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Triple Joy Vol. 5, Issue 108 www.theolivepress.es October 23rd - November 6th 2019
Proud as punch Picardo excited to govern Rock for third term as Azopardi offers Brexit olive branch
NEWLY elected Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo spoke of his pride at achieving a third term for his governing alliance. It came after the GSLP/Liberals took 52% of the votes with the GSD and Together Gibraltar sharing the Opposition seats on October 17. “I am delighted that people have
By John Culatto
deposited their trust in us once again,” Picardo told the Olive Press. “I think we’ve demonstrated a track record to be proud of, and that people thought it was worth ensuring we continued to remain in charge of
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Petrol bombs and bullets, Olive Press dispatch in Page 6 Barcelona
How we nailed a corrupt Champagne socialist MP Page 18 Check out Property October’s edition of the Rock’s 10 hottest More with a mortgage FREE Property Magazine s ty n’ ai er e Sp prop in -to az go mag
+THE SKY DOCTOR+
their affairs.” The Chief Minister boasted of winning his third term with such a comfortable margin. “I’m very proud of the fact that they’ve won three elections on the run as this was an important glass ceiling for us,” said Picardo, whose party got 10 seats. However, with the advent of Brexit looming large, he was unable to spend long celebrating the record victory. “No, we didn’t have much time for celebrations because it was straight back into work on the morning of the 18th,” he added. His victory came after an intense month-long campaign, with 70% of the electorate making their voices heard. While the Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD) and Together Gibraltar argued for change, the government naturally argued the opposite. One of the key battle grounds was the issue of Brexit, with the electorate clearly trusting the government the most. After receiving nearly 10,000 votes, Picardo appealed for unity ahead of ‘one of the most challenging times that we have faced’. “We’re in touch with officials and ministers In London in order to understand the latest twists and turns and what might happen,” he explained.
Who gets a job in Picardo’s new government? Page 4
E IV US CL EX
Overwhelming
The pharmacy at St. Bernard’s Hospital is the only place the newly-authorised products are available from. A Government spokesperson said: “HM Government of Gibraltar is pleased to announce the publication of the Drugs (Misuse) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (the “Regulations”), which amend the Drugs (Misuse) Regulations 2005.” Acting Medical Director, Dr Krishna Rawal said: “In my considered view, cannabis oil certainly has its place in the modern medical care of some patients. “Over time, I am certain that the increased use of cannabis for medical purposes will generate overwhelming evidence in support of its use.”
ALL AREAS COVERED
Find out why Spaniards and Brits held a joint Brexit protest near Gibraltar, see page 5
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MEDICAL marijuana in Gibraltar has finally become a reality as the Government has allowed the supply of cannabis products. Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) doctors will be allowed to hand out ‘cannabis-based products’ once they have undertaken the appropriate training. Patients with any of the following conditions are eligible for the medical cannabis: • Moderate to severe muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis that has failed to respond to • standard medications • Severe, refractory epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard medications • Severe and life-altering pain that has failed to respond to standard and rising levels of pain • control medications • Intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy despite the use of • standard treatments under supervision According to a government statement the GHA will ‘not administer such products by smoking’.
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Issue 34
CHALK & CHEESE
October 2019
DILEMMAS OF A BILLIONAIRE
Two historic homes, two opposite styles SEE PAGES VIII & XII
Spanish properties perfect for the mega-rich SEE PAGE IV
B
UYING a property is cheaper than renting in most parts of Spain, according to new In 15 major cities it is far calculations. cheaper to pay a mortgage to pay a landlord than According to the findings,rent, it has been discovered. of a mortgage come above in none of the major cities did the cost 31%
of the average family earnings. In some cities, such as 8% of the average salary,Merida, the price of renting is as low as found the report by global Century 21. estate agency
In Sevilla, the cost of buying of the average salary, which with a mortgage came to just 19% is €2,671 a month, while was just 16% of €2,776. in Valencia it Rental outlay in the same 26% of monthly earnings. two cities, meanwhile came to 32% and In Murcia - where the average salary is €2,683 a month are paying 20% on rent, - tenants while owners pay just 11% Another example showed on a mortgage. apartment in Madrid pay that the owners of a 90-square-metre tenants are paying €1,419 a mortgage of €960 per month, while per month, an alarming ily’s income. 40% of a fam-
Those looking to live better off buying thanin Spain are term, new figures show renting long-
Only Barcelona cost more to rent at 44% of average while Palma in Mallorca earnings, cost 34%. “Renting has become a necessity for many people to buy.” explained CEO of Century 21 for Spain who can’t afford cardo Sousa. and Portugal, Ri"Today, major cities around ing affordable and adequate the world face the challenge of provid“This is especially the case solutions. in large cities such as Madrid celona, where there is strong and Baroptions with affordable prices population growth, while housing The cost of rents in Spain are scarce.” years, according to a study have jumped by 50% over the last five by the Bank of Spain, using lected by Idealista. data colAlmost 23% of the population rent property, significantly the European average of less than 30%.
DIVIDE: Between average regional earnings and the cost of rent and a morgage
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ity.” The new mandate was delivered on the promise of a green and childfriendly Gibraltar, all despite the Collective current Brexit uncertainty. With the departure of Neil Costa a In excellent news for the exclave, portfolio reshuffle was announced Marlene Hassan Nahon, of Togethto best tackle the next four years. er Gibraltar, was given the biggest “This is not a one man band,” in- vote of all the opposition members. sisted Picardo. The daughter of Gibraltar’s longest “This is a team of friends working leader, Sir Joshua Hassan, said together to deliver collegiate gov- her recently-formed party brought ernment and collective responsibil- ‘a fresh approach, an attentive ear and a loud, fearless voice’. Local businessman Craig Sacarello received the most support of all her TG party members, just missing out on a place in parliament by 35 votes. The rest of the Opposition was made up of the GSD, who got six seats, recovering from a poor showing at the Reliable private hire transfer last election. services for any occasion “We will be there working • Luxury vehicles shoulder to shoulder with • Door to door service you,” announced Azopardi. • Airport collections “I meant what I said that if • Weddings transport you need our help during the • Sightseeing day trips Brexit crisis you will have it. • Restaurant shuttles “All we want in return is reciprocity and real involveFind out more at: ment.” www.simply-shuttles.com tel: 951 279 117 info@simply-shuttles.com