mid-air.

The aircraft, operated by Ireland’s low-cost airline Ryanair, had departed from London Luton Airport at 8.00am. It was due to arrive in Lanzarote by 12.15pm but was forced to change course. This incident is the latest in a series of diversions for Ryanair. On December 20, a Boeing 737 headed from London Stansted to Lisbon had to land in Faro due to technical difficulties. The situation was so severe that a ‘red code’ alert was issued, summoning

35 emergency vehicles and nearly 80 responders. Even earlier, a flight from London Stansted to Morocco on December 5 had to make an emergency landing in Faro after the pilot fell ill. A Ryanair spokesperson commented on the December 5 incident: “The aircraft landed normally, and passengers were transferred to an alternative aircraft operated by another crew before continuing to Morocco.”

FINANCE BUSINESS EXTRA Fired up

BRITAIN’S last coal-fired power station which is still active, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, helped to produce 3.4 per cent of all the electricity produced in the country as temperatures plummeted recently. The largest share since November 2023 was registered on Monday January 15, the Energy Dashboard statistics revealed.

AI okayed

FORTY-SIX per cent of Spanish firms now use artificial intelligence (AI) for some tasks, a study carried out for the Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) revealed. Only two companies said that they had reduced staff after introducing AI, compared with 8 per cent who said they had increased personnel.

No sweat

PRICEY British sportswear label Sweaty Betty, which was bought by the US group Wolverine World in 2021, reported a loss of £5.1 million (€5.9 million) for the year ending January 2023. Sales fell 8.5 per cent to £167.7 million while profits dipped to £66 million (€76.9 million) from £94.5 million (€110.2 million).

Pay rise

TELEFONICA and the unions agreed to a 3.1 per cent wage increase and a €150 bonus for 2024, as well as a reduction in the working week from 37.5 to 36 hours that comes into effect in 2026. Plans include reducing the workforce by 3,421 employees, with the “possibility” of further redundancies.

Back to black

OCADO RETAIL has returned to the black after its “highest-ever” level of Christmas selling with more than 90 per cent of its peak delivery slots taken by mid-October. Sales rose almost 11 per cent to £609.4 million (€710.5 million) in the three months to November 26, 2023, its fourth quarter of growth.

euroweeklynews.com • 25 - 31 January 2024

STAT OF WEEK

€5.7 billion

in losses for the Spanish economy each year owing to counterfeited goods that are sold in shops and online and also endanger 44,700 jobs.

Magnificent Seven

Linda Hall IBERDROLA is back amongst the world’s 500 leading brands after having dropped out in 2022. Each year, Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy, analyses 5,000 globally important companies which it classifies according to sector and country. The consultancy then lists the 500 most companies it considers to be the strongest and most financially valuable. This year, they once again included Iberdrola which occupied

Photo credit: Flickr/World Economic Forum/Boris Baldinger

ANA BOTIN: Chair of Santander, Spain’s strongest company.

453rd place in the rankings. The multinational energy company was preceded by Santander, Zara, Movistar, BBVA, Mercadona and CaixaBank. Santander was ranked

INFLATION in the UK rose unexpectedly to 4 per cent in December owing to higher alcohol and tobacco prices. This was the first increase in 10 months after City economists had predicted a 3.8 per cent December figure following November’s 3.9 per cent. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual inflation rate increase was influenced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s increases on alcohol and tobacco duty in his Autumn Statement, with prices rising by 9.6 per cent and 16 per cent respectively on the year. The ONS’ chief economist Grant Fitzner pointed out that higher drinks and cigarette prices were partially offset by falling food inflation.

Magic wand SIR DAVE LEWIS, former chief executive of Tesco, has joined Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), private equity owner of Morrisons. Sir Dave has been brought in to boost the supermarket chain as it fights to regain its market share three years after CD&R acquired it for £10 billion (€11.6 billion). The experienced retailer reshaped Tesco’s fortunes during his time as its chief executive between 2014 and 2020 and CD&R now hope that he can do the same for Morrisons, which has lost its spot as Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket. This is now occupied by Aldi whose discount prices lured consumers hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

in 101st place - up from 116 in 2023, with Brand Finance concluding that its value increased by 8 per cent thanks to its increased net profits. The bank chaired by Ana Botin was followed

by Zara (120), Movistar (290), BBV (316), Mercadona (395) and Caixabank (404). Energy and petrochemical firm Repsol, included in the 2023 listings, was absent from this year’s Brand Finance Global 500. Between them, Spain’s seven leading companies are worth €62.5 billion, 12 per cent more than in 2023. Apple took first place with a value of €482.1 billion, ahead of Microsoft ((€317.8 billion) and Google ((€311.2 billion).

Dead letters

ROYAL MAIL announced that it could need a government subsidy to prevent the postal service from going under. The company lost £319 million (€372.1 million) in the first six months of its financial year, £100 million (€116.6 million) up on the same period in 2022. There had been such an acute falloff in sending letters that it was no longer feasible to maintain a delivery network built for 20 billion letters when the company now handled seven billion, Royal Mail’s chief executive Martin Seidenberg said. At the current rate this would decline to four billion within five years, he warned.

Aldi Inflation surprise expansion

Prices had still risen, he said, but they went up “at a much lower rate” than in December 2022. There was little change in the price of factory-produced goods while raw materials were lower than in 2022,

Fitzner added. Fuel prices dipped by 10.8 per cent in the year ending in December 2023, compared with a decline of 10.6 per cent in the year to November after a fall in petrol and diesel prices. Services inflation rose a little from 6.1 per cent to 6.2 per cent but core inflation, which did not include items including energy, food, alcohol or tobacco, remained - against expectations - unchanged at 5.1 per cent. City experts said this would come under scrutiny from the Bank of England as Threadneedle Street’s next bank rate decision is due on February 1 although a reduction was likely to be delayed until May.

IAG-Air Europa

Grifols angst

Photo credit: ReneSchulze1984

TOBACCO: Increased duty affected December inflation.

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP (IAG) is resigned to a full-scale European Union investigation into its plans to buy Spain’s Air Europa. The company, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus amongst others, announced in February 2023 that it would pay €400 million for the 80 per cent of Air Europa that it did not already own. The company will now offer remedies and divest assets to allay the EU regulators’ concerns, IAG’s chief executive Luis Gallego said on January 16. “This will allow them to fully assess the viability and relevance of our proposals,” Gallego said. The IAG-Air Europa deal is one of several in the airline sector, as Lufthansa in Germany currently pursues a minority holding in Italy’s state-owned ITA Airways while Korean Air seeks to buy Asiana.

BIOTEST has left beleaguered Grifols with debts of €2 billion without contributing anything in the way of profits. The Barcelona-based pharmaceuticals company acquired its German rival in April 2022 after issuing €2 billion in bonds to fund the ‘strategic transaction’. The company, now under attack from short seller Gotham City Research, expected Biotest to make a major contribution to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation in 2024. Up to 2023’s third quarter the operation has brought only negative results, with Biotest responsible for just €367 million of Grifols €4.82 billion earnings up to the end of 2023’s last quarter.

THE German retail chain operated 435 stores in Spain by late 2023 and will open 50 more in 2024. Most are located in Andalucia, the Madrid Community, Valencian Community and Catalonia, the same regions where half the new stores will be located, Aldi revealed. Others are planned for the Canary Islands, where Aldi arrived in 2022, although the low-cost chain intends to strengthen its existing market position in the Basque Region, Galicia, Cantabria and Castilla y Leon. There are also plans for further supermarkets in Murcia, Baleares and Extremadura, Aldi said.

Help at hand

MIKE DANSON, the New Statesman’s multimillionaire owner, has injected millions into the magazine as losses accumulate. Since buying the political weekly 15 years ago, Danson had loaned £30 million (€35 million) to the parent company by late 2022 and continued bailing out the publication in 2023. His holding company’s recently-filed accounts revealed £6.1 million (€7.1 million) losses in 2022 and debts totalling £34.4 million (€40.1 million). A rescue strategy is in place and Danson has pledged to secure the New Statesman’s future, the Telegraph reported.

14 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.358,00.............+32,00........... +1,38%.......... 61,20K Admiral Group.............................2.518,0...............+17,0............ +0,68%........... 7,49K Airtel Africa................................. 128,60................+1,30............ +1,02%.......... 47,15K Anglo American...........................1.806,8...............+20,2............ +1,13%......... 243,48K Antofagasta................................1.593,50..............+2,00............ +0,13%.......... 85,23K Ashtead Group............................4.868,0...............+19,0............ +0,39%.......... 41,63K Associated British Foods.............2.264,0................ -6,0..............-0,26%........... 59,38K AstraZeneca...............................10.540,0.............+108,0........... +1,03%......... 189,69K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 714,40................+4,20............ +0,59%.......... 48,08K Aviva........................................... 433,00................+6,00............ +1,41%......... 240,14K B&M European Value Retail SA... 525,20................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 127,68K BAE Systems..............................1.181,00..............+2,50............ +0,21%......... 195,64K Barclays...................................... 142,24................+1,52............ +1,08%...........1,41M Barratt Developments................. 528,20................+4,00............ +0,76%......... 147,08K Beazley........................................ 511,50................+6,00............ +1,19%.......... 89,29K Berkeley......................................4.776,0...............+44,0............ +0,93%.......... 12,92K BP............................................... 447,90................+3,65............ +0,82%...........2,53M British American Tobacco...........2.326,0...............+37,0............ +1,62%......... 196,14K BT Group.................................... 115,20................+0,80............ +0,70%......... 628,58K Bunzl...........................................3.243,8...............+14,8............ +0,46%.......... 10,61K Burberry Group...........................1.231,2................+1,2............. +0,10%.......... 67,81K Centrica....................................... 139,75................+0,05............ +0,04%......... 700,09K Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.345,0...............+11,0............ +0,47%.......... 14,47K Compass....................................2.184,00..............+9,00............ +0,41%.......... 60,11K ConvaTec Group......................... 245,20................ -0,40.............-0,16%.......... 495,82K Croda Intl....................................4.468,0...............+51,0............ +1,16%.......... 13,61K DCC.............................................5.714,0...............+70,0............ +1,24%.......... 13,47K Dechra Pharma...........................3.866,0.................0,0............... 0,00%................0 Diageo.........................................2.747,0...............+14,5............ +0,53%......... 102,73K Diploma.....................................3.282,00..............+8,00............ +0,24%........... 4,91K DS Smith.................................... 278,80................+0,40............ +0,14%......... 215,58K Endeavour Mining......................1.396,00..............+8,00............ +0,58%.......... 27,53K Entain.......................................... 953,60................+4,00............ +0,42%.......... 55,99K Experian......................................3.197,0................+1,0............. +0,03%.......... 87,22K F&C Invest.................................. 944,75................+6,75............ +0,72%.......... 14,10K Flutter Entertainment..................15.465,0.............+240,0........... +1,58%.......... 91,04K Frasers........................................ 791,00................ -1,00.............-0,13%........... 40,17K Fresnillo...................................... 484,70................+2,10............ +0,43%......... 110,11K Glencore...................................... 418,85................ -1,00.............-0,24%............3,59M GSK plc......................................1.557,80..............+2,20............ +0,14%......... 546,32K HALEON...................................... 326,70................+0,70............ +0,21%......... 621,09K Halma..........................................2.169,0................+7,0............. +0,32%.......... 31,07K Hikma Pharma...........................1.946,00.............+20,00........... +1,04%.......... 16,85K Howden Joinery.......................... 780,80................+4,20............ +0,54%......... 140,28K HSBC.......................................... 589,95................+0,45............ +0,08%...........2,41M IAG.............................................. 145,15................+0,60............ +0,42%......... 802,04K IMI PLC......................................1.606,00..............+1,00............ +0,06%.......... 49,24K Imperial Brands..........................1.905,00.............+21,50........... +1,14%.......... 78,95K Informa....................................... 748,20................+9,80............ +1,33%.......... 88,54K InterContinental..........................7.432,0...............+88,0............ +1,20%.......... 31,92K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.599,00.............+13,00........... +0,82%.......... 27,82K Intertek........................................4.308,0................+8,0............. +0,19%.......... 14,01K J Sainsbury................................. 285,10................+2,30............ +0,81%......... 102,88K JD Sports Fashion....................... 109,20................+0,95............ +0,88%...........1,04M Kingfisher.................................... 219,00................ -0,80.............-0,36%.......... 218,08K Land Securities........................... 644,40................+4,00............ +0,62%......... 201,31K Legal & General.......................... 247,30................+2,40............ +0,98%......... 857,44K Lloyds Banking............................ 42,72.................+0,22............ +0,52%...........8,07M London Stock Exchange..............9.234,0...............+70,0............ +0,76%.......... 24,31K M&G........................................... 219,40................+1,20............ +0,55%......... 255,68K Marks & Spencer........................ 252,80................ -1,20.............-0,47%.......... 263,24K Melrose Industries...................... 587,00................+7,60............ +1,31%......... 185,81K Mondi.........................................1.425,00.............+10,00........... +0,71%.......... 74,98K National Grid..............................1.027,00..............+2,50............ +0,24%......... 241,45K NatWest Group........................... 208,20................+0,50............ +0,24%......... 712,81K Next............................................8.382,0................ -4,0..............-0,05%............ 6,25K Ocado.......................................... 571,40.................0,00.............. 0,00%........... 86,80K Pearson....................................... 953,20................ -4,60.............-0,48%........... 71,94K Pershing Square........................3.595,35.............+63,35........... +1,79%.......... 11,33K Phoenix....................................... 510,60................+4,20............ +0,83%.......... 73,52K Prudential.................................... 791,40................+4,40............ +0,56%......... 157,64K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.604,7...............+36,7............ +0,66%.......... 51,48K Relx............................................3.288,00.............+24,00........... +0,73%......... 207,55K Rentokil....................................... 398,70................+4,20............ +1,06%......... 359,57K Rightmove.................................. 530,80................+2,60............ +0,49%......... 138,74K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.478,0...............+43,0............ +0,79%......... 114,23K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 307,40................+0,90............ +0,29%...........1,58M RS PLC....................................... 759,20................+2,80............ +0,37%.......... 50,74K Sage...........................................1.154,50.............. -6,00.............-0,52%.......... 240,29K Schroders.................................... 416,1..................+3,8............. +0,92%.......... 46,79K Scottish Mortgage....................... 761,00................+5,80............ +0,77%.......... 91,09K Segro.......................................... 834,40...............+11,40........... +1,39%.......... 87,26K Severn Trent...............................2.522,0...............+13,0............ +0,52%.......... 21,72K Shell............................................2.388,0...............+14,0............ +0,59%......... 254,98K Smith & Nephew........................1.114,00.............+16,50........... +1,50%......... 324,40K Smiths Group.............................1.682,50.............+10,50........... +0,63%.......... 31,57K Smurfit Kappa.............................2.944,0...............+22,0............ +0,75%.......... 25,29K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.718,0...............+22,0............ +0,23%........... 4,22K SSE............................................1.753,00.............+17,00........... +0,98%......... 114,74K St. James’s Place........................ 639,80................+2,60............ +0,41%.......... 33,82K Standard Chartered..................... 576,00................ -0,80.............-0,14%.......... 518,10K Taylor Wimpey............................ 144,40................+1,25............ +0,87%......... 818,30K Tesco.......................................... 298,00................+1,90............ +0,64%......... 668,96K Unilever.......................................3.736,7...............+28,2............ +0,76%......... 210,43K Unite........................................... 999,00................+6,50............ +0,66%.......... 24,08K United Utilities............................1.023,20..............+2,70............ +0,26%.......... 58,44K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,710...............+0,800........... +1,21%...........2,31M Weir Group................................1.813,00..............+3,00............ +0,17%.......... 16,99K Whitbread...................................3.630,0................ -5,0..............-0,14%........... 14,30K WPP............................................ 733,60................+5,80............ +0,80%.......... 42,15K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85743

1.16565

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0872 Japan yen (JPY)...................................160.94 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9443 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4567 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.407 currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

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Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3M.............................................. 106,44................+0,36............ +0,34%...........2,01M American Express....................... 179,80................ -1,20.............-0,66%............2,62M Amgen........................................ 304,49................+0,41............ +0,13%...........2,04M Apple........................................... 188,63................+5,95............ +3,26%..........74,00M Boeing......................................... 211,59................+8,53............ +4,20%..........19,05M Caterpillar.................................... 282,07................+3,44............ +1,23%...........2,04M Chevron...................................... 141,83................ -1,29.............-0,90%............9,31M Cisco............................................ 50,75.................+0,45............ +0,89%..........16,39M Coca-Cola..................................... 60,16.................+0,18............ +0,29%...........9,96M Dow............................................. 52,60.................+0,13............ +0,25%...........3,48M Goldman Sachs........................... 377,02................ -0,16.............-0,04%............1,67M Home Depot................................ 358,04................+2,34............ +0,66%...........2,39M Honeywell................................... 200,13................+2,18............ +1,10%...........1,65M IBM............................................. 166,81................+0,73............ +0,44%...........3,50M Intel.............................................. 46,74.................+0,68............ +1,48%..........43,99M J&J............................................. 161,18................+0,75............ +0,47%...........5,09M JPMorgan................................... 167,42................+0,33............ +0,20%...........7,56M McDonald’s................................. 294,39................+3,23............ +1,11%...........2,05M Merck&Co................................... 118,51................+0,38............ +0,32%...........5,24M Microsoft.................................... 393,87................+4,40............ +1,13%..........20,98M Nike............................................. 100,95................+0,13............ +0,13%...........8,24M Procter&Gamble......................... 148,13................ -0,87.............-0,58%............4,75M Salesforce Inc............................. 274,47................+3,03............ +1,12%...........4,42M The Travelers.............................. 198,30................+0,80............ +0,41%...........1,55M UnitedHealth............................... 516,41................ -8,53.............-1,62%............6,52M Verizon......................................... 38,93.................+0,06............ +0,15%..........13,99M Visa A.......................................... 268,13................+1,50............ +0,56%...........6,34M Walgreens Boots.......................... 22,15................. -0,02.............-0,09%...........12,40M Walmart...................................... 163,25................+2,18............ +1,35%...........5,86M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 22 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced M.D.C. Holdings, Inc........................................+18.37%.........................8.943M Flutter Entertainment plc..................................+15.38%......................... 69,346 LiveRamp Holdings, Inc...................................+11.41%.........................1.381M Compagnie Financière Richemont SA..............+10.01%........................ 482,695 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Lmtd...+9.79%.........................58.536M Federal National Mortgage Association.............+9.63%.......................... 45,524 Peabody Energy Corporation............................+9.28%.........................11.566M Hertz Global Holdings, Inc................................+7.54%.........................14.145M Capitec Bank Holdings Limited.........................+7.40%.......................... 28,078 Fastenal Company.............................................+7.18%.........................12.629M M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -18.41%......................... 29,615 Grifols, S.A....................................................... -18.11%......................... 51,112 Discover Financial Services.............................. -10.80%........................11.098M Humana Inc....................................................... -7.99%..........................9.392M Birkenstock Holding plc.................................... -7.72%..........................4.581M agilon health, inc............................................... -7.30%..........................6.839M Coinbase Global, Inc......................................... -7.11%.........................14.426M Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.......................... -6.89%.........................91.426M Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.......................... -6.61%......................... 403,122 Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd............................... -6.16%......................... 132,731 Rivian Automotive, Inc...................................... -6.09%.........................54.337M M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Seasonal cheer

PHARMACY chain Superdrug said sales in the four weeks ending December 30 were 9.2 per cent up higher than 2022’s despite the cost of living crisis. Three perfume gift sets were bought every minute in the crucial weeks preceding Christmas, while sales of Superdrug’s ownbrand goods were 10 per higher than the previous year.

Indra stake

ING acquired 6.98 per cent of Indra, converting the bank into one of the Spanish transport and defence company’s principal shareholders. A 5.16 per cent financial instruments holding represents the bulk of ING’s €188 million transaction, with 1.81 per cent in Indra shares whose value has increased by 11 per cent in recent weeks.

25 - 31 January 2024

Queen Vic for sale

Linda Hall THE BBC has sold its EastEnders studios in Elstree in a drastic cost-cutting exercise. According to reports in the UK media, the broadcaster has sold the north London complex to the investment division of the French insurance giant, Axa. No mention has been made of the sums involved, although the BBC is known to have wanted

Photo credit: CC/Matt Pearson

EASTENDERS: Elstree studios sold to French insurer Axa

£70 million (€81.6 million) for the site.

Elstree Studios opened in 1914 and the BBC acqui-

Closer ties

IBERDROLA and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, are doubling their clean energy investment in a €2 million alliance. The companies are joining forces to fast-track new wind and solar projects in Spain and Portugal while accelerating decarbonisation with a 2.6-gigawatt renewables portfolio in both countries. The agreement could also be

extended to other countries in future, the new partners revealed. Norges Bank is already one of Iberdrola’s main investors, owning a 3 per cent holding for more than seven years. Iberdrola will hold a 51 per cent majority stake in the assets, the multinational’s executive chairman Ignacio Galan announced during meetings at the World Economic Focus in Davos (Switzerland).

red the 16-acre (approximately 6.5- hectare) installation with seven sound stages and post-production facilities in 1984 to produce EastEnders, its new soap opera. Under the terms of the deal which were revealed in the Telegraph, the BBC can continue filming the soap set in fictitious Walford as Axa will lease part of the studio space back to the BBC for 25 years. The BBC knows it must make up a £500 million (€582.4 million) shortfall now that the government has vetoed plans to increase the licence fee by 9 per cent. Instead, the annual fee will rise by 6.7 per cent to £169.50 (€197.45). Director general Tim Davie has already made programming cuts which include slimming down Newsnight, in hopes of saving an annual £200 million (€232.9 million).

EWN 15

Family affair INCARLOPSA, which supplies Mercadona’s ham and meat products, announced that Jesus Loriente de la Ossa takes over as chief executive from Clemente Loriente Calonge, who occupied the post since 2014. With 15 per cent of sales outside Spain in 2022 and a €1.037 billion turnover, Mercadona now accounts for only 55 per cent of the Loriente family’s interests.

Rough luck LOSSES for smoothie-maker Innocent rose by more than 400 per cent after the company, now 90 per cent owned by Coca Cola Company, combatted production issues at its new £200 million (€233 million) all-electric factory. Sales dipped £15.6 million (€18.16 million) in 2023, as soaring costs hindered Innocent’s plans to increase production at the Port of Rotterdam plant.

16 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT THE ol boy was somewhat reticent about submitting this piece as the week’s offering. One of the reasons for my hesitance is a reluctance to present more fodder to the ‘woke brigade’. That bunch of seriously mislead or perfidious individuals, whose ruffling out departments pore over media and public reporting and infer that any accusation of foreign insurgents threatening the West is regarded as racist. This latest escalation of the conflict(s) in the Middle East is to my mind so dangerous that we really have to ignore the threats and accusations made by this misinformed fallacious bunch and regardless of their opinions - tell it like it is. The latest threats emanating from Iran and the newly surfaced Houthi ‘rebels’ are dangerous in the extreme. This week Iran announced that the West would ‘pay dearly’ for the attacks in Yemen. This takes me back to similar rhetoric presented by bin Laden, when he also announced that, America would

‘pay’ and ‘fire and destruction’ would rain down on the streets of their cities. Well, we all fully aware of how that threat was accomplished. To carry out those horrific attacks was a difficult and well planned exercise. Today it would be much easier. In my opinion the ‘more immigrants the merrier’ attitude of the woke and misinformed authorities has resulted in hundreds of Europe’s enemies becoming firmly entrenched and are growing in numbers by the day. These people are known as sleepers. Fighting insurgents who lay dormant until they are awakened on the orders of regimes that were once described as far off, but now thanks to technical advances and communication, are almost literally just around the corner. I truly am sorry, but as much as I would like to regard this as another Leapy rant, I’m afraid it actually is not. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Germany had a number of these ‘sleepers’ entrenched as ordinary British citizens and although they were few, before they were traced they were able to report and reveal many secretive activities and home actions by the British people and government. Imagine the outcome if for

some years before the outbreak of the Second World War, Germany had experienced vast numbers of their citizens being welcomed into British society? The war would have been lost in weeks. The embedded enemies call to arms would have resulted in thousands of innocents being slaughtered and the halls of Westminster soon ringing to the victorious cries of Sieg Heil. Have no doubt, many of these present dormant enemies will be highly trained and have unlimited access to the weapons and explosives that are undoubtedly stored in caches of armaments dotted all over the country. Someone has been paying for the immigrant boats, mobile phones and luxury trainers. The large majority of passengers are almost all young men of fighting age, accompanied by the occasional female or child passenger; a ruse merely to put the welcoming committee off the scent. I do sincerely hope I am wrong and this is indeed another Leapy rant. Somehow I seriously doubt it. Be careful out there. Keep the faith. Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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

John Smith THE baby western lowland gorilla, which was born at Prague Zoo on January 2 is a female and this was revealed to the world at large on Thursday January 18. The two-week-old female is the first addition to the group of gorillas living in the Dja Reserve pavilion and she is the granddaughter of legendary gorilla Moji who was the first ever gorilla bred in the Czech Republic. The gender was confirmed on the basis of a special examination in which DNA was isolated from the umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord. The public will now have the opportunity to choose a name for the infant from a list of 10 suggestions made by children from the area of the Dja Biosphere Reser-

Credit: Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo

I do hope I’m wrong It’s a girl Mother and baby are doing well.

ve in Cameroon, Central Africa. The baby gorilla is enjoying good health and its mother Duni is increasingly allowing other members of the group to approach her. The western lowland gorilla is critically endangered so the fact that another infant was born at London Zoo on January 18 means that although zoos may not be the ideal habitat for animals to live in, they are certainly safe environments and help save many species from complete eradication.

INTERVIEW

Sam from Ireland Why do Europeans move to Spain? This is the question that Euro Weekly News is asking many people who now live here but come from all over Europe. This week EWN met up with Samantha Kay, who is originally from Ireland but has lived all over the world in places including Scotland, Romania, Cyprus, Australia, and now the sunshine coast of Spain, where she rents a property in Manilva, Malaga. FIRSTLY we asked Saover soon and he expects mantha why she chome to teach him it se this spot, just when he arrives near the Puerto but I’m not sure de Duquesa. I’m at that level “Well I love yet!?” Spain, I feel Finally we that my soul asked this was here in Irish beauanother lifety what her time or soplans were mething, and for her future I already had on the Costa close friends lidel Sol. She reving here. I like a plied: “Just have traditional Spanish fun. As they say here, vibe so that’s why ‘mañana’, I didn’t Manilva in particular come here to work Happy Samantha in the sun! caught my eye!” hard and stress, I’m Having only been here six months, here to learn about this lovely land and EWN were keen to know how her Spa- sip sangria in the sun, vibes.” nish is coming along. “It’s going really Vibes indeed, we might have to join well actually, my boyfriend is coming her!

NEWS/FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

25 - 31 January 2024

British voting rights THE issue of voting as a resident in Spain still seems to be causing some confusion among the resident British community. A reader’s question is ‘Do Brits with TIE, but temporary residency, get a vote at all?’ Predictably, there is not a short answer to this, but let’s take one at a time. European elections: the simple answer is no you can’t. Even with a temporary TIE you are considered a full resident in Spain, and as the UK is no longer a member of the EU, we are not permitted. Having Spanish residency does not entitle us to the same voting rights as a native Spaniard. Spanish elections: the only Spanish elections TIE holders may be able to vote in are Spanish local elections (for local councils). Once a person has been resident for three

years, they do have the right to vote in Council elections, and given that the next are in May 2027, anyone who currently hold a TIE, even if it is still ‘temporary’ will be eligible. Having said this, British residents have to register to vote in a very short timescale prior to each election. In the 2023 elections, it was around six weeks from early December to mid-January. Presumably these dates will be

announced on an election by election basis. These are the only elections we can vote in in Spain. UK elections: Additionally, you will still have the right to vote in UK elections. The UK government has just removed the exclusion for people who have been away from the UK for more than 15 years, so all Brits living in Spain, or elsewhere, will be able to vote in UK national elections.

Credit: Facebook

Graham Boland: Gone but never forgotten A ‘PROPER send-off’ took place on Monday, January 22 for the one and only ‘Happy Days’ Graham Boland. Many people who holiday in Benidorm or have watched Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun will no doubt have heard of Graham ‘Happy Days’ Boland. One of the town’s best known and best loved characters, he was a cherished soul. Unfortunately, Graham passed away on Tuesday January 16. Graham Boland was a vital member of the Benidorm community, well-liked for his kind disposition and ability to make people happy. Both residents and visitors have experienced sadness upon learning of his passing. Friends of the much-loved man from Benidorm have reported that the place was ‘completely packed’ as everyone came to say a final farewell to their dear friend. Graham’s long-time friend Wayne Bellamy-Wright wrote and delivered a heart filled eulogy that made all in attendance laugh, cry and

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EWN 17

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20 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

EVERY few months when one or other of the British newspapers are short of a silly story, they focus on an invariably elderly English lady who has complained because her holiday in Spain was spoiled by a combination of too many Spaniards also on holiday, Spanish food and no-one speaking English. This time, we have been able to amuse readers with the story of an American TikTok traveller who was moved to tears when visiting France as even though she had armed herself with a pink beret, she felt isolated and unwanted because she doesn’t speak French. Well she got her two minutes of fame, move on. If she goes to Yorkshire is she going to wear a flat cap and buy a whippet?

Why is it that people go to a foreign country and expect them to speak your language, how ignorant is that. Diane Pinkerton

Kevin Airey

If you try to speak the language (whichever country you are in) then the locals will bend over backwards to help you. It’s all about respect xx Jocie Hoten

She wasn’t wearing a French beret, and wasn’t carrying any onions! What does she expect, they speak French! Tony O’Shaughnessy

Go to Benidorm. They mostly speak English.

Richard Wise

Of course it would help to speak a bit of French! But many French people are not willing to speak another language other than French. It is true that tourists who do not speak French have problems sometimes! I always try to help them when i am in France (I am French) and make them feel welcome. After all France is the most visited country in the world and French people should be a bit more friendly to tourists. Véronique Kropin

AND her little show was a success. Marketing goal fulfilled, well done Erik Ea Petersson

The majority speaks English but expect the tourists to make an effort to try to speak some French! And they are right! Ulli Hawthorne

If it wasn’t for the Brits and the Americans the French would be speaking German now! Lee Whearty

Stop in America and speak Mexican.

Terry Sutcliffe

Well I’m from Lyon and it is a magnificent city with so much to do, amazing monuments and top world class gastronomy. Maybe she should have spent a little money to pay herself a local guide to show her around. Stay home lady, that is the best you can do. Simon Sendac

I visited Cherbourg on a regular basis and chatted up the bar owner’s daughter in my broken French... after a couple of years she spoke to me in the best English I’d ever heard. Dee Jaa Mas

I’m shocked, a North American, with a passport, and travelling outside of their country.

Les Pimlott

If you visit a country that does not speak your language you can’t expect them to speak yours. However I remember our French teacher in high school telling us to speak any other language but English while visiting France. Armando Padron-Dueñas

Whilst there were a couple of examples of traditional British anti-French feeling, the majority of people agreed that if you travel to a foreign country don’t expect everyone to speak English and almost no-one had any sympathy for the young ladies view. To read this story and hundreds of others visit www.euroweeklynews.com or the EWN Facebook page Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

euroweeklynews.com • 25 - 31 January 2024

PETS Enojón prefers cat-sitters at his home Puppies rescued SPONSORED BY

DO you have a fussy cat who prefers sitters to care for him at home? Find free checked pet-sitters through HouseSitMatch ahead of your trip. Enojón is a little fussy. He hates leaving home for any reason. Using HouseSitMatch.com his owners find free checked pet-sitters who travel to his home to care for him, keeping all his routines consistent throughout their stay. And they don’t charge a penny for the pet-sitting. Read on to learn more. The pet-sitters come for free! If you’re planning a trip in 2024 join now to find sitters. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised. All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network. The sitters come for free! Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on

ENOJÓN: Is a very fussy cat.

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Training your dog TRAINING a dog is a journey of mutual understanding and respect. The cornerstone of eﬀective training is consistency and patience. Start with basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’, using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to reward good behavior. Short, frequent training sessions are more eﬀective, keeping your dog engaged and avoiding overexertion. Understanding your dog’s unique personality and learning style is essential. Some may respond well to verbal cues, while others are more motivated by toys or treats. Remember, training is not just about obedience; it’s about strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion, fostering a relationship built on trust and cooperation.

Cat meets dog

INTRODUCING a cat to a household with a resident dog requires a thoughtful and patient approach. Initially, it’s crucial to provide the cat with a private space equipped with essentials like food, water, and a litter box. This safe haven allows the cat to adjust at its own pace. The introduction process should be gradual, starting with scent exchanges through shared towels or blankets. This helps both animals become accustomed to each other’s presence. When it’s time for the first face-to-face meeting, keep the dog on a leash to manage its enthusiasm and ensure the cat’s comfort. Observing body language during these encounters is vital; signs of stress or aggression should be taken seriously. Short, positive interactions are key, gradually increasing in duration over time. Rewards and treats can help in building positive associations.

Ultimately, some pets form deep bonds, while others simply coexist peacefully. The pet owner’s role is to guide this journey with patience and understanding, ensuring a harmonious cohabitation where both the cat and dog feel safe and loved.

Some pets can form deep bonds.

A RECENT operation by the National Police has dismantled a criminal organisation involved in the illegal importation, breeding, and selling of puppies. The report gave details of the investigation which took place in the provinces of Madrid and Girona and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals. The investigation began after police received tips about the existence of an organisation importing puppies from Eastern European countries. These puppies, once in Spain, were sold with falsified documentation. During the operation, more than 100 animals, primarily puppies of various breeds, were rescued. The organisation were involved in purchasing

animals from farms in Slovakia and Hungary or domestic breeders. The animals endured journeys over 15 hours long, often arriving in Spain with altered records, younger than permitted, and suffering from various illnesses. The animals were then sent to breeding and trading establishments in Madrid and Catalonia. Here, they received treatments and vaccines, and their health records were falsified using a trusted veterinarian’s stamp to give a legal appearance to numerous documents. All animals were put up for sale by the organization. However, over the last six months, more than 500 animals, mainly puppies, have been rescued across Spain.

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24 EWN 25 - 31 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

Historic win for Sainz

IN a stunning display of skill and determination, Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz have clinched their fourth Dakar Rally victory, securing their names in the motorsport history books. On Friday, January 19, the Spanish duo emerged victorious in the car category of the 2024 Dakar Rally, conquering the gruelling desert terrain and making a ground-breaking mark with their Audi hybrid-powered vehicle. At the age of 61, Carlos Sainz has not only claimed his fourth Dakar crown but also set a remarkable record as the

Credit: CSainz_oficial/X

MAKING HISTORY: Carlos Sainz on the way to Dakar victory.

oldest car driver to achieve this feat. Sainz and Cruz have been an inseparable force in Dakar, winning all their titles together. Their journey began in 2010 with Volkswagen, followed by triumphs with Peugeot in 2018, Mini in 2020, and now, Audi in 2024. Sainz joins the exclu-

sive club of drivers who have conquered the Dakar with four different manufacturers, an achievement previously accomplished only by Stephane Peterhansel. While moments of tension arose, such as a near-overturning incident in the third stage and a crucial tire-saving assistance from Ekstrom

on stage 10, Sainz and Cruz remained resolute. They didn’t even need to secure a stage victory to claim victory in the world’s toughest race, their impeccable driving skills and a reliable machine carried them through the challenges. The 2024 Dakar Rally marked a significant milestone as it witnessed the first-ever victory of a hybrid-powered car in the competition’s history. Carlos Sainz’s fourth Dakar Rally victory not only places him in elite company but also equals him with Ari Vatanen, securing his place on the podium of drivers with the most Dakar victories. The 2024 Dakar Rally will be remembered as the year when they made history with their Audi hybrid, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the world of desert racing.

WALKING FOOTBALL GAMES ON!

AFTER the lull in proceedings for the festive layoff, several matches have taken place in the League and Cup. AWFL Over 50s Real Calahonda 3 v 2 Marbella Marbesula An exciting game saw both evenly matched sides going strongly for the win, with the lead switching hands and the result being decided by a fine Real goal from Big Sean, adding to those from Darren Canty and Gary Robertson, to earn them the 3 points. AWLF Over 60s Malaga WFC 4 v 0 Sporting Benahavis Despite the scoreline, this was a closely contested game in which, although the hosts were largely in control, scoring two in each half through Gary Seymour, Mark Sargent, Steve Fort and Bryan Richmond, taking them to second in the table, Benahavis certainly played their part and made a game of it. Sporting Benahavis 2 v 5 Real Calahonda After Sporting took the lead twice through goals from Tony Peters and Gary Stevens, the visitors began to dominate the game and ended deserved winners with goals from Colin Parkinson (2), Scott Cousins, Steve Kelly and Bob Laverick. The hosts did pressurise the Real defence but were unable to convert their chances. Arxafusion Over 60s Cup Nerja Utd 5 v 1 Boca Seniors Competa Nerja took an early lead through Tony Wells and Paul Leveridge with Paul Kavanagh replying for the visitors before half time. After the break, Nerja took control and added three more from Wells and two from Mike Corish to earn a comfortable win.