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Vol. 3 Issue 55 www.theolivepress.es May 24nd - June 6th 2019
We’ve got the power! Expats fill up the ballot lists for vital local elections - in which FINALLY foreigners count!
expats - local elections are vital. The poll this Sunday (May 26) is the ONLY vote, apart from the European elections, in which expat residents can take part. The expat vote has proved key in previous Balearic elections, especially in Calvia, where expat voters are well into their thousands. In total, 56,000 foreigners are registered to vote in Mallorca this weekend
m D thisiss on IN ’t issueSID E
DOZENS of expats are joining gypsies and Down syndrome candidates in the most diverse local elections in Spanish history. Across the Balearics and peninsular, Brits, Scandinavians and other northern Europeans have thrown their hats in the ring in the hope of representing the important international community at a local level. Hundreds of foreigners have been included on the various political party lists in a bid to become councillors. In a country - where up to 50% of many coastal towns and the islands comprise
with key areas for expats including Deia, Santanyi and Pollenca. Some 14,700 British voters can hit the ballot box, joined by 18,000 German voters, which is a shocking drop from 33,200 registered in the last election. Italians make up the biggest number of expat voters, rising from 14,100 to 18,000 in just four years. Expat candidate Dolina Reynolds, from Glasgow, has successfully run
PLUS...
WHY ARE BEES BUZZING OFF? Find out on page 16
After a rare Velazquez was discovered in New York, the Olive Press explores Spain’s most pricey paintings
WHAT’S SPAIN’S RITZIEST RESORT? See Painting by numbers, page 10 Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 15:36 Holiday special, page 18
the Foreigner´s Department for the past four years. The PSOE councillor said this week: “Remember how important it is to make the effort to go and vote on Sunday, 26th May. “The future of our municipality for the next four years depends on it!” Olive Press columnist Bill Anderson, who is running for the PP party, in Mijas, in Malaga, agreed. “Foreigners can actually make a difference in this election,” he insisted this week. “You mustn’t waste your role.” The former UK government advisor is running in a campaign to restore cleanliness to the town’s streets, as well as encourage transparency. Running against him is Brit Anne Hernandez, a well known figure through her group Brexpats in Spain, who will stand for the Movimiento Vecinal Mijeño party. In Manilva, where nearly 50% of the population is foreign, it is no surprise to find a Belgian Kaat Buelens battling against British expat Dean Tyler Shelton. In Alicante meanwhile, Brit Terence Curran, who is standing for the PP in Javea, said: “If we leave the EU, this election will be our last chance to have a say in our futures.” Running against him with Podemos is Andrew Shaw, who moved over from
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Britain 27 years ago, while Candida Wright is running for the PP in Denia and two British women, Dawn Watkins and Linda Gimeno, are running with Ciudadanos, in Moraira. Other expats running this year include Elizabeth Morrison and Paul Knight for Izquierda Unida in Sedella, Chris Cluderay for Ciudadanos in Alcaucin and Darren Sands, in Marbella. In what is believed to be the most diverse elections in Spanish history, four young adults with Down syndrome are standing in Valencia, Extremadura, Sevilla and Murcia. “I want my city to be a pioneer in working with people with disabilities and for us to truly have a voice and a vote,” Sevilla candidate Lopez-Saez de Riba explained. The employee at the Barceló Renacimiento Hotel says ‘people like him’ can offer ‘so much more than people think, including a fresh outlook and a different point of view’. It comes after four gypsies were elected to congress in April’s general elections in a Spain first. The PP, PSOE, Cs and Podemos each brought one gypsy to the country’s house of representatives from Sevilla, Madrid and Tarragona. They have all vowed to chip away at the xenophobia and systemic discrimination affecting gypsies across Spain. Many other gypsies are standing in the local elections around the country. Opinion, pg 6 Vote for change
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Farming funding BALEARIC farmers have received €2 million in government funding spread between the 902 farmers since the island were classified as a ‘disadvantaged area’ with limitations.
Bonus drivers EMT Buses in Palma has hired 15 new drivers to ensure a smooth season – the extra staff are available to cover sick days, holidays and other delays.
Fishing for drugs NATIONAL Police have intercepted a fishing boat with 1,500 kilograms of cocaine near the Canary Islands.
Lower rates ITV rates will be 40% cheaper as the Consell de Mallorca has agreed to a new company with lower prices – and car owners now paying directly to the Consell.
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
Watch out
A SHOCKING 5,000-plus British tourists fell victims to holiday booking fraud last year, with losses totalling €8 million, new research suggests. UK Travel association ABTA said victims lost an average of €1,580 each, with more than 50% of crimes concerning bogus airline tickets and a quarter related to dodgy villa rentals. The association said fraudsters, many in Spain, were using sophisticated methods to target bargain-hunters looking for good deals. “This crime causes very real emotional distress,” ABTA boss Mark Tanzer said. “In particular, as victims often
Drug smuggling POLICE in Palma have intercepted a boat trafficking 600 kilograms of cocaine. The boat's owner is from Mallorca, and was caught off the coast of Malaga after the anti-drug and organized crime units in Palma executed a lengthy investigation. The cocaine is the largest bundle of the illegal drug found in recent years in the Balearics. Just days before the bust, a boat in Algerian waters heading to Mallorca was caught with 5,000 kilograms of hashish on board.
Warning: Thousands of Brits scammed €8m a year in fake booking scams
only find out just before they travel, and it can be very difficult to obtain a legitimate replacement booking.” According to the association, Spain and France are the two most common destinations, as reported many times in the Olive Press over recent years. Last year we reported how rugby star Dean Schofield lost €47,000 in deposits and fees through a Mallorca-based villa scam.
And this year alone we have reported on four British families who lost out to the conmen. In the worst example celebrated British TV chocolate taster Angus Kennedy told the Olive Press in April how he had lost €5,000 over a non-existent rental in Mallorca. He revealed he had lost the money over a seven-bedroom villa booking in Arta, that he had chosen out of 780 properties on bogus website Dream
Contract amnesia ITALIAN DJ Marco Carola is in hot water and facing a €2.4 million fine after breaking his exclusive contract with Ibiza's most famous night club, Amnesia. Carola has a summer residency at Amnesia, and part of that contract states that he cannot play anywhere else in Ibiza during his residency. The DJ decided to defy the club and play at the club's local rival nightclub, Pacha, at their opening party. The Italian entertainer has many appearances scheduled around the island all summer long – Amnesia is taking Carola to court for €2.4 million in damages. That figure will increase as he continues to break his contract and play other venues. Carola appeared in Ibiza court this week for similar charges from a different island promoter, It's All About The Music SL, for breaking a previous contract.
Villas Spain. He said at the time: “I think many more may have been scammed and the fee will run into the millions.” He was right. The site, which is based out of Palma, has also scammed at least three other British families. One on them, the Deleslie family, from Kent, are set to lose €12,000 due to lost flights. Last issue we traced the website to an address in Carrer de la Fe, in Palma, but discovered that the company had apparently folded. The company behind it, Digital Dreams SL, was incorporated in 2014 for ‘data procession and web hosting’ but has not filed a tax return for over a year. We were unable to get through to anyone there.
Don’t get caught Top tips to avoid becoming a holiday fraud victim: • Don’t just rely on one review – do a thorough online search to check • Check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body, such as ABTA • Be wary about paying directly into a private individual’s bank account • Check if there is a phone number and call it
Murdered mum wrapped in plastic POLICE in Belgium have arrested a 16-year-old boy after his mother was found murdered, wrapped in plastic and shoved in a trunk in Palma. Courts will now decide whether or not to extradite the son of Gloria Zavala, who was found in her garage in Playa de Palma days after her death, which the autopsy places between May 10 and 12. Investigations revealed the boy had been planning to run away with his girlfriend for some time in the run up to his mother’s killing. The pair fled to Brussels after the son, who has not been named, reported her missing. Police say he must have been at home with the hidden body for at least two days. Neighbours had reported loud arguments and fights coming from the apartment in the days before Zavala’s murder, and her son was seen leaving with a bloody nose. He and his girlfriend fled to a ‘multicultural’ neighbourhood in Brussels thinking they would blend in, investigators said. They were picked up on a European Arrest Warrant on Tuesday. The minor could face the maximum penalty of eight years in jail, and five years probation once returned to Palma.
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A FILM based on a pair of classic Costa-style fraudsters has been released worldwide. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson are helping promote the stunning Mallorca backdrop in the movie The Hustle. A remake of the comedy classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, it was filmed here last year. The film, originally titled Nasty Women, is about two con artists - one working class, one middle class
Star Hustle
STARS: The Spanish trio
Leftie luvvie
HE is a voice for a generation of Spaniards, who remember the transition from dictatorship to democracy. So it’s no surprise that legendary filmmaker Pedro Almodovar is backing the PSOE to do well in elections this weekend, and hopes Vox gets thwarted. The Oscar-winning director said he felt a sigh of relief when Spain backed the left wing government at last month’s general election. Speaking at Cannes film festival, alongside Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, he said it felt like Pedro Sanchez’ victory had ‘given him his country back’.
Deplorable
“I, like all Spaniards, was horrified by our last parliament,” he said, “the infighting and insults were deplorable. “Before the elections, I felt like I was not living in the country that I knew and worked for, fortunately, the result has given me back the democratic Spain I know and love.” He added it was ‘dreadful’ that the far-right Vox party won any seats and was ‘appalled’ that Miquel Iceta was blocked from becoming the first gay leader of the Senate by Catalan leaders.
White lines EXCLUSIVE: Son of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar signs massive Mallorca book deal THE Mallorca-based son of the world’s most famous drug trafficker has signed a sensational deal to tell his extraordinary life story. Roberto Sendoya Escobar who goes by the British name Philip Witcomb - has lived at an isolated finca on the island for many years. His notorious drug lord father, Pablo, became one of the world’s richest men, controlling 80% of the global cocaine market, before he was shot in 1993. “This really is one of the most extraordinary stories I have ever read,” said UK publisher John Blake, who lives near Escobar junior’s farm. “Pablo’s life has already been
Raging Ricky RICKY Gervais has slammed a matador who wiped away a bull’s ‘tears’ before slaying the injured animal, labelling him a ‘sequinned c**t.’ The British funnyman took umbrage at Morante de la Puebla’s performance in Sevilla when he wiped blood from the bull’s face with a handkerchief. The Comedian, who presented the Oscars, has long criticised animal cruelty and often speakes out against ‘traditional’ blood sports.
His new parents had to later hire a private security team because members of the Escobar family allegedly tried to kidnap him on several occasions. The privately-educated Brit revealed last year how he wants his book to serve as a prequel to hit Netflix series Narcos. The popular TV show chronicles the rise and fall of his alleged father’s empire. Witcomb claims his adoptive father told him he was Escobar’s son when he reached his 20s. “In reality, I hadn’t really heard of Pablo then, so wasn’t really aware of what he’d done,” he revealed. “But when dad told me about everything, I honestly couldn’t believe it. It all came as a complete shock and made me rethink my life.” Witcomb doesn’t have a birth certificate to prove his story but a baptism certificate shows that he was born to a Maria Lucia Sendoya and lists his father as ‘Pablo Escobar’. According to the document, he was placed in a Catholic orphanage before being adopted at four months old by his current parents.
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- who compete to defraud a naive new tech billionaire. It features many famous Mallorcan locations including Palma, Portals, and the terrace of legendary hotel Maricel. Oscar winner Anne Hathaway is known to enjoy a Mallorcan holiday and it seems the island’s charms were not lost on Wilson. The Australian icon said: “It’s so awesome to film here and I’m going to miss this place.”
SON: Roberto toasts deal with John Blake the subject of the hit TV series Narcos and the best-selling book, Killing Pablo, but Roberto’s story is on a whole new level. “The tales of murders, guns, drugs and billions of dollars are just extraordinary. We are hugely honoured to be publishing this book.” As we exclusively revealed last year, Witcomb, 53, was seized from his Columbian drug lord father in the 1960s. After being taken into care, he was eventually adopted by a British couple in Bogota, the capital of Escobar’s infamous criminal empire.
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
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Hips didn’t lie SHAKIRA has been cleared of plagiarism over hit song La Bicicleta in Spain. The Barcelona-based singer, 42, was accused by Livan Rafael Castellanos, a Cuban singer, for using melodies and lyrics from his song Yo te quiero tanto. Music publisher MDRB had filed a complaint in 2017 on behalf of Livan. But a Madrid court ruled that Colombian Shakira, who dates footballer Gerard Pique, was in the right having insisted she had ‘never heard’ Livan's song before. HE’S best known for his seminal TV line, ‘You’re fired’ from hit show The Apprentice. So it was great to see him all fired up with a little help of an e-bike on a holiday to Mallorca this week. Lord Alan Sugar was spotted testing out a pair of different electric bikes, from local company Corratec. He was later pictured posing with one of the bikes beside his stunning yacht, Lady A, which is currently docked in Palma. The East Londoner will keep one of the bikes on the boat and the other, conveniently, on his private jet, for when he takes his regular business trips around Europe. “Just taken delivery of the Carratec electric bike,” said Sugar, an avid cyclist. “Did 20 miles along the cycle lane in Palma – brilliant machine.”
You’re fired (up)!
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NEWS
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Rugby star in horrific car park fall WELL wishers and friends have raised nearly €20,000 to aid Salford rugby player Jansin Turgut after he fell three floors in Ibiza. Turgut, 23, remains on life support after suffering ‘severe fractures in every bone in face’, according to his mother Carole Butler. He fell three storeys at the airport carpark. The rugby forward has had a 10-hour operation on his face and legs, with many more to go. A CT scan has returned all clear with no signs of brain damage and the heart, liver and kidney are now functioning on their own. A pressure drone placed inside Turgut’s skull to relieve the pressure on his brain has now been removed. With no immediate concerns regarding the brain, he is due to be moved from the private Nuestra Senora del Rosario Clinic to another hospital on the island. Turgut, a former England academy captain, had travelled to Ibiza for a holiday with a friend after he was released by Salford earlier this month. Fans and former teammates are donating cash to ensure he can afford the right care while abroad in the Balearics.
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
No more fun and games!
IT’S an unmissable landmark on the motorway out of Palma. And even more so at night when lit up in neon blue and yellow. (See left)
But now authorities have insisted that the giant ‘Mega fun games’ sign be taken down. The bright sign has flashed at night on top of the casino hall
A trio of Brits died from heart attacks in separate incidents just four days apart HEART attacks have killed three Brits in Mallorca in the space of a week. The trio of deaths include a cyclist and a hiker, both men, and a female holidaymaker visiting her family. Janice McNeill, 58, died after boarding a Ryanair flight at Palma Airport, just days before she was
Need to get stiffer CONVICTIONS for driving under the influence of drink or drugs have surged in Spain by 10%. Official figures show that convictions increased to 56,173, in 2018, compared to 51,085, in 2017. The convictions represent 21% of all crimes in Spain, while 40% of drivers who died in road accidents were intoxicated. Pere Navarro, head of the DGT national traffic authority had said: “It’s not clear to me that the solution lies in higher penalties.”
in Coll d'en Rabassa since 2017. However, it never had permission and after numerous complaints Palma town hall has ordered its removal.
Triple tragedy due to celebrate her birthday. She became ill inside the Edinburgh-bound plane while it was still on the runway, and was pronounced dead after medics failed to revive her.
Sympathies
The flight was delayed by three hours, with Ryanair offering its ‘deepest sympathies’ to the woman’s family. There has been no comment from the family, but ex-Celtic goalkeeper Rab Douglas, who was on the flight, described the death as ‘sad’ and praised the ‘amazing’ paramedics. Hours before McNeill
died, a British man, 62, also had a cardiac arrest while hiking up the gruelling Puig de Maria hill, which overlooks Pollenca. The unnamed walker, who was one of a group, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, before his body was airlifted from the 1082-ft high hill. The third fatality was an, as yet, unnamed 49-yearold cyclist who suffered a heart attack while riding on the road towards the Cape of Formentor. His death is not being treated as suspicious, and his death is thought to be linked to health problems rather than a fall from his bike.
No wonder you’ve got hives, dear! HOMEOWNERS in southern Spain were shocked to discover that a buzzing sound that was keeping them up at night had been caused by 80,000 bees in their bedroom wall. The Granada pair had been bothered by the low humming sound for two years. Eventually a local beekeeper worked out what the problem was and stepped in to help. “It was an unbearable noise and I don’t know how they managed to put up with it at all,” explained beekeeper Sergio Guerrero. The professional has been getting more callouts this year than ever before and believes Spain's bee population is in better health than a decade ago. It comes as conservationists around the globe mark World Bee Day amid a decline in the global population. See the buzz on bees, page 16
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The Olive Press: Costa del Sol / Gib / Mallorca editions – 342mm x 256mm
22 May
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FEATURE
www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain
A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than 500,000 people a month.
OPINION Vote for change This is the big one. The one chance every four years when we can make a difference with the lives we have made over here. Expats of every nationality will be joining queues at polling booths around Spain this Sunday. We can certainly make a difference with expatriates in many towns in Mallorca making up between 10% and 20% of the electorate. So make sure you go out and vote and make your views count - assuming you are registered, that is. Above all, ensure you vote for the local team that best understands the wealth and diversity we bring to their island. The Olive Press sides with no particular party for in every town the candidates are different and offer unique and individual strengths and weaknesses. But, one thing for sure, it’s best to vote for a change of mayor, as four years is more than enough time to introduced the schemes the current crop promised in 2015.
Global appeal CELEBRITIES are most definitely keeping Mallorca on the map at the moment. It is no surprise that the island’s tennis lord, Rafael Nadal has been hitting the headlines. Rumours that the 32-year-old was about to wed his longterm girlfriend Xisca Perello in June, have sent the Spanish prensa rosa into salivation mode. ‘Fake news,’ he says. Hmmmmmm. Let’s see. But it is not just the king of clay - Lord Alan Sugar has also been making waves, literally, on his yacht Lady A, currently docked in Palma. The businessman and Apprentice star was seen testing two electric bikes, which he says he will keep on his boat and private jet for European business trips. Celebrity DJ Idris Elba was over last month, along with Katie Price and Jamiroquai, and of course, Caroline Flack and the Love Island gang are just around the corner. And the season hasn’t even yet started. With so much A-list action going on in Mallorca this summer, let’s hope that the rich and famous can continue to push the island’s positive image.
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Spain’s environmentalists issue doomsday warning as groundbreaking study reveals alarming levels of micro-plastic in Pyrenees, writes Heather Galloway
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WASTE MOUNTAIN: Alarming levels of plastic in the Pyrenees
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UMMER is approaching and city dwellers in Spain love nothing more than to get away from the heat and dust of urban life, opting for the coast or the Pyrenees where the air is clean and fresh. Or is it? An ominous new study suggests that no matter where you go to get away from it all, the air is thick with microscopic particles of an all-pervasive material that is woven into the structure of our modern economy: single-use plastic. And now its poison has spread to one of Europe’s wildest natural landscapes. Measuring less than 5mm long, microplastic is not only swirling like shoals of deadly nano fish in the Mediterranean, it has also reached a remote ‘pristine wilderness’ in the Pyrenees. More shocking still, it is being found in the kind of volumes you might expect to find in Paris or China’s most industrial zones, according to a study carried out by Steve Allen, a researcher in micro-plastics at Strathclyde University and his partner, EcoLab scientist Deonie Allen. The density of the micro-plastic particles in a cross-border area was measured in the French meteorological station of Bernadouze, 1,425 metres above sea level, over five months between 2017 and 2018. The result was a daily average of 365 particles per m2. According to the study, most were invisible to the naked eye and could have been transported from up to 95 km away. “It opens up the possibility that it’s not only in the cities you are breathing this in, but it can travel quite some distance from the sources,” Allen wrote in Nature Geoscience journal. “Plastic litter is an increasing global issue and one of the key environmental challenges we face on a global scale.” As the nearest hamlet is 25 km away from the target research area, it is not known if the particles came from Toulouse or from the Spanish cities of Barcelona or Zaragoza. According to Alba García, who runs Greenpeace Spain’s Plastics Campaign, the particles could even have been transported by storms from the marine environment. Spain is the main culprit, after Turkey, for the quantity of plastic in the Mediterranean – a scandalous 126 tonnes daily, according to a study by Orb Media earlier this year. This chemically-charged debris, eaten by fish, acts as a magnet for other chemicals in the water, making them ever more toxic. Spain is also the fourth biggest consumer of plastic in Europe, possibly due to tourism with most tourists spending on singleuse plastic items, 70% of which are never recycled. But one of the main problems is the lack of ready, cheap alternatives to the imperishable material that is now part of the air we breathe and the water we drink. The Orb Media study found that 92% of bottled water and 83% of tap water is contaminated by micro-plastic particles. “People throwing away plastics is part of the problem,” Alba tells me. “But the main
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VOICE: Greta Thunberg
Purge the plastic!
cause is the density of these materials everywhere. If you go to a supermarket, it’s impossible to get out of there without plastic.” Despite growing unease among consumers over the choices available to them, the plastics industry continues to boom. Production of thermoplastic used in water bottles rose 4.7% year on year between 1990 and 2017 and it is predicted to rise by a further 40% in the next 10 years. Though EU legislation will ban single-use OFFENDERS: Plastic waste by country plastic products such as cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, cotton The ones that are will only do so under buds, polystyrene packaging and cups by certain conditions, such as the tempera2021, there is still no legislation to curb ture of the soil or environment they are deposited in. If those conditions are not the amount of plastic companies use. “Some countries were more flexible and met, they don’t biodegrade.” The only viable option apothers like Italy less so,” pears to be to transform the says Alba, referring to the environmental lobby’s efWe believe that industries based on singleuse plastic into reusable forts to nail an ambitious getting away industries. “We can create deal. “Italy was very opeconomy based on reusposed, in fact, as they have from the throw- an ing products that have to be a big plastics industry. Spain was a little bit more away culture is washed and put back in the consumer chain,” says Alba. pro-sustainability, despite fundamental The window of opportunity the fact we also have a is still open. As 16-year-old plastics industry here.” Swedish activist Greta ThunPlastic has been around for nearly a century and as manufacturers’ berg, fiesty founder of the global Fridays association Plastics Europe points out, it for Future movement, told UK MPs in the is ‘the ultimate versatile material, making Houses of Parliament this April, “Humans possible numerous technological innova- are very adaptable; we can still fix this. tions, new design solutions, environmen- But the opportunity to do so will not last for long.” tal enhancements and cost-savings.’ But surely scientists can come up with something less contaminating to take their place? Ten easy ways to cut the crap “Compostable materials or bio-plastics are alternatives that are still based on the • Buy fewer clothes throw-away culture,” says Alba. “These are • Carry your own water bottle up to five time more expensive than nor• Shop less online mal plastic but they don’t get to the root • Buy unwrapped vegetables and othof the problem because they still have er foodstuffs plastic in them. That is why Greenpeace is • Carry your own takeaway coffe e cup so persistent about re-usable products.” • Bin dry waste without a bin liner Eva González, director of Ecodes, a non• Shop with reusable grocery bags profit organization for sustainable and • Avoid frozen foods stored in plas tic eco-friendly development, agrees. “We bags believe that getting away from the throw• Buy soaps and shampoos in bars away culture is fundamental for the wellin containers labeled recyclable or being of our planet and for meeting the • Carry your own take-away cont UN Sustainable Development Objectives,” • Buy wine with natural corks ainer she tells me. “When it comes to bioplastics, it is true that some have plastic in them and some are not biodegradable.
FEATURE
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What were they thinking? Council clangers never come bigger in Spain than at local election time
L
OCAL government can be a dry old subject but some crazy town hall initiatives have kept us entertained over the years for their dubious nature or downright
Oh chute!
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May 24nd - June 6th 2019
Dissing the homeless
olive press online
that’s the
Ana Botella’s tenure in Madrid is remembered for a whole chapter of chaotic decisions but one in particular helped her off the mayoral ticket. In 2014 she ordered a total revamp to the design of bus shelters to prevent the homeless from bedding down in them on chilly winter nights. The measure was branded cruel and elitist and was halted by a request stop. It was no surprise when later that year Botella announced she would not be running for mayor in the 2015 elections.
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Million month AFTER the Olive Press broke the million-amonth barrier for pages read in April, we are gunning for our next challenge. Fingers crossed, May could even deliver it... that’s the magic figure of ONE MILLION VISITORS in a month. Last month we had 846,000 visitors and in May we are well under way towards the magic figure. Even better, time spent on the site could be as high as SIX MINUTES, some 30 seconds better than April. No surprise we are zooming up the Amazon charts, while our closest rival the Euro Weekly News dropped 30,000 places globally.
absurdity. If you’re still chuckling over Estepona’s farcical ‘death slide’ (below) then you’ll enjoy our giggle-worthy roundup of government gaffes.
Risky roundabout
What was marketed as Spain’s ‘longest urban slide’ must have had one of the shortest runs. Within 24 hours it was forced to close after several users were severely burned and bruised while riding it. The €28,000 stainless steel attraction, measuring 38 metres and with a gradient of 33 degrees, was described by locals as a ‘vanity project’ by mayor Jose Urbano ahead of the local elections.
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There’s a whole feature on ugly roundabout artworks in Spain waiting to be written but there’s one in Cantabria that’s more than simply an affront to aesthetics. Commissioned by Torrelavega Town Hall, the piece consists
of four enormous sheet metal boards devoid of any decoration. Not only ugly, the vast ‘artwork’ blocks traffic visibility and dazzles drivers with reflected light, making the roundabout downright dangerous.
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After the triumph of Barcelona’s 1992 Olympic Games, Sevilla Mayor Alejandro Rojas came up with a plan for a stadium to help in his city’s bid for the 2004 Olympics. But he overlooked the fact that Sevilla is a small city compared to competitors like Rome, Stockholm or Buenos Aires. Sevilla predictably lost it’s bid, thus the costly Estadio La Cartuja never fulfilled its real purpose.
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Roman remains? Nah, let’s have a car park
For obvious reasons, Spanish law requires an immediate halt to construction work when historical remains are discovered. Excavations may only resume once the treasure trove is safe. However in its wisdom back in 2006, Ecija Town Hall decided it didn’t want to wait, and carried on regardless, shattering a priceless Roman mosaic and a series of Muslim graves in the process. In fact under the city’s main square, the town hall had discovered a Roman forum in amazing condition, a hot spring, a gymnasium and a temple, as well as dozens of private homes. But instead of preserving the last remains of the great city of Colonia Augusta Firma Astigi, the local government built a 300-capacity car park over it. Dr. Sonia Zakrzewki, a lecturer in archeology at the University of Southampton who had worked at the site, told the Olive Press it was ‘totally shocking’ at the time... no kidding!
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SCHOOL suspensions have increased by 75% in just threes years in the Balearics. Education officials say the increase is due to an increase in neglected and struggling children.
HALF of Balearic residents shop online, making it one of the communities in Spain where the most online purchases are made.
THE government has already paid €30.5 million in aid to towns, businesses and individuals for the damages of the deadly floods in Mallorca last October.
EUTHANASIA has been the topic of hot debate and is close to being legalized in the Balearics with carefully set laws around it.
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place,” the retired financial advisor said, “but now they will have to be moved right next to the road.” Despite requesting a 5.7 square metre terrace outside her cafe, which employs three Spaniards, the council issued Maggie just a meagre 4.23 square metres. The demarcated area also includes a large tree, making it impossible to seat any customers, while doors from parked cars also intrude across the lines. Meanwhile, Maggie is also applying for the relocation of an intrusive parking meter
A BAR in Magaluf has been fined after offering ‘20 hours of free drinks’ online. The venue was one of eight sanctioned for promoting binge drinking this week as part of a crackdown by Calvia town hall and local hotel associations A party boat was also fined for the . first time after illegally using the dock to transport 180 revellers from a bar to the lighthouse. Others were sanctioned for offering authorities see as working against ‘happy hours’, which their efforts to attract ‘higher quality’ tourists. Venues face fines of up to €1,500 for advertising alcohol consumption, with researchers ‘free bar’, ‘2 for 1’ and ‘3 for 1’. tracking buzz words like
OUTRAGE: Bar owner slams
that was installed outside the cafe prior to the yellow lines. “If I’m forced to put people in the new area, I’ll have to buy something to cover over it and I’ve only just bought new chairs and tables,” she added. “People won’t want to sit out there in June, July and Au-
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A NEW poll has found that the PSOE will win the April 28 election by between 123 and 128 seats, but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will fall short of an absolute majority.
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TO celebrate our landmark growth online we have decided to offer a very special Spring deal. Language Join us now and we will offer a 300×250 1. en-gb pixel banner on our homepage (normally 2. en-us €300 3. en-ie a month) for just €75 a month plus iva4. ifes-esyou book a year and €100 plus iva if you5. take six months. en-ca Or 6.a ensmaller 300×30 for just €40 a month. NOTE 7. nl-nlWELL: Your ad will be seen by a minimum 20.000 people a day! 8. sv-se Meanwhile a permanent sponsored or na9. nb-no Power tive post, with a permanent link, promoting 10. en-au grab your business and edited by our team of journalists costs from just €175 mas iva, or €150 if you book two or more.
SPAIN’S PP party has set out audacious plans for a power grab to take back control from the Balearics and the other autonomous regions. Leader Pablo Casado announced his commitment to strengthen the central government’s role in the run up to national elections in a fortnight. He insisted that such a move would prevent corruption and lead to a drop in taxes. It comes as the party attempts to see off the threat from an insurgent Vox Party, whose leader has described the autonomous parliaments the ‘cancer of Spain’. Under the plan, the PP wants to increase resources for regional government delegations and paralyse any further transfer of power to the regions.
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gust.” Maggie serves a range of hot and cold dishes at her cafe, including a classic Spanish breakfast of a tostado and cafe con leche. Constitution Palma City Council was contacted by the Olive Press, but Casado insisted the move declined to comment. would see Spain being adminis-
Flaming Red outrage road
A SPANISH fireman has been accused of human trafficking and faces 20 years in prison after he saved thousands of migrants in rescue missions.
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EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith
A BRITISH expat cafe owner has been left fuming after council workers marked off her terrace making it too small for tables and chairs. Maggie Smith, 72, from Surrey, has run the Palma business for 19 years, but now fears her trade could be severely affected. The mother-of-one told the Olive Press she was ‘shocked’ to discover her seating area had been confined to a tiny painted box on the pavement outside Bar San Marino, in San Agustin. “The chairs and tables have always been in the same
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MORE than 4,000 people have applied for the 450 open positions as administrative assistants for the Ministry of Health.
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And who can forget when the Olive Press reported that Palma Council had slapped ‘ridiculous’ yellow lines on a British bar owner’s terrace earlier this year, making it impossible to seat her customers. The council painted a box of just 4.23 square metres outside Bar San Marino, in San Agustin, which was even too small for owner Maggie Smith, 72, to fit tables and chairs in. The area, which includes a tree, was right by a busy road and meant that car doors also intruded into the space.
Barcelona’s first female mayoress Ada Colau risked being lynched by thousands of disappointed football fans during last year’s World Cup when plans to show the Spain v www.theolivepress.es Russia match2 on NEWS IN BRIEF Palma council a big screen in the slaps ‘ridiculous’ Fierce yellow lines on competition city were almost bar owner’s terrace leaving kicked into touch. no room for a table And all because Detention ups the government was too late granting the license to show it. At the Click ‘n’ Buy eleventh hour, after an eruption of complaints across Flood Booze patrol social media, damage the screening went ahead and Death Colau with dignity is still on side as mayor.
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tered ‘more effectively’. The election hopeful stated that his party would carry out a sweeping review of how the regional authorities operate looking at ‘efficiency and equity.’ Spain’s quasi-federal political system of ‘autonomous states’ was added to the constitution in 1978. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez strongly opposed the plan, insisting the PSOE would defend ‘tooth and nail’ the principal of regional self-government.
Fuengirola Mayor Ana Mula famously dispatched a group of 10 people to the beaches to paint the rocks in brightly-coloured hues. Her intentions were to embellish the area and hopefully export this ‘unique’ art form to other resorts along the coast. But after being laughed out of the council chamber by fellow politicians her initiative is also on the rocks.
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Save your skin A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise awareness of skin cancer around the islands. It comes after a record 401 cases were diagnosed last year, a slight but steady increase over the last five years. The campaign has begun to raise awareness on the deadly issue, and the special attention needed for fair-skinned northern Europeans. Pregnant women and children, and most importantly the elderly, are at most danger. Out of the 401 cases last year, nearly 300 of those diagnosed are people over 75 years old.
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Safe at last
A STUNNING natural zone of rocky coastline between Palma and Can Pastilla has finally been protected. The area of Es Carnatge, which sits below the airport flight path, has been given official protection.
The 27-hectare area between Can Pastilla and Molinar is home to numerous native plants and animals. The new protection plan will ensure it is free from any more construction and is kept clean and enhanced for nature lovers. Various historic sites in the area, including quarries and military installations, are also to be preserved. The area is popular with both tourists and residents, and hs one of the few beaches where SAVED: No building at Es Carnatge dogs are allowed.
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Fakes and pains
TEN people have been arrested after 30,000 dodgy archaeological finds were seized in Sevilla. Guardia Civil officers seized ancient coins, Phoenician pots, busts, metal and ceramic objects, Roman mosaics and chandeliers. ‘Operation Norba’ saw agents swoop on the province of Caceres in a crackdown on forgery. It is not known how many of the pieces, which were being sold online, are fake. One arrest was made just before a sale took place, with police discovering a ‘perfectly packaged’ box.
Virgin Mary painting vandalised after Spain’s right-wing parties declare it religiously offensive A FEMINIST artwork in Andalucia has been despoiled after right wing political parties demanded it be taken down for ‘offending religious beliefs’. Con Flores a Maria, by Charo Corrales, appears to have been ‘vandalised’ overnight, with a crack running from top to bottom and a scratch scored
Do you have a what’s on?
Ripped off TRASHED: ‘Offensive’ painting (left) and original, Murillo’s Inmaculada (Right)
across it. Technicians from Cordoba town hall and the Palacio de la Merced, where the painting is currently hanging, are analys-
ing CCTV footage to try and identify the culprit. It comes after Ciudadanos, Partido Popular and Vox all said the artwork ‘offends reli-
Life’s a beach
FALK ART: Scenes of chiringuitos
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SWEDISH artist Helena Falk is back for her third artist showcase exhibit at Palma’s Rialto Living home store. Beach Bars is full of bright colours and fun scenes of chiringuitos and cafes from around the world. Falk became an art director and illustrator after studying fashion design and advertising. ”Travelling with an artist’s eye, allows my free expression of colour, textures and energy of the lives I am lucky enough to observe,” said Falk. “Whether I see a Venetian father, a barista in Palma or the remains of a Greek fish cafe supper, I allow my critical inner eye to digest and recreate these images in a colourful powerful fantasia.” The exhibit will run until June 29.
BEACH BAR: Full of bright colours
gious feelings’, urging it to be taken down. It is a take on Murillo’s Inmaculada, which shows the Virgin Mary in a white robe looking up to the heavens, Except in Corrales’ work, Mary is donning a flower crown and has her hand over her exposed vagina. The painting is currently hanging in the Presidency Gallery as part of the Maculadas sin remedio exhibition - a collaborative project involving 14 artists promoted by Cordoba’s Equality Department. It is also supported by the respected Boti Foundation and is described as a ‘vindication of the deepest femininity.’ The exhibition is designed to question and challenge how women have been treated ‘from the beginning of time to the present’. “Among the questions posed by the artists are How are women today? Who are we? And how do we experience our sexuality in the world we live in?”
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
what’s on
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tone fair STONE is the rockstar of the Binissalem Stone Craft Fair, with tours through old houses, market stalls full of handmade goods, and plenty of stone-cooked food throughout May 26.
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a n c i n g queen SUNDANCE is back in Paguera with three full days of dancing fun and lessons, from Zumba, burlesque, salsa, hip hop and bachata, with classes for all ages from May 31 through June 2.
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hoe shine
MALLORCA shows off traditional craft of handmade shoes with Lloseta's annual Shoe and Craft Fair, with booths and exhibits full of everything from sandals to formal wear June 1 and 2.
14.06 OD Port Portals
8.30 pm Fingerfood dinner + 10.00 pm Live concert
The Parrots
28€ Booking
(+34) 971 67 59 56
No strings attached The fourth edition of the international Ronda Guitar Festival 2019
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on´t miss this great opportunity to visit Ronda as the emerging greats of Spanish flamenco lead a vibrant lineup at this year's fourth International Guitar Festival from June 10th - 15th. The flamenco stars will be joined by Jule Malischke, from Germany, and Luciano Pompilio, from Italy, in a series of fabulous concerts being held in the historic mountain town. The extended six-day festival was founded in 2015 by Andalucian maestro Paco Seco, alongside British wife Lucy Stewart, of the Ronda Guitar House. "The magic about this festival is it unites Romantic Ronda with iconic Spanish guitar!" Lucy told the Olive Press. "Ronda is such a breathtaking place to visit and then accompany that with great music and a delicious glass of Ronda wine! If you are a music lover then it is just heaven on earth with Classical, Flamenco, Andalus and Fingerstyle musical styles on offer by exceptional artists of an extremely high international standard.” The festival also offers an exhibition of guitars from artisan craftsmen from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th June demonstrated in the matinée concerts. All the festival's activities are held at the Santo Domingo exhibition centre in the heart of the historical old-town. The price of the tickets are 15€ and the festival Bono 75€.
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Spanish art expert Javier Portús has attributed a painting from the Metropolitan Museum in New York to Velázquez. Previously thought to be the work of the Spanish master’s son-in-law, the Caballero Marquand’s new provenance ups the Met’s Velázquez collection to six pieces, while adding huge value to the painting itself. Sale prices can be misleading when it comes to assessing real market value and artistic worth but the numbers are nonetheless telling. Check out our gallery of record-selling Spanish masterpieces by Spain’s most renowned artists.
LA CULTURA
Painting by numbers Claire Leibovich delivers a masterclass on Spain’s most astronomically-priced artworks you can’t afford
LA CULTURA
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April 24th - May 7th 2019
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SPAIN has announced a safety review of all its historic monuments in the wake of the Notre Dame Cathedral blaze in Paris. Security arrangements and electrical fittings will be checked at historical sites nationwide to ensure that the country’s cultural heritage is safeguarded. Culture Minister Jose Guirao said: “Obviously the Notre-Dame fire was an alarm bell and we will review all the installations. “The danger is with old electric installations which have to be surveyed.” Architectural treasures due for inspection include the Burgos and Santiago de Compostela ca- THE Metropolitan Museum expert Javier Portus, head thedrals, the Alhambra Palace in in New York has unearthed of Conservation of Granada and the Basilica of the another painting by Diego Painting pre-1700 Spanish at the PraVelazquez in its collection, Sagrada familia in Barcelona. bringing the total number of do museum in Madrid. works it holds by the Spani- Previously the work had been attributed to Juan sh master to six. The moody oil painting Bautista Martinez del Mazo, REVEALED: Knight Marquand is a Velazquez known as Knight Marquand, Velazquez’s son-in-law, who donated to the museum in was also a painter. son. 1889 by Henry G. Marquand, The museum is cautious but “I think it is a Velazquez. and it deserves attention. Portus says he is confident it It is a work that has always “It is a portrait with quite RONDA’S iconic Arab baths was identified by Spanish is by Sevilla’s most famous caught my eye at the Met remarkable qualities, and it will soon be back in business seems plausible that Velazfollowing the devastating floods quez is the author,” he said. last October. Portus believes the painting The 5th century treasure was was completed in 1649 or THE mysteries of Andalucia’s almost completely destroyed 1650 during Velazquez’s seStonehenge have been uncovered very own when the outer wall caved in cond trip to Italy and that team of Spanish and American by a joint due to the overflowing Guadathe subject may have been archaeologists. levin river during serious floods Juan de Cordoba, King FeDolmen de Soto, a 6,000-year-old six months ago. lipe IV’s business agent in thic monument, was discovered in megaliFollowing a €175,000 cash Rome, who spent most of 1923 near Huelva, where excavations revealed injection from the Junta, the his time collecting classical carved and painted standing stones depicting wall is being restored under the sculptures for the royal houfigures holding weapons. watch of local architect Sergio sehold. An investigation by the universities Valadez, who is also overseeing Velazquez, born in 1599, of Alcala, Huelva, Sevilla, Castilla-La Mancha the recovery of the Paseo de los was the leading artist in the and Experts also found Texas revealed an entire ancient Inglesas and the Santa Maria court of King Philip IV, and complex monument which haseight skeletons in the buried beneath a 60-metre wide been dated back to the church. one of the most important mound. 4th millennium BC. painters of the Spanish Golden Age.
New work by Andalucian master recovered in US museum
Ronda-ful news
Ancient runes
FLASHBACK: Our
Velazquez RIS E LIKEstory last issue A PHOENIX
Discover what it’s like at the only specialist
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what’s on Don’t miss Bob FOLK fans should try getting the last tickets to Bob Dylan´s concerts. The legendary singer is coming to Sevilla on May 3 and to Fuengirola on May 4.
Book fun MALAGA is holding a Book Festival on the Plaza de la Merced. Dates are April 26 to May 5, from 11 to 1.30am and 5 to 9pm.
Go classical GET down to Clínica Buchinger in Marbella on April 27 to hear Alexander Kliuchko, this year's winner of the International Piano Competition María Canals.
Polo chic IF you want to see horses and royalty, head to the Kempinsky Hotel in Estepona on May 4 and 5, for the Costa del Sol Polo Cup.
MATRICULATION OPEN – PLACES GOING FAST
Sixth Form College in Málaga
LTHOUGH still celebrating the really get to know this Sixth Form Cosuccess of their first A level llege, after taking the decision, around the Spanish Red Cross and give basic exams in January (100% A-B this time last year, to leave the school IT classes to adults once a week throuin 43% of the subjects taken, gh their “Andalucia Compromiso Digiwhere he did his IGCSEs. “I decided 72% A-B grades in Sciences and Mato tal” Earlyprogramme. Other Bird Discount students move to Phoenix College Malaga beare up until 15th April ths), eight months after first opening language classes such cause I thought the education would doing as Ger- Spain for university. The Only Specialist Sixth Form College their doors to students, Phoenix Colle“He encouraged man and French a nearby academy. in Málaga be more personal because we have teaching A-Level courses in and PCE (Selectividad) subjects me a lot to keep on top of current ge is now revving up for the Summer Therefore, we have UK more freedom and & Spanish A small classes and the teachers are level exam season. “It’s hard to beliepolitical issues, and even Please contact teaches us for you more skills forinformation university design my own Geography able to support us whenever we need this ve we’re at the end of our first year allife.” coursework are at: Calle Méndez Núñez 5, 1º D (junto them for instance if we have a query We a plaza Uncibay) Málaga 29008 based CallEmelie around Málaga us on: +34 952 22 02 75 Email us ready,” says Co-Director Miss Ridyard. info@phoenixcollegemalaga.com Gillestedt isat:hoping to study Pascual Polo, studying city centre.” with homework we can immediately “Our students have worked so hard Maths or Mechanical Maths, History, Engineering Politics and Spanish, count on them to solve our questions, www.phoenixcollegemalag a.com and deserve every success.” though will most likely hasn’t yet decided where – her study something which could be more diffiin the UK but hasn’t decided Students like Juan Gonzalez del Cid, current list includes cult in larger schools.” studying A level Maths, Further Maths, which degree yet. But the UK, Australia or Oxbridge hopeful Analia Cabello Physics and History and planning he is keeping his opis the USA! “At Phoenix to studying A Level Maths, Further Ma‘A challenging, study Maths & Economics at univertions open. “At Phoeths, Physics and Chemistry, and wants College we have a sity in the UK, have also had time nix I’m also studying to to study Maths. She likes the fact that PSC (Personal, Social enjoyable learning Matematicas and Cultural) program Applicaa college like which has motivated das and Economia de environment Phoenix acts as me to go outside of Empresa, two hours which pushes a stepping stone my comfort zone. I’ve a week for each, our between school done as OCR (Obsteacher is very good students’ and and helps us a lot. This university. tacle Course Race) “We have study competitions and also means I have the choiperiods ce of applying to Spaduring triathlons, and am volunteering for the nish universities if I want.” the school day Red Cross even though where we don´t bit challenging due to it has been a Arun Dave studying A level Maths, Furthe fact that I’m ther Maths, have classes so not a native Spanish speaker.” Physics and Chemistry, planning to study Chemical Engineewe have to organi- “I hadn’t studied History, se our own time. Politics before, but Mr Geography or ring or Cosmology at university in the Riley is very pas- UK, possibly You can use that sionate about his subjects, at Durham or Manchesso I enjoy ter: “Being a smaller time to finish your them now.” Lucia Mera school means we is considering can all go away homework, or do a degree in Derecho (Law) or Relacio- went to Madrid together on trips. We other things like nes Internacionales, for possibly in Ma- and in March we a UCAS conference voluntary work. I drid but she isn’t yet CHILLING: Sixth form students in visited Manchester, common room am a member of than she knows she decided, other where we saw Les Miserables at the wants to stay in Palace Theatre and visited museums
AT WORK: Phoenix students in science class
and art galleries. Next year we’re going to CERN for a Physics trip.” Phoenix College Málaga aims to provide a challenging, enjoyable learning environment which pushes students to set and strive for their own targets, while providing support and guidance where needed. “We look for a minimum academic level of five GCSE passes (or equivalent) including Maths & English, but what we really encourage are applications from students who want to explore and fulfil their potential,” explains Mr Mitchell, Co-Director.
Enrollment for September 2019 is open. Call us on or email us at info@phoenixcollegema952 22 02 75, see our website - www.phoenixcollegemalaga.com, laga.com. Also find us on FB, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information contact www.rondaguitarfestival.com
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) The Malaga-born maestro is the priciest artist hands-down, not only in Spain but the world. Les Femmes d´Algers (Version O) (above) set a world record price when it was sold for US$179 million (€125 million) at Christie’s New York in 2015. It remains one of the top-selling paintings of all times. Picasso completed it in 1955 as part of a series of 15 paintings and numerous drawings based on Eugene Delacroix’s Women of Algiers. It was acquired privately by former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim, but you can see other versions in museums around the world. Version L is held by the Berggruen Museum in Berlin, and Version N by the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Picasso´s second most expensive painting is Le Rêve (¨The Dream¨), which fetched $155 million (€113 million) at a private sale in 2013.
The 1932 portrait represents the artist’s mistress MarieThérese Walter, who was 22 at the time. And the list of record-breaking sales goes on ... Garçon à la pipe sold for $104,2 million in 2004, Nude, Green Leaves and Bust ($106.5 million, 2010) and Dora Maar au chat ($95.2 million, 2010) to name but a few. Guernica, Picasso’s most famous work housed at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum, has been valued at around $200 million dollars, although it has never been sold and is considered too fragile to move.
Joan Miró (1893-1983) Far behind Picasso but still pretty pricey, this Barcelona-born Catalan artist moved to Paris in the 1920s and joined the Surrealist movement. Painting (Blue Star), (1927), is a key work from his surrealist period, in which some of his emblematic symbols float amidst the intense blue he described as ‘the colour of my dreams’. It was sold in 2012 to an anonymous buyer for £23.5 million (€30 million) at Sotheby’s London. At the time the auction house’s head of Impressionism and Modern Art, Helena Newman, said the high figure represented an ‘unprecedented demand’ for the best of 20th century art. Miró’s second top-selling
work, Painting-Poem (1925), also from his surrealist period, sold at Christie’s London in 2012 for £16,6 million (€21 million).
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A York. The painting was originally owned by the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who often collaborated with Dalí. Simon Shaw, then head of Impressionist and Modern Art for the auction house, noted: “Surrealism continues to present exciting opportunities for collectors, given the wide range of material available at varying price points ... and the fact that great masterworks remain in private hands.”
Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) This Sevilla-born artist is most famous for his Baroque masterpiece, Las Meninas, painted in 1656. It is safe to say, however, that this world treasure will not be on sale anytime soon. It’s so valuable that Madrid’s Prado museum will not even lend it out for exhibition. However his Retrato de una niña (left) was sold in 2017 to an anonymous Spanish buyer in Abalarte, Madrid for €8,7 million. The work was attributed to Velázquez by Richard de Willermin, an expert in 17th and 18th century European art, after an xray revealed a crown of stars hidden by an overpaint. “There is an unquestionable connection through the clothing and the technique. The girl stands with a crown of stars, as with the Immaculate Conception at the National Gallery”, said Willermin. He also suggested that it was an early work by Velazquez as a young apprentice, before he became painter to the Spanish court. Don Pedro de Barberana y Aparregui (left) has also been attributed to Velázquez. Probably painted between 1631 and 1633, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas acquired it in 1981 for a reported $6 million. Last but not least is this Aragonese Romantic artist who was appointed royal painter to the Spanish court in Madrid at the age of 40. The theme of bullfighting was a source of inspiration throughout his life, featured in a 1793 series of prints and, during his final years in France, in a set of four lithographs, known as Bulls of Bordeaux. (The Goyesca bullfights in Ronda in September are an annual homage to the artist.) His priciest painting also takes the corrida as its theme. Bullfight Suerte de Varas which he painted in Paris in 1824 captures the moment when the picador confronts the bull (known as the suerte de varas). It was sold at Sotheby’s London in 1992 for $7.9 million and whisked off to the Getty Museum in Malibu, California. Goya’s second best-seller is a drawing from his personal sketchbooks - ‘journal-albums’, as one expert called
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Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) The second best-selling Spanish artist in the money stakes for his Portrait of Paul Eluard is also a Catalan. Dalí met French poet Eluard and his thenwife Gala in 1929 and, having been commissioned by her husband to paint her portrait, promptly began an affair with her. The pair eventually got married in 1934. Eluard and Gala’s daughter inherited the painting but sold it in 1999. It was resold in 2011 at Sotheby’s London for €16 million. A year later Dalí’s Printemps necrophilique (1936) went under the hammer for $16,3 million (€12,5 million) at Sotheby’s New
AGONY ANT
Francisco Goya (1746-1828) them, in which each drawing is an entree to a story complete in itself. A job lot of 105 drawings were sold at auction in Paris in 1877 after which they were dispersed into private collections lost track of. Bajan riñendo (or Visión de bajar ri-
ñendo) was one such ‘lost drawings recently rediscovered in a Swiss family’s collection. They sold it through Christie’s London in 2008 for £2,28 million (€ 2.87 million) - more than double its valued worth.
S of May 12 2019, a new law is in place in Spain to track the number of hours that employees work. The purpose of Royal Decree 8/2019 is to clamp down on the widespread practice of unpaid overtime which some estimates put at 3.5 million hours. Not complying may mean fines of between €626 and €6,250. The habit of clocking in and out of the workplace is however antiquated, and puts workers under the spotlight in particular when going out for breakfast (a very Spanish tradition), smoking a cigarette, or with more ‘labour-orientated’ things such as sales representatives’ daily itineraries, where employees are given flexibility, and whose work performance is rated by numbers in turnover, not hours (not to mention employees that work from home).
The work hours records must be kept for at least four years and be available to employees, their representatives, and the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate. Already various app developers have created specific platforms to monitor employees’ registration, including controversial geolocation apps to pinpoint
employees’ whereabouts through their company mobile phones, all of which should be fully notified and agreed with the employee. According to the Ministry of Labour, The Employment Inspection Service will act prudently, refraining from inspecting ex officio companies rather acting on the basis of workers’ complaints of legal infringements.
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DOZENS of expats are joining gypsies and Down syndrome candidates in the most diverse local elections in Spanish history. All around Andalucia, Brits, Scandinavians and other northern ropeans have thrown their hatsEuin the ring in the hope of representing the important international
Expats fill up the ballot lists for vital local elections - in which FINALLY foreigners count!
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OUTRAGE AS EXPAT WESTLEY CAPPER GETS BAIL AND IS JUST...
Almodovar at his best Page 16
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DAYS AND OUT
British killer back at multi-million euro luxury villa just three months after killing expat in drunken hit-and-run
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IT only took three months. Indeed, just 91 days after killing a Bolivian mother while under the influence of drink and drugs, British expat Westley Capper is back at his multi-million euro luxury villa. Capper - who is also being investigated over the unlawful detention of missing expat Agnese Klavina - has been granted bail after coughing up €360,000. This is despite Capper admitting to the hit-and-run that left mother-of-four Fatima Dorada thrown 20 feet to her death on a roundabout in San Pedro in May. The privately-educated Capper is now living at his exclusive Benahavis bolthole, it can be revealed, enjoying the heated pool, expansive grounds and use of a chauffeur. In total, the Olive Press can reveal his
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who vanished after being seen getting into his car after a night out in Marbella two years ago (see pullout above). During Westley’s recent 91day stay at Alhaurin prison (he was released last Tuesday) the Essex-man lost 35 kilos and now strikes a ‘shadow of his former self’, according to an Olive Press source. Capper was arrested, alongside sidekick Craig Porter, at a curry house in Estepona
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A PAIR of cold-hearted expats went for a curry after killing a mother in a horrific NABBED: Corner hit-andrun incident. Notorious Brit Westley Capper supped beers and pal Craig Porter chatted with Alhaurin prison wearing just 30 min- flops flip utes after knocking and EXCLUSIVE THE ex-boyfriend over the The son a grey t-shirt. of missing Bolivian mother By Laurence Dollimore of multimillionaire Lisa Brown, has old in San Pedro.of a two-year- Fred Capper was arrested and Rob Horgan in Copenhagen. been arrested in Estepona Privately-educated Simon Corner, 33, Capper - India after restaurant Mini Ordering chicken linked to the disappearance tradition to Spain is facing exa tikka for questionof launched to trackmanhunt was las and drinking Cobra masastunning Latvian ing over the disappearance him lager, the pair had fled Klavina, in 2014 expat Agnese He had been driving down. of Lisa, who has a the crash, a black which happened nine-year-old been remanded in - has now English-plated Bentley son. custody af- Continental, GT Monday evening.at 8.30pm on ter pleading guilty Corner is expected alongside at Marbella friend court. Liverpudlian Craig his “They were acting strange and before a San Roque to appear Por- seemed ter, who is also He was seen being fore the end of the judge becharged with Jolal to be in a rush,” waiter taken to the disappearance week, alongUddin, 34, told the side another British of Agnese. Olive Press. “Soon another is believed to be his man, who three people joined them Fugitive Corner, accomplice. TRAGIC: Paramedics were locked in hushedand they whose real try to revive victim Mini India name is Dean Woods, conversation at the back and (top) has been wanted for questioning of the restau“ I saw the car hit rant. since Lisa disappeared from of Agnese outside threw her flying her and it “It was clear they her home in Guadiaro last November. nightclub in PuertoAqwa Mist Jose Maria, 25, 25 metres,” to work out what were trying Banus, in Spanish authorities 2014. restaurant Inch of Japanese minutes later the to do, then fear the 32-year-old Scot police arrived While his lawyer the worst thing said. “It was and they took them may have insists he has I have ever been murdered not been charged, seen. and dumped “Incredibly just two outside. at sea. have not returned the courts men was enough,” local police- “Everyone rushed towards his passport A European Arrest her and he has to report from the restaurant.” Eyewitnesses at he added. to police was issued last month Warrant twice a month. scene revealed that the crash Tobacconist Antonio ner, who fled Spain for CorNavarro “He is still having an’s body was sent the wom- added: “I saw the to attend Lisa’s disappearance,soon after Bentley go on the first and metres through the flying 25 screeching past, then abandon15th of every ing his yacht in Sotogrande. air. heard a month,” said a police thud.” Lisa’s sister, Helen source. “A lot is going on Capper pleaded behind the guilty to the said: “An 'innocent' Jordan, scenes. hit-and-run in Marbella had nothing to hide man that “It is a scary case yesterday. Meanwhile court has been and I am to the Far East, Europe, Porter pleased he is currently has been released Ireland on bail. and beyond. locked up. Essex-man Capper “While we are delighted drives a “He shouldn’t have number of luxury that been out in he's been caught, the first place.” ing a Mercedes cars includwe still have a S-Class and long road to go. We Marbella Town lives in the exclusive still appeal Hall meanto anyone that while has promised development, near Madronal she might be toknows where to make alterations to the He is not expected Marbella. CALLOUS: Capper contact the road system Guardia Civil.” and in central San Pedro, bail, as he is alreadyto be given (right) Porter David Cameron as it is the second death vestigation for the under inhas vowed to ‘make sure everything abduction boulevard in two near the new months. is done for Lisa's family’.possible
Expats - linked to missing Agnese Indian moments after hit-and-run- head for an killed a mother
vian’s disappearance and the British expats remain the main suspects. The pair have been charged with aggravated unlawful detention and have to report to a Marbella court twice a month and are forbidden from leaving Spain under their bail conditions. A source close to the investigation told the Olive Press that police are ‘closing in’ on the location of Agnese’s possible death.
HE mystery surrounding missing expat Agnese Klavina continues exactly two years since her disappearance. Yet, the Olive Press can reveal that after months of inactivity, police are narrowing in on the location where Agnese was taken after leaving Aqwa Mist nightclub, in Marbella, with Brits, Westley Capper and Craig Porter. September 6 marks the second anniversary of the Lat-
family have paid the court €50,000, plus €310,000 in ‘blood money’ set aside for the family of Dorada. This is in addition to the €300,000 bail money his father, multimillionaire businessman John ‘Freddie’ Capper, has put up in the case of missing Latvian Klavina,
www.theolivepress.es
CURRY KILLER
A two-year mystery
EXCLUSIVE By Rob Horgan and Jon Clarke
Life’s a picnic
include Elizabeth Morrison and Paul Knight for Izquierda Unida in Sedella, Liz Keag for Por Mi Pueblo in Competa, and Chris ropean elections, in which expat Cluderay for Ciudadanos in residents can take part. Alcaucin. “We can actually make a differenIn Manilva, where nearly 50% ce in this election,” explains Olive the population is foreign, it is of Press columnist Bill Anderson, no surprise to find Dutch business who is standing with the PP lady Kaat Buelens, from the party in Mijas. PSOE, competing against The former UK political current British councistrategist is running llor Dean Tyler Shelalongside former maton. yor Angel Nozal in a “I’ve finally decided campaign to restore to get on board and security and cleanimprove my town. liness to the town’s “It’s been a long time streets, as well as recoming and will be a duce bureaucracy, enpleasure if I can get courage transparency in,” she told the Olive and improve animal Press. welfare. In what is believed Meanwhile, Lonto be the most didoner Chloe Gavin verse elections in is running with the Spanish history, four PSOE in Periana, in young adults with the Axarquia, for the Down Syndrome are first time after mostanding in Valencia, ving to Spain 19 years Extremadura , Sevilla ago. and Murcia. She hopes to im“I want my city to prove integration be a pioneer in worof the international king with people community and boost with disabilities and tourism, an essential for us to truly have sector for her village. a voice and a vote,” In the nearby village Sevilla candidate Loof Arenas, Ann and pez-Saez de Riba exSimon Hewitt are plained. supporting the PP The employee at the party, saying they Barceló Renacimien‘need to stand up for to Hotel says 'people something they believe like him' can offer 'so in’. much more than people British businessman Dathink, including a fresh rren Sands is also standing for outlook and a different point the PP party in Mar- of view'. bella. It comes Anne Hernandez, a elected after four gypsies were well known figure in neral to congress in April’s gethe expat communi- The elections in a Spain first. PP, PSOE, Cs and Podemos ty through her group each brought one gypsy to the Brexpats in Spain, country’s house of representatiwill stand for new Mi- ves from Sevilla, Madrid and Tajas party Movimiento rragona. They have all vowed to Vecinal Mijeño and chip away at the xenophobia and will concentrate on systemic Reliable private hire transfer animal welfare, the gypsies discrimination affecting across Spain. services for any occasion environment and gypsies are standing Many other in the local Brexit. • Luxury vehicles elections around the country. Other expats running • Door to door service Opinion, pg 6 • Airport collections
In a country - where many coastal towns comprise up to 50% expatatriates - local elections are vital. The poll this Sunday (May 26) is the ONLY vote, apart from the Eu-
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just hours after slamming his Bentley into Fatima in pouring rain and then fleeing the scene. He faces four charges including manslaughter, failure to aid his alleged victim, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and an offence relating to false documentation. A source close to the investigation confirmed that the 38-year-old’s Bentley remains impounded and that the terms of his bail prevent him from driving. Capper is already banned from leaving the country under bail conditions set in the ongoing missing persons case of Klavina. Fatima’s husband Tomas Ramirez told the Olive Press he was stunned by the ‘heart-
CAUGHT!
Mahon Guilty!
THE stepfather of guilty of killing her missing Amy Fitzpatrick has been brother Dean. found Former Mijas resident Dave Mahon slaughter after his stepson died fromwas found guilty of manDublin in 2013. a single stab wound in Mahon is now facing he had taken out a a potential life sentence, after a knife and viciously jury an argument on New stabbed the teenagerruled after "If Mr Mahon had Year’s Day. wouldn't be dead, not taken the knife out of his pocket and he has admitted Dean Sean Guerin. that," said his lawyer "Mr Mahon has admitted taking the knife out stupid thing to do was a Mahon and Audreyand had tragic consequences", he very, very added. drey’s two children had moved to Mijas Costa in 2004, with AuAmy went missing Amy and Dean. at the age of 15, withfour years later in mysterious circumstances, They have always evidence pointing to neglect by her insisted they had appearance, and later nothing to do with parents. her disreturned to live in Ireland.
HOME: Capper and our previous story less nature’ shown by Capper. “I cannot understand how he has shown absolutely no remorse, has not reached out to the family and clearly has no conscience whatsoever,” the 48-year-old builder said.
Heartless
“It really puzzles me. What a heartless person he must be.” Capper’s London-based lawyer said he could not confirm or deny that Capper had been granted bail. “I have not been instructed on how to answer questions on this,” Robert Taylor of Cubism Law said. “I have been on holiday and I will be talking to my client in the next day or two.” Neither the police, nor court, would comment on the case. Opinion Page 6
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TWITTER has launched a new Emoji with the face of Mariano Rajoy. The jestful emoji of the current acting Prime Minister was created as he launched his upcoming investiture bid, which starts on Wednesday. The playful, animated emoji can be activated by hitting #InvestiduraRajoy on your keyboards until September 2. Rajoy rant - Page 8
Agnese shocker as Capper ‘walks free’ on lesser charge
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A NIGHTCLUB owner, 51, in Cala Millor has been jailed for two years and ordered to pay €45,000 to his sexual assault victim, who was a customer.
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left) in a bid to has met Fabian Picardo (pictured EURO MP hopeful Rachel JohnsonJohnson seeks to become UK Prime Minister. reverse Brexit as her brother Boris UK MEP candidate for South West England and GiOn a visit to the Rock, the Change a very good idea’. insisted. braltar, said that to ‘revoke Brexit is as it had before,” the former journalist continue.” “I want Gibraltar to have the same ease punitive with Gibraltar as negotiations hat into the “I hope Spain is generous and not Secretary, Boris Johnson threw his It comes as her brother, former Foreign Prime Minister. ring to replace Theresa May as UK leading Brexiteer Johnson said when asked if he “Of course I'm going to go for it,” wanted the top job. of the Tory grassroots 39% with May succeed to The former London mayor is favourite other supporting him, according to YouGov. Dominic Raab has just 13%, while HanHis closest rival, fellow Leave campaigner, Andrea Leadsom, Matt Javid, Sajid Gove, Michael Hunt, cabinet ministers Jeremy figures. cock and Rory Stewart are all on single
issues Brexit message in Gib
“Brexit is going badly,” he continued. “The only way to resolve it is to go back to the people with the option to remain. “We now have a good prospect of remaining in the EU which is what people in Gibraltar want.” He also insisted he had no regrets about the coalition that brought the Tories and David Cameron to power in 2011. “It was the right thing to do in the circumstances,” said Cable. “We had a very good coalition government that provided strong and stable government. “Nowadays, Britain is sadly a very divided country and we need to get past Brexit to get back to the things that really matter.” Opinion Page 6
In Costa Blanca Issue 5
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WE’VE GOT THE POWER!
Justice edges nearer
THE law is catching up with the bosses of a dodgy expat-run financial advisory firm whose clients lost millions through risky pension investments. Criminal proceedings are By Joshua Parfitt now underway against the forDOZENS of expats are joining mer directors gypsies and Down syndrome canof Continental didates in the most diverse local Wealth Manaelections in Spanish history. gement (CWM), All around the Costa Blanca, Brits, which was baScandinavians and other northern sed at the MaEuropeans have thrown their hats rriott Hotel, in in the ring in the hope of repreDenia. senting the important internatioThe proceedings against boss Da- nal community at a rren Kirby (above) and associates local level. involves 15 former clients, repre- Dozens of foreigners have been sented by a well-respected law firm based in Moraira and Denia. The Olive Press can reveal that Madrid tribunal gave the green lighta for legal claims back in January. The judicial probe was ‘damning and comprehensive’ and opened the door to various criminal cases against the former directors. According to our source - a British victim, based on the Costa Blanca the tribunal ruled that the company‘acted illegally in Spain’, “It also confirmed CWM was not sured and not properly regulatedinto manage clients’ pension funds,” said the expat, who lost €200,000. “Now we can see a glimmer of light,” added the father-of-two, who asked to remain anonymous, at this stage. The source is part of a wider group of 150 disaffected investors who collectively lost €15.3 million through a total of 308 risky investments. As CWM failed to reply to the Madrid tribunal’s verdict within a 15day window, former clients are able to seek criminal prosecution through the Spanish courts. The boss of the legal firm currently taking action in Denia told the Olive Press this week, it was just a ‘matter of weeks’ before a trial is scheduled. “We have filed a comprehensive case See Painting by numbers, page 14 and we expect it to be accepted by the court this month,” he said.
Expats fill up the ballot lists for vital local elections - in which FINALLY foreigners count!
Watkins and Linda Gimeno, with passions ranging from animal welfare to helping expats communicate better with the town hall. In what is believed to be the most diverse elections in Spanish hisropean elections, in which expat tory, four young adults with Down residents can take part. syndrome candidates are also “If we leave the EU, this election standing in Valencia, Extremawould be our last chance dura, Sevilla and Murcia. to have a say in our fu“I want my city to be a tures,” explained Bripioneer in working tish expat Terence with people Curran, who is a canwith disabilities and for didate with the PP in us to truly have a Javea. voice and a vote,” The commander of a Sevilla local firefighting unit candidate Lopez-Saez de Riba is running under maexplained. yoral candidate Rosa The employee at the Cardona in a camBarceló Renacimienpaign focusing on to Hotel says ‘people young people, seculike him’ can offer rity and integration. ‘so much more than Meanwhile Andrew people think, incluShaw, who moved ding a fresh outlook over from Britain 27 and a different point years ago, is running of view’. with Podemos in JaIt comes after four gypvea. sies were elected to He hopes to make congress in April’s public transport general elections in more eco-friendly, a Spain first. introduce more biThe PP, PSOE, Cs cycle lanes, as well and Podemos each as curb emigration brought one gypsy to inland by controlling the country’s house of rent prices. representatives from In the nearby village Sevilla, Madrid and of Ondara, CandiTarragona. da Wright is runThey have all vowed ning for the PP after to chip away at the spending four years xenophobia as the head of HELP and systemic discriminaDenia. tion affecting gypsies “Over these years, I across Spain. have seen that more assisMany other gypsies are tance is required from within standing in the local elections local government for expats,” she around the country. explains. Ciudadanos in Moraira are also fielding two British women, Dawn We promise change, page 6
included on the various political party lists in a bid to become councillors. In a country - where up to 50% many coastal towns comprise of pats - local elections are vital. exThe poll this Sunday (May 26) is the ONLY vote, apart from the Eu-
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MPs led by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke were spearheading the issue in Parliament. The single mother from Elms Vale confirmed concern was growing at Westminster over how the investigation into FX trading has been handled. Elphicke has set out to secure a debate to register the dissatisfaction and concern the Premier FX victims have raised about the investigation. The former lawyer turned MP said: “It is not acceptable for
A PALMA airport worker has died after being pushed to the ground by an angry tourist just months before her retirement. Herminia Bedinelli, 64, died in hospital after breaking her hip and leg when a German tourist shoved her to the floor after she wouldn’t let him return to the baggage claims area. Bedinelli suffered from an infection following surgery and died several days later. The tourist will now face manslaughter charges.
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PINTXO PASSION
AN expat business owner is demanding action after neighbours put up ‘illegal’ bollards blocking his shop. Martin White, 54, claims his Is Bilbao tastbusiness Hot Spring Mallorca ier than San has been forced to cease trade for almost three weeks, after Sebastian? Page 6 the series of 15-inch posts were Page 12 installed. Page 20 As well as blocking delivery trucks, it is putting off clients, he insists. “I’m suffering a loss of €1,000 a day. Delivery vans can’t get through to drop off stock,” White, from Hull, told the Olive Press. He has now called in police and Alcudia town hall, via a lawyer, to demand answers. The problem began when White, who is co-owner of the business with David Camping, EXCLUSIVE By Elisa Menendez 56, arrived to find the series of bollards blocking his shop on August 27. After contracting a legal firm EXPATS in Mallorca may have he was told by both police and lost millions over the suspitown hall that the posts were cious collapse of a foreign exchange firm being probed over ‘illegal’. The businessman is now set to ‘criminal activity’. take the community of neigh- Dozens of victims have lost up bours to court for discrimina- to €400,000 each in life savtion and loss of business for ings after Premier FX Limited was forced into administration €30,000 in compensation. “The next thing I knew, the amount of money’ The posts have also been in- by the UK’s Financial Conduct money was gone. I feel sick collapse, according tofrom the stalled in front of the Muslim- Authority (FCA). a close make financial transfers via about it,” added the pensioner. friend. owned supermarket next to It comes after the firm - which “I just don’t understand Barclays even after the compawhy no The Portals-based expat him, although ‘mysteriously’, operated from Palma, Por- other media organisations pal, ny had ceased trading. on who has also lost money, tugal and London - suddenly not the garage the other side. in- boss Rexstrew, who also lived in The FCA has since discovered the island are tackling sisted Jones had been “It’s totally illegal,” he said. stopped trading on July 27, In particular, she this.” wants to to ‘go into hiding’ after advised the Algarve, she was given no that the company, set up in “You can’t just put them on one following the death of director, know of the whereabouts he was warning of the collapse. 2006, was operating without of ‘lambasted’. Peter Rexstrew. side without the other.” full authorisation. “I simply found out when Nick Jones, the island’s To make matters worse, three Since then hundreds of clients, director, who has not former “I know him closely and he to make a transaction I tried It was forced into administrabeen seen said all employees were but days after the bollards went in, many of them expats, have for over a month. in total one would answer the phone.no tion after being unable to pay I shock with the news. one of the neighbours threw a been left completely in the She is angry that he then emailed and I received this debts and was ‘cash flow insolhad sent “He is not in hiding he bucket of water over him from dark and unable to access their out an assurance email has of the advised to keep a low been automatic reply saying they had vent’ following Rexstrew’s sudfunds. above. profile ceased trading and there’d company’s financial stability be den death, leaving his two chilwhile the investigation is on- no He has also denounced the incidren as joint directors. on June 20, just days after the going. And while a director, in “I further transactions. dent to the police. Assurance death of Rexstrew. immediately smelt a rat,” she Victims have so far received reality, he had no access to the added. “I’ve had the shop for five years Victims very little information from the However, the Olive Press unhave now formed an main accounts.” and I’ve never had a problem. company’s appointed adminWhen derstands that Jones, who action group with nearly 200 She added: “All this is very dis- tion she called the UK’s Ac- istrators “The administrator of the build- members and Barclays and fear Fraud, an operator ex- many of them in worked out of an office on Pal- tressing for him and his family. ing told us this was a personal the Balearics plained he knew nothing about they will never get their money - demanding im- ma’s prestigious Calle La RamHe has been completely lam- it. vendetta from residents,” he mediate back. bla, has also lost ‘a substantial answers. basted. I understand people are “I’ve added. been stuck for two months One British expat, based in angry but there have been some without that money which I Palma, told the Olive Press she Criminal really nasty comments. need has no idea what has happened “It is quite clear that Peter’s “It’s for my business. not just affecting people “It’s a real mindfield and like to the €30,000 she was holdchildren were taking over the buying holiday homes, it is also banging your head against ing with Premier FX. business, not Nick.” affecting business owners, who a brick wall,” added another “I had used them for many Another victim told the Olive can’t British retiree, who has lost years and there were never Press she has lost a staggering Most pay staff or clients.” victims had been prom- money. Premier FX and Barany problems,” explained the €400,000 due to the collapse. ised by Premier FX that their clays failed to comment in time 69-year-old, who asked to reThe UK-based businesswoman, money for press. An FCA spokespermain anonymous. who lived for decades in Portu- gated, was being held in ‘segre- son told the Olive Press: “We personal accounts’ with “I had transferred the money gal, has made three monthly Barclays, Untitled-1.pdf 1 16/06/2017 but administrators are very concerned that there and was waiting for the ex15:36 transactions with Premier FX now BAFFLED: By bollards think this was not the case. was criminal activity taking change rate to improve. for 12 years. MISSING: Nick Jones It is also believed that many place at Premier FX in relaDespite being a friend of former clients were still permitted to tion to missing funds. “We are investigating the business and will take action against any individuals we find to have broken the law in order to return money to customers of the firm.”
What’s up at the Valley of the Fallen?
Expats demand the return of millions after FX company collapses amid fraud probe
How a Spanish weed boosted UK literacy
GIVE IT BACK
Caught in the act
FLASHBACK: OP breaking the story while (right) MP Elphicke
police not to investigate Three Lions when British citizens are defrauded Hot Hot water of tens of millions of pounds. water “I will continue to work with Pauline to push for this to be scrutiPipe ban nised properly Pipe ban and treated as criminality – because that’s exactly what it is.” The political intervention comes as British expat Dale Brazil, who lost £30,000, told this paper she has grown concerned the UK Financial Conduct Authority has ‘shut down’ the investigation after a ‘disC
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graceful’ nine months delay. “Members of parliament are A COUPLE have been ar‘He deserves it’ Not pursuing ‘He deserves this it’ relentlessly Not but rested in Palma for assault enough seem to be getting shut down and falsifying enough documents stars mainly by the after trying to run stars over a FCA and Sur- police officer. rey police say- An off-duty officer saw the ing they do young couple acting suspinot have the ciously in the entry of a garesources to rage in Palma. investigate,” As he approached they range the SantaAA range A range Catalina A range based of Waitrose of Waitrose bolted to a nearby car and of Waitrose Brit told the ofPress Waitrose this wines Olivewines wines wines drove straight towards the week. officer, “It begs belief that nine who dived out of the months after reporting the way. fraud, Surrey Police are tell- Police traced the car to a ing us now that they refuse to rental company and discovinvestigate.” ered it had been hired
www.theolivepress.es www.theolivepress.es
SEESOME MORE 14 IN fire bosses have been arrested for allegedly THE RESTAURANT embezzling SOME €7 bosses millionhave 14 fire in public arrested funds. been SECTION for allegedly INSIDE The Policia embezzling Nacional
NEWS NEWS
Costa del Sol hotel has Costa del three Sol months tothree hotel has fight decision months to before it is fight decision demolished before it is demolished
breached rules by being over 700 square meters bigger
POLICE officers have formed a human wall along a beach in La Linea to ensure that the construction POLICE of a have beachformed officers wall went ahead.wall a human The wall, along between a beach the church in La Linea of Nuestra to ensure that the Senora del Carmen construction andwall of a beach thewent perimeter ahead.wall of thewall, fishing The port ofthe between Lachurch Atunara, to of hopes Nuestra Senora del Carmen and the perimeter wall of the fishing port of La Atunara, hopes to
Eroski billboard.indd 1
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DOOMED: Costa hotel
than permitted. Although the town hall and developer than permitted. maintain this excess was later Although the town corrected, hall and the judge ruledmaintain developer that the rectificathis extion would cess was later have corrected, taken place the after the judge ruled granting that theof rectificathe licence, tion so does would have nottaken count. place The building after the granting has 61 of the apartliments so cence, and 46 not does parking count. spaces. building has 61 apartThe The original ments and 46 parking building spacwas granted planning permises. sion by The original then mayor building Enrique was Bolin in 2001. granted planning permission by then mayor Enrique Bolin in 2001.
SMUGGLERS’ WALL SMUGGLERS’ WALL
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December 6th - December 19th 2017 December 6th - December 19th 2017
From Page 1
€7 million found in that funds. the Consortium of public Bomberos The Policia Cadiz tookfound Nacional out A HOTEL is to be knocked mass early that the retirement Consortium insurof down for not having enough ance policies. Bomberos Cadiz took out class! A HOTEL is to be knocked But when mass their employees early retirement insurBenalmadena’s down for not having retired Hotelenough Vista early, chiefs siphoned ance policies. de Rey must be demolished class! off the money But from when the paytheir employees within three months, Benalmadena’s outs. early, chiefs siphoned retired Hotela court Vista hasRey de ruled, Authorities must be demolished off also the money found from disthe payAndalucia’s crepancies in the consorwithin three months, outs. Superiora Court court tium’s training of Justice has ruled, ruled that the hoAuthorities courses. also found disLarge sums in tel falls shortSuperior Andalucia’s crepancies were of its four-star to a thepaid Court consorcompany requirement. to provide tium’s of Justice ruled that the hotraining training courses. courses, but no Large tel falls short of its four-star evidence sums were paid tohas a been found company thesetraining requirement. tothat courses provide Probing took place. courses, but no evidence has It began probing the three Meanwhile, been found that these irregularities courses Probing were place. star hotel also found in grants and took and apartment subsidies, whichirregularities block It began Meanwhile, in 2011 cops believe probing after it was the dethree usedfound nounced were also star to pay hotel overand private planning in for grants apartment rules and trips. subsidies, whichin block set2011 which cops believe aside theitplot after wasfor a deThe irregularities were used to pay for four star hotel nounced date back over planning only. private rules to 2008 and cops believe trips. According which at set aside to thethe PGOU plot town for a least irregularities €7 million hasdate The beenback plan star stofour an apartment hotel only.block was len2008 by those to the top. andatcops not permitted believe at According to the and PGOU it town also least €7 million has been stobreached plan an apartment rules by being blockover was len by those at the top. 700 permitted not square meters and itbigger also DOOMED: Costa hotel
FRUIT growers in the Axarquia are facing a 60% reduction in water FRUIT usein from growers La the the AxarVinuela quia are reservoir with reducfacing a 60% no solution sight.use from the La tion inin water The Junta Vinuela has with decided reservoir to no solimit its lution as the reservoir is inuse sight. already at 22.7% The Junta has capacity decidedand to couldits drop limit use even as thelower if the reservoir is dry weather already keeps at 22.7% up. capacity and could drop even lower if the dry weather keeps up.
deter drug smugglers from using the beach as a drop off zone. A combined deter police presence drug smugglers Guardia from of using Civil, the beach local and off as national a drop zone. officers were present as fears grew that A combined drug police smugglers presence would of Guardia try Civil, and disrupt local the work. and national officers were fears grew that drug smugglers present as would try and disrupt the work.
He even got himself a financial slot a well known radio station, through whichadvice From Page on 1 he snared unsuspecting victims. He even got himself a financial advice slot on a well However, known a comprehensive radio station, throughOlive Press investigation he snared exunsuspectposed his scams that involvedwhich ing victims. stamps, coins and gold. We also revealed However, how he and a comprehensive his close Olive Barry Nathan Presspal investigation exwined his andscams posed dinedthat up to a dozen involved criminals, stamps, coinsanonymously, and gold. through We food column. also the revealed how he and his close pal Barry Nathan He eventually wined fled and dined up the to a country followinganonymously, dozen criminals, our expose, but we soon through tracked the food him down to the UK, where he had column. changed his name He eventually deed fledbythe poll andfollowing country was selling and ourcoins expose, antiques on eBay but we soon from tracked a small him downBerkshire cottage. to the UK, where he had He was quickly changed found his name guiltypoll under by deed andEnglish law ofcoins was selling conning and people and antiques givenfrom a suspended on eBay prison cottage. a small Berkshire sentence only due He was quickly to health found guilty reasons. under English law of conning “And because people he apromised and given to prison suspended never go back toonly sentence his due online cons,”reasons. to health one of the Britishbecause victim explained. “And he promised to never Butback this is go to apparently his online cons,” not theone caseofwith the two victims British victimclaiming he is still using explained. eBaythis to is sell But ‘dodgy’ coins apparently and stamps not the case with fromvictims his unpaid two flat in claiming he Brighton, usis still using ing the eBay ‘gqtrading’ tonames sell ‘dodgy’ coins and ‘gqtrading2’. his unpaid flat in and stamps from Brighton, us“Wethe arenames pretty‘gqtrading’ ing sure he hasand broken his ‘gqtradbail conditions and will have ing2’. to finally go back “We prison,” areto pretty one broken suresaid victim. his he has “Theconditions nerve of this bail man unbelievable.” and willishave to finally Hisback landlord go last night to prison,” insisted said one he should have known victim. something “The nerve was up man fromisthe of this start. unbelievable.” “When we metlast His landlord to sign theinsisted contracts night thoughthave heI should he was a bit known slippery, I went something to pay was up my fromfor coffee only for the barista to the start. tell me he “When we had without met left to sign paying his the contracts bill.” he was a bit I thought He continued: slippery, I went“He paid to pay the first only forfor my couple coffee months forofthe baristabut thenme to just tell hestopped. He told us had left without his account paying his bill.”had been frozen duecontinued: to a money“He He laundering investigation, paid for the first couplewhich is probof months but ably true. “He thenHe then just stopped. told us us to his stopaccount told contacting had him beenand accused of harrassment. due tous a money laundering investigation, which frozen is prob“Nowtrue. he is ably claiming “He he us then told is to seriously ill and can’t stop contacting to him work and acmake payments. cused us of harrassment. “We’ll he seeishim “Now in court.” claiming he is seriously ill and can’t work to make payments. “We’ll see him in court.” Opinion Page 6 Opinion Page 6
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fake documents.
using
Good journalism
Mercadona has made fabulous improvements in the last few years and the range is improving all the time. I can’t complain about the staff at all. It is better than Supersol, Lidl and Aldi. I used to have to shop in three supermarkets to get what I want, but Mercadona has it all. The law is there to protect employees for holidays and they also seem to get decent pay for Spain.
It’s about time people started to talk about this (It’s not over yet, Issue 54, pg 2). It is something that seems to have been swept under the carpet in Mallorca. MALLORCA SANTA MARIA
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02.05.19 16:38
Steve Pugh, Port Talbot
Little shop of horrors
Mixed emotions
Wait until you are elderly, and are doing your very best to just go shopping - and you take your eye off your bag for a second - please. These thieves pick on the vulnerable. People should have some compassion. No one deserves to be robbed, we need to clamp down on the scum that steal.
I love Jamie Oliver (British chef Jamie Oliver opens NEW restaurant on Spain’s Costa del Sol, online, May 16). However, have eaten at his restaurant in Westfield Stratford City and in Piccadilly in London and both times have been really disappointed, so not sure I’d risk it again. Chris Jopp, Alcudia
Tulip Wijsmuller, Palma
Rules for life Is there a war against Mercadona? I’m sorry, but in any supermarket and store - even at the manicure station in your beauty salon - in any country in the world, you should keep an eye on your belongings. Isn’t this one of the first rules of life that we teach our kids?
God s a Tory
Margaret Wever, Aruba
Pick your battles The only people responsible for being a victim of pickpocketing is the perpetrator, and in many cases also the victim. It’s quite easy to get pickpocketed, it’s also quite easy not get pickpocketed.
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Jennifer Knowles, Malaga
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SWITZERLAND MEILEN bei ZÜRICH 2 580
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Lola Lopez, Dubai
She must be a devout conservative then (Nun and void Issue V 54 pg 24) Mind you n Nun she might n and dec are vo d that God to d her to do it because he is a Tory!
FAKE NEWS SHOCKER
www.dragoninsure.com
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DOZENS of British MPs are calling for a debate on the dodgy collapse of a Mallorcabased foreign exchange firm after an Olive Press probe revealed scores of expat victims. Premier FX, based in Palma, ceased trading last July, leaving behind millions in unpaid debts and hundreds of people, mostly Brits living in Spain, without their savings. British victim, Pauline Creasy, revealed to the Olive Press this week how a ‘coalition’ of 25
No more bets TOURISTS were left stunned after 50 police stormed Playa de Palma in an illegal street gambling raid. Some 26 locals were cuffed after the cops spent days observing illegal betting gangs, mostly the so-called ‘shell game’, which sees holidaymakers bet on finding a ball under one of three cups. The suspects are believed to belong to four different gangs. The crackdowns will continue throughout the summer, police have warned.
Tel: 966 493 762 762
Olive Press Crossword 2
EXCLUSIVE By Tim McNulty
May 10th - May 23rd 2019
Leaps and bounds
Has anything piqued your interest in thisGay p week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@theolivepress.es or alternatively message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress M
1
Killer socks
CHEAP children’s socks could be full of dangerous hormone disruptors, a University of Granada study has found. Researchers compared socks in three different price ranges and found that the cheapest socks had 25 times more bisphenolA, a dangerous chemical used to make plastics. Alarmingly, scientists have found, they can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance causing weight gain, thyroid problems and even cancer.
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It’s not over yet!
Devilish Tragedy
THE Balearic Health Service has condemned a patient who attacked two paramedics and vandalised an ambulance in the Son Cladera area of Palma.
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British MPs rally round expats who lost millions in dodgy Mallorca currency firm collapse
A WOMAN has been arrested after attacking dozens of priests in more than 40 churches in Palma. The suspect, from Cuba, 46, is accused of robbing countless clergymen and parishioners before destroying crucifixes and furniture. She allegedly attacked the holy sites during masses.
Doc shock
EXCLUSIVE
VINCE Cable has warned that BrexBy John Culatto it will ‘really hurt’ Gibraltar. The leader of the Liberal Democrats made the warning during a visit to played games with Gibraltar in the the frontier. past and it was the intercession of During the whistle-stop visit, he in- the European Union that brought sisted the UK’s departure from the them back into line. EU was ‘not a good option’ for the Rock. Pressures a “It’s very clear that Brexit is not Cable, we walk away without a if Gibraltar,” “Now good option for deal - which is what Nigel Farage 76, told the Olive Press. others “The overwhelming majority of and Boris Johnson among are arguing for - they’re totally vulpeople here voted against it. “They’re more British than the Brit- nerable.” needs to ish and more European than the He believes that the UK to ‘fight Europeans. They want to keep those stay in the European Union two identities and that is absolutely these damaging pressures’. The leader believes the process of right. seriBrexit is not going well even though “Brexit will potentially cause there is currently ‘an anti-Brexit ous disruption.” Commons’. He continued: “The Spanish have majority in the House of
Fo o
www.theolivepress.es
NEWS IN BRIEF No foul play POLICE have located 36-year-old Amelia Baran in ‘good health’ in a shopping centre in Porto Pi, after she went missing on May 4.
Michele O'Sullivan, Alicante
1
fire cocktail
they are now ‘trying to find out more details’ about the contents of the drink. According to El Neo’s menu, the cocktail contains rum, pineapple juice, passion fruit, overproof rum and cinnamon, and sells for €9. The owner of El Neo told the Olive Press that ‘it was an accident and everything was quickly brought under control’. She insisted the bar ‘does have a tap’. The female victim was taken by air ambulance to the burns unit at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron hospital, while the two men were treated at Palma’s Son Espases.
Sue Allder, Palma
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TheOlivePress-256x170-BIKE-4.indd
SCENE: El Neo bar and (right) to use drinking water to help douse the flames’. A Policia Nacional spokesperson told the Olive Press
booze to set fire to it!
Maybe Mercadona are in on the act? I have noticed a deterioration in the quality and variety of their produce over the past few years. Shop elsewhere.
See page 47
“Frightened, hurt, near naked and going into shock she was literally left to sit outside on the pavement,” she added. The witness also claimed the bar does not have a water tap and that ‘customers had
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Club abuse
TM
902 123 282 In Gibraltar Issue 97
EXCLUSIVE By Charlie Smith
in flames,” said one fellow reveller at Santa Catalina’s El Neo bar, in Carrer de la Boteria. She added that the burning woman ‘stripped to her waist and fled outside’.
Readers react to the Olive Press investigation into the murky side of Mercadona, after a string Precious booze of expat robberies (The Cult of I feel very sorry for the people Mercadona, Issue 54, pg 7) hurt and wish them a very Your first month ’s speedy recovery (Cocktail 54, pg 5). But plabomb, n is Issue flip pin’ of good e! it is an awful waste fre
Inside job
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SPANISH six-to-nineyear-old girls are the second most obese in Europe, new research has revealed. Around 17% of girls in this age group in Spain are obese, while Cyprus had the worst prevalence with 19%. Meanwhile Spanish boys of the same age are the fourth most obese in Europe, after Greece (20%), Italy (21%) and Cyprus (21%). The UK, France and Germany were left out of the study. A ‘decline’ in the Mediterranean diet was cited for the poor results in Spain.
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Across 1 Drunk (6) 5 Ornamental flowering shrub (6) 8 Omelette essential (3) 9 Whine (6) 10 Yearn (6) 11 E.g. the Romanovs (5) 13 Athletic shoe (7) 14 Pains (5) 17 Periodic (5) 20 Fuzzy (7) 22 Long-continued practice (5) 25 Leaning letter (6) 26 Mature animals (6) 27 Did possess (3) 28 Stump up in advance (6) 29 Creeping (6) Down 2 Republic containing the northernmost point in Africa (7) 3 At no time (5) 4 Vale (4) 5 Con (7) 6 Clap (7) 7 Strange and mysterious (5) 12 Observe (3) 15 Facial deformity (7) 16 Incomplete (7) 18 Acknowledgement of debt (1,1,1) 19 Become less dark (7) 21 Coming after (5) 23 Moved back and forth (5) 24 Instructed (4)
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Oh the irony
Jus a hough bu I m hopng he producers don accep pro-Brex ers c ng UK mm gra on as a reason or he r move (Barga n Lov ng Br s n he Sun wan s Br sh expa s or new ser es w h fi m ng o s ar on Spa n s Cos a de So on ne Olive Press 2018_Layout 1 16/04/2018 14:57 Page 1 May 1) We need hem ke a ho e n he head M
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Issue 318
STILL GOT IT THE OLD: Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery were regular visitors
How two American icons helped to make Marbella great
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May 10th - May 23rd 2019
COCKTAIL BOMB
g
In Andalucia Issue 318 Your
Cowabunga
Exploding rum cocktail leaves three hospitalised in bizarre late night drinking session
THE annual release of res- A ROMANTIC evening has cued tortoises has taken place ended in disaster after a young couple suffered third in Mallorca. Some 211 Greek Tortoises degree burns from an exhave been released in Calvia, ploding cocktail. Police are investigating the including 90 young babies. Most of the breed live around May 3 incident that led to a the Calvia area, and are clas- Swedish woman, 33, being airlifted to hospital, while sified as a vulnerable species. her partner, 34, was also They are illegal to keep in hospitalised, along with a captivity or as pets German man, 48. The female expat was ‘most affected’, according to witnesses, after her silk dress caught fire when the flaming Captain Jack Sparrow cocktail ignited. “The couple literally went up
Shop horror?
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PROPERTY Tax break crackdown
13
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
Too little too late?
Rental drop
THE rise in rural property sales has surpassed hotspots like Madrid for the first time in years… but there’s a catch. During the last quarter of 2018, purchases rose the most in Extremadura (19.1%), and prices the most in Castilla-La Mancha (16.8%) and Castille & Leon (11.5%). However, the markets inland are much smaller and sales have been so low that any increase would bring a high percentage. In reality, the interior regions are still suffering a depopulation crisis as hordes of young people move to the cities and coasts in search of work. Meanwhile, sales fell the most in the Canaries (-9.8%), Cantabria (-7.8%), and the Balearics (-7.2%) – whilst prices fell the most in Aragon (-7.2%).
LONG term rentals have dropped by more than five percent in Mallorca since April last year. However the rental prices rose nearly 4% in Palma and 2% in Calvia. Rental prices in the Balearics remain in the top four highest priced in all of Spain.
Green light MALLORCA council has given the go ahead for a public consultation into an extensive eco-hotel complex backed by British billionaire Richard Branson. Branson’s project in Banyalbufar entails turning the ancient Son Bunyola estate into luxury accommodation. The business magnate brought the 270-hectare estate in 2015 with plans to make it the most eco-sustainable hotel complex in Europe.
Left-wing government could spell danger for property investors
A LEFT-wing coalition government may see tax breaks for property investors come under fire, experts have warned. It comes after the PSOE began seeking support from anti-capitalist Podemos after failing to win an overall majority in last month’s snap general election. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez has already announced
Airbnb-ogus
his party wants to review tax breaks for landlords who rent to long-term residents as a way to bring more cash to Spain’s coffers.
Hot spots
Meanwhile, Podemos, led by Pablo Iglesias, has made housing affordability one of its main issues. The far-left party blames investors for
the surge in house prices in hotspots such as Barcelona, Madrid and the Balearics. It is also calling for the end of tax breaks for Real Estate Investment Trusts, known A hole that appeared in the roof as SOCIMIs, of the garage for the 14 flats led which receive to flooding, after recent rains. tax relief for inSince the flooding, the 14 homes vesting in rental have been evicted as a precauhomes for three tion, and four concrete pillars years or more. weighing two tonnes each need “SOCIMIs are to be installed for extra support. designed to enCracks and holes have been apcourage investpearing since the reforms startment in rental ed, including two holes in an elhousing, which is a tricky busiderly couple's apartment, which ness in a countook months to repair. try where evic-
Demolition woes DOZENS of local residents have been evacuated from their homes after a demolition project caused severe structural damage. The community of owners reported multiple problems caused to their apartment block on Calle Simo Ballester in recent months. The issues began as works started to demolish a once protected 70-year-old building next door.
Keys Isl nd to the
tion of non-payers is slow and expensive,” explained Mark Stucklin of Spanish Property Insight. “Podemos blame SOCIMIs and other investors for rising housing costs in hot markets, rather than high demand. The rental sector is a capital intensive business, and without SOCIMIs there would be less investment in rental housing, meaning fewer homes and lower quality – all bad news for renters.” He added: “Though nothing is yet certain, it’s likely the next Government will be some sort of coalition between the Socialists, Podemos, and perhaps some nativist parties from the Basque Country and Catalunya.
A SHOCKING 30% of all Airbnb listings for Mallorca may be unlicensed. Environmental group Terraferida claims that 28,360 of the properties advertised for rental on the island do not carry a rental license number. A further 22,000 do not have the official registration number in Ibiza and Menorca. In total, 141,000 holiday rentals for the Balearics can be found on the site with 100,000 in Mallorca.
Rent joy RENT rises will slow down to around 10% this year, a property giant has predicted. Albirana Properties, part of Blackstone, said the nationwide increase will be lower than previous years. The company, which rents out just under 10,000 homes across Spain, said rents increased by 14% last year.
By Amanda Butler
The Beckham Law Amanda Butler explains the mysterious ‘Beckham Rule’ and looks at developments in Mallorca’s property market
I
WAS pleasantly surprised to have received a call from a potential client having found me online through my Olive Press articles, looking to move to Mallorca from South Africa. He had heard about the ‘Beckham Law’ and was enquiring if it was still valid and whether he could use this law to become a resident here. Although not called the Beckham Law officially here in Mallorca, the legislation is still applicable, allowing people to move here with favorable tax conditions. Originally known as ‘The Special Displaced Workers Regime’ it was designed to attract brains, talent and wealth from all over the world, encouraging high earners to become Tax Resident in Spain (spending more than 183 days a year living there) only requiring them to pay 24% income tax
(IRPF), as opposed to rising up to 43%, or higher in certain circumstances. It was of course given its name by David Beckham, one of the first high profile sports people to use it when he signed for Real Madrid. The main criteria, which still apply for the Beckham Rule are: You must not have been a Spanish resident in the previous 10 years. You must be employed by a Spanish company, or a non-Spanish company, but with a permanent office here in Spain (You can be a director of a company but with no more than 25% shares). The rule can be used for the remaining tax year you start in, and the following five. The application is to be made within six months of starting employment in Spain. You have to be resident in Spain and also have at least 85% of your work interests here. One of the major benefits of this rule is you do not pay taxes on any gains outside of Spain, making a considerable saving on any external income. If able to qualify, clearly this would be very attractive to high earners! We have yet to ascertain this
particular person’s eligibility, but I have left that with the lawyers. The Property Market According to a report released recently by the General Council of Notaries, the sale of properties to foreigners in Spain as a whole increased by 1.7% in the second half of 2018. Of 50,249 transactions, 18% were by British buyers. There was a decline in the nonresident sector from 49% to 44% of sales, with the Balearics showing the second steepest decline in sales, down 13.5%. Property prices in the Balearics were much higher than elsewhere in Spain, with the average square metre price at €2,987, with Madrid second at €2,254. To date 2019 has shown the market in general to be slower than normal, due to delayed Brexit negotiations for the Brits, and the Swedes subdued due to the rate of exchange. But, according to many Germanfocused agencies, the German market is still strong, which will be a relief to both agents and sellers alike. That’s it from me for the moment, see you in June!
Contact Amanda J Butler to buy or sell your home: Tel: +34690075169, www.mjcassociates.net. Your professional one stop property shop around the Island!
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On the clock A NEW law will force all companies in Spain to record employees’ hours in a crackdown on rampant unpaid overtime. It comes as the latest workforce survey showed unpaid overtime accounted for as many as 2.6 million work hours a week. “The initiative must help correct the situation of precariousness, low salaries and poverty that affects many workers who suffer abuse in their working day,” said the PSOE, introducing the decree. Regardless of size, every company is obliged to track workers start and leave times with failure to comply leading to fines of up to €6,250. The measure has triggered many questions regarding enforcement but authorities have simply said that inspectors will ‘use common sense’.
BUSINESS
Price ain’t right
Spain-based tech company takes the lead in race to deliver high speed future travel
A SPANISH tech company has unveiled designs for a 1,000 km per hour train in a bid to create the world’s first ‘hyperloop’ travel system. Valencia-based Zeleros is one of eight companies around the world working on variants of the Hyperloop project inspired by billionaire Elon Musk to deliver train travel at airline speed. “Though it is a difficult project, we are proud of what we are achieving. “Our objective is to have our technology ready in four to
MODEL: Hyperloop project to cut Madrid to Barcelona journey time to 25 mins
Hyped up
five years for cargo and eight or nine years for passengers,” said Zeleros CEO David Pistoni. The hyperloop concept would revolutionise transport with
a levitating ‘pod’ travelling through a vacuum to reach ultra-high speeds, cutting travel time from Barcelona to Madrid to a whistlestop 25 minutes.
Sea Green PIONEERS of the environmental boating movement in the Balearics have been recognised with an award at the Palma Boat Show for their innovative electric-solar fleet. Eco-charter company La Belle Verde has transformed traditional boats into an environmentally friendly means of transportation, with the use of
FULL SAIL: The team behind eco-fleet la Belle Verde
electric engines and solar panels. The third edition of the Boat Show Investment Forum for 2019 saw La Belle Verde win over private investors, beating nine other independent projects to first prize. Co-Founder Maarten said:“We are super grateful to have had the opportunity to present our project and ideas.”
“Spain is a world leader in many fields and this is an opportunity to continue being leaders in what is going to be key modes of transport in the future,” Pistoni added. It comes after an Andalucian firm built the first capsule for the highly anticipated rapid transport system. Artificial, based in Cadiz, reached the milestone last year with California-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. Named Quintero One, the 105-feet long capsule offered a glimpse into the future of travel. Speaking this week, Pistoni added: “Hyperloop is a reality. It is no longer a matter of whether or not it is going to be done, but of when it is going to be done.”
PRICES for five-star hotels in Mallorca have sometimes HALVED following a major drop in holiday demand. The resort areas commonly visited by Brits and Germans are being hit the hardest. 2019 is the first year prices have dropped following four years of continued growth. “Five-star hotels are being sold at prices of four, which negatively affects the rest of the accommodation offers,” said Playa de Palma hoteliers association. “The four-star hotels have been forced to lower prices to be competitive." Competitive prices at hotels in Turkey and Egypt, along with flights being diverted from Mallorca to the two destinations, are just two of the causing factors.
Bank rupture SANTANDER Bank has informed unions of plans to axe 11% of its workforce in Spain. The measures are a part of wider moves by the Eurozone’s biggest lender to drastically cut costs while pursuing higher profitability in Latin America. The move would see Santander close 1,150 branches in Spain and cut 3,700 jobs.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Wine decline
SPANISH wine tourism failed to live up to its grape expectations last year with a big 7.8% decrease, new data has revealed. Businesses in the sector suffered a loss of €80 million, despite three million people visiting bodegas and wine museums last year. The Spanish Association of Wine Cities, which released the figures, blamed the decline on the closure of the Route of Emporda in Girona, one of Spain’s most popular wine tours. It comes as the average price of admission to bodegas increased to €9.79, while average visitor spending also grew to €19.98.
Albert Adria to cook in Mallorca for the first time at exciting culinary event
CELEBRATED Michelinstarred chef Albert Adria will be cooking in Mallorca for the first time next week. The talented Catalan chef will be teaming up again with local genius Andreu Genestra at Palma’s Es Príncep hotel. The duo - who both have two stars - previously worked together in Catalunya, under Adria’s famous brother at leg-
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Master O class
endary eaterie El Bulli. They will be rustling up some gourmet excellence at the special event next Tuesday (May 28), hosted by the island’s Rosa Blanca beer company.
Jamie’s joint
JAMIE Oliver’s restaurant empire has collapsed just as he opened a brand new eatery in Spain. The British food mogul was forced to pull the plugs after suffering losses of €30 million last year However he insisted this week that his new restaurant on the Costa del Sol, will stay open. Jamie’s Deli at Malaga airport offers a range of healthy takeaway food. The restaurant from the 43-yearold Naked Chef star will serve salads, sandwiches, pizzas, hot dishes, cakes and drinks Oliver, who angered Spain in 2016 with his ‘chorizo paella’ invention, is joined by two other new airport outlets, Café di Fiore and international chain Eat.
What’s on for foodies!
Before opening Tickets, his own famed establishment in Barcelona, Adria was head pastry chef at his brother Ferran’s three Michelin-starred elBulli. Genestra, 35, also worked for two years at the famous Costa Brava restaurant in Roses, in 2008 and 2009. Dubbed the ‘world’s most famous restaurant’, El Bulli had over one million reservation requests annually until its closure in 2014. It was crowned the world’s best restaurant a record FIVE times, between 2002 and 2009. Albert is also the genius behind Barcelona restaurant Enigma, known as a ‘culinary amusement park’ offering only a unique but lengthy tasting menu. It also has a ‘no photos on social media’ policy. Genestra, who grew up in Mallorca, has also done well winning two stars at the young age of just 35. He runs his small restaurant out of the Hotel Predi Son Jaumell in Capdepera, where he grows his own organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and ol-
il fair OLIVE oil is centre stage at Mercat de l'Olivar's free olive oil tasting day on May 31, showcasing the island's best olive oils and their perfect pairings.
V
eg fun P L A N T BASED food is all the rage at Palma's VegFest on May 26. Food and fun for the whole family, dogs included, can be found at Son Castelló.
V TEAM: Adria (top) and Genestra ives, as well as Mallorcan ‘xeixa’ wheat, used for his bread. He keeps a pig and collects fresh eggs from his chickens – who also enjoy eating the grains from the local wheat.
illage fun ALGAIDA puts its best foods forward at the annual artisan fair, with local beers, handmade sausages, regional honey, and plenty of handcrafted goods on May 25.
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May 24nd - June 6th 2019
Bees are buzzing off the planet … a sign we’re on the brink of ecological Armageddon? As conservationists around the globe mark World Bee Day, Claire Leibovich got busy to find out
“
IF the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.” Beyond its chill-producing sensationalism this famous quote - most frequently attributed to Einstein although there are other claimants to authorship makes a stinging point. Bees are not only a crucial component of our ecosystems. They ensure food security for all. Bees are the kings and queens of insect pollinators. A third of the world’s food production depends on them. Additionally, they indicate the health of an ecosystem; if something is wrong, changes in their behaviour are an early warning sign. There are around 20,000 known species of bees, of which only a few make honey. The western honey bee (apis mellifera, Latin for ‘honey-bearing bee’) is by far the most prolific. Honey is an important traditional and economical factor in Spain. The country is home to 2.45 million beehives and more
FOOD,DRINK
The buzz on bees
than 30,000 beekeepers, which makes it the largest beekeeping nation in Europe, ahead of France and Greece. It is also one of the EU’s top honey producers, hiving off 20 000 tonnes of the delicious nectar every year. Amateur beekeeping is also a buzzing market, leading to heightened awareness of their essential role in biodiversity. Spain showed a steady Why bees are buzzing off growth in honey production in the early 2010s. How- Many factors can be fatal ever the honeypot started to these winged benefacshrinking in 2016, accord- tors. The Colony Collapse ing to a Ministry of Agricul- Disaster (CDD), first given a ture report. name in 2006, designates This downwards curve the unexplained decline in could be due to the crisis worker bees. The phenomthat has been ravaging enon has been observed the globe since the end of throughout the history of the 20th century with the apiculture and as far back sharp decline as 1869, but in other polto this day linators such there’s no as butterflies, NGOs forced the consensus on hummingbirds government to what causes and bats. it. However, In 2015, the create a National there has International Action Plan for been a drasUnion for the tic increase bees Conservain CDD in the tion of Nature last two de(IUCN) ascades. sessed European bee spe- Most other factors concies for the first time. The tributing to colony loss are organisation reported that due to human activity and 9.2% of wild bees are fac- modern globalisation. For ing extinction in Europe, example, bees are more while 37% of the popu- vulnerable to disease due lation is diminishing. to the faster circulation The largest numbers of parasites. The varroa o f t h r e a t e n e d mite, originally from Asia, s p e - is a particularly virulent c i e s pest that arrived in plague a r e numbers in Spain during l o - the mid-80s. Another beecat- attacking parasite is noed in sema apis, also from Asia, south- observed for the first time c e n t r a l in Europe when they made E u r o p e landfall in Spain in 2005. but the Pesticides also have a harmM e d i t e r- ful effect, both on bees and r a n e a n honey quality. Greenpeace region is found that two thirds of the the most pollen collected by bees is data-de- p esti ci de-contami n ated. ficient. Neonicotinoids are a type
CRUCIAL: Global food supplies depend on the humle bee
of pesticide particularly threatening to bees. They are made of synthetic substances similar to nicotine that affect the central nervous system of insects. In April 2018, the EU agreed to ban the outdoor use (but not in greenhouses) of the three most dangerous neonicotinoides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin).
Most countries in the EU have yet to approve the motion, however, meaning that the ban is not effective and these pesticides are still being used. Moreover, many more detrimental pesticides are still in use. Climate change, urbanisation and monocropping – growing a single crop on the same land year on year without rotation – are oth-
www.themallorcadeal.com
er factors decimating bee populations. In April, pressure from NGOs forced the Spanish government to create a National Action Plan for bees and other insect pollinators in line with EU recommendations. Along with a blanket ban on the three aforementioned nicotinoids, other initiatives include ‘promoting bee-friendly
& TRAVEL
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Un-bee-lievable! ●● The earliest known record of humans harvesting honey comes from an 8,000-year-old cave painting Cueva de la Araña in Bicorp, Vale at La ncia. ●● A honeybee’s wings beat around 230 times per second, which creates their buzz. ●● Honey can be preserved a long time due to its acidity, lack of water and content. In 1922, archeologist How hydrogen peroxide ard Carter tasted the honey discovered in King Tutankh amun's tomb. He said it was delicious! ●● During its life (6-8 weeks), a wor ker bee will fly the equivalent distance of one-and-ahalf times around the Earth to produce one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey. CAPTION ●● Honeybees outnumber hum ans in London (by 30 to one in summer ) due to the rise in urban beekeeping.
DID YOU KNOW? habitats, sustainable agricultural practice, the creation of suitable urban environments and reduction of the risk from plagues and parasites.’ How this will act out precisely has yet to be discussed. Bee Responsible World Bee Day on May 22 is an opportunity to learn more about these flying philanthropists and what each of us can do, individually and collectively, to slow their decline. Even though Spain is one of the largest producers in the EU, 80% of the honey consumed in Spain is imported from China, because it’s
cheaper. As the Olive Press reported last month, Chinese supermarket ‘honey’ is fake - made, more often than not, from rice or corn syrup. You can support local beekeepers by buying their products at farmers’ markets, or from sustainable local producers with an anti-pesticide policy. Whether you have garden or balcony plants, ban the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. If you must, choose natural alternatives. It is also a good idea to check that the plants you buy are not pre-treated. A bee-friendly garden is a wild garden. Prefer native plants and let weeds grow. There are many lists out
there of roots and flowers that best attract bees and other pollinators. You can also leave a shallow container of water for bees in the hot summer months. Make sure to put pebbles, twigs or corks in the water so that the bees don’t drown. But the most important thing you can do is educate yourself about bees and encourage people around you to do the same. Read books and blogs, watch documentaries or join an association. In A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings, one of the latest books on the market, bee-keeper Helen Jukes shares how bees helped her reconnect with nature and herself.
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PEST: The Varroa mite parasite has plagued Spanish bees
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May 24nd - June 6th 2019
THE OLD: Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery were regular visitors
THE NEW: Michelle Obama and Hugh Grant among most recent visitors
Still got it
FOOD,DRINK
Looking for somewhere different to visit when the hordes hit Mallorca this summer. Why not plan a trip to Marbella, Spain’s grande dame of tourism, a resort that gets glitzier and more affluent by the year, writes Laurence Dollimore
S
MOKING sardines, bikiniclad roller skaters and children with ice cream-covered faces… this is Marbella in full seasonal swing. Forget the odd TOWIE nonsense and celebrity wannabes, this is still a Spanish town at heart and is packed to the rafters with cultural and gastronomical offerings. A historical old town based around Orange Square oozes charm while
its surrounding shops - from small and quirky boutiques to the more recognisable brands - will keep you busy for hours. This ancient walled town retains nearly all of its original 16th-century layout, even though chic art galleries, fab tapas bars and artisan fashion and ice cream shops populate its cobbled streets today. Whether you are thirsting for history or only a drink, Plaza de los Naran-
jos, named for its abundance of orange trees, will oblige in either case. Enclosed by an 11th century Arab wall, the showpiece of the square is the 16th century Old Governor’s House. A tourist hotspot, the square’s bars and restaurants charge a little more but it’s worth it for the ambience. When the heat gets too much, respite can be found within the cool stone walls of Our Lady of the Incar-
nation church, a 17th century former mosque that was taken over by the Christians during the Reconquest.
& TRAVEL
Inside, along with beautiful paintings and locals praying, you’ll enjoy the highly-efficient air conditioning! Tributes paid, you can find Marbella monuments even older than this, one dating from 1AD. The first Roman bridge beside the Puente Romano hotel remains a rite of passage while the baths still stand in Guadalmina. When you tire of burning shoe leather, bag a park bench in the green shade of one of the exquisite public gardens. La Constitucion park and the Alameda Gardens are particularly lovely, the latter always brimming with locals and surrounded by great cafes and bars. Or if you’re looking to strictly chill, there’s a whole lot of beach waiting for you. Boasting 27 kilometres of coastline, San Pedro and Puerto Banus both proudly fly the prestigious Blue Flag, an award given to the best beaches by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In a cull of blue flags in Spain last month - which saw many resorts lose dozens across the country - Marbella held onto all of its awards bar one. If you then stroll into nearby Puerto Banus, just to the west of Marbella, you’ll witness a scene like no other,
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depending on the hour. This could include hen-doers trying their best to pull off ill-fitting fancy dress costumes after celebrating their last night of freedom, or members of the ‘1% club’ disembarking from mega-yachts or Ferraris to shop ‘till they drop’ at the likes of Gucci and Prada. Banus has become an unashamed melting pot for the rich, famous and wannabe glamourpusses. The glitz and glamour flows in a thick slick out of the port and along Marbella’s Golden Mile, home to exclusive nightclubs like Le Suite, where a round of drinks could probably blow your weekly budget if you haven’t already splurged it on a swanky designer outfit – an essential if you want to mingle with the Who’s Who of Marbs. Along this same elitist strip the likes of Lord Alan Sugar, Simon Cowell, Sean Connery and the Saudi Arabian royal family have invested in their own villas. World leaders too, are magnetically attracted to Marbs. The Olive Press revealed in 2014 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had bought an estate here. And we were the only newspaper to speak to Michelle Obama on her fa-
mous visit to the town’s ‘casco historico’ in 2010 (ED: Well, we asked her two questions, if that counts). A couple of Britain’s ex-PMs have taken a break from politics here; David and Sam Cameron celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in the nearby hills of Benahavís in 2017, staying at the exclusive €270-a-night Alcuzcuz resort; and Tony and Cherie Blair have been spotted here twice in the last four years. Actor Hugh Grant is now said to own a home up in the closeby Zagaleta estate, as does Mark Thatcher (Maggie’s wayward son). Plenty of Premier League footballers also have homes here. Indeed Marbella has come a long way from its fishing village days, but did you know it’s all thanks to a German Prince and a rogue British car engine? Maximilian de Hohenlohe-Langenburg and his son Alfonso had to stop in Marbs when they were having trouble with their Rolls Royce in 1946. Alfonso liked the area so much he decided to buy some land and build himself a house, before selling plots to his friends, the Rothschilds and Thyssens. He soon turned his home into the Costa del Sol’s first luxury hotel in 1954 – The Marbella Club – which to this day remains a mainstay on the Golden Mile, welcoming guests like Lady Gaga and Lenny Kravitz. Before long, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Laurence Olivier were all hanging out there, raising the Costa del Sol’s international profile and attracting a wave of jetsetters and investment. From a pure accident of fate the Continues on Page 20
CHARMING: Marbella’s charming old town and (left) families enjoy Orange Square
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FOOD,DRINK
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May 24nd - June 6th 2019
TURN HEAD From Page 19
resort has gone from strength to strength, despite the economic and political woes that plagued Spain since the financial crash of 2008. And the same can be said for its culinary scene. Marbella now has the most Michelin stars per capita in the COUNTRY and positively glitters with the highest concentration of Michelin Star restaurants in Andalucia, making it the undisputed gastronomy capital of the Costa del Sol. Current mayor Angeles Muñoz has vowed to put Marbella up for Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2020 - if she is re-elected this week. And the town has more than a fat chance, with an exciting food scene constantly offering new restaurants and eateries - think Savor in San Pedro or Nobu on the Golden Mile. The cultural scene is also thriving, with the Marbella International Arts Festival now a regular fixture on the calendar and the Marbella International film festival growing at an unprecedented pace. And, of course, the annual Starlite Festival which brings some of the biggest global stars to a quirky quarry on the edge of town, along with hundreds of jobs and thousands of tourists. Add the annual feria in June and this Marbellous city is never boring. The resort has continued to grow, despite the 2008 crash that brought Spain to its knees. With incredible nightlife, a blossoming arts scene and the best food in the region, the party is only getting better in Marbella.
Starry line up
There are more Michelin stars in Marbella than anywhere else in Spain per capita, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke
M
COOKING LESSON: Jon Clarke gets tips from Ferran
ARBELLA has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred chefs in Spain when measuring it on the size of its local population. An amazing six restaurants count on stars, while one - for this year at least - has three. Despite taking the bizarre decision to hand back his stars just weeks after winning the elusive third, Dani Garcia became one of only a dozen chefs to have ever been handed the honour in Spain. The Marbella-raised chef has certainly done his bit for the seaside resort, which is usually more famous for its celebrities and hooligans. Thanks to Dani’s now legendary A Cuatro Manos event I have managed to meet a string of the world’s top chefs in the town over the last half decade. These include Joan Roca and Juan Mari Arzak, as well as Joel Robuchon and Ferran Adria - all three Michelin star legends - who have graced the definitive culinary food capital of Andalucia. Marbella has really come into its
Angel Leon
LEGENDS: Dani Garcia talks to Elena Arzak while dad Juan talks to Ferran and Quique Dacosta and Joan Roca look on
Mar Berasa
Elena and Juan Mari Arzak
Dani Garcia Ferran Adria
own as a global dining magnet over the last decade, with half the Michelin starred restaurants in Andalucia found here. “We keep getting better and better here and pushing the bound-
aries,” Garcia told me. “And I expect it to continue.” Variety-wise things could not be better, with over 100 different nationalities running eateries here, including Japanese gems like Ta-
A resort with more
Claire Leibovich gives Marbella 10 out of 10 reasons to love it A Renaissance square
The Plaza de los Naranjos lies at the heart of Marbella´s old town. Built after the Christian Reconquest, it is an outstanding example of Castilian Renaissance architecture. From one of the many sun-soaked terraces, you can admire the Renaissance-style town hall, the Mayor’s house combining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar design and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in the city.
Visigoth vestiges The Basílica de Vega del Mar was excavated in the 20th century on a former Roman road running from Cádiz to Cartagena. It is one of the few remaining examples of north African Visigothic churches built in Andalucia during the sixth century although all that remains today are its awesome one-metre walls.
Arab heritage Also in the historical centre is the Alcazaba fortress, the most important vestige of Muslim civilisation in Marbella. The Castillo was built in the 10th century during the reign of Abd al-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba.
Surrealist sculptures Marbella is home to 11 sculptures by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Ten grace Avenida del Mar, along with pieces by other artists such as Eduardo Soriano. And you can’t miss his massive three-ton rhino at the entrance to Puerto Banús.
Golf The Costa del Sol is also known as Costa del Golf, and Marbella’s fairways are key contributors. The Andalucian town boasts the biggest concentration of golf courses in Spain, some voted among the best in the world.
A beautiful name In Roman times, the city was called Salduba (Salt City) after the local fish salting industry. The Arabs changed it to Marbilla, the origin of its current name and it’s spot-on. In Spanish, Marbella means beautiful sea.
A microclimate Marbella is protected from extreme weathers by the Sierra de las Nieves on its northern side. This means it is never too cold or too hot, with average temperatures of 25 degrees in summer and 12 in winter.
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Quique Dacosta
rtin ategui
Juan Roca
kumi to hidden gems like French bistro C’est si Bon. And then you have some excellent beach restaurants, such as Bono Beach, La Sala by the Sea and the Beach House.
Super Sala Another restaurateur who shows no signs of slowing down is Ian Radford, boss of the La Sala
group, whose recent openings include the Oak restaurant and hip Mahiki beach, in Banus and Marbella respectively. His most recent offering is a pizza place called Villa Toscana, right next to the Oak restaurant. The original La Sala next door is, without a doubt, the most famous Marbella restaurant abroad. This is a must-visit for any holiday to Marbs and a huge hit for ‘ladies who lunch’, not to mention movers and shakers, celebrities, footballers and the wealthy empresarios who make Marbella what it is.
Elephant showers The elephant sculptures that spray water from their trunks on many of Marbella’s best beaches are an Instagram favourite with tourists.
Celebrity Puerto Banus has become the most visited celebrity hive on the Costa del Sol. The rich and famous come from all over the world to shop, eat, drink and party in the iconic port where extravagant sports cars and massive yachts can be sighted year round. It was built in 1970 by José Banús, a Spanish property developer… and a close relation of Franco.
An emporium of glass and seductive light- superb places to try including one of the ing, its real strength though, lies in its coast’s most long-standing Indian restauwood-decked terrace, that serves as the rants Mumtaz, right on the waterfront. ideal tourist sun-deck. Owned by the capable Metro Group (who But, let’s not forget the food, which has so also own Jacks, Joys and Metro, etc), it is a far never let me down. Whether you are romantic spot for dining out, as is their reliafter meaty fare (ribs, burgers, etc) or fish able Italian sister restaurant Cibo up on dishes and seafood, you are always well the main road into Marbella. catered for and there is always a contem- Up on the Ronda road look out for A Casa porary twist. Mia and the long term favourite the All in Another safe pair of hands are those of One cafe, which keeps getting better. Garry Waite, a restaurateur who has been For somewhere good in Elviria, look out for working around Marbella for nearly three Truffles. This excellent, boutique-style restaurant, decades. He has recently helped open the amazing offers candle-lit tables and global cuisine French bistro C’est si Bon, by the Andalu- at excellent prices. As one might expect there is a delicious cia Plaza Hotel. truffled chicken liver mousse, as well a suAlongside Belgian owner perb Peruvian ceviche and Fabrice, they have created an original savoury goats an amazing array of authencheesecake. A different sort cheese tic French dishes offering Up in San Pedro you will be classics such as Snails Bourof romance can spoilt for choice, but really gogne, Moules Marinière out for Macaao, which be sought out in look and Coquille St Jacques. really stands out as a speI was particularly impressed cial place to visit. Marbella’s old with the rich and creamy Set up by Belgian Michel town rabbit with mustard sauce, Dhondt, who heralds from a which was done like no other long line of restaurant owners and trained with Alain rabbit I have eaten in Spain. Ducasse on the Cote d’Azur. And my pudding, a Tarte Tatin, came out as good as any French dessert I have tried. Also in San Pedro is the very elegant Needless to say that the wine list shows L’Impronta, an upmarket Italian joint, off its French leaning but great quality run by capable Francisco Vacas, who actually heralds from Cordoba. Finally another Spanish wines are also wide ranging. There are even over 20 wines by the glass man helping to change the face of San Pedro is Malcolm Spendlove, who has been and a decent mix of cheeses. at the helm of the ever popular Passion A different sort of romance can be sought Cafe (www.passioncafe.eu) for the last out in Marbella old town, where you are lit- 16 years and now heads up one of the erally spoilt for choice for excellent places coast’s best hamburger joints, Mr Gourto eat. met Burger (www.mrgourmetburger.com) Take a wonder around and take your pick on the boulevard. from dozens of interesting places, with the It counts on 100% beef burgers, halal better ones including Casanis, Tempora too, while Kids are encouraged to make and Cafe Flore. their own ‘Junior G’ burgers in ‘four easy And then up in Banus you have a range of steps’.
A defence tower Declared of Cultural Interest in 1985, the 15-metre Torre Ladrones (Thieves Tower) is the highest watchtower on the Malaga coast. The defensive structure dates from the Muslim period but some speculate the Romans first built it. You can find it close by the Artola dunes nature reserve and Cabopino port.
MASTER: Chef ‘Bobby’ at C’est si Bon
22
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
COLUMNISTS
C’est la vie
Mallorca diaries
By Lesley Keith
W
ELL it's been quite a cou- A last minute bargain trip to Menorca doesn’t ple of weeks with a quick trip back to Blighty to cat quite go to plan for Lesley Keith sit for my daughter's sick and aged moggy. The 'too good to miss' offer that I'd obtained and smug boasting comUp to 30 messages came through jumped in feet first for was a return menced. each day, making sure I knew what ferry trip to Menorca for €6 I snapped The very next day my partner finally I was doing and wasn't burning the that up straight away but then re- received the hospital appointment house down. alised it had to be taken during May, he'd been waiting for. No prizes for She even told me off for administer- which we were well into already, but guessing which day it was on, and ing his tablet too early in the day! I not the holiday weekend plus as I've there's no other appointments availthink I more than know how to look mentioned I was in the UK for several able until July apparently. Needless after a cat and house by now. days as well. to say the Groupon offer was non Hmmm, a bit of role reversal here Never one to be defeated at the first changeable or transferable. Somemethinks. hurdle I picked a mutually conve- times you just have to admit defeat. I was feeling pretty pleased as I'd got- nient day, told my partner we were Not such a bargain after all. ten myself a deal and going and headed Yes the long awaited hospital apI do so love a bargain! off to the ferry port to pointment had finally come through. If you haven't heard of book in and get the Our health arrangements are that my Grudgingly I it there's a company boarding passes. Now partner pays for private health cover called Groupon that admit a hospital I've booked ferries be- and I only use the national health offers online vouchers fore so I knew to take system here. It's an interesting conappointment is passports, NIEs and trast because I seem to get better for things like entry to fun parks or special more important residencia discount service than he does. meal deals at knockpapers. Having driven To get this particular appointment than a day out down prices. I used to all the way over there has taken him several very annoying use them a lot in the I was told I also had phone calls, and two abortive visits UK but hadn't realised to have our residency and a very long wait. I've had a few there was a Mallorca version. cards. things go awry with my body since Well of course what I'd forgotten was Back home I went, got the cards and being here and just pop along to the you aren't always aware of the quite returned triumphant. Nope. The dis- local doctors which, if they can't help strict restrictions before you stump count papers I needed to qualify for they will set it all up to see a specialup the dosh. the offer had expired two weeks ear- ist somewhere. I usually get a call It can be almost impossible to com- lier. With gritted teeth I headed back within a couple of weeks with an imply sometimes because it's only on to the Town Hall where I got them up- mediate appointment. (The absolute certain days, between specific hours dated. Finally, it was my third 25km reverse to things in the UK!) or when there's a 'y' in the month. round trip lucky! Boarding passes I'm really disappointed therefore
SNAGGED: Healthcare leaves Lesley Keith waiting for Menorca trip
that I'm not going to be able to go to Menorca unless I go alone. I suppose I have to grudgingly admit that a hospital appointment is more important than a jolly day out, it's just unfortunate timing and it really wasn't his fault. What was his fault however was me spend-
ing a very long time getting ready, dressing up and really making a supreme effort to look worthy of the very classy restaurant we were headed to the other night, only for him to say 'Isn't it about time you got ready?'. Just as well he's got that appointment eh?
THE paper not to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations. Found at golf courses, tourist offices, museums and petrol stations, it has become the most sought-after English newspaper in MalAlaro Alcanada Alcanada Alcudia ALGAIDA Andratx Andratx BENDINAT BENDINAT BENDINAT Binissalem Cala Estancia
lorca every fortnight. Look out for one of our many stands, as seen here at Santa Catalina market, in Palma, and in Andratx town centre. We print between 7,000 to 8,000 copies every issue and take our distribution very seriously,
Acros Bar Cala D’or Alcanada Golf Cala D’or Spar CALVIA Tourist Information CALVIA EROSKI Cala Llamp Tourist Information CAMP DE MAR CCA Andratx CAMPOS CAN NATURA CAN PASTILLA Lindew Hotel CAN PASTILLA Real Golf at Bendinant CAN PASTILLA Eroski Can Picafort Aqua Restaurant COSTA DE LA CALMA Costa den Blanes Costa den Blanes Deia Deía EL TORO ES CAPDELLA Esporle Festival Park Inca Inca Llucmajor MAGALLUF Maioris Manacor Manacor PAGUERA EASY TO FIND: Fara PAGUERA Homes in Andratx PALMA
and need you, the readers to keep us informed of numbers... and more importantly if each location needs more or less papers. We also want to know where you would like to see it and where you don't think we should
bother. Here are a select group of a few dozen key drops. Please get in touch at Newsdesk@theolivepress.es to find your nearest drop or suggest another.
Yacht Club Eroski ROSITA RESTAURANT TOWN HALL Gran Folies Golf De Andratx HIPER CENTRO SPAR EROSKI AQUARIUM Ponderosa Beach Bar THE GLASGOW SUNDOWNERS MOODS Robert Graves Museum Forn Deía SPAR WELL STOCKED: Stands are always regularly stocked such as Santa Catalina market BAR NOU Spar PALMA Santa Catalina market Pollensa Eroski Tourist Info Office PALMA Palma University PORT ADRIANO Sansibar Barretts PALMA Real Club Nautico Port Alcudia Lidl Hipercentro PALMA First Mallorca Port Andratx Cepsa Garage EROSKI PALMA NOVA Eroski Port Andratx Tourist Office Golf Club Pontiene PALMA NOVA Tourist Office Port Alcudia Eroski Maioris Gof Club PALMA NOVA GOLF FANTASIA Port Pollensa Real Club Nautico Lidl PALMA NOVA EROSKI Port Pollensa The Stay Bar Mingos PALMANOVA Palmanova Gardens Port Soller Hotel Jumeirah VILAMIL HOTEL PALMANOVA Mari Cunningham PORTALS NOUS NICE PRICE TOURIST INFORMATION Palmanyola Son Termens Golf Portixol Portixol Hotel BOATHOUSE Pollensa Pollensa Golf PUERTOPORTALS Reeves
Advertise with The Olive Press TEL: (+34) 951 273 575 EMAIL: sales@theolivepress.es
Across: 1 Stoned, 5 Azalea, 8 Egg, 9 Snivel, 10 Aspire, 11 Tsars, 13 Sneaker, 14 Aches, Down: 2 Tunisia, 3 Never, 4 Dell, 5 Against, 6 Applaud, 7 Eerie, 12 See, 17 Tidal, 20 Blurred, 22 Usage, 25 Italic, 26 Adults, 27 Had, 28 Prepay, 29 Edging. 15 Harelip, 16 Sketchy, 18 I O U, 19 Lighten, 21 Later, 23 Swung, 24 Bade.
SPORT
23
May 24nd - June 6th 2019
Gimme a break...
...Not in Madrid for Champions League weekend unless you’re a millionaire...or you like camping FORGET a cheeky spring escape in Madrid at the end of the month when Tottenham meet Liverpool in the Champions League final. For the average price for a two night stay in the capital is coming in at around €5000 for the hotel accommodation alone, discovered the Olive Press. Take Booking.com, some 88% of the site’s rooms are now booked in Madrid, and hostels charging
Top tips
10 times what they usually do! A two night stay on the weekend of May 31 to June 2 could be the most expensive ever in Spanish (even European) history. The Olive Press was unable to find a two-night stay for less than €1000 on Booking.com or Trivago. Plenty are over €20,000, including Hotel Wellington at €24,000 (see right) and Santa Mauro at €26,000 (where Beckham once lived) and that’s before you even order a Coke! And if you thought you were clever - perhaps staying in Toledo, Aranjuez or Chinchon, three attractive towns within easy reach of the capital well give it a go. Most of the hotels are already full and what's
TM
902from 123Linea 282 Three snippets of car advice Directa and why we should be the insurance company you choose
* Fu l l y co m p re h e n s i ve o f fe r va l i d fo r n e w c u s to m e r s o n l y. G u a ra nte e s u b j e c t to cove r, re p a i r at a p p rove d g a ra g e, a n d co u r te s y ve h i c l e ava i l a b i l i t y. S u b j e c t to co n d i t i o n s. O f fe r e n d s 3 0 / 1 1 / 1 8 .
Mad about motoring? Whether you’re a car enthusiast or rely on your car for just about everything, keeping your vehicle on the road is a costly endeavor. Prices for car insurance can vary greatly between providers depending on different risk factors. While reducing your annual mileage and keeping your car in a secure location will help keep your premiums down, Línea Directa recommend shopping around for insurance quotes to get the best possible price with the best possible cover.
TheOlivePress-256x170-CAR-4.indd 1
Minor car problems At this time of the year in the early morning sunshine, condensation is particularly troublesome especially in older vehicles. Motorists and other road users are at risk. Accidents can be caused when drivers try to wipe down the windscreen. Here are some handy tips to help you tackle condensation. Wash your car regularly as dirt and dust attract moisture and early morning dew. Remove any damp items like towels or coats from inside the car. When safe to do so, leave the windows open for a few hours. Switch on
the air conditioning and wipe down the inside of the windows. Finally, you can fill a sock with cat litter and place it in your car to help absorb excess moisture.
2/8/18 17:01
But what if it doesn’t start? A flat battery is a great inconvenience, jump-starting your car from the roadside can be hazardous and new batteries are expensive and can be troublesome to fit. These tips can help prolong the life of your battery. Keep the terminals clean of residue that builds up over time. And remember to turn off air conditioning, lights, radio and other battery draining systems whenever possible. Help is at hand Línea Directa offers service, support and 24-hour roadside assistance to over 3 million customers in Spain. Should you break down or your car won’t start, they will immediately dispatch an approved mechanic to help get you back on the road again as soon as possible. And with their new GPS Geolocation service Línea Directa can pinpoint your exact location and send breakdown recovery even faster.
We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Linea Directa please call 952 14 78 34 More information about Linea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com
BIG WEEKEND: And big prices (below) for fans
left was not much less. And Airbnb is no different - most flats and apartments were costing well over €2,000 for two nights! But all is not lost, as Madrid has a handful of campsites available for Champions League weekend, all for under €50 per person per night. The Olive Press found five sites near the city, which still have space, including the Monte Campsite near Lozoya with tent pitches from just €15.20. It comes as Liverpool and Tottenham fans were advised to fly via Palma to Madrid after flights also shot up to more than €1500 after the British teams’ decisive victories. Officials at Madrid Barajas airport insisted fans should avoid the airport as it will be close to capacity and unable to deal with the influx. “We are currently recommending bypassing Madrid as it normally only handles 2,000-3,000 passengers an hour. That number is expected to rise to more than 6,000 per hour, causing lengthy passport control delays in and out.
‘Measley’
Air Charter Service spokesperson Glenn Phillips said: “We are suggesting flights to Zaragoza or Valencia which are both a few hours away.” The English clubs booked their spots in the Champions League final on June 1 after pulling off two of the best comebacks in history by beating Barcelona and Ajax, 4-0 and 3-2 respectively. Fans were angry as each club has been allocated only 16,613 tickets for the all-English final, a decision both sets of fans have criticised as ‘measley.’ Thousands of expats around Spain are planning to make the journey to the capital. They include a group of Liverpool fans from Ronda, led by Charlotte Wilmot, an English teacher, who is hiring a minibus, as well as a group of staunch Spurs fans from Javea, on the Costa Blanca, who are ‘likely to hire two minibuses’.
M
Red-dy for action? HE came as the vanguard of Liverpool’s arrival in Spain for their most important game of the season. Striker Roberto Firmino landed on the Costa del Sol a week before the arrival of his team mates for warm weather training in preparation for the Champions League final next weekend. The Brazilian forward, 27, arrived in Malaga aboard a €23 million private jet, in an attempt to overcome his groin injury for the final on June 1. He was spotted at the Marbella Football Center in San Pedro training with the club’s strength and rehabilitation assistant David
Rydings. The remaining 22 Liverpool players jetted into Malaga on Monday, where they will stay for seven days before taking on Tottenham at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid.
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Jason 07831 846528 UK Office 01924 464 857 move@mallorcaexpress.com Based in West Yorshire
Jason 679 216 527 www.mallorcaexpress.com Based in Palma
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Name of Thrones
FINAL WORDS
OVER 300 Spanish girls have Game of Thrones names, with 57 Daenerys and 279 Aryas, the National Institute of Statistics has revealed.
Man cave A POLISH bricklayer has built a house in the Son Veri caves, complete with electricity, a bathroom and even a living area.
Spanish Armada POLICE had to be called out after a fortilla of Ibiza party boats invaded a nature reserve near Formentera and blasted music for 13 straight hours.
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Vol. 3 Issue 55 www.theolivepress.es May 24nd - June 6th 2019
JAMMED: 15 cars have got stuck in street this year A CONCERNED resident has called for a permanent solution after foreigners keep getting their cars stuck in her street. An alarming 15 cars have been removed by a crane from outside Maria Morales’ home in Granada’s Albaicin district so far this year. The Spaniard explained that dozens more had become trapped on Calle Oidores, over the years with most having to reverse. She slammed the town hall for doing nothing about the problem apart from putting up a small street sign. “When we moved here in 2014 a car got stuck almost every day,” Morales revealed, “The GPS sends them here and they said. Another local company realise they can’t get through that rents out the dwarf for when it is too late. ‘€200 an hour’, offered “One time a German couple got him dressed as a transstuck and started panicking bevestite, an ‘umpa cause they could not open the lumpa’, policeman, doors. leprechaun or even “The woman climbed out the bride. boot but the man remained They could also trapped for over two hours.” provide him as a Locals would like to see a restripper. “It’s a novmovable bollard installed at the elty strip that you and end of the street. your group will never Have you been stuck there? Or forget,” it promised. somewhere similar? Send your Chaplin’s bar was unavailable stories to newsdesk@theolivefor comment. press.es
Happy Chappie? Expat bar facing ‘hate crime’ probe for renting out midgets
IT’S no small problem. An expat pub is facing an investigation for offering to rent out dwarfs. Chaplins Bar in Benidorm has been denounced after offering the service on a sign reading: ‘Wanna rent a midget?’. Benidorm town hall must now decide if the sign and other services
Smashed out of court RAFA Nadal has slammed reports that he is getting married in June as ‘fake news’. The Mallorca tennis ace dismissed the ongoing rumours during an interview with Sky News this week. “I do not know when I will get married,” he said. A spokesperson for the couple also
slapped down the rumours, which appeared in a string of downmarket, lazy titles. “Normally we don’t speak about Rafa’s private life, ever,” Benito Pérez-Barbadillo said. “However this information is absolutely incorrect and fake news from non-credible
sources.” The tennis great, 32, was already fuming after his secret engagement to long-time girlfriend Xisca Perello was leaked to the press earlier this year.
the pub offers breaks the law. They include offering to ‘handcuff’ a dwarf to brides or grooms for stag and hen parties. The issue came to light after a lawyer from the Alpe Achondroplasia Foundation, which supports people with dwarfism, denounced the bar. He claimed the services and sign infringed the ‘human rights’ of dwarfs and was denigrating to them. He added it was a ‘hate crime’. “We are asking to withdraw the pub’s licence and are calling for a prosecutor specialised in disability law,” said Felipe Orviz. A spokesman for party organising company Benidorm Weekender told the Olive Press the dwarf was only ‘doing what everybody else does and making his own money’. “He’s not forced into it,” he
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02.05.19 16:38