Mallorca • Issue No. 2012 • 25 - 31 January 2024
Descent of the Crow
ANIMAL lovers tended to criticise some Spanish customs where animals were cast down from church steeples but one town has a much happier tradition. In the town of Mancor de la Vall, large crowds gathered to see the ‘Baixada del Corb’ (Descent of the Crow) on Sunday January 21. The tradition looks back to a passage from the Bible in which Saint Paul and Saint Anthony found themselves in the desert with no food and miraculously a crow found them and delivered food. Although this is a long-standing event, for the past two years, a trained crow called Llorenç has flown from the church steps but this year, for the first time, owner and trainer, Jaume Alvarez took him up to the top of the church and he flew straight down to perch on the arm of Jaume’s daughter Maria Antònia to great applause. With a population of less than 1,500 this is a popular spot for tourists to visit as it is only around 40 kilometres from the airport. Not only is this a popular annual event, but there is now a proposal from the local mayor that it should officially be recognised as an Event of Cultural Interest.
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LUNAR NEW YEAR Seeing clearly
Credit: Palma Council
Presenting the Year of the Dragon.
John Smith ON Friday January 19, the President of the Chinese Association of the Balearic Islands, (ACHINIB) Fanh Ji announced the Chinese New Year Programme. The actual start of the New Year is February 10, but the announcement was made to coincide with the launch of a special ONCE lottery ticket celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Dragon with results due on February 8. Also in attendance at the ceremony held in the Cort (home of the Palma council) were Mayor Jaime Martínez and representatives of the ONCE charity. The main celebration
will take place in Palma on Sunday February 11 and there will be a selection of stalls and cultural events being held in Pere Garau a move to a larger area than 2023 and there is a possibility of a drone display and no doubt a dragon dance with many people decked out in lucky red. With an estimated 3,500 Chinese residents in Palma, this is an opportunity for many of them
to get together and share their culture with other nationalities. According to tradition, those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be blessed with power, vigour, and charm as well as being born leaders who encourage and inspire others. Dragons are recognised for their intelligence and loyalty but be careful as they can be sly.
IN 1998, Mallorcan born ophthalmologist Luis Salvá Ladaria created a special charity arm of his optician’s practice now known as Fundación Oftalmèdic Salvà. Credit: Cáritas Mallorca Facebook As time passed, so his business expanded Renewal of the agreement. across Spain and the Foundation has two main aims, firstly to ensure that those who can’t afford expensive treatment or spectacles are looked after and secondly to raise awareness in society about the importance of prevention of eye diseases and especially blindness , since three quarters of cases can be reversible or treatable. In 2010 an agreement was reached with Cáritas Mallorca to extend access to ‘Una Mirada Local’ which offers ophthalmic care to those in need in Mallorca and this agreement has now been renewed for yet another year. This means those who literally can’t afford the cost of eye care cam, though the offices of Cáritas Mallorca approach the Foundation for help and where necessary treatment.
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25 - 31 January 2024
John Smith WHILST people generally laugh at the sight of squirrels trying to climb a greasy pole to reach nuts, it’s somewhat more nail biting when humans choose to do it. But that is what happens every Sant Antoni Day (January 17) in the town of Pollença but the pole is a pine measuring around 20 metres high with all branches removed and its trunk greased. What’s more there is no safety net at the bottom other than the crowd of people who gather around the pine tree which is erected in the town centre. Last year the bad weather made it very difficult and for this year, the council made two decisions, firstly not to grease it too heavily as rain was expected and secondly to ban those considered ‘minors’ (anyone under 18 years) from ta-
Credit: Pollença Council
Pi de Pollença
Presentation of the symbolic wooden cock.
king part. That didn’t work too well as the first one to the top of the greasy pole was 16-year-old Pau Cifre a local resident and judo champion who managed it in just 10 minutes. In the event he wasn’t disqualified and was later presented with his trophy, a wooden cock.
THE mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, was in Madrid on the morning of January 23 to take part in the 12th Exceltur Forum, prior to the start of the Fitur tourism fair. As part of a panel of representatives of different areas involved in tourism, he said that the government should give financial assistance to those areas looking to encourage mature tourists. To this end, he wants to see the area of the Platja de Palma being remodelled to drive out the youth culture of late night drinking and partying but this
Mature tourism Credit: Palma Council
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Mayor Llabrés in the centre of the discussion group.
can only be done if money is made available to su-
Paul Edwards THERE had been some expectation that the new Palma Council would start charging bus passengers due to the lack of funding from Central Government. In the event, government came up with a promise of financial support but according to Palma mayor, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, this isn’t enough and he has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Trans-
pport the council’s aims. Without obvious irony,
he explained that the “Platja de Palma has generated wealth for decades for the whole of Spain; Therefore, the time has come for the government of Spain to take action on the matter and invest public funds to turn things around.” He also wants to see the creation of a commissioner for the regeneration of mature tourist areas and has offered that Palma be its headquarters, with Platja de Palma as a pilot project.
Bus subsidy port and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente. Firstly, he wants the minister to increase the 2023 subsidy from €20 million to €26.6 million which is what it cost to offer the service free to passengers and he expects the 2024 deficit to be similar and therefore wants
to receive a further €13.2 million. In addition, he has decided that the €185 million originally earmarked to be spent on trams is appropriate and wants to receive permission to use this sum for to the acquisition of buses with zero emissions which will be better for residents and the city.
LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Award winner
THE IES Bendinat in Calvia has received the prestigious Label FrancÉducation which is a recognition from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the centres of education that promote the French language and culture, allowing students to explore various subjects in this language.
Street fires
THE Palma Local Police have advised that on January 23, they received reports of four separate street container fires happening within a few minutes of each other with some damage done to vehicles and buildings. The National Police are now investigating.
Illegal races
THERE has been an outbreak of young males on motorbikes in Sant Llorenç and Son Servera taking part in illegal street racing in front of pre-advised crowds at night as well as general reckless driving during the day. Local Police have identified a number of those involved.
Xmas thief
A PERSON nicknamed ‘The Christmas Thief’ because of their December activity in Mallorca has been arrested by the Guardia Civil. A huge amount of stolen property which included 40 watches and 35 mobile phones as well as jewellery has been recovered.
No holiday
AN estimated 138 local shops in Palma stayed closed on Saturday January 20 as a protest against a decision to decide not to declare that day (the Feast of Sant Sebastià, Palma’s patron saint) a public holiday.
Top school
DOWN from 20th place last year, Col·legi Sant Pere in Palma was voted number 23 in the list of best Spanish schools prepared by the online platform Mi Cole.
Special barbecues
Jessia Sweeting A NUMBER of councils across Mallorca have taken up the challenge to allow both vegans and celiacs the opportunity to enjoy the recent festivities by being able to barbecue safely. Some of them laid on special barbecues that were specifically for use by vegans whilst a lesser number catered specifically for celiacs and those who have a gluten intolerance. Palma led the way with burners in 11 different parts of the city but these
Credit: ACIB Facebook
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25 - 31 January 2024
SPECIAL BBQS: At the celiac area in Algaida.
were mainly suitable for vegans whilst Algaida, sa Pobla and Mancor de la
Vall laid on special areas for celiacs. Representatives of the
Association of Celiacs of the Balearic Islands (ACIB) were on hand and thanked those councils which had catered for their needs but expressed disappointment that a number had not taken their needs into account. They explained that because vegans are able to eat gluten (mainly found in wheat, rye and barley) it was not possible for celiacs to use the same barbecues and therefore couldn’t join in all of the fun of the events of the past week.
Free youth event Breeding turtles EVERY year to coincide with the Feast of Saint Sebastian, the Palma Council hosts RATAPINYADA, a free party aimed at young people aged from 14 to 30. The actual contents of the event have been chosen by a selection of some 40 young people themselves and it will take place between 6pm and 9pm on Saturday January 27 at the Casal de Barri Son Cànaves Cultural Centre. There will be music from groups Adesiara, Adesiara, Mol, Zyte and Cansad, as well as individual performances by Diana Sicilia and José Ernesto Escribà. One of the non-musical highlights will be an explanation of the reason that Demons are so popular in Mallorca followed by a performance of demons, organised by the Realment Cremats Cultural Association. There will be an exhibition on Mallorca, the enchanted island, dance, karaoke, games , creative writing and drawing workshops and much more. As this all takes place indoors and there is limited capacity, those wanting to attend are advised to register in advance by visiting https://equipdinamo.cat/agenda/43a-ratapinyada/.
IT is estimated that only one in 1,000 sea turtles reach adulthood and sadly the rest die, often in the first month of their lives. The Palma Aquarium Foundation, together with the Balearic Government and other parties created the InGeNi-Caretta project to evaluate the techniques used in the care of juvenile sea turtles in their breeding centres. A total of 120 specimens are part of this experiment, of which 12 are in the Palma Aquarium facilities and another 35 in the Marine Research and Aquaculture Laboratory (LIMIA) also in Mallorca. What is known as a head-starting programme sees the breeding of young turtles under controlled conditions for a year, until they reach a size that allows them to be marked with an identifying chip or even a satellite transmitter. The hatchlings participating in the study come from nests in Can Pere Antoni (Mallorca) and Cala Millor (Mallorca), and the eggs were collected in summer 2023. Once the turtles reach around one kilo they will be released in to the sea.
Mallorca in Madrid
IT’S that time of year when towns, cities and autonomous regions throughout Spain flock to Madrid to the annual Fitur Tourism Fair. Everyone tries to outdo the other in order to attract as many tourists as possible to their area and the Balearic Government is not holding back. It will be represented by a 1,000 square metre stand (the space without any construction for a small area is €143 per square metre but there may be a discount for size) which will be shared between Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Within the Mallorca section, there will be representatives from 14 councils as well as some hotels and car hire firms and it will be possible for local radio stations to broadcast interviews from the show. The stand itself, which has been adapted from last year’s prize-winning sustainable stand is is inspired by the local threatened seaweed Posidonia Oceanica and will once again be as sustainable as possible. Various politicians will make the journey from Mallorca to the Fair which runs from January 24 to January 28.
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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION
Day of Peace
ON Tuesday January 30, some 700 students from different schools across the island will congregate at the Misericordia Cultural Centre. Organised by th Consell de Mallorca, the intention is to show that on this School Day of Peace, students will stand up to say no to violence. A total of 10 different schools have agreed to take part and all of the children across the age range of students have been given printed cards displaying the Dove of Peace and the idea is that those taking part will learn more about the need for peace, songs will be sung and refreshments served. Following the event, an exhibition of the student’s drawings on the subject will be held at the Cultural Centre.
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25 - 31 January 2024
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
Is democracy dead? 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
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
PROVERB OF THE WEEK “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” 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.
Bullfighting news
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BULLFIGHTING is back in the news after the it was confirmed by the ruling Partido Popular (PP) of the Balearic Government that it plans to support an amendment to a Bill in Parliament. In order to obtain a situation whereby elected Vox members did not vote down proposed laws, the PP initially agreed to back a number of Vox amendments and the latest is by changing the wording of a Housing Bill, it will allow parents to once more take their children to see bullfights. There will be a requirement to place a warning sign about the possible sensitive nature of the fight but apart from that it would appear that children will be welcomed back now that Palma can once again stage fights. Speaking to Radio Mallorca Cadena SER on Sunday January 21, President of the Balearic Government Marga Prohens admitted that although she didn’t
Credit: Public Domain
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Bullfighters are back.
want her children to go to a bullfight, she supported the right of individual parents to make an informed decision as to whether their children would enjoy attending such an event. A statement appeared on the Mallorca against Bullfighting Facebook Page saying “This is really terrible news. “How is it even remotely acceptable to expose such young, innocent eyes to such utterly sadistic, horrific torture, pain and animal abuse? “Tourists need to be made aware of this.”
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ANIMAL RIGHTS: Foster a kitten or puppy.
Credit: pikpik.com
Jessica Sweeting WEDNESDAY January 24 was a good day for animal rights in Palma, even though there is still every chance of bullfights in the city this year. Firstly, Councillor Toni Deudero, wrote to the Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, in which he confirmed the intention of the Palma City Council to acknowledge and deal with complaints received from the Progreso en Verde Party concerning the well-being of horses that are used to draw carriages in Palma. He effectively blamed the
previous Administration for not taking any action following receipt of complaints even though they were aware that problems did exist. Deudero confirmed in his letter that the council is very aware of its obligations to protect animal welfare and that it is an absolute priority that these animals enjoy maximum protection “since this government team has special sensitivity on this issue.” Then, spokeswoman Mercedes Celeste said that the council has approved a
programme that allows residents to take sick or very young animals (mainly cats and dogs) from the Son Reus facility to care for them for up to eight weeks whilst they grow or indefinitely if they are ill. The council will be responsible for supplying at its cost all food, medicine and associated needs to ensure the well-being of the animal. All residents who belong to an animal association will be eligible to apply to take part in this foster programme.
John Smith AS part of its regular presentation of tribute concerts to British groups, the Palma Auditorium is seeing a run on tickets for The Other Side with only a few seats left. This is an eight piece tribute to Pink Floyd and the Spanish band which is currently touring the country has been together or 10 years, so has had plenty of time to get the music absolutely pitch and note perfect. Like the famous band itself, apart from the quality of music, they are accompanied by a first class light and laser show and the sound is as perfect as you would have every right to expect. With a curved back screen and a mastery of their instruments, the two hour show will be a perfect example of the almost symphonic sound created by the Floyd. Whilst Roger Waters and David Gilmore show little sign of repairing their friendship,
IN Belgium and Holland it’s known as Geneva but in Llucmajor it’s called Gin Eva and this small Mallorcan distillery has just won three gold medals for its gins. The London Gin Awards announce the top Gins in various countries and Gin Eva was named Spain’s Best Signature Botanical for La Mallorquina, Spain’s Best Old Tom Gin for Old Tom, and Spain’s Best Contemporary Gin
Credit: The Other Side Facebook
Animal rights The Other Side TRIBUTE BAND: The Other Side are the sound of Pink Floyd.
Nick Mason is happy to tour with his Saucerful of Secrets and Rick Wright is no longer with us, this is an opportunity to enjoy the Pink Floyd sound live. Tickets for the concert on Friday February 23 cost €36 plus booking fee from the Palma Auditorium website.
Triple gold for S’Horabaixa. In addition, it scooped silver for La Canoneta and bronze for La Bergamota in World’s Best Signature Botanical. Looking forward, the brain’s behind the distillery Stefan Winterling and Eva Maier Gómez will be in London on February 22 to see how their di-
fferent blends do at the Global Winners Grand Awards Gala. They started the business 10 years ago and in 2019 came to national and international prominence La Mallorquina was recognised as the Best Gin in the World with a prominent botanical which is the Mallorcan olive.
Celebrity hotels CERTAIN sports stars seem to be happy to invest in hotels and Rafa Nadal, followed in the footsteps of Lional Messi when he opened his first in Palmanova last year. He has teamed up with Mallorca’s giant hotel chain Melia to create the Zel range and there are now confirmed plans for the opening of a further four Zel Hotels this year. Two will be in Spain, Madrid and Tossa del Mar (Costa Brava) and the other two A REPORT by the internet real estate group Idealista has made it clear that those looking to rent property in the Balearics and Mallorca in particular are paying increasingly more. According to the report, based on a two bedroom property, those who rent were having to spend 48 per cent of their annual income
will be in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Looking forward however, and as reported in Euro Weekly News previously, now that Nadal is an Ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation and is opening a tennis academy in Saudi Arabia, the next step for Zel is that country and possibly other luxury outlets in Middle Eastern holiday destinations, especially Dubai.
High prices
on rents in 2023 and even those who have purchased had to spend 45 per cent of income to cover all of the ongoing associated costs. This is an ongoing problem and the percentage of
annual income expended was up 10 per cent from the 2022 figure. The report also revealed that the percentage of income required when purchasing the average property in Palma exceeds that of what are considered expensive cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and San Sebastian.
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UK professionals are seeking a better quality of life.
cular worry for those in Scotland and the East of England. Regarding finances, 51 per cent believe their spending power would match or exceed that in the UK. Londoners, in particular, expect a higher spending power in Spain, with the cost of living in mind. As the working landscape evolves, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option, reshaping careers and lifestyles.
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
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
tions. Both these issues have contributed significantly to the market’s instability. In Jaen, the heartland of Spain’s olive oil production, prices have reached a staggering €9 per kilogram for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This represents a 20 per cent increase, marking a significant shift from the price drops observed between October and November. Comparing current prices to those of previous years, the escalation becomes even more stark. EVOO in Jaen is now 70 per cent more expensive than it was one year ago, and a staggering 260 per cent higher than two years ago. The olive oil industry is witnessing a shift in its traditional production strongholds. Castilla-La Mancha is gaining prominence, overtaking regions like Granada and Malaga in production. This change is reshaping the landscape of Spain’s olive oil market. This development, along with production trends in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece, is reshaping the global olive oil supply chain.
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 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 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 2021-2027. 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. The goal is for this system to be fully operational by January 1, 2025, with some regions and cities, like Andalusia, Barcelona, and Madrid, already implementing similar schemes.
Record olive oil prices
IS your kitchen feeling the impact of soaring olive oil prices? According to recent trends, the high prices look set to continue. 2024 has seen a dramatic surge in the cost of this staple commodity, fuelled by a combination of climatic challenges and international trade restrictions. The new year has brought with it an unexpected and sharp rise in olive oil prices. The core of this surge is found in Andalucia. Andalucia is currently grappling with severe drought conditions which has made the problem worse. Turkey, which ranked third in global olive oil production last year, has imposed export limita-
Credit: V_E/shutterstock.com
ACCORDING to Nebeus’ 2023 study on remote work trends, Spain emerges as the top dream destination for UK professionals seeking a better quality of life. With 46 per cent of British professionals considering relocating for remote work, the survey sheds light on this trend. In 2023, 44 per cent of Brits embraced remote work, a trend echoed globally. Not only does it trim down commuting expenses, but it also opens doors to work from new countries. For UK nationals seeking relocation for a better quality of life, one country stands out as the preferred destination for remote work, with 22 per cent choosing Spain as their first option with the United States second, and France third. Spain’s allure lies in its blend of tradition and modernity, warm ambiance, and relaxed lifestyle. Surprisingly, 89 per cent of respondents are unaware of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, designed to enable remote work without changing jobs. When contemplating a move to Spain, respondents expressed their concerns about healthcare costs, language difficulties, and the cost of living and leaving loved ones behind. Fifty-three per cent of those who participated stated language difficulties to be their primary concern. This was a parti-
Credit: simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock.com
Spain top for Brits Affordable travel
RENFE OFFER: More destinations at an affordable price.
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
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25 - 31 January 2024
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
VOTING RIGHTS: Where you can and cannot vote.
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.
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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
Credit: Facebook
British voting rights
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NEVER FORGOTTEN: Graham at his beloved bar.
remember some truly fantastic moments that they had shared with Graham over the years. Wayne described it as a “wonderful send-off”, as well as thanking everyone for their “beautiful tributes” that have been posted on social media as well as at the funeral. A total of €4,300 was received in generous donations that will be given to Graham’s family on behalf of all who loved and cared for
him, along with a copy of all the messages from each gift. Within the messages of memories and goodbyes, many described him as “humble, kind and giving”, with others explaining that they “could not have gotten through lockdown without him!” It is clear from the hundreds of loving posts, messages, donations and words, that Graham ‘Happy Days’ Boland, definitely did leave the world with a smile.
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Canaries’ flight diverted Europe’s greenest 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.”
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?
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’.
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.
12
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/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER
DOW JONES
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
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.
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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.
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euroweeklynews.com • 25 - 31 January 2024
PETS Enojón prefers cat-sitters at his home Puppies rescued SPONSORED BY
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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 ow-
ner’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.
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
TV turnaround VODAFONE made the decision in 2022 to withdraw from broadcasting football in bars, cafes, and hotels due to escalating costs, but that decision has recently been reversed. Vodafone Spain, now under the impending ownership of British company Zegona, is set to return to televised football and other sports in hospitality establishments. Sources have revealed that Vodafone is on the brink of a comeback and is finalising an agreement with LaLiga to recommence offering these popular sports packages to its hospitality business clients. The aim is to start broadcasting LaLiga this season (2023-2024), along with major UEFA competitions like the Champions League and Europa League. This package will also include MotoGP and Formula 1, which became part of the LaLiga Bar TV package. In the summer of 2022, Vodafone made a limited foray into residential broadcasting by acquiring rights to La Liga Hypermotion, the Spanish Second Division football. This content was bundled in a sports package at a cost of €6, including Eurosport sports as well. Zegona, set to become Vodafone’s new owner in the coming months, has outlined several strategies for growth, particularly in television content. Additionally, they plan to leverage Lowi, Vodafone’s ‘low cost’ brand, to broaden the customer base by introducing TV into their packages. In parallel to Vodafone’s negotiations, LaLiga is resolving the auction of Telefonica’s packages - 55 per cent of the total - for the seasons from 2024-2025 to 2026/2027. The incumbent is expected to retain these assets, though the price remains a point of speculation, previously set at €520 million per season.
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 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 exclusive
Credit: CSainz_oficial/X
MAKING HISTORY: Carlos Sainz on the way to Dakar victory.
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.
Formula 1 in 2024
FORMULA ONE’S new season will feature a record 24 races and will start on March 2 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Before the start of the season however, fans look forward to the unveiling of the cars for 2024. Williams and Stake F1 Team (originally Sauber) will lead the way on February 5, followed by other major teams like Aston Martin and Ferrari (February 12 and 13). McLaren and Mercedes are due to show the world their cars on February 14 followed by Red Bull on February 15. The 2024 race calendar
Credit: Etiffaq club X
Jordan Henderson with his teammates in Saudi Arabia.
Henderson leaves
Photo: Wikimedia CC / Jen Ross
GRAND PRIX: Will now feature a record 24 races.
is not just the longest in Formula One’s history with 24 races but also sees the return of the Chinese and Emilia-Romagna Grands Prix. This year there is also an unchanged driver grid for the first time; every driver from 2023 is starting with the same team as 2023 - at
least for now. There will be six sprint races in 2024, where qualifying is held on Friday, followed by the sprint. Two USA races, the Miami Grand Prix and the Grand Prix at Austin, will run under the sprint, as will the events in China, Austria, Brazil and Qatar. Formula
One is in talks to change the sprint race format for 2024 but nothing has been decided yet. F1’s pre-season testing for 2024 will begin on February 21 in Bahrain. There will be three days of testing for the teams ahead of the first Grand Prix the following week.
John Smith THE exodus to Saudi Arabia from European Football Clubs which started six months ago has now seen its first big name decide to leave. Former Liverpool skipper and regular England midfielder Jordan Henderson has decided that life in Saudi Arabia is not for him and his family and in order to allow a clean break which won’t cost them any wages or fees, his club Al Etiffaq, managed by Steven Gerard, has agreed to terminate his contract. After playing 19 matches for the Saudi club, this means that he is free to find another club during the January transfer window and It appears that Dutch side Ajax who are sitting in fifth place in the Dutch First Division are making a bid for him. According to Sky Sports he was due to fly to The Netherlands to finalise the deal on January 18 but as he doesn’t have a work permit for Holland as yet, he won’t be able to play for over them over the following weekend. Not every player who made the move has settled in to life in Saudi Arabia and although the money is no doubt good, the lack of crowds and quality of matches means that Henderson whilst the first, may not be the last of the British players to return to Europe.