Mallorca Olive Press Issue 203

Tom Jones competition on p7

We need a home!

‘Housing can never be a commodity, it must be a right we protect:’ Hundreds of thousands march across Spain

By Samantha Mythen, Walter Finch & Dylan Wagemans

THOUSANDS of people turned out in Palma on Saturday to protest about Spain’s housing crisis.

They were joined by hundreds of thousands of people around the country over the weekend demanding urgent changes to property laws.

Demonstrators in 40 cities, including Sevilla, Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, united under the slogan ‘Down with the housing business’, calling for an end to housing-for-profit.

They called for immediate action to tackle soaring rents, a lack of affordable housing, and the prioritisation of local needs over tourism-driven policies.

An estimated 3,000 people protested in Palma, gathering in the city to demand a solution to the lack of afford-

Top award for Olive Press

THE Olive Press has scooped a top UK journalism award: with campaigning young go-getter Yzabelle Bostyn.

Yzzy, 25, who joined us from university in 2023, has won the UK’s prestigious NCTJ Trainee of the Year award.

She picked up the gong for her ‘hard-hitting’ investi gative reporting on a vari ety of social and health issues in Spain.

Her impactful re porting was praised for offering a ‘bril liant public service’ to our readers and ‘bringing import ant real world is sues to light’.

Our exact DNA for the last two de cades, she beat final ists from the Midland’s Star.

The award recognised the high journalistic standards she demon strated while learning her trade at the Olive Press, after studying journalism in Sheffield.

Here in Spain, the Yorkshire native developed the skills, dedication, and investigative mindset that have propelled her career.

The NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) highlighted her dogmatic pursuit of a holiday rental scammer and a politician, who illegally evicted a British mother-of-three.

It also praised her work on our successful Nolotil campaign which exemplified her ability to dig deep into critical issues and present them in a clear, impactful way.

Sadly Yzzy is now leaving us for a year’s sabbatical in Canada, no doubt tracking down wrong-doing on the Klondike Trail!

lower rents, an end to evictions, and an increase in public housing.

The protest attracted fewer people than the demonstration in May last year, which attracted 12,000 protestors according to authorities. Organisers acknowledged that the numbers were

down from last year, saying that it’s because people are ‘demoralised’ from the ever-worsening situation. Mallorcans are being expelled from the island, as they have no choice but to move to other regions of Spain to find a home, according to organisers.

“Housing prices are unaffordable for workers, the middle class is being affected in a way that it previously hadn’t been,” said Carme Reynes, the spokesperson of one of the organising groups. The protests come as average rents in Spain have doubled over the past decade while property prices have surged

MASS PROTEST: Hundreds of thousands marched through the streets of Spanish cities

by 44%, far outpacing wage growth.

A report from Spain’s central bank revealed that nearly 40% of families spend over 40% of their income on housing costs.

Meanwhile, public housing accounts for less than 2% of Spain’s total housing stock - well below the OECD average of 7%.

Activists called for measures such as forced rent reductions and increased social housing construction.

“In the centre of many cities there are simply no locals any more,” Manuel Gomez told the Olive Press. “Only tourists and businesses that focus on them.”

The engineer added: “My first rental price was €200 for a room. Now the normal price is around €500-600, while my partner and I pay €850 between us.

“In the past five years, there’s been an increase of around 45% of the cost of living, and salaries simply haven’t matched.”

This has meant that most local families have been forced to move to the outskirts of the big cities like Palma or, often, inland villages.

FALSE FLAG OPERATION

SPAIN has flown the wrong British flag for the third time running… this time at the high-profile G5+ Summit in Madrid.

The botched Union Jack shows all three crosses the same size and in a pale blue - missing the bold design that properly represents England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The gaff happened again later that day, at a Ukraine meeting with Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, and again with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

In Palma protesters could be heard from miles away with hundreds of whistles and Brazilian batucada drums.

Young people are particularly affected by rising housing costs.

Mari Sanchez, a 26-year-old lawyer who shares an apartment with four others, explained: “I allocate 30 or 40% of my salary to rent.

“That doesn’t allow me to save. That doesn’t allow me to do anything. It doesn’t even allow me to buy a car.” Similarly, Elena Perez, a 22-yearold student working part-time while studying, told the Olive Press: “All of my friends are in the same position.”

The crisis is not limited to Palma. In Madrid, more than 150,000 protesters marched through the city’s streets

FACING EVICTION: Yolanda Greta and Jimena Centurion must leave their rented home

Chinese hoax

THE closure of several Mallorca businesses run by Chinese citizens sparked a false rumour the residents were leaving due to ‘imminent war between Europe and China’.

French arrest

SPAIN’S most wanted serial murderer, the ‘Orchard Killer’ has been arrested in France, accused of killing three elderly farmers in separate attacks.

Jail threat

SMUGGLERS who supply fuel to narco boats will now be punished by up to eight years in prison. Previously, those caught supplying petrol only faced a slap on the wrist.

Rent wreck

THE Guardia Civil arrested a man in Mallorca for allegedly failing to return a car he had rented in Valencia. The car had been found crashed in Campos last weekend with no driver inside.

A GERMAN tourist faces hefty consequences after delaying a flight to Mallorca thanks to his drunkenness.

A Ryanair flight from Bremen, Germany, to Palma de Mallorca, was delayed by 90 minutes at the end of March due to a German man violating aviation safety law.

Having drunk alcohol before the flight on March 23, the passenger

Boozy delay

proceeded to verbally abuse the cabin crew as the plane was setting off, and ignored their instructions.

The fiasco forced the pilot to pull out of the takeoff and return to ground position.

The German was removed from the aircraft by federal police officers, while

his wife of 56 years also followed behind voluntarily.

The drunk man and his partner were then taken to the federal police station in Bremen.

Not only has he been charged with breaking aviation safety law, but he will be fined and be held responsible for any financial claim by the airline because of the delay.

Who buried him?

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Heartless’ Iberian Funeral boss died in Portugal as mystery into the missing millions deepens

THE Olive Press has confirmed the death of a beleaguered expat funeral planning boss, who vanished ‘owing millions’ to his clients in Spain.

We have established that Stephen Nelson, behind the defunct company Iberian Funeral Plans, definitely died in Portugal earlier this year. The founder of the firm, which

By Samantha Mythen

has shut leaving, likely, thousands of victims out of pocket, passed away on the Algarve. Portugal’s official register office confirmed the death and said it would be sending us a copy of the death certificate this week.

The Conservatoria dos Registos Civil branch, in Castro Marim, revealed British expat Stephen George Nelson had died ‘on the Algarve. They declined to comment further, but gave us an official register number. It comes after Citizens Advice Bureau Spain (CAB) had rowed back on an announce-

OFFSIDE ON THE HEIST

POLICE have arrested two men who allegedly stole Mallorcan footballers’ luxury items. Last month, RCD Mallorca professionals came back from a training session in Son Bibiloni to find that valuable items had vanished, including watches and gold chains.

However, the players will be pleased to hear of the recent arrest of two brothers and the recovery of the stolen items before they could be sold. The perpetrators were employed at the training facility through an external cleaning company and also had prior criminal records.

ment he had died, being unable to confirm it. The group described the closure of the firm last month as ‘despicable’ and ‘heartless’, with many expats finding funeral services for

their loved ones were no longer covered.

CAB paralegal Myra Azzopardi told the Olive Press today she has been ‘up to all hours investigating into the night.’

Her group has now spoken to a lawyer about possible legal action that could be taken.

Several Iberian clients have begun legal proceedings and Azzopardi recommended those affected file a police report (denuncia).

Firm

Although the company website is still online, the firm has not been responding to any emails for the past month, and its telephone lines run dead. Iberian itself has offered no information to its customers, many who paid up to €10,000. “There’s an English expression, which says, ‘It ain’t over til the fat lady sings,’” continued Azzopardi. “I cannot give up on these people, the affected parties.”

BIKE TRAGEDY

THE Guardia Civil has launched an investigation after an Irish man ‘collapsed’ and fell off his bike in Mallorca.

The 59-year-old was riding on the Ma-2210 road near Pollenca on Wednesday, when he collapsed and tragically died.

Paramedics reached the cyclist just after 4pm, but they could do nothing to save him and pronounced the Irishman dead at the scene.

While no foul play has been declared, officers are investigating and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

A DOCTOR has been cleared of sexual assault after a patient complained that he groped her breasts at a private clinic in Muro.

A Palma court acquitted the paediatrician after the 23-year-woman told her mother who worked at the facility.

Prosecutors wanted him fined €10,800 and disqualified for seven years from working with minors.

The September 2021 incident saw the medic allegedly touch the woman’s breasts during an examination which said made her feel ‘violated’.

The judges said too much of the evidence was ‘contradictory’ as they dismissed the abuse charge.

JUNGLE HORROR

IN a wildlife sting, Spanish police have busted a smuggling ring selling exotic animals - including a live leopard.

The Guardia Civil swooped on a gang peddling endangered creatures online, recovering not just the majestic big cat, but also monkeys, a flamingo, and even grim trophies like zebra skins and turtle shells.

A total of 26 suspects are now facing charges in a crackdown codenamed ‘Faunus’, with police uncovering illegal firearms and high-tech poaching equipment.

The rescued leopard, along with other traumatised creatures, has been placed in specialist care.

Jail for Carlo?

Real Madrid boss facing five years for tax fraud

REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing nearly five years in prison and a fine of €3.2 million in a fraud probe. He has testified in court over the claims he illegally pocketed €1 million over a decade ago. The tax row involves image rights revenues with the accusation that he created a ‘confusing and complex’ system of shell companies to hide the earnings.

Prosecutors - who are asking for a four year, nine month sentence - claim he 'simulated' the transfer of his image rights to firms based outside of Spain as a tax dodge.

The Italian, 64, said he believed he had already settled his €1.2 million tax debt. However, it emerged he could

By Alex Trelinski

be classified as a Spanish tax resident in 2015 - the year he was sacked by Real Madrid during his first spell at the club.

He claims he was fired on May 25 and left the country four days later, which according to him means he did not live in Spain for the 183 required days to pay taxes.

While his legal team insisted he only spent 155 days in the country, prosecutors think he was here for longer as he had a rental contract active for his Madrid apartment.

He replied that he

MULLINS IT OVER NOT EVEN A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT WOULD LURE ME HOME

In his first, exclusive column for the Olive Press, Charlie Mullins reveals that life as an expat in Spain trumps the high-tax grind back in London

AS my many friends know, as well as a load of haters in the UK, I’m now living permanently at my villa in Puerto Banus.

I love it here and after nine-months as a resident I can’t think of a good reason why I didn’t make the move a decade ago.

There’s a lot of misinformation kicking about in the UK about how I’m a tax-exile, but as anyone with half a brain knows the Spanish are very skilled at coming up with ways to squeeze a few more Euros out of their own citizens and particularly us expats.

I’ve paid a load in tax over the years, and with Labour running the show back home I decided enough was enough, and they won’t be getting any more of my cash to waste on hotels for illegal immigrants and crazy schemes for minorities, while taxing working people and businesses to death.

That was the final straw, and now I’m here the world is a much better place.

I’ve had a villa in Spain for 20 years, and I can’t understand why it took so long to wise-up and trade the traffic and noise of London for a sandy beach and the sound of waves. It occurred to me soon after upping sticks and leaving Blighty that I had more friends here than I did in the place I’d called ‘home’ for 70 odd years… and a bit more thinking about this fact with a drink beside my pool, and it became obvious why.

It’s that life isn’t just about surviving here, fighting for every scrap of anything you want and then fighting some more to somehow hang on to it.

It’s the attitude of people; in London if you try to start a conversation with a stranger in the street or on a train, they think you’re a nutter or about to rob them.

Just the other day I was walking up a steep hill near my villa where there was an elderly lady struggling her way up in front of me.

I didn’t want to startle her when I caught up with her, so I mumbled something about the bastard hill

as I approached. Ten minutes later we were still chatting. That’s a very simple example, but for me it makes it crystal clear how the pace and quality of life on the costas is a better place for humans to live and enjoy life.

It’s like the environment turns people into better versions of themselves, or maybe it’s just that all the decent, nicer people relocated here in the first place.

Just having the time to go off for a beer or a coffee with people you bump into makes living a real pleasure. I love it! And it’s not like I miss my family in the UK since I can get back in a few hours, and they keep turning up on my doorstep and taking over the place. I said when I left that I wouldn’t return to the UK until these Labour imbeciles get thrown out of office, but as I approach my one-year anniversary I’m starting to think even a sensible party in charge might not lure me back.

FRONT PAGES: The world’s richest plumber landed in hot water last month in the UK, with a threat to take his OBE award away

was tied into a year-long con tract and had to give three months' notice which meant he had to carry on paying until October.

IMAGE RIGHTS:

Ancelotti didn’t declare them correctly and ‘overstayed’ in Spain

POP superstar Lady Gaga is bringing her Mayhem Ball tour to Spain this autumn. It’s the first time she has been on tour since 2022 and follows the release of her sixth studio album, Mayhem.

She plays Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi on October 28, 29 and 31.

“There’s something electric about a stadium, and I love every moment of those shows,” she said.

AT HOME: With his Bentley in Puerto Banus

A MASSIVE eviction operation at the illegal Can Rova 2 shanty town on Ibiza was sensationally stopped mid-action on Wednesday. A shock court order reversed the eviction just hours after it began, leaving 84 officers from the Policia Local, Guardia Civil, and Policia Nacional scrambling to halt proceedings. The decision came after a vulnerability report, filed by lawyer David Fechenbach, highlight-

ed the plight of the mainly Paraguayan residents who were never formally warned.

Shanty showdown Housing crisis leads to protests

Santa Eularia officials admitted no direct communication with residents, despite citing health hazards like exposed wiring and fuel storage.

By 2:24pm, the operation was axed, and relieved families returned to their makeshift homes. The legal battle continues ahead of a June hearing.

KICKED OUT

STEALTHY SMUGGLER

A MASSIVE narco submarine stuffed with 6.6 tonnes of cocaine worth €200 million has been intercepted en route to Spain in what’s being called one of the biggest drug busts in European history.

The giant semi-submersible, believed to be the largest ever of its kind, was seized in a dramatic high-seas operation 500 miles south of the Azores, with its final destination being Sevilla’s Guadalquivir River. Spanish and Portuguese cops teamed up to take down the stealthy smugglers in a covert sting dubbed Operation Nautilus. Five men – including one from Sevilla – were arrested on board and are now in custody in Portugal.

Place in the Sun fury as Brits evicted from their own homes due to legal mix up

By Yzabelle Bostyn

A DEVELOPMENT featured on Channel 4’s hit TV show A Place in the Sun has become the centre of a scandal. It comes after dozens of expats claim they are being denied entry to their properties.

The buyers, who have paid hundreds of thousands of euros each, claim the new owner of the Residencial La Montaña development, in Murcia, is illegally forcing them out.

They claim Antonio Tovar Rabal, who acquired the project nine years ago, has ordered them to leave. Their ordeal began over 20 years ago after the mostly British buyers bought into the scheme, in El Caracolero, 25 minutes from Murcia city. Jill and William Dorrington bought their €200,000 villa in 2003 but two years later, the unfinished house was abandoned by the original builder, as it didn’t have proper planning permission. The Essex couple were left without electricity, water and even a kitchen, leaving them to invest thousands to make their dream holiday home liveable.

Forced to remortgage their house in the UK to finish it, they have at least managed to visit a few times a year since. That was until last month when they were denied entry to their home by Tovar, who

claimed they had been ‘illegally squatting’ for the past two decades.

After entering their home and changing the locks the audacious Spanish developer insisted they pay €90,000 to get back in.

“It’s been horrendous,” former legal secretary Jill, 76, told the Olive Press. “Tovar has been aggressive and intimidating. He’s broken into our house multiple times and changed the locks.

“We’ve even heard that it’s already been sold to someone else. We’ve been ripped off in every way possible.”

Fellow victim Phil Evans, 65, insists Rabal’s handling of the situation is giving him ‘sleepless nights’.

He said: “We’ve lost our investment of €159,000 and now just want our belongings back.

“We’ve got personal things in there, wedding presents and photos, even our car, it’s bewildering.”

When located, Tovar told the Olive Press he had purchased La Montana in 2017 and spent five years legalising it at a ‘high cost’.

He claims he has tried to negotiate with residents but that ‘they don’t want to reach an agreement’.

“If I were a different man, they would have been out within six months of me taking over, but I’ve let them stay for nine years,” he said. “The fact is they’ve been living here for 20 years without paying a penny in tax. They are illegal squatters. All I’m asking for is the €80,000 I spent to legalise each property.”

He confirmed that nearly two years ago he had started renovating and selling the abandoned homes via estate agent, Your Home Spain.

Agent Carolijn Bergman said: “Of course it’s sad for these people, but they made the wrong decision 20 years ago when they bought a property without a building licence.”

Incredibly the development appeared on A Place in The Sun, in March last year, to the fury of the original owners.

“The show went on about how lovely it is and how it’s now fully legal. It was a complete insult to injury,” insisted Dorrington.

rattling keys and chanting slogans like ‘Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods’. Margarita Aizpuru, a 65-year-old resident of theLavapies neighborhood, described how nearly 100 families in her building were told their rental contracts would not be renewed: “They’re kicking all of us out to make tourist flats.”

The demonstrations also spotlighted cases of imminent homelessness due to real estate speculation.

Yolanda Greta and Jimena Centurion are among 120 residents facing eviction after their building was auctioned off by Sareb - a bank partowned by the state - due to unpaid loans.

in Spain

A FORMER bodyguard of David and Victoria Beckham has been found dead after going missing in Spain. Craig Ainsworth, who worked for the family in London, was reportedly found in the Alicante area.

His mother Sally Ainsworth announced his death online writing: “With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.” She had previously turned to social media to find out about her missing son, an ex-Royal Marine, after he ‘posted a last message on Facebook to say goodbye.’ In the post, Ainsworth - who had also worked for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jennifer Lawrence - said he had been in ‘the most tremendous pain’ after the Covid-19 lockdown ‘destroyed everything’ he had built. The details surrounding his death have yet to be revealed.

ORDEAL: Jill and William Dorrington have been locked out of their property

From front

Holy events

By Samantha Mythen

What to expect during Semana Santa in Mallorca

MALLORCA is filled with festivities during Holy Week. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect.

The most important Holy processions take place in Palma, beginning on Sun day.

Holy Thursday is the most significant day for proces sions, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to watch the sol emn processions of the ‘Crist de la Sang’ car ried by the hooded broth erhoods. This procession will end after midnight.

On Good Friday, watch a reenactment of the Pas sion of Christ on the steps of Palma Cathedral. This begins around noon.

By Sunday, the festivi ties will start with a joy ful procession known as the Holy Encounter, a symbol of the risen Je sus reuniting with his mother.

A special event occurs in Pollensa, where there’s a Descent from the Cross reen actment,where a fig

ure of Christ is carried down the 365 steps from the Calvari chapel in a silent, torchlit procession. Holy Week provides an excellent excuse to indulge in the island’s traditional gastronomy. Enjoy crespells, made with Mallorca olive oil, lard and Soller oranges, and robiols, crescent-shaped sweets filled

with apricot jam, chocolate and cream cheese. An Easter tradition is giving monas de pascua; a small round pastry decorated with eggs. Coca de verduras, made of seasonal vegetables and onion inside soft pastry, are also widely available.

Semana Santa is also bringing warmer temperatures in Mallorca, up to 24 degrees, higher than usual for this time of the year. Forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for updates, with all fingers crossed the rain stays away for the Easter processions.

HOLY MOLY: The white-cloaked brotherhoods are an iconic sight

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 two million people a month.

OPINION

Fight for your rights

HOUSING is a right, not a commodity.

Everyone should be able to make their home a sanctuary, without having to worry about being evicted, or having to struggle to find somewhere to live.

Yet in Spain, this human right is not being upheld. And this explains the extraordinary turn out over the weekend when hundreds of thousands of people called on local and national governments to act urgently on the housing crisis.

The fact the protests took place in more than 40 cities, not just the key capitals, shows how vast the issue is. Protestors were of all ages as well, demonstrating how the housing crisis is affecting so many, not just young people.

The issue is clearly being accelerated by tourist rentals, with most standing empty for most of the year… yet also by the lack of government action on implementing social housing.

This is evidenced by less tu han 2% of accommodation available being provided for social housing, compared to an OECD average of 7%.

The cost of living is increasing alongside the rising rental prices, and yet Spanish salaries remain so low with employment rights not being upheld under the law.

The increasing rental prices and rising cost of living is an issue dominating headlines across the globe. For example, rental prices are also soaring each year in London, where you’re having to pay an average £1000 (approx €1170) just to rent a room in a shared flat. But at least there, most salaries are rising to match that. Some companies even pay a ‘London Living Wage.’

Here, salaries are falling so far behind daily living costs, many families are putting 40% of their earnings towards accommodation.

We need the Spanish government to get a grip on the problem and to put its money where its mouth is with more social housing, rather than making populist calls to tax foreign property owners by 100% or more.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

ADMIN

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Humenyuk Makarova (+34) 951 154 841 admin@theolivepress.es

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SUCKING UP THE WATER

IT was one of the most extraordinary and revealing discoveries of last year.

In a clever, left-field investigation, the Washington Post discovered using AI software Chat GPT to generate a 100-word email used a stagerribg 519 ml of water, or roughly half a bottle.

The reason? Many centres use water-based cooling systems to remove the excess heat the hundreds of servers they hold generate. Air conditioning is simply not enough so cooling towers and ‘evaporation’ tech niques are used instead - at a high cost in water.

Shocking in the extreme, it left many people, particularly in drought-threatened countries like Spain, to beg the question: is investing in AI a good idea?

While many companies and most of our downmarket rivals now use it wholesale to create reports and stories, plus funny photos, it also helps undertake the most boring tasks.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

The reason: Spain has the second best high speed internet coverage in Europe, while also having relatively low cost energy and well connected electricity networks. It is estimated by Google’s Implement programme, no less, that Generative Artificial Intelligence could make up 8% of Spain’s GDP by 2034.

It is predicted to wipe out millions of jobs globally and, yet, if you believe many governments and the tech giants it is a force for good.

Spain is at the forefront of the AI revolution in Europe and the country is currently home to around 135 data centres with the number rising rapidly.

In Aragon alone, over €33 billion is set to be invested in building data centres, with many others planned for areas like Madrid and Barcelona.

But as water becomes scarcer and scarcer, activists are already starting to be heard, although the authorities don’t seem to be taking note.

“It’s shameful that in areas like Aragon, where farmers are struggling and unable to use their land because of a lack of water, the government is allowing these huge corporations in,” Ecologistas en Acción activist, Luis Garcia told the Olive Press.

Meanwhile, AI expert Katrina Ingram (left) added: “We live on a planet with finite resources and now we’re in competition with

How AI is not just threatening millions of jobs and dumbing us down on its front line in Spain. It is also worsening drought conditions here

technology for them.

Speaking to the Olive Press from Canada, she continued: “There have been situations in Latin America where data centres have been built and suddenly local people couldn’t get those resources.

“We need to ensure technology doesn’t penalise the vulnerable.”

One of the biggest setbacks so far for the AI giants came when Google was forced to rethink plans for a $200 million data centre in Chile last year after it was revealed it would use seven billion litres of water a year, equivalent to the usage by 80,000 people. It sparked outrage for locals already struggling with severe drought and after huge protests, the tech giant was forced to switch to fan-based cooling.

“There’s a narrative that everyone should be

The people’s pueblo

FUENTE Ovejuna means a lot to Spanish people. It’s a bit like Hamlet for the Brits, Faust for the Germans, or Huckleberry Finn for Americans…something you read in school, which has become part of the nation’s collective consciousness.

The village of Fuente Ovejuna (sometimes Fuenteobejuna) is to the west of Spain on the frontier of Extremadura, the land of the Conquistadors, La Mancha, the domain of Don Quijote, and Andalucia, the home of flamenco and bullfighting.

By Michael Coy

Everyone in Spain has heard of Fuente Ovejuna. Michael Coy explains why

province of Cordoba, it is very much a border town.

And appropriately in the year 1476, the people of Fuente Ovejuna rebelled against their overlord, and killed him.

The playwright

Introducing Lope de Vega, who is often referred to as the Spanish Shakespeare.

Born two years before Shakespeare, he outlived him by two decades and Lope’s achievements are, in many ways, more impressive.

penned an incredible 500, with 3,000 sonnets to boot. Somehow he found time for all of this while keeping FIVE mistresses happy –and he was also a priest!

His greatest play, it is universally agreed, was Fuente Ovejuna, which was written in 1612, the year Shakepeare penned The Tempest.

The drama

The village of Fuente Ovejuna has been ‘occupied’ by a group of knights from La Mancha. The leader of the knights regards the citizens as his vassals, and the women as his playthings. He rapes one of the village girls and the people, without thinking about the consequences, attack him, and kill him.

Just check the statistics. While Shakespeare wrote 37 plays, some probably with co-writers, Lope

In those days the King travelled around the country, ‘holding court’ – literally judging the big criminal cases in each community.

King Ferdinand arrives and demands to

know who killed Rodrigo, the head of the

AI PERIL: As large parts of Spain suffer from drought, questions are being asked about the massive amounts of water being used by data centres

THE PLAY: Is performed world-wide to this very day

investing in AI, every government is seeing it as an opportunity to grow their economy, but that scales up the problem,” continued Ingram, who is the founder and CEO of Ethically Aligned AI, a company focused on helping organizations to use and understand the new technology.

“We also have to be aware, from an environmental standpoint, of which companies have a monopoly in this sector.”

According to Business Insider, 65% of the world’s data centre capacity is owned by just three companies: Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

This means they own over half of the essential technological infrastructure on which everyone else must use.

Ingram, like many experts, fears this could give the giant corporations immense political and social power.

“Large financial and governmental interests alongside the technology make this a perfect storm,” she explained.

“We have also seen a lot of governments and companies stepping away from their environmental commitments lately and that is concerning.”

Another issue is that instead of creating less energy intensive AI models built to carry out specific tasks, industry leaders like OpenAI are pushing for huge, generalised models able to do everything.

“It’s like building a bazooka and bringing it to a knife fight, it’s going to do a lot of damage, use a lot of energy and a lot of money without being particularly good at any one thing,” insisted Ingram.

“It also means there’s no competition which leads to a monopoly.”

In Spain, the big three, alongside social media en terprise Meta are heavily investing in data centres as the country shapes up to be come ‘Europe’s digital leader.’

It helped that leader Pedro San chez stood next to Amazon’s CEO

and the Microsoft centre in

of water

drupled their AI investment in the country, a couple of months ago.

Dubbed the ‘fourth industrial revolution’, no country wants to be left behind, clearly including Spain.

“The government is definitely pushing towards AI and data centres,” Catalunya Polytechnic University professor Cecilio Angulo (left) explained.

“We need to be careful with where we put them because they produce heat and have to be cooled. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have much water, data centres could take it away from others.”

Andy Jassy as he announced the giant in vestment of €15.7 billion into three new data centres in Aragon last July.

He similarly praised Microsoft after they qua-

knights.

He puts each villager in the witness box, and asks the same question –“Who is responsible for this man’s death?” Every villager gives the same answer: “El pueblo.”

The idea

In Spanish, ‘el pueblo’ carries two meanings. It signifies ‘the people’, and it also means ‘the village’.

The king is impressed that these decent citizens acted together when their honour was outraged, and he rules that there was no individual murderer – “the pueblo did it.”

The play is dear to Spanish audiences because it’s about having two virtues: civic pride and a reliable moral compass.

Today

Every summer, the people of Fuente put on a production of ‘their’ play in the village’s main square.

They don’t need a theatre because this hot region gets no rain between March and October, and the actors can perform, and the audience can watch, comfortably in the open air. The only restriction is, the actors must be citizens of Fuente

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THE Olive Press is giving away two pairs of tickets to see legendary crooner Tom Jones.

Get ready for an unforgettable night as the Welsh icon brings his unmistakable voice and classic hits to the Plaza de Toros in Alicante on August 13.

Tom will serenade fans with timeless tracks like It’s Not Unusual , Delilah and What’s New Pussycat

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to his music, there’s no doubt this is one night you won’t want to miss.

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Part of the solution, he claims, is to put the centres near bodies of water so that any steam leaving them returns to nature.

It is also possible to use closed water systems or alternative cooling methods to avoid water

The tech giants are so concerned about a backlash they recently made a pledge to only use non-drinkable, recycled water so that they replenish more than they consume by 2030.

While this is good in theory, it may not directly impact the communities affected by data centres, with water only replenished in areas where it is easy to do so.

The platform Tu Nube Seca Mi Rio (Your Cloud Dries My River) has now warned data centres could spell ‘devastation’ for Aragon’s agriculture and environment.

“Droughts are frequent and are likely to become more common due to climate change. If authorities do not consider stopping data centres in such situations, they clearly care more about Amazon than the region and its future,” a spokesman told the Olive Press.

In some areas of Spain, locals have already begun to turn against the new technologies, with Lleida, for example, in Catalunya, banning data centres as they ‘do not contribute to the economy’ and ‘consume too much energy and water.’ Spain’s AI boom may promise economic growth, but as data centres guzzle precious water, the question remains - at what cost to the country’s future?

What can I do?

Greater emphasis is needed on how we use not only AI but all digital technologies.

AI accounts for 5% of all use of digital technologies.

Yet ironically we use a lot more energy sending photos on Whatsapp than we do using AI because we do it more often.

A Google search also uses energy, but many more people use it compared to AI.

Try and use the giant tech giants as little as possible and use the simplest technology you can find, if available. Above all try and read books and newspapers to educate yourself more. You’ll take in information in a much deeper way. We promise that.

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Being an Olive Press member also means getting discounts on some of the top restaurants on the costas, as well as chances to win competitions for festivals, concerts and even sports events. In addition we offer chances to win free meals, as well as furniture giveaways.

Registered users can comment on stories and are also sent weekly newsletters on travel, health and property plus a news round-up each Saturday.

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Meanwhile, if you want a DAILY newsletter informing you of what is happening in Spain… and you don’t like getting ads, you should become a subscriber.

For just a few centimos a day you can have an unlimited ad-free browning service at www.theolivepress.es

Oh and for a very limited time only we have a very special Easter sale.

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Ovejuna!

THIRSTY: The AWS data centre (above)

Madrid use huge amounts

LINK: Lope de Vega (left) chose Fuente Ovejuna as a setting for his play, which the townfolk perform every year (below)

MOEVE, formerly Cepsa, has received €303 million from the Spanish government to aid in the first phase of the Andalucian Green Hydrogen Valley in Huelva.

GREEN MOVE

The Onuba Project as it’s called, includes the construction of a green hydrogen production plant. This will lead to an indirect creation of 10,000 jobs. The infrastructure will supply green hydrogen to the company’s own facilities and to third parties. The move comes in light of the EU Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to accelerate the production of green hydrogen.

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

Time to cash in

Spain reinstates electric vehicle subsidies for up to €7,000 for private individuals

THE Spanish government has reactivated its EV-subsidy scheme ‘MOVES III’. It has done so retroactively, meaning that the programme restarted at the beginning of

Across

1 Venerate (6)

5 Records (6)

8 Couturier --- Saint Laurent (4)

9 How children escaped Czechoslovakia in 1939 (2,5)

10 Algebraic x (7)

11 Old kind of computer drive (1,1,1-1,1)

13 Roman Empire expert (6)

15 Most senior (6)

17 The Gold Coast, once (5)

19 Offence (7)

22 Receive a title in their confusion (7)

23 See 21 Down (4)

24 Intricate network (6)

25 Churchmen (6) Down

2 Early chopper designer (2,5)

3 “A Doll’s House” playwright (5)

4 Goblin we took apart for rush-hour rudeness (8)

5 Manual alternative (4)

6 Hopped on (7)

7 Fruit sacred in India (5)

12 Inflexible (8)

14 Seats in the park (7)

16 Joins up (5,2)

18 Alpine heroine (5)

20 Arrested (3,2)

21 “... a billboard lovely as a ---” (written by 23 Across) (4)

All solutions are on page 15

By Dylan Wagemans

2025.

It will run until December 31 of the current year.

Battery-electric and hydrogen cars and plug-in hybrids with an electric range of more than 90 kilometres are subsidised up to €7,000.

PHEVs with an electric range of 30 to 90 kilometres are still eligible for up to €5,000. Commercial vehicles are eligible for grants of up to €9,000.

What’s important to note is that the grants are for cars

not priced above €45,000.

The tax break for electric vehicles that was instituted in 2023 will also be extended.

This only applies to private individuals and includes a deduction of 15% of income tax on the purchase of electric vehicles.

The maximum deduction that can be claimed is for an

BUS BOOST

AFTER two years in storage, five hydrogen buses have finally entered service with Palma’s EMT bus company.

Purchased for a total of €4.8 million - nearly €1 million each - the vehicles were initially unused due to a lack of hydrogen fuel.

The Lloseta hydrogen plant, intended to supply the fuel, had not been producing hydrogen because of a design flaw.

With the plant now fully operational, the buses have been brought out of storage. They are ready to serve both residents and tourists, marking a significant step forward in Palma’s efforts toward sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation across the city.

amount of €20,000. As mentioned earlier, the programme is retroactive. This means that people who have bought an electric car so far this year, will also be able to apply for a subsidy. The government will allocate €400 million to maintain support for the purchase of electric vehicles and the maintenance and construction of charging infrastructure.

MOVES III initially launched in 2021 to strive for a further electrification of the Spanish car network.

Restarted

The programme came to an end in late 2024, and due to initial successes, the government has restarted it. They did so while actively working to get rid of ‘systematic weaknesses’ in the programme.

With the €400 million increase in budget, the total funds allocated to MOVES III come to €1.7 billion.

SEA YA LATER!

THE Junta has released two sea turtles back into the wild after they were rescued by fishermen. ‘Miguelita’ and ‘Macho,’ were reunited with their natural habitat on La Jara beach in Sanlucar de Barrameda.

The two loveable creatures were initially rescued by fishermen as part of the ‘SOS Caretta: Fishermen for Biodiversity’ project, and rehabilitated at the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Center.

The SOS Caretta initiative has rescued 63 turtles since it began off the coasts of Cadiz and Huelva.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES? Scan to visit our website

GETTING A PASS DELAY WARNING

THE Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has launched new free Renfe and bus passes for May and June 2025.

Frequent travellers can apply from April 8 for bimonthly tickets valid on Cercanias, Rodalies, and Media Distancia trains via Renfe’s app, website, or ticket machines.

A deposit of €10 or €20 is required, now refundable after only eight trips instead of 16. In Asturias and Cantabria, passes remain valid for four months.

Free passes for state-run buses will be available later in April.

In Andalucia, these offers combine with regional subsidies, reducing public transport costs by up to 50%.

Easy access

GATWICK Airport has introduced advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners across all 19 security lanes. Travellers no longer need to remove electronics or place liquids in plastic bags during security checks. Liquids can now remain in hand luggage if contained in bottles up to 100ml, streamlining the process while reducing single-use plastic waste.

Cyrus Dana, Head of Security at Gatwick, praised the upgrade as a ‘positive change’, ensuring smoother and safer travel.

A VALENCIA gourmet burger chain has won the accolade of making the world’s best hamburger. The honour goes to Hundred Burgers which has four restaurants in the area plus three outlets in Madrid. A jury from ‘The World’s Best Burgers’ tasted 900 offerings in over 63 countries to come up with its 2025 rankings - the burger equivalent of the Michelin Guide. Judges praised Hundred Burgers for

TOP BURGER

its ‘attention to detail, its fo cus on craftsmanship and its constant evolution’ of its burgers. They highlighted the ‘intense meat flavour’ which was a perfect combination with the demi-brioche bun.

Praise was also heaped on the sauces used and the crispiness of the bacon. Hundred Burgers was founded in 2020 by Alex Gonzalez-Urbon and Ezequiel Maldjian. It prides itself on using fresh ingredients daily including dry-aged Galician beef and baking brioche buns every morning.

Taking the pi**

Airport wants to make passengers show their boarding pass to use toilets as it grapples with 500 people living in the terminals

PASSENGERS flying through Madrid’s Barajas Airport may soon need more than just a sense of urgency to access the loo – they’ll need their boarding pass, too.

Airport operator Aena has launched a controversial pilot scheme requiring travellers to scan their boarding pass to unlock bathroom doors. The system is currently being trialled in a family toilet in Terminal 4, with plans to expand across the airport if successful.

Officials claim the move is aimed at keeping facilities in ‘optimal condition’ and limiting access to bona fide passengers. But critics say it’s another example of unnecessary

By Walter Finch

airport red tape – and could cause delays or stress for passengers in need. Sources close to Aena say the high-tech loos are part of wider efforts to modernise services and ensure toilets are clean, secure, and well-maintained. But the timing has raised eyebrows. Barajas Airport has recently come under scrutiny after a rise in the number of people living inside its terminals –with estimates putting the figure at around 500. In March, a 60-year-old undocumented man tragically died at the airport, throwing the issue into

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the spotlight.

While Aena insists the boarding pass bathroom system is purely about passenger experience, critics argue it's part of a wider clampdown on vul-

nerable groups using airport facilities as shelter. For now, passengers should hold onto their boarding pass – it might just be their ticket to a toilet break.

TRAVELLERS using Spain’s airports could face delays this summer due to the sheer volume of air traffic across Europe. Javier Gandara from Spain’s Airlines Association has warned that a record number of flights ‘may strain the European network’ and that his members are ‘on alert’.

He pointed out that delays last summer due to air congestion in Europe ‘increased by over 50%’.

“There will be more flights than a year ago which is good news as travel recovers after the pandemic,” Gandara commented.

Barnyard bonanza

CALVIA is gearing up for a weekend of countryside chaos as the Fira d’Oví i Caprí agricutural fair celebrates its silver jubilee. This Saturday and Sunday, April 12–13, the town will be buzzing with sheepdog showdowns, tractor parades, and a mouthwatering lamb roast that promises to pack the Plaza de les Collidores d’Oliva. Locals and tourists alike can dive into artisan markets, goat exhibitions, and even bird-of-prey displays.

CONTACT:

680 186 708

HOMELESS: Hundreds who live at the airport would be locked out

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Have bike, will travel

THE road unfurls before me, a silky black ribbon of tarmac meandering through a living painting of a landscape.

Rolling hills, cloaked in a pattern of shimmering silver-green olive groves, stretch out to the horizon. The gangly tree limbs reaching up to the Andalucian sun.

I turn my face towards the sky too

Moving to a new job at the Olive Press, kiwi journalist Samantha Mythen takes the scenic route on two wheels from Granada to the Costa del Sol

and feel the soft spring warmth on my cheeks. Whitewashed villages perch on the hillsides, peeking out across the valley. Their terracotta roofs glow in the morning light.

Behind me, Granada’s historic grandeur has already faded, its labyrinthine alleys and towering Moorish relics now just a memory.

In a week, the charm had turned to claustrophobia, the narrow streets blocking out the generous spring

sunshine.

But now, I am free. I am moving to Estepona and a job at the Olive Press and rather than taking the bus - a quick, forgettable three hours - I have chosen the challenging, rather richer route: Nearly 300 kilometres of back roads in three days, just me, my bike, and the open road.

With Lujar set as my first destination, I set off, my wheels humming beneath me.

The city fades behind me as I follow a bike path out of Granada, soon trading

smooth pavement for the unpredictable embrace of an olive grove trail.

Rocks and ruts conspire against my road bike, its tyres only just managing the challenge.

At one point, I heave my bike across a shallow stream, its clear waters gurgling in amusement at my struggle.

Not exactly the smooth ride I envisioned, but this is what adventure looks like.

The first stop is Cafetería La Chula in

INCLUDE WWF SPAIN IN YOUR WILL

Durcal, in the stunning Lecrin Valley, just under two hours away. I am now in true Olive Press territory, with the paper regularly arriving in this pretty village. Breakfast is a feast fit for a long day in the saddle: jamon, sliced straight off the bone, draped over toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomato, alongside a second helping topped with creamy avocado.

The waitress chuckles at my appetite, and in my broken Spanish, I explain that a big day demands big fuel. A café con leche fortifies me further as I roll on to the supermarket, where I stock up on essentials - fruit, protein bars, nuts, and an oversized bag of Haribo sweets, my secret weapon against fatigue. The next stretch is a gift. For five blissful kilometres, I coast downhill on an old paved road running parallel to the A-44. It feels like my own private highway, the absence of cars making it even sweeter. But, inevitably, the climb begins.

The A-348 snakes its way into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, guiding me through the postcard-perfect villages of firstly Lanjaron, then Las Barreras, and, finally, Orgiva, where the story of my new job, first began (entirely unbeknown to me, I hasten to add, but the Olive Press was founded here).

Whitewashed houses with wrought-iron balconies cling to the mountainside, their flow-

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FUELLED: Pizza, beer and supermarket snacks powered the journey

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

November 29thDecember 12th 2023 LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL STORIES?

er pots bursting with fuchsia and crimson geraniums. A cool mountain breeze drifts down from the snow-capped peaks above, refreshing but also whispering of the challenge ahead.

A ‘shortcut’ lures me off the main road, but first, I pause for lunch. Settling among the grassy slopes, I glance back at the valley I conquered this morning.

The villages now sit far below me, their tiled rooftops a patchwork of earthy reds and oranges. I breathe in deeply, savouring the quiet joy of being here.

When you’re bikepacking, life distills into its simplest form: move forward, eat, rest, repeat. Having left my homeland of Aotearoa, New Zealand to start fresh in Spain, the weight of change lingers in my thoughts.

But here, on the road, it all melts away.

That peace, however, is short-lived. Ahead, the road writhes its way uphill, a serpentine stretch that promises two hours of slow-motion suffering.

This is ‘Type 4 fun’—an experience best appreciated in hindsight.

I pedal on, stopping only for a handful of Haribo, their sugary punch the only thing keeping my legs moving.

And then, finally, the reward. Cresting the summit, the Alboran Sea shimmers below, a vast expanse of blue that makes every agonizing pedal stroke worth it.

But Google Maps, my ever-unreliable guide, has one last trick up its sleeve. My supposed ‘shortcut’ turns out to be an hour-

long descent on a gravel-strewn nightmare of a road.

My hands ache from gripping the brakes as I navigate through a gauntlet of jagged rocks. Towering cliffs loom above me, the sheer scale of the landscape making me feel deliciously insignificant.

When I finally spot smooth black pavement ahead - gleaming as if freshly laid - I could kiss it.

The last push to Lujar is short but steep, my tired legs protesting every turn of the pedals.

The village is still, its narrow streets bathed in golden evening light and at the Albergue I have the eight-bed dorm to myself - a luxury after such a grueling day.

Dinner is a pizza, its crisp crust adorned with salty olives, lovingly prepared by the hotel-owners-turned-chefs. Sleep comes easily.

The next morning, my ritual begins: find coffee within an hour’s ride, then go. Dawn reveals one of the most breathtaking vistas I’ve seen all year.

kilometres to Malaga- but every few kilometres, I find myself stopping to snap another photo. The views are just too good.

A cyclist’s dream road greets me at sunrise: empty, sweeping downhills that let me fly.

Having learned my lesson, I ignore Googles’ suggestion of a gravel track and stick to the smoothly paved GR-5207.

I’ve pedaled 100 kilometres, my legs ache, but my heart is full

As I round the first bend out of Lujar, the Costa del Sol unfurls before me, its blue horizon melting into the sky. Today is a long one - seven hours, 120

By breakfast, I’m basking in the sun outside a café near Motril, devouring a tuna-and-egg bagel and my second coffee of the day.

Along the coastal road, lycra-clad cycling groups surge past, and I shout cheerful ‘holas’ - it feels particularly good when I’m zipping downhill and they’re toiling uphill.

The N-340 carries me most of the way, but I veer off whenever possible, detouring onto beachfront promenades

where Saturday sun-seekers lounge by the sea.

At La Herradura, I refuel at Coche Coche, a cycling cafe where a cappuccino revives me. Further on, in Torre del Mar, I indulge in a lemon-pie-flavored gelato at Heladería La Nonna.

By then, I’ve pedaled 100 kilometres. My legs ache, but my heart is full.

Looking back along the coastline, I spot the wind turbines near Lujar, now tiny silhouettes against the sky, a marker of just how far I’ve come.

The last of my Haribo stash disappears as I roll into Malaga.

Freshly showered, I celebrate at The Kiwi House of Beer, a craft beer haven run by fellow New Zealanders. A hazy IPA from DosKiwis Brewing in Girona is the perfect toast to the near-end of my journey.

The Final Stretch

With two days of relentless riding behind me, my body protests, but

Estepona awaits.

The morning ride out of Malaga is gentle, leading me to Cafetería El Pasaje in Alhaurin de la Torre, where a vegetable-and-egg sandwich and a massive swirl of churro fuel me.

The road weaves around the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves, carrying me through sleepy villages where life moves at a blissful pace. In Monda, I pause in the sun, savouring fruit and a cold Coke Zero, knowing the final stretch looms ahead.

The last push is an hour of chaotic highway along the A-355, but at least it’s mostly downhill.

In three days, I’ve seen more of Spain than in my first two weeks. My bike has been my ticket to freedom, a passport to winding roads, hidden cafes, and endless plates of Spanish cuisine.

As Estepona finally comes into view, I know this is just the beginning.

CHALLENGE: The route twists and turns largely on the back roads and tracks

LA CULTURA

Facing the divine

THE face of Saint Teresa of Avila - one of the most influential figures of Spain’s Catholic Church - has been reconstructed in a special bust to mark the 510th anniversary of her birth. Her image has been immortalised by Italian sculptor Bernini in The Ecstasy and a portrait by Rubens, as well as an El Greco wood carving.

General Franco even kept a sculpture of one of her hands on his desk.

Sculptor Jennifer Mann from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in Australia has now created what she believes is a life-like bust of Teresa.

Mann gathered all the existing information about her including body measurements, x-rays, and previous pictorial depictions.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

FALLEN CROSS

Bullfight threat

Giant symbol to stay at controversial Franco era mausoleum

SPAIN’S biggest symbol of the fascist Franco era - the Valley of the Fallen cross - will remain, according to the country’s Catholic Church.

The 150-metre tall structure will not be taken down as the government seeks to ‘resignify’ the site, according to church spokesperson, Bishop Francisco Cesar Garcia Magan.

He admitted that taking it down had been an option but that had now been rejected.

The world’s biggest cross stands over the Valley of the Fallen mausoleum situated 50 kms outside Madrid.

By Alex Trelinski

The complex was builtmainly through forced labour - in the wake of the Civil War of the late 1930s. Construction was finished in 1959 and consists of a basilica situated underground in an excavated space in the mountain, the cross, a Benedictine monastery, and a school.

Up to 50,000 Spaniards from both sides of the conflict are interred there.

General Franco’s body was exhumed from the site on the orders of the Pedro Sanchez government in

SPAIN’S Eva Yerbabuena walked away with a prestigious Olivier award at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Sunday. She won the Best Achievement in Dance honour for her show, which she staged twice last year at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Eva, 54, is regarded as one of the world’s leading flamenco dancers.

She becomes the second Spaniard to win the same award fol-

2019 and transferred to a private plot.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the dictator’s death.

Initial plans for ‘resigni-

Olivier winner

lowing in the footsteps of Sara Baras in 2020.

Jorge Bosch was nominated for best supporting actor in Kyoto - a political thriller running at the Soho Place Theatre until early May, but lost out to Elliot Levey for his performance

IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT CHOICE

fying’ the area included de-consecrating the church and closing the monastery.

Talks between Catholic authorities and the government however have ensured that worship will continue and the Benedictine monks will remain.

All religious elements outside the basilica will continue to be ‘respected’ including the cross.

Bishop Garcia pointed out that the deal still has to be finalised despite the government pressing ahead.

He added that he did not know what the timetable is for implementing the changes.

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SPAIN’S parliament will vote this year on whether bullfighting remains a sport classified as being of cultural heritage.

The country’s Central Electoral Board on Monday said that a 664,777 signature petition will have to be debated in Congress- demanding the repeal of the law. The minimum required signatures to force a vote is 500,000.

The move has been spearheaded by the No Es Mi Cultura group.

It says if the 2013 law is scrapped, it will make it much easier for local authorities to veto bullfighting events.

A debate has to be held within six months.

It will force Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, to make his position publicly clear on a topic he's skirted round since being first elected seven years ago.

STAYING PUT: The giant cross in the Valley of the Fallen

BUSINESS

GREEN BOOST

SPAIN is set to allocate nearly €300 million in grants to boost 34 green and renewable energy projects across the country.

The funding, coming from the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), will primarily support a €200 million initiative in Asturias, where Sunwafe will produce silicon ingots and wafers for semiconductor manufacturing – a key material for electronics.

The remaining funds will support a range of green tech projects, including the production of electrolysers for green hydrogen and wind power components.

Seven solar panel manufacturers, four energy storage firms, and a heat pump manufacturer are also in line for support.

This funding is part of Spain’s wider plan to green its economy (PERTE), in line with the EU's REPowerEU and Net-Zero Industry Act. Projects will be spread across 12 autonomous communities.

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WINE, OLIVES AND AEROSPACE

How Trump’s tariffs could hurt Andalucia’s €3.1 billion trade with the US while helping Morocco

THE imminent Trump tariffs have rocked the world and set the scene for an impending trade war that experts fear will inflict widespread eco nomic damage - and Andalu cia won’t be spared. From today (April 9), all EU exports to the US will be slammed with a hefty 20% tariff, and the southern Span ish region could see losses as high as €2.4 billion. The hardest-hit?

Olive oil and ta

SPAIN’S largest mobile operator, MasOrange, is gearing up for a potential stock market debut that could impact phone and internet bills nationwide.

By Walter Finch

ble olives, which are set to bear the brunt of the trade war fallout.

In 2024, Andalucia exported €3.1 billion worth of goods to the US, with nearly half of that coming from the agri-food sector. Olive oil alone accounted for a staggering €860 million. Now, producers are fearing the worst, as years of hard work expanding the market in the US could be undone. Experts warn thousands of jobs are on the line, especially in rural areas reliant on agri-food exports. Rafael Pico, head of the Asoliva exporter group, slammed the move as ‘unfair compe tition’, pointing to Turkey and Morocco, which will only face 10% tariffs, as winners in the trade war.

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tap into new markets in Asia and the Gulf.

Wines – including sherry –rice, vegetables, seafood and even natural stone have also been dragged into the dispute. Aeronautics exports worth €138 million in 2024 could also be affected.

TESLA REVOLT

Its portfolio includes Yoigo, Jazztel, Lebara, and Simyo. Backed by private equity firms KKR, Cinven, and Providence, a Spanish

AnyTech365 adapt its product and technical support solutions to individual needs, offering a safe online experience to any user.

stock market listing could come as soon as next year. While no immediate changes are expected for customers, the move may eventually affect service and pricing. MasOrange is also expanding its fibre optic network, partnering with Vodafone to reach over 12 million homes by next year.

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Black olives are already hit with a hefty 31.5% tariff following a 2018 dispute, and the new tariffs could push the total to over 50%, wiping out Spain’s remaining market share. Meanwhile, olive oil co-ops in Jaen, Cordoba, and Sevilla are desperately trying to

AnyTech365 AI powered unique software can pinpoint the root cause of a problem providing real-time protection and immediate response to suspicious activity. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks.

Strong

Not everyone is panicking. Some experts believe strong demand and high US consumer prices may absorb the extra costs. “A 20% tariff won’t stop olive oil sales,” said agro consultant Juan Vilar.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez is pledging €14.1 billion in aid for struggling industries.

AI, ARE YOU TRYING TO REPLACE ME?

AnyTech365 Security

SALES of electric cars made by US manufacturer Tesla, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, plummeted by 49% in the EU across the first two months of 2025. Just 19,046 units were sold according to ACEA the EU association of car manufacturers in what appears to be a pushback against Musk working for US president Donald Trump. Electric vehicle registrations as a whole rose by 28.4% over the same period, with a big rise in Chinese imports.

Spain's automotive association Anfac reported that deliveries from China's BYD soared by 563.5% in the first two months of the year. It also said deliveries of the Dacia Spring have tripled as electric car registrations grew by 54.9% between January and February reaching 11,124 units.

Personalized

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AI started off as a cute little assistant—autocorrecting our typos, suggesting slightly too personal Netflix recommendations, and helping us find the ‘best pizza near me (which, somehow, is never the best). But now? AI is writing emails, answering customer service calls, and making decisions faster than we can say, ‘Wait, I wasn’t ready for that’. So, should we be worried? Or should we just sit back, relax, and let AI handle everything while we sip coffee and pretend to be productive?

At first, AI-powered chatbots seemed like the ultimate solution. No more waiting on hold for an eternity! But then we realised… they respond instantly, yes, but mostly with completely useless advice.

The (slightly terrifying) truth about our digital overlords

World class, cross-platform security platform with advanced scanning techniques to identify potential threats from files, programs and neutralization of viruses, malware, and phishing

You type: “My internet is really slow.” The AI bot, in its infinite wisdom, replies: “Have you tried checking our website for solutions?” Ah yes, brilliant. Let me just struggle through three minutes of buffering to read an article that will inevitably tell me to ‘restart my router’.

And when you finally give up and beg, ‘TALK TO A HUMAN!’, the AI re sponds: “Before I transfer you, have you tried turning it off and on again?”

This is exactly why AnyTech365 ex ists - to ensure that when technology fails, you get real, AI-powered solutions from actual experts, not just a bot pretending to understand your pain. Smart assistants are great - until they get too smart. You mention buying new running shoes, and suddenly your phone bombards you with ads for gym memberships and diet plans. You casually joke about moving to Spain, and next thing you know, AI is sending you ‘Great properties in Marbella!’ listings.

music, and even writing screenplays. Pretty soon, we’ll be watching Oscar-winning films written entirely by AI. But don’t worry - AI is powerful, but it still struggles with one thing: being human. That’s why at AnyTech365, we believe in AI-powered cybersecurity with a human touch. Sure, AI can analyse data in milliseconds and detect cyber threats before you even realize something’s wrong, but sometimes, you need an actual

Coincidence? Not a chance. AI isn’t reading your mind… yet. We used to think creativity was safe from AI. Then AI

expert to walk you through a problem - especially when your password ‘isn’t working’ (spoiler: CAPS LOCK was on).

So no, AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to make life easier, smarter, and more secure. And as long as it doesn’t start making life too easy (looking at you, AI-generated excuse emails for skipping work), we’re happy to

have it on our side. Because let’s be honestthe real threat isn’t AI taking over the world. It’s AI refusing to fix your Wi-Fi until you ‘move closer to the router’. And the best part? Take advantage of the exclusive offer just for Olive Press readers, so you can enjoy a worry-free online experience today!

Good cop, bad cop

Thank you for your entertaining newspaper.

I’m writing to point out the very aggressive attitude of Policía Local (in places like, for example, Granada and Nerja, controlled by the PP) toward musicians, artists, street performers, and poor people in general.

I have witnessed numerous instances of heavy-handed actions toward those who simply appear to be poor.

Whilst the noise from Madrid is tolerant and the Policía Nacional busy themselves pursuing actual crimes, the Policía Local seem to be mandated by the local government to persecute the underprivileged, which surely contravenes basic rights and liberties under the Spanish Constitution.

It’s important that this is flagged and questioned by the expat community.

The frequent justification for this behavior is to protect tourists, but as foreigners, we want more street life, not less.

Jonathan Addis by email

What’s the answer

Our online coverage of the recent protests in Malaga (see page 1) caused quite a stir, with many readers quick to question the real reasons behind property prices soaring

Prices on the up!

MOREOVER, prices will be going up again soon for the tourist season, meanwhile the A7 is so saturated, that cyclists are overtaking vehicles.

Mandy, by OP website

Taking its toll

WITH regards to your story about the Algeciras mayor complaints about the AP-7 toll road being too expensive - let’s face it, it is the rich people’s road. Firstly, they can drive faster. Secondly, they don’t have to queue up in traffic jams on the coast road. Thirdly, it means they can get to the airport and Malaga city faster.

GET INLAND!

SPRING is the perfect time to explore the Requena-Utiel region of inland Valencia. With mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and a laid-back wine-country vibe, the area offers countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re an expat, a retiree, or a couple looking for a weekend adventure, here are five springtime activities that showcase the natural beauty of Requena-Utieljust a short drive from Valencia.

1. Horseback Riding in Requena

One of the most scenic ways to take in the gorgeous landscapes of Utiel-Requena is on horseback. Local tour providers, such as Ekiaventura, offer guided rides along picturesque trails. Even beginners are welcome, as routes along the gentle plains require no prior riding experience. Some excursions even pair horseback riding with wine tastingyou might spend 45 minutes trotting through the hills before relaxing at a bodega to sample Utiel-Requena’s renowned wines. It’s a perfect spring activity: enjoy the fresh air and green scenery from the

saddle, then toast the experience with a glass of Bobal wine.

2. Rafting and Water Adventures on the Cabriel River

For a shot of adrenaline, head to the Hoces del Cabriel area for rafting or kayaking. The Cabriel River - considered one of the cleanest in Europe - runs turquoise and clear through a dramatic canyon, making it ideal for water sports. Spring is the perfect season, with the river running high and the sun not yet too intense. Choose from guided white-water rafting trips or a gentler open-kayak outing to enjoy the gorge at your own pace. Several adventure companies, such as Hocesventura and Avensport, operate in the area, catering to beginners, families, and thrill-seekers alike. They provide the gear and expertise to ensure a safe and unforgettable day on the water.

3. Hiking in Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park

5 Things to do outdoors

This Spring in Valencia’s Requena-Utiel region

NOT THE PROBLEM

TOURISTS aren’t the problem. It’s foreigners (and the Spanish) buying just to rent out to holidaymakers. That’s what the government needs to look at. Foreigners buying to actually live, work and more importantly SPEND their money here, are not the problem.

Ann Smith, Costa del Sol

Same as Paris

ALL cities in Europe have gentrification. If you have an average income in England you also can’t buy a house in London. Same for Amsterdam or Paris. It’s normal.

Eva, Valencia

Wrong targets

WHY are all the protests in Spain against tourism and property prices? Surely they should be protesting against their government, who should take a leaf out of Singapore’s book where the government builds housing at affordable prices and then sell it off to locals. Instead of cutting the hand off that feeds the face.

David White, by email

President Trump’s tariffs brought a sharp response…

IT is like dealing with a toddler. Unreal.

Ricky Bren

TRUMP’S goal is not free trade. That’s not what this is about. If anything, it is the opposite.

Tom Kline, Valencia

Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park offers hiking routes for all ages and

fitness levels. Its varied terrain - from deep river gorges to dense forests and open meadows - makes for stunning spring walks. Easy trails like the 3.8 km Cuchillares de Contreras loop or the Peñas Blancas viewpoint route take around 1.5 hours and reward you with breathtaking panoramic views. For more experienced hikers, the 18 km Contreras Reservoir circular route takes you deeper into the park, offering canyon vistas and the chance to spot wildlife such as wild goats or birds of prey. Guided hikes are also available through local accommodations like Hotel Raïmblanc. Whatever you choose, lace up your boots, pack a picnic, and hit the well-marked trails to enjoy spring in full bloom.

4. Vineyard Walks and Wine Tastings

Requena-Utiel is wine country, and spring is a wonderful time for a leisurely vineyard walk. The

region boasts nearly 3,000 years of winemaking history, and the rolling hills come alive with fresh green growth this time of year. Many bodegas welcome visitors for tours, some even offering ‘hike & wine’ experiences that pair a short nature walk with tastings of signature wines made from local grapes like Bobal and Tempranillo. You can also follow parts of the official Requena-Utiel Wine Route, which connects winery towns via scenic backroads. Imagine strolling between vineyards under the warm spring sun, then pausing on a winery patio with a glass of vino. The mix of light exercise, gorgeous landscapes, and rich wine culture makes for a perfect day outdoors.

5. Birdwatching in the Hoces del Cabriel Canyons

Nature lovers and bird enthusiasts will find much to admire in and around Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park. This protected area is a sanctuary for wildlife and especially known for its birds of prey. Spring is a prime season

for birdwatching: the blooming flora draws insects, making birds more active and visible. From the park’s trails or miradores (lookout points), you might spot griffon vultures soaring above the cliffs, or Bonelli’s eagles and peregrine falcons hunting along the ridges. Lucky birders may even hear the call of an eagle-owl at dusk. Several park trails double as birding routes, offering a chance to combine a scenic hike with birdwatching. Be sure to bring a camera and a field guide—the sight of these majestic birds against the canyon backdrop is a spring highlight.

From horseback riding through budding vineyards to rafting down crystal-clear rapids, the Requena-Utiel region offers a treasure trove of unique springtime adventures. And the best part? All of this is within about an hour’s drive from Valencia. Whether you’re after high-energy thrills or peaceful strolls with spectacular views (and perhaps a glass of wine in hand), Requena-Utiel has something for everyone this spring. So embrace the sunshine and happy exploring!

For a hassle-free visit to Requena-Utiel, try Hotel Raïmblanc where all your excursions can be arranged so you can focus on savouring the experience.

Sam Rodgers, Murcia

HEALTH

SWARM WARNING

HEALTH chiefs have issued an urgent alert as swarms of potentially disease-carrying mosquitoes are expected to explode following a stormsoaked March.

Relentless downpours from storms Jana, Konrad, Laurence and Martinho have left pools of stagnant water – the perfect breeding ground for mozzies. Now, with temperatures rising fast, experts say it's a ticking time bomb.

Early signs of increased mosquito activity have already been reported, especially in wetland and coastal areas. The Junta has updated its West Nile Virus (WNV) risk map, placing hotspots like Sevilla, Cadiz, Huelva and even Tarifa on high alert.

The virus, spread by bites, can cause serious illness – even brain inflammation – especially in the elderly or those with health conditions.

Locals are urged to dump standing water, use citronella, lemon oils, and have antihistamine creams at the ready.

Alzheimer’s hope Mornings only

By Alex Trelinski

DRINKING coffee brings positive health benefits, so long as you drink it at the right time of day - and in moderation Its benefits depend on things like how much you drink, your age, being biologically male or female, medicine you take, and even your genes. Some plus sides are linked to caffeine, while other components of coffee will also bring health pluses. Evidence shows that the chances of getting Par kinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimers's disease, as well as se vere liver and kidney problems are re duced. But cardiol ogist Aure lio Rojas believes that all of the bene-

Coffee is good for you - at the right time of day

fits could be wasted if coffee is drunk at the wrong time.

He says on his social media channel that drinking coffee later in the day will have negative metabolic effects and cause sleep problems.

Rojas also suggests that drinking it all day is somewhat counterproductive and that the key time to enjoy it is in the morning.

HEALTHY MOVE

MOVING to Spain could be good for you. New research has found that people who spend a lot of time in colder countries - especially during the winter - tend to have higher levels of brown fat in their bodies.

This is a special type of body fat that burns calories to generate heat and keep us warm.

He referred to a European Heart Journal study which showed drinking coffee in the morning cut the chance of death from heart issues by up to 31% while premature deaths fell by 17%.

The research says that drinking coffee at other times alters circadian rhythms and counters melatonin

Researchers found that people living in colder conditions burned more brown fat than those in warmer climates. Cold temperatures appear to affect both how fat behaves and how the body processes energy.

According to a Japanese study involving over 500 participants, people exposed to colder climates had a 5.8% higher total energy expenditure compared to those in milder environments.

and cortisol which are two important hormones for staying awake and having a good sleep. Later drinking also raises blood pressure and the chance of inflammation, resulting in potential heart problems.

Aurelio Rojas said: “It seems that people who drink coffee only in the morning have a longer life expectancy and a

lower probability of suffering a heart attack.”

He also said that he was surprised to see social media postings from people recommending coffee drinking later in the day.

“This would have a higher chance of raising stress levels, and therefore stopping proper rest,” he added.

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Admire, 5 Albums, 8 Yves, 9 By train, 10 Unknown, 11 C D R-O M, 13 Gibbon, 15 Oldest, 17 Ghana, 19 Umbrage, 22 Inherit, 23 Nash, 24 Tissue, 25 Canons.

Down: 2 Da Vinci, 3 Ibsen, 4 Elbowing, 5 Auto, 6 Boarded, 7 Mango, 12 Dogmatic, 14 Benches, 16 Signs on, 18 Heidi, 20 Ran in, 21 Tree.

RESEARCHERS from the University of Barcelona have made a breakthrough in producing a drug for Alzheimer's sufferers after testing it on mice. Though the disease is incurable, most of the current drugs used have a limited impact in its early stages.

Over 800,000 people in Spain have Alzheimer’s and the Barcelona research has come up with a drug that has neuro-protective and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The patent has been licensed to a pharmaceutical firm so that human trials can begin to get approval for the drug to be used.

The study is the culmination of seven years of research in which researchers have used a new approach, based on the inflammatory processes that contribute to triggering the disease and modulating its progression.

OLD FOLKS’ HOTEL

Lovers tiff

A JEALOUS girlfriend caused mayhem at a packed nightclub in Malaga after pepper spraying her own boyfriend during a blazing row –triggering the evacuation of 300 clubbers.

Kinky thief

AN Alcoy (Alicante) man was arrested after twice breaking into a flat opposite his own to steal women’s underwear, using a ladder to access the window and escaping with lingerie.

Scooped up

A TRADITIONAL

UK-style ice cream van operated by a British man has been seized by Benidorm police after locals shopped him for not having a licence.

Dog’s dinner

Gourmet squid and prawn dish for pampered pooches

MOVE over, Michelin-starred menus - there’s a new foodie craze in town, and it’s strictly for the ‘paw-sh’ crowd. Yes, Britain’s most discerning dogs are now dining on ‘chef-crafted King Prawn and Giant Squid Paella’. Because Pedigree Chum is so last season. Fresh dog food brand Years. com has unleashed its first dish in the swanky ‘Chef’s Collec-

By Dilip Kuner

tion’, and it’s a canine twist on a Spanish classic. Forget your average bowl of brown mush; this limited-edition delicacy features saffron-infused rice, fire-roasted piquillo peppers, and - wait for it - marinated squid tentacles. That’s right, your furry friend can now eat better than you.

A 27-year-old Brit got himself into a sticky situation in Benidorm after attempting to channel his inner Spiderman and getting stuck on top of a shop sign.

The daring tourist found himself trapped on Gambo Street, much to the amuse ment (and concern) of hundreds of onlookers.

Emergency services quickly swooped in, with police cordoning off the area and advising our wannabe web-slinger to stay put. Firefighters soon arrived to save the day,

The mastermind behind this tail-wagging treat? Luke Alke made, a chef with a resume so fancy it practically wears a cravat. From Michelin-starred kitchens to luxury yachts, Alkemade has now turned his talents to feeding Fido. Working with veterinary nutritionists, he’s created a meal that’s not just delicious but also delivers 100% of your pup’s daily nutritional needs.

Web you believe it!

though it's unclear what inspired the man to shimmy down the building facade in the first place.

No word yet on whether he was trying to avoid the pub crawl or just thought it was a new way to avoid the crowds. Local reports confirm he’ll be facing no charges, but surely he’s learned to keep his feet on the ground next time.

At £6.95 (€8.22) a pop, this isn’t just dinner - it’s an ‘experience’. But act fast! Only a limited number of these posh pooch plates are available online. According to Years.com CEO Darren Beale: “Too many dogs are stuck eating bland biscuits. We’re here to spice up their bowls - and their lives.”

So, if your pooch deserves more than pedestrian doggie food, why not let him dive into some decadent seafood? Just don’t be surprised if they start demanding sparkling water with their meals. Bon appetit, Bowser!

AFTER years of court battles and protests, the infamous Algarrobico Hotel in Almeria might finally have a purpose: a ‘luxury retirement home for rebellious seniors.’ Writer Luis Martinez Reche suggests turning the abandoned 411 room monstrosity built on a virgin beach into the ultimate pensioner paradise. With ocean views, spacious rooms, and endless staircases for fitness, it's the perfect spot for bingo nights and unlimited pudding. Environmentalists want it demolished, but let’s be real – it’s sturdier than most grandpas' hips. Welcome to ‘Algarrobico Seniors' Paradise’!

iThief

A BRITISH tourist whose bag was swiped at Malaga airport is tracking the thief’s every move through her Airpods. Lauren Morley, 29, has spent days spying on the thief’s routine, learning the street they live on and workplace - the airport. Frustrated by the police’s lack of action, Lauren’s now calling for an army of amateur detectives to help her catch the airport bandit and reclaim her stolen stuff.

Discover Leonardo Boutique Hotel Mallorca Port Portals - Adults Only, a 4-star superior hotel located right next to one of the most luxurious marinas of the Mediterranean: Port Portals.

Choose from one of our 77 unique rooms, all of them with great amenities and spectacular views, and enjoy a cocktail in the hotel’s Sky Bar or cool down on a Balinese bed by the pool. Come join us!