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Fit for a star OLD TO NEW: buildings have how unwanted new lease of lifebeen given a See page 22 Swiss salute!
A MAJOR global exhibition work of architectural is to recognise ron, as they giants Herzog the & De MeuThe Royal reach their 45th anniversary. Academy ring the Swiss show, in London, pair’s incredible is explohealthy half dozen built designs, with These include in Spain. a Forum, Madrid’s(from top left) CaixaForum the Barcelona remarkable Since 1978 2007 HQ of Spanishand (main) the jects, many the pair have graftedbank, BBVA. Frontera’s yet to be built, includingon 600 proCity of Flamenco. Jerez de la
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THE average Put us to it could encourage but investment the visa schemeprogrammes, in Spain international Spanish property the test. See is expected buyer of By Walter threshold tended. you has begun to be exif Finch downwards But the government spending in to trend in age profile, Government less-populatedlikely to vestments of time and money. HiFX could save the latest data. according to deny his claims, was By Walter more than only those sources indicate that It comes after Finch areas in deposits or shares While there The new champions insisting thequick to vestment. €1 million investing left wing try was party are still plenty But now a report minis- However, more of Spanish ital companies, Germans, French be given a €1million or Social Mas Pais claimed that political tives withactually looking at alternaof market: Young capfrom Union of the Spanish idencywill it has been or three-year suggestions ing in to hand and Belgians Brits, itos Inmobiliarios de Credpermit. res- sionallySecurity Ministry had Spain’s political parties. governmentmore than €2 milfrom various icised for creating frequently crit- lion inHiFX expat A source bonds. are the days over their cash, com- the prevailing trend(UCI) claims that pandemic unleashed Brits, French proviconfirmed housing Europe Limited sures and came inflationary pres- CertainConduct told desirable and Germans gone tional buyers it was to scrap One of these Sucursal en among interna- the home scheme. datafigure the genie will be doubledEl Pais This that the highly high-income, of them being entirely Authority España is from thethe under scrutiny fessionals and skilled under the a branch of of to UCI. but only in is to allow investment encouraging black College of protrars in town are indicates the new sheriffs which has office and flexible working, Payment Leader HiFX Europe for cases paints an optimistic family of €500,000 from the The typical near-retirement couples. Services Regulations current Regisless-populated Limited. reunification a younger, seen a surge total scheme Inigo invested in2023, 2009, registrationHiFX Europe Limited areas or in Spanish economy. money into the dency are also eligible for less financially buyers drawn pictureErrejon claimed the socially beneficial as an investment used to be profile of foreign buyers comfortable demographic. in younger Despite the real with the had is authorised fora 462444, for led to first quarter Currently, projects. this resipeople between permit without seeing estate Introduced by the These young in a Spanish the provision ‘brutal’ increase Thus they by this way of working. on mortgagesfact that interest rates 23,380or in house years old, married already of payment Financial prices, 50 and 60 and can fulfil the upstarts (between eigners to the scheme allows for- In 2022, Spain grantedinvestment. adding: “Spanish ers. company.transactions services. the Euro in 2013 in the invariably higherfor non-residents spending extended by foreignwith children, izenship cannot 40) have been a high level obtain a three-year dream are The visas to property 30 2,462 golden cit- tended crisis, the scheme wake of dence permit, be bought”. periods on of offered to residents,compared to those maximum come of moreof education and anwith freedom afforded bycapitalising on the Spanish coasts resiwas as a means extendable investors, an the ues to without waiting hovers around financing percentage the market in- lifestyle to the digital nomad they are than €60,000. to re-inflate in- two, by investing for another crease of nearly 60% housing market inwitness a surge contininvest in Spanish grey until international at least vious year. from through foreign the real estate, UCI's analysis in demand from valuation with 70% of the property's As the Olive and wrinkly. Only a handful the preexcluding any €500,000 in in companies buyers. Press in- The shows that property. of around 30 an amortisation period mortgages. mechanism the Covid ly, buyers from has reported recent- The numbers are or governmentinvested years. also applies the United Since underlined Spain's attractiveness, matic 45% also surged bonds. to in- peoplethe scheme began surge in foreign by a dra- of onto the scene,States have purchases life, profitability, enviable quality have acquired some 31,000 property according a golden visa. transactions.in 2022, totaling 88,800 stable safe haven and its status as a for investments not, it seems, ward trajectorybeen dented by thehave upof interest rates.
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T is a coast famed for its endless golden beaches poilt wind-swept beauty. and uns- atop the landscape. But now the Costa de la Luz, in Cadiz, to fame. has a new claim Composed of stones mirroring the local terrain, not only anchor the Overlooking the Atlantic, house but also enhance its foundations its natural surroundings. the recently completed its connection to Air (Casa en el aire) House on the prowess of Valencian showcases the distinctive architectural This design choice ensures that the interior spaces provide uninterrupted views Drawing inspiration studio Fran Silvestre Arquitectos. of the sea, capturing the glimmering renes, near Zahara de from its unique location on Playa Alema- flections of the sunset. himself - envisioned los Atunes, the design team – led by Fran The home is divided into three distinct areas: The main living inspires, framing the a project that not only shelters but also space with its amazing panoramic views and beauty of its natural and three more bedrooms, Navigating the challenging surroundings. which share the sameits master suite the lower floor two terrain marked views, and on contours, it is artfully positioned as if it was by slopes and The House on the extra bedrooms facing a shady courtyard. Air seamlessly integrates gently perched rroundings, with its natural suproviding a unique and inspiring living experience.
HEADING SOUTH
NEARLY a quarter of fessionals able to workall British prowould choose Spain to from abroad uproot. Some 22% of Brits yearning to ditch their dreary island in weather and increasedfavour of better er would choose Spain spending powBy Walter Finch keep their current jobs. - if they could The country knocked second place with 19%,American into nered 5% and Latin America came a poor third with while France A striking 53% of UK only 3%. professionals able to embrace remote Portugal would be the 13%. dream location would working for 6%, while Southeast move Asia gar- would stick abroad, while just 33% with Blighty and 14%
Spain comes top for UK digital nomads thanks to its better quality of life - especially for women aged 25 to 30
You’ll have to look inside
Other coastal locations, Malaga, Marbella, Valencia,including money (19%) and an attractive Alicante ture and lifestyle culand Palma were popular (12%). Job opportunities (7%) Inland cities like Madridchoices. and also hold their own in and Sevilla tives (4%) are also factors. tax incenwere undecided in the the rankings, poll by Nebeus. proving The most common profile that Spain’s appeal extends Yet incredibly, 89% of British professionals were unaware looking to move to Spain of a Brit beyond its coastline. ital nomad visa, with of Spain’s digis a woman aged 25 to meanwhile The study points out several half questioned 30 in ‘a man- tives agement role in the private for choosing Spain as incen- saying they would now look into a remote The main it. work base. Barcelona, with its blend sector’. financial challenges perceived in relocating politan flair, tops the list of cosmo- The promise of a better Spanish cities at 14%. of preferred is the most significant quality of life healthcare costs (31%), include draw at 46%, living cost followed by the potential (21%), and retirement of for saving savings and plans (10%).
Kill the Drug Olive Press Campaign launches as complaint is filed for criminal negligence over Nolotil
THE Olive Press is launching a nationwide campaign against the ‘deadly’ drug Nolotil. It comes as a protest group filed an official complaint with Spain’s public prosecution office after yet another Brit died at the hands of the ‘deadly’ drug. The complaint calls on health officials to ‘urgently initiate a thorough investigation’. The Association for Drug Affected People (ADAF) claims giving Nolotil to tourists and other expats is a ‘crime of serious negligence’. As reported in our last issue expat dad Mark Brooks, 42, died a senseless death by sepsis caused by the drug after a minor golf injury. The Olive Press has since discovered serious flaws in an official warning about the drug issued from Madrid in 2018. We have discovered Nolotil - which is banned in 40 countries - is still being prescribed regularly at hospitals and clinics around Spain.
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TORREVIEJA'S annual carnival will bring music, colour and fun to the city from Friday until February 11. The events will be compressed into a period concentrating shorter on the three weekends, with mayor Dolon hoping the change Eduardo will make it ‘an even better attraction’. Highlights will include Drag Queen competitionthe annual ternational Auditorium in the Inon February 3 and the big Carnival Grand Parade the following at 4pm from the Virginday, starting del Carmen
A BRITISH expat has died after being given the painkiller Nolotil for a deadly shoulder injury, it has emerged. Mark Brooks, 42, was enjoying a game of golf near his home in Alicante when he began riencing shoulder pain. expeThe next day, he went to his
FINAL HOLE: Just 48 hours later, Mark (centre left ) was dead
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Dozens of readers have been in touch to report their dealings with the drug, while some have revealed their horror stories. In particular, we spoke to the family of Irish victim, James Hanley, 72, who died after a simple operation led to an agonising flesh-eating O LIVE LIVE FOREVER disease within P RESS days of being prescribed the drug. The drug and (left) how we reported yet Meanwhile, NEVER AGAIN! DEADLY: another Nolotil tragedy D o r e e n Hughes sufis doing enough to provide all of the cases we have fered ‘total communicate why gathered, none of which the auorgan failNolotil has been thorities have looked at yet.” ure’ and had banned around the Boehringer Ingelheim, the Gerto spend world. man company that produces Nom o n t h s Among many key lotil claims the drug is safe and learning to952 147 834 questions, the com- all the side effects are listed in the walk again, plaint asked: ‘What medication’s information packet. after her is happening in A spokesman told the Olive Press: battle with Nolotil. This week ADAF President Spain when in the UK, US and “Nolotil (metamizole) has a Cristina del Campo revealed Ireland, the product is banned be- well-established safety profile and has been used by patients for alher group had acted after Spain’s cause it is highly dangerous?’ official agency for medicines, AE- “We cannot wait, while we wait, most 60 years. MPS, launched a marketing cam- more people die. Mark Brooks “Agranulocytosis is a very rare, died recently and there will be adverse reaction that has been paign promoting the drug. The group doesn’t believe Madrid more cases,” she told the Olive known for decades and is well-dePress. scribed in the medicine package “Our lawyers have information.” found evidence of criminality and a See page 6 full investigation is needed. We will The
CREDIT: El Español
Cocaine
The cocaine gang was brought down in 2019 with one of the leaders found to have €1.5 million in cash stuffed in three suitcases at his house. The Prosecutor's Office has requested a total of 749 years in prison for the gang members and fines amounting to €435 million. Javier Mendez attended 24 meetings in 2018 and 2019 in Denia, Javea and Alicante with leaders of the criminal group. He's accused of tipping-off two of the ring-leaders about police investigations and taking part in a money laundering plot to recycle profits made from the enterprise. Among the gang’s major moves was a failed attempt to bring in 2,020 kilos of cocaine by boat to Galicia, with a retail value of around €104 million.
February 2024
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PROSECUTORS want the former head of the Policia Nacional's anti-drug unit in Alicante jailed for 15 years for his role in the biggest-ever cocaine distribution gang in the Valencian Community. Inspector Javier Mendez was part of a 69-strong crew that distributed 4,000 kilos of cocaine. Mendez has been charged with drug trafficking, bribery and illegally disclosing information. His associates were well-known Galician and Valencian drug traffickers who set up an extensive operation to launder their proceeds with front men and shell companies in Romania, Sweden, Portugal and Colombia.
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Carnival time! Cultural Centre. The Grand Night is on February 10, Parade beginning at 8pm - also from the Cultural Centre and going down Calle Ramon Gallud to its finish on the Paseo Vista Alegre. The night before, a attraction will be new first-ever parade of the Foreign Troupes from 8.30pm, which will feature from cities and towns floats across Spain.
TIME TO PARTY: Carnival outfits
British expat, 42, dies after taking Nolotil: Father-of-one developed sepsis after being given the ‘lethal’ painkiller for a minor golf injury
By Yzabelle Bostyn
local health clinic on the Costa Blanca, where he received a shot of metamizole, also known as Nolotil. Some 48 hours later the dener, from Derbyshire, garwas admitted to hospital in Torrevieja with depleted white blood cells and sepsis. The next day, he was taken into intensive care with organ failure. Two days later, he was before the tragic incident dead. Mark’s life in October last took orated and just four His year. days after receiving partner, “Summer was in complete the Summer Moses injection, he slipped into shock. One day he was (right) has been TRAGIC: 4-yearing golf, really excited, play- a coma. left to pick up old Aurora is left and According to death then the next he was certhe pieces with without her dad, anti-Nolotil campaigner dead,” tificate records, Brooks’ their four-yearMark (above) tina del Campo told theChris- cause of death on Ocold daughter, Olive tober 20 was Press this week. ‘organ Aurora. failure, septic shock and “She’s now working two The pair had lar, as many clinics continued just to make ends meet. jobs cellulitis.’ lished a two-page feature been planning to hand out the drug. effecjust his life that’s been It’s not Now his ex-partner has tively promoting to get married, Spain’s most popular ruined, reached out it’s her life and her sub- It came just afterthe drug. to the Nolotil scription painkiller, Nolotil ADAF began daughter’s too. campaign group, is legal action against known to have adverse the SpanAll because of a the Association on Northern Europeanseffects ish Medical Agency (AEMPS) painkiller.” KILL of Drug Affectis banned in 30 countries,and in November, claiming a 2018 The incident ed Patients THE cluding Britain, Ireland, in- government directive not to happened Aus- sell Nolotil to (ADAF) run tralia and the US. Northern EuroDRUG when he atby del Campo. peans is not being followed. A 2018 report from tended a clinic It came after ropean Medicines the Eu- “We’re not looking for money Agency or damages. popular with expats in she discovered showed We want to make Ciudad a ‘potential to documents, which revealed Quesada on October 15. ALL YOUR LEGAL agranulocytosis’ among induce them stop giving Nolotil to that Mark’s death certain British people,” Within hours of receiving populations. explained del ISSUES DEALT WITH! an result ‘an apparent was as the injection of Nolotil he allergic reA 1999 Swedish study estimat- Campo. devel- action to metamizole’. oped a rash and blisters ed the risk at one in every on Anything but the Here to help with your his buttocks. first, the drug Regulations prescriptions, with a 26% 2000 has now been linked When he was taken morto over life in Spain including tality rate. “I want them to revise in Torrevieja, doctorsto A&E 40 deaths in Spain, including and It is believed the drug found many expats. modify regulations wills, residency, he had a low white blood have contributed to up could gate cases properly.and investicell So dangerous to 350 count, alongside signs They need tax returns, buying cases of agranulocytosis, of liver Olive Press is the drug, the to act because and kidney failure. launched cluding 170 Britons living in- given without it keeps being paign in 2017 to have it a camand selling property a prescription. His condition rapidly in banned Spain. deteri- for expat patients, People’s lives are at stake.” in particuYet incredibly, only one The campaigner is also We speak your language! deish health authority, Span- manding new analysis of the Catalunya, has warned against La Marquesa Commercial us- risks of the drug and a revision ing the drug as a first-choice of the information sheet Centre, Office 4C, Ciudad painkiller. It ruled there to medical professionals. given Quesada, Rojales 03170 ‘no evidence’ it was betterwas Boehringer Ingelheim, tel: 966 943 219 See page 15 the controlling pain than ‘safer at company that makes alwww.mylawyerinspai Nolotil, ternatives’ like paracetamol n.com or claims all the side effects are ibuprofen. clearly listed in its information Meanwhile, one English packet. newspaper recently even expat pubOpinion Page 6
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NEWS IN BRIEF Revenge shooting
A MAN, 20, was shot in both legs at a Javea children’s playground on Friday night, with the Guardia Civil believing it was a ‘settling of scores’.
Better Denia IMPROVED bus services and new paving for the Marineta Cassiana promenade are among the projects promised in Denia’s 2024 €74.7m budget.
Give blood ONDARA’S Portal de la Marina shopping centre will be inviting people to donate blood on February 15 and 16, with a chance to win a €300 gift token.
Big spenders OVER 10.4 million foreign tourists led by UK visitors spent €12.5 billion in the Valencian Community last year.
February 8th - February 21st 2024
Dodgy Doug facing jail over tax evasion THE husband of disgraced Tory peer Michelle Mone has appeared in court as part of a €6 million tax evasion case in Spain. Doug Barrowman, 58, (pictured with Mone) is accused of misappropriating €6.3m from a Spanish cable factory ‘for illicit benefit’ in 2008. The Glasgow businessman and six other British co-defendants are also accused of defrauding the Spanish government of a half million euros in tax relating to the payment.
The brash millionaire - who reportedly made his fortune marketing tax avoidance schemes - faces five and a half years in a Spanish jail, plus a six-figure fine. Barrowman admitted at Cantabria’s Provincial Court he had played a leading role in the purchase of B3 Cable Solutions in 2008. He also confirmed the Spanish firm had made the €6.3m payment to Aston Ventures, a UK company founded by Barrowman, insisting it was a ‘con-
sultancy fee.’ The company went bust four years later, costing the jobs of 200 people in the Santander area. It comes as Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) investigates how Mone recommended a company secretly owned by Barrowman to supply PPE, including masks, during the Covid pandemic. PPE MedPro was awarded €142 million in government contracts for equipment that turned out to be faulty.
Barrowman and Mone - who became famous as a bra manufacturer - had €87 million in assets frozen in the UK last week, including a country estate, a six-bedroom house in London's Belgravia, a yacht and a jet.
UNFAIR COPS
A GUARDIA Civil department is under investigation for allegedly colluding with a ‘cartel’ of suppliers in a €180 million corruption scheme. Some six officers are accused of dishing out cosy contracts to dozens of companies in return for private school fees, hunting trips and VIP football tickets. In the scheme that stretches back 24 years, they illegally contracted 26 companies to
Dumb and dumber
REVEALED: The free hunting trips and school fee payments behind a €180 million Guardia Civil corruption scheme
supply kit including uniforms, boots, bulletproof vests and helmets. A court has heard how six officers at the Guardia Civil Supply Service (Sabas) even exchanged mobile phones and game consoles as ‘bribes’ in return for contracts.
TWO British expats who tried to operate an indoor marijuana farm from a semi-detached rental property have been arrested in Benissa. The duo were rumbled after an electricity company found them using an
By Walter Finch
One of the officers even had his son’s private school tuition fees paid for as a sweetener for the steady stream of orders, according to an in-depth investigation by ABC. The gravy train began excessive amount of power. when AlAdditionally, the cousins, aged 51 and berto Jose 56, installed five air conditioners and Martín bemade changes to the water supply came the without the landlord’s permission. head of SaThe men did not have a job and barely bas’ Technileft the property, according to Guarcal Section dia Civil surveillance officers, who in 2000 and responded to a tip-off from the suspicontinued cious electricity firm. under ColSome 768 marijuana plants seized. onel Juan
Antonio Maroto from 2015. The officers felt so little threat from outsiders they even kept detailed records of what had been exchanged. Colonel Maroto also ran a laundry business which showed regular entries of cash deliveries. One of the company salesmen, who worked closely with the police, had a log of perks naming the police officers involved. Commissions paid ranged from 3% to 8%, with many unwitting law-abiding companies failing to win rigged tenders. The officers face a litany of charges that include bribery, embezzlement, fraud, abuse of power, and money laundering, as well as membership of a criminal organisation. The case continues at Madrid Court Number 50.
Warning to Brit homeowners A BENIDORM gang of robbers who burgled at least 25 holiday homes have been arrested by the Guardia Civil. Two of the men have been jailed by a Denia court while a third was bailed. Their ages or nationalities have not been revealed but all of them had criminal records for similar crimes. Some 25 burglaries were committed in Benidorm, Benitachell, Finestrat, Javea and Teulada-Moraira in just two months. The men always ensured the homes were empty and they climbed or cut through perimeter fences to access the properties. Knowing that many of their targets were vacant for long periods, they'd enter a building just to steal a door key, and then return a few days later to commit the robbery.
NEWS
www.theolivepress.es
February 8th - February 21st 2024
GET ready for Spain’s most hedonistic landmark on the calendar: Carnival. Cadiz’s famous Carnival, the biggest and most prestigious in Spain - and one of the biggest in the world - starts on Thursday (February 8) and runs until February 18. For those wanting a
Be cool!
CARNIVAL CAPERS
more ‘Brazilian’ experience head to Tenerife where the streets are thronged with colourfully clad party seekers. Spain’s second biggest Carnival takes place in Sitges, near Barcelona, while there are plenty of local events around Spain. See Mask crusaders, page 31
Sunny outlook Former Olive Press staffer finds fame at last on hit UK TV show A New Life in the Sun ONE could argue that Pauline Olivera doesn’t need any more time in the sun. The long-time expat bowled up in Spain from south London nearly two decades ago and promptly landed a job helping to set up Spain’s Number One English newspaper the Olive Press. Then based out of a converted cowshed, near Ronda, the hairdressing teacher quickly became the receptionist, head of admin and debt collector all rolled into one. But after working for seven years at the paper she went on to set up her own hairdressing academy and salon in Gibraltar. Now, 20 years on, she has made another big move West, all the way to the wilds of inland Portugal to set up a ‘glamping business’. Along with her husband, Sid, 66, her move has been filmed for the new series of Channel 4’s hit show A New Life in the Sun. Seen jugg l i n g life between Portugal and Gibral-
3
PAULINE TAKES ON PORTUGAL: with husband Sid
EXCLUSIVE By Yzabelle Bostyn
tar, Pauline, 58, is still a livewire of ideas and laughter. “It’s been a lot of fun, but obviously there have been a lot of challenges and ups and downs, particularly with no electricity lines nearby,” she told the Olive Press. “We’re in the middle of the countryside and had to set up completely off grid, with 12 solar panels.”
Frogs
Aside from that they have had to clean a pool full of wildlife, including frogs and lizards, as well as renovating a ruin from scratch. “It was great fun though and as there was just one cameraman who was really chilled, we ended up becoming good friends with him.” The business, TwinSprings, near the historic town of Almodovar, is 30 minutes inland from Carvoeira on the Algarve. “It’s a wild spot and really allows people to get away from the hustle and bustle of working life,” explains Pauline, who previously lived in rural El Gastor, Cadiz.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: Dua Lipa and The Killers singer Brandon Flowers
“It is great for just chilling out and being at one with nature.” She added: “The tents will be luxury. They’ll have beds and themed interiors. I’m going to upcycle second hand furniture and put chunky blankets in for the evenings. “We want the wow factor rather than the basic glamping experience.” The pair became well known to Olive Press readers in
2009 when they saved a pig called ‘Chino’ from the chop by adopting him. They ended up adopting dozens of rescue animals over the years, including horses, donkeys and a Vietnamese Pot Bellied pig. Sid, a BBC radio DJ by trade, spent a number of years working as a journalist in the Falklands, and has run his own radio stations.
Barca calling MANCHESTER United’s controversial prodigy Mason Greenwood, in exile at Getafe on a season-long loan, is dreaming of a move to Barcelona. The 22-year-old Mancunian, who didn’t play for 18 months as he faced a rape trial, has impressed in La Liga since his arrival in
the Spanish capital. The Crown Prosecution Service announced the charges against Greenwood had been dropped in February 2023 after the key witness pulled out. Now Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign one of England’s formerly - and perhaps once again brightest prospects for next season.
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DUA LIPA and The Killers are among a long line-up of international artists taking to the Mad Cool Festival stage this summer. Other headliners at the Madrid bash include Avril Lavigne, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage. The event, taking place from July 10 to 13, was first launched in 2016 with music legends like The Who and Neil Young performing and is already one of the biggest in Europe. The acts are drawn from a wide mix of music genres such as rock, indie, pop, hip hop and electronic music, catering for different types of audiences. With an impressive array of performers, from established icons to emerging stars, the festival claims to be ‘a celebration of music that resonates with a wide and diverse audience in the heart of Madrid.’
PAPER DEAL
A NAPKIN where a teenage Lionel Messi sealed his first deal with FC Barcelona will go on auction with a starting price of over €315,000. Messi put pen to the paper napkin in December 2000 when he was just 13-yearsold. The napkin came from the Pompeia tennis club at a lunch held there between Barca officials and the Messi family. With Messi's father, Jorge, beginning to doubt Barca's commitment to his son the club's director of football, Carles Rexach, hastily scrambled together an agreement on the napkin. The item will be sold next month by British auction house Bonhams.
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NEWS
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POWER TO THE PEOPLE GANDIA residents have voted for an adapted playground for disabled children and shelter by a car park as their priority projects. It comes as 6,556 people took part in a ‘participatory budget vote’ in the town - twice as many as last year. The aim of the vote is to let residents have their say on what upgrades should be brought to their town. The council sets aside a budget of €100,000 to carry out the suggestions. The clear winner was the creation of an adaptive playground beside Enric Valor Special School. Many of the youngsters cannot use play facilities due to wheelchair access issues.
More beds MORE space is being created for beds at Villajoyosa's Marina Baixa Hospital. Around 50 extra bed spaces are being included in the expansion.
FARMERS blocked main roads and delivery routes around Valencia this week. Thousands of farmers joined nationwide protests as part of a wave of anti-EU protests - with more chaos planned throughout February. Long delays were reported on key routes on Tuesday and Wednesday, with protesters vowing to continue their action ‘for as long as it takes’. Their demands include introducing re-
February 8th - February 21st 2024
TRACTOR ARMY BLOCKS ROADS
strictions on importing cheap fruit and vegetables into Europe from outside. This includes oranges from Egypt and tomatoes from Morocco. Agricultural leaders are also fed-up of having to comply with strict EU regulations, when their rivals abroad do not.
They say it creates unfair competition with cheaper produce flooding in from ‘third’ status countries. The feeling is mutual across the continent, with strikes taking place in France, Poland, Germany and beyond.
Brexit revenge THE Tories will ‘regret’ giving the vote to 2.3 million British expats abroad as experts predict they will vote against Rishi Sunak’s government en masse in this year’s general election. There is nothing to suggest any change to a 2020 study that found that the overseas vote share for the Labour and Lib Dem parties had risen from 56% to 85% after Brexit. Despite this huge rise, the Conservative government still removed the previous 15-year cut off limit for British citizens living abroad on January 16.
Legion of expat voters will ‘help to oust’ Tory leader Sunak at forthcoming general election Dr Susan Collard, from the University of Sussex, explained that British expats are still fuming they are ‘living with the consequences of Brexit.’ “They're not forgetting. Many are still living in the consequences of Brexit so all I could say is there isn't any evidence that the mood has changed among those voters,” she said.
VAMOS, ZORRA! SPAIN has chosen its Eurovision entry for 2024 and it's sure to be a memorable one. Nebulossa, an electro pop group, will perform their hit Zorra in Sweden in May. Zorra, depending on the context,
translates to vixen or b**ch/slut in English - but in this case it is definitely referring to the former. The catchy song aims to reclaim the once sexist slang word, with lead singer Maria Bas, 55, proudly dominating the stage (left).
By Walter Finch
Pundits in the UK currently predict a general election in either May or November, with the latter the most likely with Sunak currently around 21.5 points below Labour leader Keir Starmer. Activists in Spain hope a Labour victory, ideally in a coalition with the Lib Dems, would bring about a reverse of Brexit over the next few years. Their main issue will be explaining how expats can go about registering, a fairly simple process, Sue Wilson MBE, of Bremain in Spain, told the Olive Press. “Now we have the task of ensuring that Brits abroad understand the process and get themselves on the electoral
register,” she said. British citizens can now register to vote as long as they were either previously registered to vote in the UK or were previously resident in the UK. Before beginning the process, prospective voters will require proof of ID and a former UK address. It is estimated that over half of the eligible expat voters are based in Europe.
Boon for the elderly
FINESTRAT council has bought two plots of land to build a library and social centre for seniors. The council has put out a €4.4 million tender for developers to bid for the project, which will also include an underground car park.
ON TRACK
A COMMUTER rail line in Valencia is to get an €85 million upgrade. Politicians and business groups have long called for improvements to the C-3 route between Valencia and Buñol and their pleas were answered last week. The Ministry of Transport confirmed a comprehensive renovation of a 45km section from Buñol to Utiel bringing faster train speeds and a more reliable service.
TRANS STANCE
A TRANSGENDER soldier who has not had a sex change operation and kept ‘her’ male name is suing after being banned from a women’s changing rooms. Francisco Javier, 42, from Sevilla, declared himself as ‘female’ last year and registered it legally before a judge at the Civil Registry. Now Francisco defines herself as a 'lesbian who likes women'. He is now on sick leave and claiming ‘discrimination’ after being ordered out of the women’s changing rooms at Torreblanca barracks.
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Fascist shame
GENERAL Franco is still an ‘adopted son’ of Javea, it has emerged. The honour was handed to the former dictator by the council in 1962. The resort also honoured fascist minister Pedro Gual as well as admiral Francisco Bastarreche, who led the bombings of the ports of Cullera and Sagunt during the Civil War. Despite vowing to remove the three titles in 2016, nothing has yet been done. When the matter was raised at a council meeting this month mayor Rosa Cardona quickly vowed to remove the honours again. Predictably far-right Vox councillor Jose Pons refused to back the move.
Recycling success
PEDREGUER'S door-to-door refuse collection scheme has turned the town into one of the best recycling examples in Spain. The municipality reported that 80% of rubbish was recycled last year - well above Spain's average of 36% and put down to high resident feedback and involvement. The EU minimum recycling target for 2025 is 55%.
QUIDS IN!
DROUGHT IMPACT
Expat president under fire for paying himself more than deputy PM of Spain
A BRITISH expat is earning more than Spain’s Vice President for ‘managing’ an urbanisation of just 109 properties on the Costa del Sol. Stephen Hills has come under fire for paying himself €86,700-a-year - despite the job being ‘voluntary’ and ‘salary-free’. Hills is now ‘at war’ with the outraged residents of Torre Bermeja, in Estepona, after his inflated pay packet was revealed. It is not known if this includes ex-football managers Harry Redknapp and George Graham (both right), or the Irish mafia clan, the Kinahans, who are also said to own properties there. But it means he is earning more than Spain’s deputy leader Yolanda Diaz, who pockets €79,415, and the same as Andalucia chief, Juanma Moreno, who earns €87,000. Rubbing salt in the wounds, Hills allegedly exempted himself from paying community fees - which cur-
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
rently cost residents around €6,000 per year. Now a ‘large group’ of residents, many of them Brits and Irish, have taken Hills to court to prove his actions are ‘illegal’. “People are outraged, his actions are totally illegal and against the rules,” explained lawyer David Valadez, who is representing the residents. “I am convinced he will face a judge, however the courts in Estepona are saturated right now so we are not sure when to expect a trial.” According to Valadez, local community bylaws dictate a president ‘cannot earn money’ for the role. Torre Bermeja is one of five urbanisations that form the ‘Guadalmansa development’. Each has a
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February 8th - February 21st 2024
AUDACIOUS: Brit Stephen Hills is paying himself €86,700 a year to run a community of 109 properties president, who looks after the day-to-day running, such as collecting community fees or arranging gardeners and maintenance. They have regular meetings with other presidents, where they can propose laws or changes which are voted on by the residents they look after.
Outraged
The issue appears to have arisen as the majority of homeowners in Torre Bermeja don’t live there and ended up giving Hills the right to vote on matters on their behalf. “Most of those who gave him deferred votes by proxy don’t know what they have been used for,” added Valadez. “So when he decided to
award a salary of almost €87,000, there was no one to stand in his way.” However, not everyone is in agreement with the action group, with one British owner defending him saying he is ‘doing his best’ to develop the community. “There is another president who is trying to control the whole of Guadalmansa and wants to get rid of anyone standing up to him, such as Stephen. “This is all part of a feud that has been going on for five or so years, people don’t know the half of it! “Stephen works a full-time job looking after his residents and has been president for 20 years. A lot of us appreciate what he does.” The Olive Press has contacted Hills for comment.
CUTS to domestic water supplies in the south of Alicante province and the Murcia region will only be made as a last resort as the drought continues. The Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) says the first restriction this month will be a 50% reduction in water used by farmers. If things continue, emergency drought wells will come into operation in March. A decline in reservoir levels which have lost 170 cubic hectometres over the past year - means they are at 18% of capacity. While rain is forecast this weekend, the region needs six weeks of non-stop downpours to reverse the current situation.
SUNNY SPOTS ALICANTE has been crowned as Europe’s sunniest city, clocking in with 345 sunshine hours per month, equating to 11.33 hours each day. It saw off Catania in Italy, with Murcia City coming in third place - just two hours fewer than Alicante. The study analysed Europe’s biggest cities and their sunshine levels between 2009 and 2021. Valencia came sixth in the rankings compiled by holiday rental portal Holidu.
952 147 834 * Vo l u n t a r y i n s u r a n c e c o v e r. S u b j e c t t o c o m p a n y u n d e r w r i t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . * D a t a e x t r a c t e d f r o m p r o c e s s c l o s u r e s u r v e y s a f t e r u s i n g o u r R o a d s i d e A s s i s t a n c e a n d b r e a k d o w n s e r v i c e s .
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NEWS 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 two million people a month.
OPINION Bad but not all bad A PAIR of egregious police corruption scandals taint the pages of this week’s Olive Press - one of which was going on for nearly a quarter of a century (see pages 1 and 2). While prosecutors in Alicante are trying to jail the former head of the Policia Nacional’s anti-drug unit, their counterparts in Madrid are doing the same for six Guardia Civil officers. One was involved in drug smuggling and money laundering, the others enjoyed lavish bribes and kickbacks in exchange for doling out public contracts. The scourge of public sector corruption runs deep in this beautiful country. But what we can all be grateful for is that at least these corrupt schemes are so often uncovered, investigated, and prosecuted. Functioning courts and the rule-of-law are institutions that citizens in so many countries of the world sadly don’t enjoy.
Expats unleashed IT’S hard to fathom Rishi Sunak’s logic to rescind the 15-year rule restricting the voting rights of British expats last month. The move now gives some 2.3 million annoyed expats the chance to have their say in a pivotal year for British politics with a general election imminent. It may well be that our expat votes in Spain are what seals Mr Sunak’s fate, and ushers Sir Keir Starmer into No.10 in his place. For many, the law change will provide an opportunity to exact revenge for the 2016 referendum shambles that millions were unfairly left out of. As Brits abroad, we are on the Brexit frontline, whether through the exasperating 90/180 day rule, draconian work restrictions or lengthy passport queues. Now we can all finally tell Westminster what we think. Whatever your political persuasions, we’re pretty sure where you’ll be putting your ‘X’ in this year’s big election.. Assuming you get registered to vote! PUBLISHER / EDITOR
Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es
Simon Hunter simon@theolivepress.es
Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es
Alex Trelinski alex@theolivepress.es
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Together we can ‘Kill the Drug’
T
HE Olive Press has relaunched its ‘Kill the Drug’ campaign in a bid to bring in tougher regulations on controversial drug Nolotil. Our original campaign in 2017 helped highlight the dangers of the lethal painkiller, which has been blamed for dozens - and potentially hundreds - of deaths of tourists and expats in Spain. Yet, incredibly, the drug is still being freely administered in Spain despite now being BANNED in 40 countries globally, including the UK, US, Ireland and Australia. Our hard-hitting campaign launched in early 2017, alongside the patients asso-
The Olive Press relaunches its Kill the Drug campaign as deadly Nolotil claims yet more victims while goverment advice continues to be blatently ignored
ciation ADAF, came after a spate of British and Irish deaths around Spain. Following a dogged investigation with over a dozen stories, a year-and-a-half later the campaign appeared victorious when in December 2018, the authorities finally acted. In a landmark ruling, the goverment brought in
WHAT IS NOLOTIL? NOLOTIL is the Spanish brand name for the drug Metamizole, a commonly-prescribed painkiller which was first available in Germany in 1922. The drug is used to relieve muscular pain, reduce inflammation and treat fever. Nolotil is made by German firm Boehringer Ingelheim, the largest private pharmaceutical company in the world. Popular worldwide - it is the most commonly prescribed painkiller in Germany, the most popular medication in Brazil, and over 22 million Nolotil boxes were sold in 2020 in Spain alone. However, it is banned in 40 countries - including Canada, Australia and France - due to its adverse side effects. It can cause a potentially fatal condition known as agranulocytosis, which reduces white blood cell levels, increasing the risk of infection, sepsis, and even organ failure. The Association of Drug Affected Patients (ADAF) has identified 350 suspected cases between 1996 and 2023, including 170 Brits who either live in Spain or were on holiday. A 2009 study suggested that British and Irish patients were more susceptible to the serious adverse effects of the drug, potentially due to genetics.
KILL THE DRUG
nationwide ‘guidance’ for health centres, hospitals and pharmacies across the country. These stated that Nolotil - a form of metamizole - must only be used by patients for short periods of time, and they should be monitored and have blood tests to detect any severe reaction. The drug should also NOT be given to tourists and others who would not have access to such controls and monitoring. It must also be available by prescription only and on a case-by-case basis, with a patient’s medical history and risk factors taken into consideration. However, despite the guidance, we have discovered multiple health centres and even state hospitals across the country have continued to ignore them. So far, only the region of Catalunya has brought in official laws to monitor the drug. This has resulted in the deaths and terrifying near-deaths of multiple British and other northern European patients. As we reported last issue, Mark Brooks, 42, lost his life to sepsis after being given Nolotil for a minor golf injury in Alicante. The otherwise healthy father-of-one, who was due to marry this year, died after slipping into a coma just days after the drug was given to him. This week other victims, including Doreen
‘SHOULDN’T BE SOLD LIKE SHAMPOO’ N OLOTIL campaigner Cristina del Campo has revealed sinister political pressure is behind the drug being so readily available in Spain. Speaking as the Olive Press launches a campaign against the lethal drug for northern European tourists and expats, she explained her seven-year investigation into Nolotil is part of a wider crusade against Big
Campaigner Cristina Del Campo claims serious corruption in her fight against Nolotil
Pharma. The president of the Association for Drug Affected People (ADAF), claims Spanish authorities and pharmaceutical companies are simply ‘ignoring reports’, ‘hiding things’ and ‘indoctrinating us to buy more medicine.’ “They shouldn’t be selling drugs like shampoo,” she told the Olive Press. “Yet if you watch TV in Spain there’s hundreds of adverts for medicine. “I have never seen anything like that in England,” she added. The campaigner, who has been fighting for the prohibition of Nolotil since 2017, claims that the drug is still being promoted due to ‘commerical interests’. “Nolotil is a very clear TOGETHER: Cristina with Olive Press example of a social editor Jon Clarke in 2019 problem. I do a lot of
By Yzabelle Bostyn
media interviews in Spain and they always put a doctor in at the end saying Nolotil is safe,” she said. “They have been trained by pharmaceutical companies to say so because it's in their interest to sell more Nolotil.” Sometimes, she claims, journalists are even ‘forbidden’ by their bosses from talking about the drug. She said: “I have spoken to so many journalists who tell me they won’t let me publish this because we have commercial agreements with Boehringer and/or the government.” Her claims follow a recent marketing campaign by the Spanish Medicine Agency (AEMPS) promoting Nolotil, a drug known to be capable of causing severe side effects in many of Spain’s million-plus expat population plus millions of tourists. The point is, while it may not
be dangerous for Spaniards, it is potentially lethal for many other nationalities. “I have over 100 cases of British people who have either died or been very ill due to Nolotil, had amputations and worse,” added Cristina, a medical translator turned campaigner. “Something needs to be done about this as nobody's taking any notice. “Unless you want to lose more tourists, I suggest you do something about it. And I know we get 18 million British tourists in Spain every year so it's no joke.” As part of her tireless campaigning, the Alicante-based medical translator hopes to ‘stop’ the marketing of medical products. “Because of the Association for Drug Affected People (ADAF), I’m getting a lot of people affected by other drugs as well. “There are a lot of medicines creating terrible problems for people. I want to fight all of them.”
Property
S pr pa op in’ in er s b En ty es gl ma t ish g
www.theolivepress.es
February 2024
COSTA LIVING.. WITH A DIFFERENCE
I
T is a coast famed for its endless golden beaches and unspoilt wind-swept beauty. But now the Costa de la Luz, in Cadiz, has a new claim to fame. Overlooking the Atlantic, the recently completed House on the Air (Casa en el aire) showcases the distinctive architectural prowess of famed Valencian studio Fran Silvestre Arquitectos. Drawing inspiration from its unique location on Playa Alemanes, near Zahara de los Atunes, the design team – led by Fran himself - envisioned a project that not only shelters but also inspires, framing the beauty of its natural surroundings. Navigating the challenging terrain marked by slopes and contours, it is artfully positioned as if it was gently perched
atop the landscape. Composed of stones mirroring the local terrain, its foundations not only anchor the house but also enhance its connection to its natural surroundings. This design choice ensures that the interior spaces provide uninterrupted views of the sea, capturing the glimmering reflections of the sunset. The home is divided into three distinct areas: The main living space with its amazing panoramic views and its master suite and three more bedrooms, which share the same views, and on the lower floor two extra bedrooms facing a shady courtyard. The House on the Air seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, providing a unique and inspiring living experience.
HEADING SOUTH NEARLY a quarter of all British professionals able to work from abroad would choose Spain to uproot. Some 22% of Brits yearning to ditch their dreary island in favour of better weather and increased spending power would choose Spain - if they could keep their current jobs. The country knocked America into second place with 19%, while France came a poor third with 13%. Portugal would be the dream location for 6%, while Southeast Asia gar-
Spain comes top for UK digital nomads thanks to its better quality of life - especially for women aged 25 to 30 By Walter Finch
nered 5% and Latin America only 3%. A striking 53% of UK professionals able to embrace remote working would move abroad, while just 33% would stick with Blighty and 14%
were undecided in the poll by Nebeus. The most common profile of a Brit looking to move to Spain meanwhile is a woman aged 25 to 30 in ‘a management role in the private sector’. Barcelona, with its blend of cosmopolitan flair, tops the list of preferred Spanish cities at 14%.
Other coastal locations, including Malaga, Marbella, Valencia, Alicante and Palma, were popular choices. Inland cities like Madrid and Sevilla also hold their own in the rankings, proving that Spain’s appeal extends beyond its coastline. The study points out several incentives for choosing Spain as a remote work base. The promise of a ‘better quality of life’ is the most significant draw at 46%, followed by the potential for
saving money (19%) and an attractive culture and lifestyle (12%). Job opportunities (7%) and tax incentives (4%) are also factors. Yet incredibly, 89% of British professionals were unaware of Spain’s digital nomad visa, with half questioned saying they would now look into it. The main financial challenges perceived in relocating include healthcare costs (31%), cost of living (21%), and retirement and savings plans (10%).
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PROPERTY
February 8th - February 21st 2024 THE top four most expensive homes for sale in Spain are all within about ten miles of each other. That’s according to the most popular real estate portal Idealista, which ranks this stunning villa in Marbella at Number One costing €35-million. The 16-bedroom property in Las Lomas del Marbella Club spreads over 2,743 metres on a plot of 8,799 square metres. It has all the mod cons you would expect including an art-deco floor design and a bar (left) complete with topLUXURY: Spain’s ‘most expensive’ o f - t h e home costs €35 million range Bose
Fab four
FIVE-STAR FIRST
CALPE is set to get its first fivestar hotel in the Los Pinos seafront area. Calpe council's planning department is expected to pass the plans to build the 30-room boutique hotel imminently Councillor Juan del Pino described it as 'an important move, which will be good news for tourism'. The hotel will take over the large 4,000 m2 plot that already has an abandoned hotel development on it. The plot, which was for sale for €8 million, has been a worry for neighbours for years due to vandalism.
A HUGE €375m investment is set to see 1,800 new homes built in Torrevieja . Lagoons Village will be built by the TM Real Estate Group in 11 phases and will form part of a mega-urbanisation eventually counting 7,490 properties. The urbanisation is situated on the largest piece of urban developable land in Alicante province, at La Hoya, covering a staggering two million square metres. The area is bordered by
Pastoral care
A SCHOOL is embracing true pastoral care by teaching pupils in shepherd huts. They have been bought by a school in Swindon (UK) for €40,000 to use as a ‘well being space’. The Lydiard Park Academy believes they are ‘less threatening’ then normal classrooms and corridors. As a result children with anger issues and other problems who have been home-schooled are being enticed back to the academy.
LESS THREATENING: Great teaching spaces for kids ‘with anger issues’
SOFT W LANDING Mark Stucklin
t.com www.spanishpropertyinsigh
SLOWING DOWN: But gently, except in Alicante, where sales kept up in 2023
Lagoon living
the CV-905 motorway, La Mata natural park and Torrevieja's International Auditorium. Laguna Rosa will be the first phase of the Lagoons project, and has a €63 million budget, promising a mix of apartments, bungalows and villas. The Torrevieja development will occupy 264,000 m2 and the area will have large gardens, swimming pools, jacuzzis, decorative lakes and walkways. As part of the La Hoya plan, TM will build access roads and sculpt large green areas, and a sports centre for homeowners equipped with a heated
chasing power (7% on average last year, falling to 4% by year end). It was a similar story of a return to pre-pandemic normality in areas of most interest to foreign buyers like Malaga and the Balearics, but in Alicante the sales boom continued almost unabated in 2023, fueled by strong foreign demand. Sales in Alicante cruised towards the end of 2023 ending up 34% above 2019 and close to record highs. Strong foreign demand contributed to the market resilience in 2023. The number of home sales involving a foreign buyer in the first nine months of 2023 was down 6% compared to 2022 but up by 41% compared to 2019, 45% higher than the 10 year average, and the second highest on record, all according to the land registrars’ association. Regionally, foreign sales were down 19% in Andalucia and 28% in the Balearics, but up 6% in the Valencian region. House price evolution in 2023
Sustainable luxury
By Alex Trelinski
A MULTI-MILLION plan to build 250 ‘sustainable’ villas near Benidorm has been unveiled. Developer Caledonian is to invest €135 million on the luxury properties near the Terra Mitica theme park. The ‘largest residential project’ in the resort will be built over an area of 150,000 m2.
swimming pool and an indoor and outdoor gym. The company claims that the project will be one of the 'most emblematic' in its history. “Torrevieja is currently a benchmark in the residential tourism sector and our project will consolidate that position by promoting one of the most important urban developments in Spain,” explained TM CEO, Pablo Serna. The two other developers, Elche Corpic and Eurovillas, have yet to declare their plans with the La Hoya build-time running up to 25 years.
The aim is to create a sustainable ecosystem with zero-consumption homes which will be marketed to both national and international customers. The homes are being built in an ‘orchard-style setting’ with 80% of the land being used to regenerate the total plot. Planning approval is expected to be granted before the end of the year and the properties will retail at between €500,000 and €1.5 million.
Mega project plan for 1,800 homes
A stable year for the Spanish property market, except for the Alicante bounce
ITH the data in hand it looks like the Spanish housing market enjoyed a soft landing in 2023 after a remarkable mini-boom that followed in the wake of the pandemic. There are no obvious reasons to see why the market might lurch up or down in 2024, with it more likely to track sideways at the current level. Using data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) for the first 11 months of last year we see that home sales for Spain as a whole came in at 550,215 transactions, down 9% compared to the same period in 2022, but 17% higher than in 2019 - the last normal year before the pandemic distorted the market. Sales in 2023 were the second highest in more than 15 years, second only to the boom of 2022, and 24% above the 10 year average, despite headwinds like higher interest rates (up 22% in 2023), and inflation eroding pur-
speakers. Next on the list comes a nearby villa in the Sierra Blanca area, costing €30 million. It has six bedrooms over 2,000 square metres as well as a cinema. Next up is a property in Benahavis, which comes in at €29 million and has 14 bedrooms and 3,188 square metres of space. Finally the fourth most expensive property in nearby Nueva Atalaya counts on six bedrooms and a price tag of €27.5 million.
was driven by firm demand and a chronic shortage of homes for sale in big cities and popular coasts. According to the INE the average Spanish house price increased 4.5% year-on-year, to reach a level last seen in Q1 2008, in nominal terms at least (in real terms, Spanish house prices are still 25% below where they were in 2008). In comparison, according to Eurostat, EU house prices declined an annualised 1% in Q3, 2.1% in the Euro area, and 10.2% in Germany, so Spanish house prices are holding up much better than in most other EU countries. Regionally, house prices increased 4% in the Balearics, and 5% in Andalucia and the Valencian region. What to expect this year? It looks like interest rates have peaked, and the Bank of Spain forecasts continued economic growth, albeit less than last year, and lower inflation than the last two years, all of which should support local demand. On the foreign front, the 2020s baby boomer retirement surge will continue to increase the number of northern Europeans thinking about retiring to the sun. In the absence of some nasty shock, I expect the Spanish housing market to lose a bit of altitude in 2024, but nothing to write home about.
Ecosystem
ROSY YEAR AHEAD FOR UK PROPERTY experts have done a U-turn over prospects for the UK residential market. With inflation falling faster than expected, together with a rate-slashing spree by mortgage lenders, prices are set to rise by 3%. It comes after leading agent Knight Frank issued a gloomy forecast of a 4% DROP in prices in 2024 only four months ago. The average five-year fixed mortgage rate is now at 4.86% in the UK, down from an August high of 6.11%.
PROPERTY
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HE property market in the Costa Blanca north, particularly in Javea and Moraira, witnessed dynamic shifts last year… and as we step into 2024, notable trends continue to shape the real estate landscape. Moraira’s charming atmosphere and proximity to the sea continued to attract buyers in 2023. Not least because of the amount of luxury properties and an increase in remote working. We certainly noticed an increased demand for villas with home offices and reliable internet. The town has attracted many international investors seeking a peaceful Mediterranean lifestyle and the upscale marina and quaint town centre contribute to Moraira’s reputation. Similarly in 2023, Javea experienced a balanced real estate market with a steady demand for both residential and holiday properties. The town’s diverse offerings, from traditional Spanish villas to modern apartments, attracted a wide range of buyers. C&C Properties has been at the forefront of facilitating property transactions, playing a pivotal role in connecting buyers with their dream homes, and assisting sellers in achieving optimal returns on their investments. As we delve into 2024 the local market will continue with a solid trend while embracing new developments. There are currently many Dutch, Belgian and British buyers and we predict more buyers from the USA, a growth trend we started to see in 2023. The key issue facing the industry at the moment is high demand and a diminishing supply of properties in the €450,000 to €650,000 price bracket. If you are an owner considering selling, then now is the time, demand is high! C&C Properties are here to provide prospective sellers with free valuations, market insights and bespoke packages including home-staging providing legal representation. And remember we go that extra mile to make the selling process as positive and as rewarding for the seller as possible. Call us on 966 877 400, or WhatsApp on 635 289 893 or email us at info@ candcproperties.es or pop into our office in the centre of Moraira opposite the main car park.
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EXCluSiVE By laurence dollimore
A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked with their town in a battle claims their house hall, which in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given
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THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a that is killing lethal painkiller countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists are supporting and doctors the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to of how he was the Olive Press deadly Nolotil prescribed the one month to tist last week.drug by a denonly property knock down their same drug that It’s the very (pictured above). was blamed In a court order for killing his Dr Nina King, wife in 2006. seen by the Olive Press, The Marbella-based the campaign, of Oasis Dental Care in Marbella, the Wards are warned they will expat was furious when fully supports she prescribes.telling the Olive Press the he was told nally responsible be held crimidrug is not something to take the painkiller “It’s not a drug “I don’t know if they refuse. by his Spanish dentist, she said, “And I use, I stick to safe and standard more, I’m at what to do anying from a difficultafter suffermedication,” I won’t be usingafter seeing what damage abscess. tether” Gill toldthe end of my it can do, it’s His wife Mary, Marbella-based in the future.” the Olive Press, a drug 59, had died af“I’m totally exhausted ter being prescribed private doctor Almeda also agrees Dra. Victoria from the the same whole ordeal.” drug following María Chacón the drug is dangerous. the drug,” she The retired pair, tomy at Costa a double vasectients and I am told the Olive Press, “I have “I don’t prescribe spent thousands who have now “Within 24 del Sol Hospital. “There needs aware of what it is capable lots of British pagal costs, bought of euros on leto be a lot more of in intensive hours she was care, her white research on its doing. house ‘in ruins’ the old farmblood cell count impact.” in 2004, and plummeted doctor to get were given permission to zero within days,” explains renewal in April,a from Velez-Malaga Graham, a former The dad-of-two town hall to computer tests showed build it. retechnician, from later died from the HAPPIER TIMES: London. drug had caused But when the She never regained Graham with septic shock original wall colconscious- again. wife, and Billy a toxic poisoning lapsed of its own – ness and was believed to Smyth accord during in his bone marconstruction, be machine for on a life support “He said she Metamizole, linked to taking would FOUR months, she tect told themthe Wards’ archibefore spending hadn’t taken it, be alive if in the US, Nolotil is banned row and his white the Nolotil. it would be fine the UK, Ireland three years heard but I have and that he would fighting the and blood cell was most of Europe, from dozens Another impact of the and let the town hall know. Unfortunately Britdrug, which led Irish who have of Brits scribed widely but it is pre- dangerously low. ish expat Hugh to organ fail- it,” added been given Billy, a keen in Spain. for ure. Irishman Wilcox was Graeme. William Continues on pre“The chief surgeon It is the ‘Billy’ sportsman, Page 8 scribed the same at the hos- drug the third victim of the Smyth was given a five-day oped sepsisdevelpital promised course of the and medication Olive Press has drug in Febru- necrotising fascifor never prescribeme he would ported on in under re- ary. mild shoulder that drug Sometimes a year. itis as a result But when and pain on the Costa known also as turned to the 66-year-old re- required ‘radical surgery’ del a different Spanish remove the He developed Sol. affected tissue to severe head an attempt to save his life. in
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British expat, 42, dies k.co.uk Father-of-one develo after taking Nolotil: ped sepsis after being given the ‘lethal’ painki 96 626 5000 ller for +44 a minor golf injury(0) 1353 699082 www.globelin
Hughes, 78, tell us how she nearly died in 2022 when all her organs failed after taking the drug following knee surgery. Another, Adam Neale, had three days battling the symptoms of the drug after a skiing injury in Granada four years ago. And just last weekend a British grandmother on holiday in RonTel: 952 147 834 952 147 834 da told the Olive Press how she was offered the drug, without any warning, after falling over and cutting open her face. We have since been contacted by a string of other Brits who have been given the drug. We expect a deluge of Irish, Scandinavian and other nationalities to reach out to us about the plight of their loved ones. We are now calling on the major health providers in Spain to sign our pledge, promising to enforce the 2018 guidance and ensure no other Brit loses their life due to negligence. Back in 2017 many clinics were quick to join our campaign and over 1,000 people signed a petition. So if YOU are a foreigner living in Spain who was given Nolotil after 2018, we want to hear from you. And if you are a care provider in Spain who has strictly followed the Nolotil guidelines, or plan to do so going forward, we also want to hear from you. We will regularly update our readers on which doctors, pharmacies, health centres and hospitals have signed up to our pledge. Together, the Olive Press is sure we can Kill the Drug for northern European tourists and expats. The first step is to raise awareness. The next will be to tackle the authorities with the help of relentless campaigner Cristina del Campo, who has lived and breathed the fight for seven years (see panel below).
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into the Campo
lotil campaigner Christina del Campo told the Olive on Northern EuropeBy Yzabelle Bostyn Press this week. ans and is banned in 30 “She’s now workcountries, including Briton his buttocks. ing two jobs just to ain, Ireland, Australia When he was taken make ends meet. in Torrevieja, doctorsto A&E and the US. It’s not just his life found A 2018 report from the he had a low white blood that’s been ruined, cell European Medicines count, alongside signs TRAGIC: 4-yearit’s her life and her of liver Agency showed a ‘potenand kidney failure. old Aurora is left daughter’s too. All tial to induce agranuloHis without her dad, condition rapidly deteri- cytosis’ among because of a paincertain orated and just four days Mark (above) killer.” ter receiving the injection, af- populations. The incident haphe A 1999 Swedish study esslipped into a coma. pened when he According to death certificate timated the risk at one in British people,” explained attended a clinic every 2000 prescriptions del manding new analysis records, Brooks’ cause , with Campo. popular with exof death a 26% mortality rate. on October 20 was ‘organ risks of the drug and a of the pats in Ciudad It failis revision believed the drug ure, septic shock and cellulitis.’ of the information sheet Quesada on Octohave contributed to up could Regulations Now his ex-partner to 350 to medical professionals given ber 15. . reached out to the Nolotil has cases of agranulocytosis, in- “I want them to Within hours of revise and Boehringer Ingelheim, the cam- cluding 170 Britons living paign group, the Association company that makes in modify regulations and investireceiving an inof Spain. Nolotil, Drug gate Affected cases properly. They need claims all the side effects Patients (ADAF) Yet incredibly, jection of Nolotil are only one run by del Campo. he developed a ish health authority, Span- to act because it keeps being clearly listed in its information Catalugiven packet. without rash and blisters a prescription. nya, has warned against us- People’s lives are at stake.” ing the drug as a first-choice Deaths The campaigner is also painkiller. deIt came after she discovered It ruled there was Opinion Page 6 documents, which revealed ‘no evidence’ it was better at controlling that Mark’s death was as the ternatives’ pain than ‘safer alresult ‘an apparent allergic like paracetamol or re- ibuprofen. action to metamizole’. Meanwhile, one English Anything but the first, the expat drug newspaper recently has now been linked even pubto over lished a two-page 40 deaths in Spain, including feature tively promoting the drug.effecANDALUCIA reservoir many expats. It came just after ADAF spite the recent rainfall,levels are still critically low deSo dangerous is the drug, began latest statistics have shown. the legal action Almeria is the worst affected Olive Press launched province with water a cam- ish Medical against the SpanCompare funerals paign plies stand at just 9.38% Agency (AEMPS) in 2017 to have it - while Cadiz and Malagasupalso at perilous levels. for expat patients, in banned in November, claiming a 2018 are Plans cover the particu- government Across Malaga province lar, as many clinics continued directive whole of Spain sell Nolotil to Northernnot to which is alarmingly a levels stand at just over 15%, to hand out the drug. Europeans is not being followed. and a year-on-year fall 0.2% drop over the past week Spain’s most popular Interest free payment of 22%. plans sub- “We’re not looking The stark numbers come from €2,250 or as scription painkiller, Nolotil for money little after Junta president Juanma is or damages. We Moreno warned the region as €29.16 per month known to have adverse want to make effects them stop rain to avoid severe water needs 30 straight days of giving Nolotil to Plans range from cuts this summer. However, record high simple unattended temperature s are forecast for the rest of January, with the direct cremation to a mercury set to reach the 20s - with ZERO rain more traditional high send off predicted. In Cadiz, reservoir levels comparefuneral.or being added over the pastare at 15.32%, with just 0.16% g week. +34 951 120 752 Meanwhile, Granada See pages 24 stands at 23.4% (+0.17%), 21.3% (+0.7%), Sevilla Jaen Tomorrows Funeral (+1.6%) and Huelva 36% 34% (+5%), Cordoba 18% (+3.8%). at Today’s Price
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in the mountains and Andalucia’s city for world leaders is a hot ticket Hemingway’s their wives despitewrites Elisa lukewarm words, Menendez
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good wine, exNICE promenades, nothing to do…’off cellent food and wrote Thus Ernest Hemingway he spent numerthe town wheredrinking the local ous holidays at corridas, no wine and carousing many of Rondoubt disappointing with his puzzlingly da’s proud residents lacklustre review.travellers - including Most of today’s prime ministers and Britain’s last two Lady - would certainan American Firsthim. Ronda has been ly disagree with third most-visited crowned Andalucia’s hard to see why.a true town and it’s not of Dreams’ is a ceof The so-called ‘City and somewhat wanderlust gem lebrity hang-out.Theresa May, Anne HaWhittaker, This year alone, Gervais, Jodie Thomas thaway, Ricky Kristin Scott Rajoy Gordon Ramsay, Mariano and Spain’s ex-premier visited the stunning have all allegedly so say locals in the mountain town... know.
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against the Junta for are taking legal action ENVIRONMENTAL groups claimair’ in the Campo de Gibraltar. ‘failing to tackle toxic has filed a complaint with the Health Ministry, Ecologistas en Accion done to protect citizens from a rise in air pollutants the Bay of Algeciras. poling nothing has been of ‘toxic’ industries in caused by the expansiongroup, more than 10,000 tonnes of dangerous According to the greeninto the atmosphere last year. as well as lutants were released ing chemical benzene, cancer-caus lethal This includes potentially to have the worst other fine particles. was officially declared province Cadiz as The writ comes ranks as the 30th most air quality in Spain. which borders Gibraltar, And alarmingly, La Linea, in terms of air quality. polluted place in the worldrevealed in a damning World Health Organisaed’ The shocking stats were the world’s ‘most contaminat tion report which lists Continues page 11 in towns and cities. Cadiz also came bottom Adding salt to the wound,
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Lethal painkiller BANNED for Brits after hard-fought battle BEST
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EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
A BRITISH expat couple are fighting to save their Malaga home from demolition over a technicality. Gill and Bob Ward, both 74, have been locked in a battle with their town hall, which claims their house in Almayate is illegal. Just yesterday the retired couple from Cornwall were given
Vol. 11 Issue 271
www.theolivepress.es
EXCLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
one month to knock down their only property (pictured above). In a court order seen by the Olive Press, the Wards are warned they will be held criminally responsible if they refuse. “I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m at the end of my tether” Gill told the Olive Press, “I’m totally exhausted from the whole ordeal.” The retired pair, who have now spent thousands of euros on legal costs, bought the old farmhouse ‘in ruins’ in 2004, and were given permission from Velez-Malaga town hall to rebuild it. But when the original wall collapsed of its own accord during construction, the Wards’ architect told them it would be fine and that he would let the town hall know. Unfortunately for
THE Olive Press is calling on Spain to ban a lethal painkiller that is killing countless of unsuspecting expats. British dentists and doctors are supporting the ban after Briton Graham Ward, 75, complained to the Olive Press of how he was prescribed the deadly Nolotil drug by a dentist last week. It’s the very same drug that was blamed for killing his wife in 2006. The Marbella-based expat was furious when he was told to take the painkiller by his Spanish dentist, after suffering from a difficult abscess. His wife Mary, 59, had died after being prescribed the same drug following a double vasectomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. “Within 24 hours she was in intensive care, her white blood cell count plummeted to zero within days,” explains Graham, a former computer technician, from London. She never regained consciousness and was on a life support machine for FOUR months, before spending three years fighting the impact of the drug, which led to organ failure. “The chief surgeon at the hospital promised me he would never prescribe that drug
S u b j e c t
t o
c o n d i t i o n s .
1
E n d s
Need for more research
Dr Nina King, of Oasis Dental Care in Marbella, fully supports the campaign, telling the Olive Press the drug is not something she prescribes. “It’s not a drug I use, I stick to safe and standard medication,” she said, “And after seeing what damage it can do, it’s a drug I won’t be using in the future.” Marbella-based private doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón Almeda also agrees the drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe the drug,” she told the Olive Press, “I have lots of British patients and I am aware of what it is capable of doing. “There needs to be a lot more research on its impact.”
Continues on Page 8
praised her incredible campaigning in early 2019 after the authorities finally acted to warn about the risks of the drug for certain foreigners. Alongside, Christina we have now decided to relaunch the campaign to push for tougher regulations on the drug, as well as urge medical professionals to pledge to actually follow the 2018 directive. To learn more about how you can help, please visit the www.adafspain.org website or donate www. gofund.me/2a6beff5
The dad-of-two later died from septic shock – believed to be linked to taking the Nolotil. BritAnother ish expat Hugh Wilcox was prescribed the same for medication shoulder mild pain on the Costa del Sol. He developed severe head
HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with wife, and Billy Smyth
again. “He said she would be alive if she hadn’t taken it, but I have heard from dozens of Brits and Irish who have been given it,” added Graeme. It is the third victim of the drug the Olive Press has reported on in under a year. Sometimes known also as
Metamizole, Nolotil is banned in the US, the UK, Ireland and most of Europe, but it is prescribed widely in Spain. ‘Billy’ William Irishman Smyth was given a five-day course of the drug in February. But when the 66-year-old returned to a different Spanish
Continues on Page 2
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‘NO OP, NO IDEA!’ Attention readers, MANY of you got in touch over the weekend to say you had just missed the January sale and were hoping to take advantage of the generous discount - well today is your lucky day. We are launching a special Valentine’s sale with a massive 50% off your first year’s online subscription… how’s that for sharing the love?! It means you can have full, ad-reduced access to the Olive Press website from just 75 cents per week staying informed about everything in Spain, all for less than the price of a caña! And the subscription more than pays for itself thanks to our new money-saving tips that you simply cannot be without. These include how to book the cheapest flights, how to avoid sneaky new tax fines or how to swerve new sanctions on renting out your home. Remember, our new catchphrase is simple and to the point: No OP, No Idea. And unlike our ‘rivals’, you also get a string of exclusive stories that you will NOT find elsewhere. Subscribers also receive a personal newsletter from the digital editor each Saturday plus curated newsletters covering travel, health and propD: ME OR INF STAY erty throughout the week. y ekl we Our twiceYou will also get the chance travel newsletter to pitch story ideas and suggestions, with two articles alone inspired by subscribers this week… one a probe we launched into pesticide-use in Spain.
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Simple as A.B.C MY NOLOTIL HELL: Doreen with husband Clifford
WITH SEPSIS AND TOTAL ORGAN FAILURE, I WAS GIVEN A 50/50 CHANCE OF SURVIVAL By Laurence Dollimore
Despite sleepless nights and investing a lot of her own money into her campaign, Cristina is thinking of expanding her crusade worldwide. “I’m thinking of expanding my association to the USA, UK and more. “The more people that join the association, the stronger we get.” The Olive Press first spoke to Cristina in 2017 to hear of the many horror stories she had already compiled by then. Our meeting led to us lauching our Kill the drug campaign, which supported her aims. Editor Jon Clarke later
doctor to get a renewal in April, tests showed the drug had caused a toxic poisoning in his bone marrow and his white blood cell was dangerously low. Billy, a keen sportsman, developed sepsis and necrotising fasciitis as a result and required ‘radical surgery’ to remove the affected tissue in an attempt to save his life.
Irish tourists. be adminisExpats in Spain will now term prescriptered Nolotil on a short it can only be issue SALE CAMPAIGN: Previous tion only. Furthermore 59 analysis of Mosquito which prescribed after a detailedmedical hiseffects, Screens despite various side in white the patient’s blood can cause a rapid drop tory and heritage. unable to fight It will also have to be cells, leaving patients translator, Cristina much more closely mon- infections. Medical who has pulled toGarcia del Campo, itored. case studies from It comes after an Olive gether hundreds of probe, said she Press investigation into victims for the AEMPS’ the authorities was ‘very happy’ the mysterious deaths Folreacted. have finally of expats from lowing the results of her the drug was KILL THE rigorous investigation she launched See page 43 DRUG has now demanded that 2016, in sold the drug must not be dealong with a a without a prescription and 1,000-stro ng reguanalysis. it have patient tailed petition to problem has “I am very happy that the lated a year later. told the Olive Nolotil, also known as been dealt with,” she sure that the Metamizole, is banned in Press. “I will be making tions are carthe UK, the US and most AEMPS recommenda make sure it’s ried out and if necessary Olive Press of Europe. The Despite this, the drug is banned completely.”after a trio of exstill one of the most pop- began investigating their pat families told us how ular painkillers in Spain, relatives had died unnecessarafter in excruciating pain, CASHBACK ON ily taking the drug in Andalucia. the In April, the paper revealed YOUR HOUSE first steps towards regulation Marina had been taken, with in network Salud, a big health to Alicante, issuing a warning to drug the g stop administerin PAYBACK WHEN British, Irish and Scandinavian patients. YOU SELL
21/6/19 13:30
FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: Cristina del Campo
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tribute bands Think Floyd, Deeper Purple and Whole Lotta Led rocking out the greatest hits of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin at the Plaza del Toros on August 26. For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Bolton, just answer the question; what year was Michael Bolton born in? For the Pink Purple Zep Fest in Estepona, just tell us; Where was Jimmy Page born? Email WIN WIN WIN: Bolton and Pink Purple Zep Fest tickets answers to the newsdesk@theolivepress.es.
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THE Olive Press is giving away three pairs of tickets for two of the best concerts on the Costa del Sol this summer... And all you have to do is answer two simple questions! Michael Bolton takes to the stage for an emotive end of season night at Marbella’s Puente Romano on August 10, while Estepona is set for its biggest rock concert in years with mammoth
Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil
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banned for tourists in Spain. The Spanish In a breakthrough move, has finally Medicine Agency (AEMPS) bodissued a directive to all healthcare to British and ies to stop giving the drug
to be reA LETHAL painkiller believed of dozens of exsponsible for the deaths in Spain. pats is finally being regulated has invesNolotil, which the Olive Press has been tigated for nearly two years,
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NEVER AGAIN! FOUR in 10 Spaniards say they ‘almost never’ use a condom during sex. not The most common reason (40%) for othusing protection was the ‘existence of er methods’. due Some 29% say they forgo condoms it to a ‘loss of sensitivity’, while 18% say ‘ruins the moment’. Meanwhile, only 30% of Spaniards have ever been checked for HIV. not Almost half (48%) said they would
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local gym? There’s no need to worry as scientists have revealed the best way to get into shape - a daily walk. Researchers have highlighted sev-a eral small changes that can bring wide range of anti-ageing, health-improving and fitness-enhancing benefits. Walking with greater intent can alleviate stress, strengthen muscles and bones, increase flexibility and lengthen lives, all without the additional costs of fitness classes. Studies have found that nasal breathing during walks, the technique of breathing through your nose rather than your mouth, enables a range of improvements to your cardiovascular health. Research conducted by Colorado State University showed athletes who practiced nasal breathing had a lower respiratory rate than when breathing through their mouths, indicating an improved flow of oxygen through the bloodstream. Likewise, wearing a weighted vest was found to accentuate the health benefits of a daily walk. A study conducted by the journal Ergonomics suggested men who wore a nine-kilo vest burnt 6% more calories than without (a 2.5 kilogram vest is recommended for women). average is 8.6 litres. Spanish smoking rates were also Best of all, altering the speed of higher than world averages, with a walk has the greatest impact. 19.8% of people over 15 smoking Even small bursts of power walkdaily. ing have the potential to reduce Compared to the international averthe risk of key diseases such as age of 16%, the UK ranks low, with type 2 diabetes. smoking daily. SAMPLES from the oldest woman in the world - Maria Branyas - are being analysed to try and find the key to a long life. The Spaniard from Catalunya is an incredible 116 years old, but has no health complications other than hearing and mobility issues. Unlike most people her age, she has zero cardiovascular problems nor memory issues, and can recount stories from the age of four as if they happened yesterday. Maria herself has previously credited eating natural yoghurt each day for her longevity, and avoiding ‘excesses’, adding: “I have always eaten little, but everything, and I have never followed any regime. I have not suffered from any illness or been through an operating room.”
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A 2018 study by The Lancet predicted Spain could hold the world’s at highest life expectancy by 2040, 85.8 years old. Other specialists have speculated that frequent siestas, regular walks and even more frequent sex could of be influencing the longevity
Spaniards. This comes despite Spain also ranktoing highly for negatives such as bacco, cocaine and alcohol use. The country ranks third in cocaine use, following the UK and Australia. In the last year, almost 3% of adults in the UK and Spain admitted to using coSciences is anacaine in the past extract- The University of Agricultural A SWEDISH university team has beensee what lysing the blood from animals at the El Burriyear and in Ausing blood from Spanish donkeys to are losing to Feliz Association, in Hinojos, in Andalucia’s tralia this figure can be learnt to help humans who Doñana National Park. rose to 4%. their hair. It is looking at the ‘enormous However, Spain strength’ of their manes to had the lowest obtain a formula to be transrates of overall HAIR ferred to human hair. opioid use in the BRAINED Researcher Juan Negro exworld, alongside SCHEME?: plained: “We are looking at Israel, with just Donkeys the characteristics of hair 0.1% of adults usin Doñana growth shared by humans ing opioids in the could help and four-legged animals. last year. cure baldto “Hopefully we will find posAccording ness sible remedies to baldness, most recent data, which is important to some Spain ranked 7th peoin terms of alcople.” hol use, the average person consuming 10.5 litres per capita. They drink more than in the UK, ranked which 11th, with 10 litres per capita. The international
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that’s for sure. port from everyI have had supcante-based Garcia and Irish patients fessional I have healthcare prodel Campo spotted our spoken to. fering with sepsishad been suf“If I hadn’t come working withcampaign, while at hospitals along the Costa article I wouldn across your who suddenly an Irish expat “I thought, thisBlanca. alised what was ’t have reill with sepsis became critically happening to mal,” explained can’t be northe English commu fasciitis after and necrotizing from Madrid. the translator, added. We launche nity,” she He died later intaking the drug. November. And after looking the Drug’ campai d our ‘Kill gn against notes, she found at patients’ the painkiller that each had one thing in learning that last August, after dozens of British were all taking common - they and Irish expats Nolotil. Although manufa their immune had died after side effects such cturers list legedly destroysystems were allocytosis, necrotiz as agranumonly prescribed by the comKill ThE and sepsis, they ing fasciitis of families tolded drug. A trio us how their drug ‘very rare’ affectinare considered relatives had died unnecessarg one in every 10,000. ily in excrucia ting pain. Yet, The figures did authorities refused not to take up to Garcia del seem to add claims seriousl our set about doing Campo so she evidence being y, despite the search. Howeve her own relocal doctors. backed up by SALE APPEAL: Our Fortunately, Ali59 tion existed in r, no informaSpanish media. Mosquito campaign last Screens The only articles year on the drug and she could find Nolotil, or Metami zol, is still effects was in the its lethal side one of the most “I was in disbelieOlive Press. killers in Spain, popular painthe Javea-based f,” continued feared side effect yet the most is agranulocylived in the UK translator, who tosis, a severe and rapid drop “I thought this for 18 years. white blood cells, in was surely wellknown and someon patients unable which leaves to fight infecsomething about e was doing tions. & GARDEN TREE it. Except it wasn’t. Garcia del Campo SERVICE “I felt I had a large number Snoticed that to inform Spain expat of other English
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JANUARY 2024
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in THE average life expectancy the Spain is the fourth highest in inworld and three years above the ternational average. Most Spaniards live to at least 83.3, the according to a new report by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). They tie with Australia which takes at fourth spot in the report, Health a glance. Japan took the top spot, at 84.5 years, followed by Switzerland
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on EXclUSiVE THE Olive Press is calling By Elisa menen dez Spain to ban a lethal painkiller of unthat is killing countless AN Olive Press health camsuspecting expats. paign has led doctors British dentists and drug probes in to ‘the biggest’ afSpanish history. are supporting the ban 75, Our investigation Marbella, fully supports into the mysof Oasis Dental Care inthe drug is not something ter Briton Graham Ward, terious King, Nina Dr deaths Press Olive Press complained to the Olive the the painkiller of expats from the campaign, telling the Nolotil last year, ” is of how he was prescribed finally medication, prescribes. she being standard a denstick to safe and In a landmarkacted on. deadly Nolotil drug by very it’s a drug “It’s not a drug I use, I what damage it can do, a national probe breakthrough, tist last week. It’s the she said, “And after seeing blamed is expected to future.” lead to new regulati same drug that was I won’t be using in the doctor Dra. Victoria María Chacón their on of the one month to knock down drug, which is for killing his wife in 2006. Marbella-based private drug is dangerous. “I don’t prescribe above). expat only property (pictured by the UK and most of banned in the The Marbella-based Almeda also agrees theOlive Press, “I have lots of British patold In a court order seen “It has been a Europe. was furious when he was the drug,” she told theof what it is capable of doing. are by his long time in comOlive Press, the Wardscrimiing and by raising to take the painkiller suffertients and I am aware more research on its impact.” so much warned they will be heldrefuse. awareness, I am Spanish dentist, after “There needs to be a lot they if abscess. difficult nally responsible already been sure lives have ing from a do anydied afsaved,” medical The dad-of-two “I don’t know what to of my and legal translat His wife Mary, 59, had same a died from get end the later to the or at doctor I’m prescribed Cristina more, Garcia del Campo ter being Press, vasecseptic shock – told the Olive renewal in April, tether” Gill told the Olive the Press. drug following a double believed to be found The medical professional tests showed the “I’m totally exhausted from tomy at Costa del Sol Hospital. was linked to taking online our 1000-strong petition drug had caused whole ordeal.” “Within 24 hours shewhite andWant took it forward now the Nolotil. a toxic poisoning to stick after The retired pair, who haveon lein intensive care, her around Brit- one of her patients as long as Another died from TRAG in his bone marthe drug. “Spain spent thousands of euros farmIC: Graeme Spain’s blood cell count plummeted Maria - ageBilly and Billy Smyth Ward with wants 116? ish expat Hugh row and his white to help, gal costs, bought the old and zero within days,” explains HAPPIER TIMES: Graham with wife, to wife Smyth, who Wilcox was preboth died from Mary (left) and banned blood cell was house ‘in ruins’ in 2004,from Graham, a former computer Metamizole, Nolotil is Nolotil Take a a look at our tips scribed the same UK, Ireland and dangerously low. were given permission to reinside our special again. technician, from London. RRP 3,000health for alive if in the US, the supplement € medication is pre- Billy, a keen Velez-Malaga town hall “He said she would be She never regained consciousmost of Europe, but it shoulder mild sportsman, develand was on a life support she hadn’t taken it, but I have scribed widely in Spain. build it. ness Costa colpain on the ‘Billy’ oped sepsis and from dozens of Brits Irishman But when the original wall William machine for FOUR months, during given years heard del AllSol. lapsed of its own accord archigiven a five-day necrotising fascibefore spending threeof the and Irish who have been was about Smyth head and severe He developed drug in Febru- itis as a result added Graeme. construction, the Wards’be fine fighting the impact to fail- it,” the third victim of the course of the your required ‘radical surgery’ in tect told them it would town OUR PRICEWalk It is drug, which led to organ way fit ... ary. 2 tissue rePage the on affected has let re- remove the live 16 Continues THE LONGER the Olive Press and that he would ure. years longer But when the 66-year-old 1,200€ and ly for hos- drug save his life. LIFE hall know. Unfortunate different Spanish an attempt to “The chief surgeon at thewould ported on in under a year. D also as turned to a 8 pital promised me he drug Sometimes known Old age Continues on Page wonder www.mo never prescribe that
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February 8th - February 21st 2024
NoloTil VicTory l 289 www.theolivep ress.es April
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Deeper Purple and tribute bands Think Floyd,out the greatest hits Whole Lotta Led rocking and Led Zeppelin of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple August 26. at the Plaza del Toros on pair of tickets to see For a chance to win a question; what year Bolton, just answer the in? was Michael Bolton bornFest in Estepona, just For the Pink Purple Zep Page born? Email Pink Purple Zep Fest tickets tell us; Where was Jimmy heolivepress.es. WIN WIN WIN: Bolton and answers to the newsdesk@t
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away three THE Olive Press is giving of the best conpairs of tickets for two this summer... certs on the Costa del Solanswer two simAnd all you have to do is ple questions! the stage for an Michael Bolton takes to at Marbella’s emotive end of season night10, while EstePuente Romano on Augustconcert in years rock pona is set for its biggest with mammoth
Doctors and dentists join Olive Press appeal for ban on dangerous painkiller Nolotil
are A BRITISH expat couple Malaga fighting to save their over a home from demolition technicality. 74, Gill and Bob Ward, both a battle have been locked in which hall, with their town claims their house in Almayate is illegal. couJust yesterday the retiredgiven were Cornwall ple from
August 2nd - August 15th
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A BRITISH expat has revealed how she almost died after being administered Nolotil in Spain. Doreen Hughes, 78, was given the ‘lethal’ painkiller following knee replacement surgery in Alberic, Valencia, in 2022 - despite clear nationwide guidance against giving the drug to British patients. “I sat up in my hospital bed to eat my meal then I suddenly had a funny turn and just started shaking dramatically,” she told the Olive Press. “My husband Clifford called for help and the doctors just looked at each other blankly then sent me to the ICU.” Doreen was sent home with doctors blaming her reaction on ‘low potassium and iron’ - and incredibly, she was prescribed Nolotil pills to manage her pain. Within a day, she took another turn and was rushed back to the ICU (A&E) in an ambulance. She added: “I was in ICU for over a week with total organ failure, pulmonary embolism, sepsis and zero white blood count. “This was followed by another couple of weeks in the hospital before being allowed home. “It was very touch and go, Clifford was extremely upset and I was told I had a 50/50 chance of pulling through… luckily I’m a tough old bird and I did, but I now know never to touch Nolotil again.” Doreen said she was never given advice or a warning before being prescribed it. This was despite Spain bringing in clear nationwide guidance for health centres, hospitals and pharmacies across the country in December 2018.
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couple buy an entire abandoned 'pueblo' 3-inExpat Spain: These are the plans for their new village 90-day rule amendment in huge 4- France rejects blow for British homeowners In The Sun is coming to Spain's Costa 5-delA Place Sol: Hit property show is looking for homes to feature in these 3 expat hotspots
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12
h c a e b a s ’ fe
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
Li L
The name may translate to ‘Pigeon Point’ but do not be deceived, this is one of Spain’s finest beaches. An unspoilt wonder, Punta Paloma is a natural escape from the nearby city of Cadiz and just an hour’s drive from the Costa del Sol. Popular with water sports enthusiasts, the beach has something for everyone.
Found in the Parque Natural del Archipiélago Chinijo, this ‘wild’ beach is perfect for sun seekers and adventurers alike. The shoreline offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, including surfing, bodyboarding and windsurfing. Once the sun is setting, the beach forms a mirror which reflects the fiery skies.
Lined by trees and tumbling rocks, this Costa Brava beach is loved by day trippers from nearby Barcelona. The ‘hidden beach’ can only be accessed on foot by a 20-30 minute walk, but it’s more than worth the wait. The shady coast and dramatic rocks contribute to the enchanting landscape which you won’t want to peel your eyes away from - even to take a nap on the clean, fine sand.
NAVIGATING MODELO 720
Who Must File Modelo 720? The obligation extends to any tax resident in Spain, both
Valuation and Reporting Timeline: The value of these assets is assessed on their worth as of December 31 each year. The filing period for Modelo 720 is
OP QUICK CROSSWORD Across 6 Removing faults (8) 8 Periods of history (4) 9 Christmas wish (4) 10 Far from stern, let nine go off (7) 11 Milky (7) 14 Open space in a forest (5) 15 Slumbered (5) 17 Costumed procession (7) 21 Unsettle (7) 22 Capital of Fiji (4) 23 Nurture (4) 24 It could happen (8)
ALL YOUR LEGAL
from January 1 DEA to March ISSUES LT WIT31 H! of the following year. e to Requirements: help with your AnnualHer Filing in includ You’re life notin Spa required toingfile wills, Modelo 720 every year reside ncyunless , there’s atax significant returns, increase buying in the value of your assets. Specifand selling proper ically, if the value of any oftythe We speak your languag three categories increasese! by Cent€20,000 ro Comercial compared more than Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126, Offic to your last declaration, e 217,you Javea 03730 need to file tel: again. 966 943 219 www.mylawyerinspai
n.com Penalties for Not Complying: Historically, the penalties for failing to file Modelo 720 were steep, including fines up to 150% of the undeclared asset’s value. However, in 2022, the Court of Justice of the European Union deemed these fines disproportionate. This ruling opens a window for those previously fined to appeal and potentially recover funds. As of now, general penalties of the General Tax Law apply, including €150 for late filing and variable fines for incorrect or missing information, with a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €20,000. These penalties could change, so staying updated with Spanish tax regulations is essential. Filing Modelo 720 can seem daunting, but it’s a vital part of complying with Spanish tax laws for expats and residents with international financial interests.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for personalised guidance on your specific situation.
Email: pedro@mylawyerinspain.com or visit www.mylawyerinspain.com
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OP SUDOKU
What is Modelo 720? Modelo 720, or the ‘Declaración Informativa sobre Bienes y Derechos Situados en el Extranjero,’ is an informative declaration of foreign assets. It’s a requirement for individuals and legal entities residing in Spain to report certain assets held outside the country. Contrary to common misconceptions, it is not a tax, so filing it doesn’t incur a direct financial cost. Instead, it serves as a transparency measure for the Spanish Tax Agency.
Types of Assets to Declare: Modelo 720 categorizes foreign assets into three main groups: 1. Bank Accounts: This includes any accounts you hold with financial institutions outside of Spain. 2. Investments: This covers a broad range of financial interests, such as stocks, bonds, capital rights, and life or disability insurances. 3. Real Estate: If you own property abroad, it needs to be reported under this category. The filing requirement is triggered if any of these categories exceeds €50,000 in value. It’s important to note that if you only meet the threshold for one category, you’re only obliged to report that category.
However, the latest Lonely Planet list of the world’s 100 best beaches shows some of the top coastal getaways are on our doorstep. Out of some 30 European destinations, five are in Spain, showing just how much the country’s coast has to offer.
Playa de Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands Cala Estreta, Costa Brava, Catalunya
individuals and legal entities. Being a tax resident typically means you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain or have your main economic interest here. If you fall under this category, it’s crucial to assess your foreign assets to determine if you need to file Modelo 720.
These are the 5 best beaches in Spain to visit in 2024, writes Yzabelle Bostyn
ONELY Planet has named the world’s 100 best beaches and five of them are in Spain. Many people assume you have to travel to luxury destinations like the Bahamas, Hawaii or Fiji to experience a slice of paradise.
Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cadiz
Are you a tax resident in Spain with financial interests abroad? Understanding Form 720 is crucial for compliance with Spanish tax laws. This comprehensive guide will delve into what Form (Modelo) 720 is, its requirements, and the implications of non-compliance. Whether you’re a seasoned expat or newly relocated to Spain, this information is essential to ensure you’re meeting your fiscal responsibilities. Alex Radford speaks to Pedro San Nicolás González who is provides in-house advice for Clients around tax matters.
February 8th - February 21st 2024
All solutions are on page 14
FOOD & DRINK
February 8th February 21st 2024
13
Platja Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands Surrounded by perfectly turquoise waters, this white sand beach is a favourite with tourists visiting the Balearic Islands. The shallow, calm waters make this a great spot for families, who can enjoy a tranquil bike ride to the flower lined shores. At some 450 metres long, there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy one of the area’s best sunsets.
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Playa de Torimbia, Llanes, Asturias The rugged but enchanting landscape of Northern Spain is becoming increasingly popular with Spanish tourists and it's easy to see why. Described as ‘one of the wildest and most spectacular of the Bay of Biscay, protected by giant cliffs’, Playa de Torimbia is the perfect beach break for adventurers who also like to sunbathe every once in a while. The dramatic landscape, golden sand and almost perfect shell shape make this cove an astonishing beauty spot. But visitors be warned, the Playa de Torimbia is a nudist beach.
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14
LA CULTURA
Winning Weaver
SPAIN’S equivalent of the Oscars - the Goyas - take place in Valladolid on Saturday with Sigourney Weaver, named this week as the recipient of the 2024 International Goya Award. Weaver, 74, is best known for starring in the Alien and Avatar movies. The jury said that ‘her impressive career is full of unforgettable films and has inspired us by creating independent, complex and strong female characters’. “Weaver’s eclectic work is a reflection of her versatility, charisma, and undeniable talent as an actress,” they added. The International Goya was first awarded in 2022 to Cate Blanchett and last year to the French actress Juliette Binoche.
February 8th - February 21st 2024
CULTURE WAR
Government minister has put forward a motion to ‘decolonise’ museums SOME 17 state museum collections will be investigated in Spain for their ‘links to colonialism’ in a move branded ‘woke’ by conservatives. Led by the Ministry of Culture, the project is currently being debated in the Spanish parliament. The museum collections will be revised in an attempt to remove ‘gender and ethnocentric bias’ as well as ‘links’ to the country’s colonial past. It is hoped the project will ‘establish a dialogue and exchange which will help us to overcome Spain’s colonial history.’ However, strict proposal has provoked criticism from opposition leaders.
By Yzabelle Bostyn
Borja Semper, vice secretary of culture for the conservative Partido Popular, said: “It’s a debate imported from other countries. Either they’re ignoring the history of Spain or they’re blinded by woke activism.” The revision has been under consideration for some time, even before current culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, took up his post. Some Spanish museums, such as the Museum of the Americas and the National Anthropology Museum, have already implemented similar measures. According to Urtasan, the
ART: but is it appropriate? move follows recommendations from the International Council of Museums. He said: “Museums respond to the debates of their time.” Andres Gutierrez Usillos, director of the Museum of the Americas, backed the proposal,
while former culture minister, Miquel Iceta, asked: “How can we decolonise a museum?” It is a question that one of Spain’s most famous museums, Museo del Prado, has ‘already been considering’, according to Benito Navarrete.
Surreal, Man
OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword
AN exhibition showcasing the weird and wonderful work of legendary American photographer and avant-garde artist Man Ray has opened in Malaga. Born Emmanuel Radnitzky in Philadelphia in 1890, Man Ray is celebrated for his works that set the artistic tone of the postwar period after World War I.
Across: 6 Amending, 8 Eras, 9 Snow, 10 Lenient, 11 Whitish, 14 Glade, 15 Slept, 17 Pageant, 21 Disturb, 22 Suva, 23 Rear, 24 Possibly. Down: 1 Gnaw, 2 Titles, 3 Agony, 4 Reveille, 5 Salted, 7 Munch, 12 Tapestry, 13 Hop, 16 Lodges, 18 Abbess, 19 Navel, 20 Dumpy, 22 Skip.
Warriors depart ALICANTE’S Archaeological Museum has bid farewell to the most-successful exhibition in its history. Over 260,000 people visited the ancient Chinese Warrior displays over 10 months, with the event closing at the end of January. The exhibition featured more than 120 items from nine Chinese museums and institutions. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of Spain establishing diplomatic relations with the Communist nation. Alicante Provincial Council president, Toni Perez, said: “This was more than a great challenge but an example of great perseverance and resilience by experts and professionals that tested the capacity to reach a political consensus.”
He is a famed pioneer of both the surrealist and dadaist movements that emerged in response to the industrial slaughter of the Great War, which he showcased through nudes and portraits. Man Ray's ability to capture the human body is evident in his nudes, which were shocking for the period. The exhibition, at the Carmen Thyssen Museum, predominantly features female figures who were the artist's friends, lovers, and muses, such as Kiki de Montparnasse. It runs until April 21.
Mask crusaders
W
EARING masks has been part of carnival celebrations in Spain for centuries. But there was a dark period during the 16th century when mask-wearing was punishable by 100 lashes. If the offender was a nobleman he could be exiled for six months. The reasons for such harsh punishments lay with over-zealous leaders fearful of mockery or sticklers for Christian penitence, even though Carnival is one of the most iconic annual celebrations in regions with a strong Catholic history and identity. The festival is religiously linked to the
As carnival season approaches, Dilip Kuner examines how Spain’s party poopers waged a war against the celebrations and ultimately failed beginning of lent, traditionally a period of fasting and penitence for Christians. Despite the religious connotations, the celebration is believed to have roots in paganism – especially the Roman festivals of Saturnalia or in those in honour of the god Bacchus, divinity of wine. Carnival celebrations are wildly different depending on their country and culture but they tend to have a few
common characteristics. These include parades, costumes, dances, masks and partying. The general lack of order and control has also led to carnival being a time to satirise authorities, something which in turn has led to knee-jerk reactions from kings and clergymen.
Whipped into line
A municipal act from Aragon (northern Spain) dating to 1569 sheds some light on the religious concerns surrounding carnival. The document from the town of Daroca tried to defend the crusade against carnival, saying: “The chief Justice has proposed how much God is offended in the rejoicings that are usually done on the days of Carnestolendas (carnival) throwing
water, rockets, garbage, mud and other dirty tricks and dishonesty.” The letter urged councilmen to pass ‘appropriate laws’ to control partying locals in preparation for lent. Nearly 50 years earlier in the Aragonese city of Zaragoza, a 1521 law passed specifically regulating mask-wearing and disguises. The law stated that no person could wear a mask or dress up ‘except’ in 10 days around carnival time. By 1523, the King Carlos I made it law that no one could go ‘masked’ throughout the entire Spanish kingdom – including during carnival. Anyone caught out would be given 100 lashes – if they were a peasant – and be excommunicated from the realm for six months if a nobleman.
The Franco years
KILLJOYS: Partying was punishable by 100 lashes
Over two centuries later Cadiz imposed restrictions on citizens to ban them from dressing up as clergyman, or from cross-dressing in public.
“Anyone found dressing up like that would be taken to jail,” wrote Alberto Ramos Santana in his book El Carnaval Secuestrado (The Kidnapped Carnival). Similar Scrooge-like behaviour re-appeared during and after the Spanish Civil War, when Franco issued an order banning celebrations of carnival in 1937. Though it took until Spain’s transition to democracy in the 1970s to lift bans on carnival, not all of Spain had paid much attention. One of the biggest and most famous carnivals is held in Cadiz and the local gatitanos were not about to give up their traditions. At first, the carnival carried on behind closed doors, with people meeting every February to reminisce and sing carnival songs. From 1950 carnival was moved to the summer and dubbed the Fiestas Tipicas Gaditanas (Typical Fiestas of Cadiz) to get around the ban, until 1977 when the carnival was restored in its full glory.
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Shell shocked
FINAL WORDS
A BRITISH couple had their day ‘ruined’ after a restaurant in tourist-friendly Lanzarote charged them a whopping €137 for just five king prawns.
Fatphobic A SPANISH TV presenter has been criticised after fatshaming an American TikTokker live on national television. Toñi Moreno asked if the influencer ‘used filters’, adding, ‘you look much slimmer on TikTok.’
Switch off SCHOOLKIDS in Murcia have been banned from switching on their mobile phones in classrooms with other areas of Spain set to follow suit.
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CARELESS LUCK
Woman, 73, is reunited with €13,000 cash after she left it in a supermarket trolley NOT everyone who loses a five-figure sum of money is so lucky as to have it returned to them. However, this was the outcome that befell one elderly woman after she managed to leave €13,325 in a shopping trolley in an Estepona supermarket. An employee in the Merca-
By Walter Finch
dona on Avenida Andalucia found a purse carelessly forgotten in the trolley. Resisting the urge to rifle around inside, the worker conscientiously handed it over to the Policial Nacional. When officers took posses-
sion of the item, they too had little idea of what it contained. Thus on inspection, they were surprised to find a huge wodge
FEATHER TOUCH FORMER La Liga player Hugo Mallo will face a Barcelona court this summer after being charged with inappropriately touching a female mascot dressed as a parakeet before a match. Mallo, 32, was a Celta Vigo player when the alleged incident happened before a match at Espanyol in 2019. He currently plays for Brazilian side Sport Club Internacional and has denied the assault. Mallo is accused of touching the woman’s breasts when she was inside Espanyol’s parakeet costume as the players lined up.
of cash: 206 bank notes of €50, 144 notes of €20, three tenners and three fivers. The police had to make a number of enquiries to determine who was the rightful owner of the not-inconsiderable amount. Eventually, they managed to identify a 73-year-old local woman, who was contacted and given the joyous news that her pile of cash was waiting for her at the police station. Just a little later, she attended the station in the company of her adult children where she thanks the officers profusely for the miraculous return of the money. No reason has been given on why she was carrying so much money.
THE GUARDIA CIVIL is looking for people willing to give their police dogs-in-waiting a home during the crucial first year of their lives. Officers want members of the public in Madrid to help raise the pups until they head off to join the force.
What a Caulker!
JUST a month after a former England defender took the helm, Malaga City have secured their first win, defeating Rincon 1-0 on Sunday. The local club made waves when they appointed former Liverpool defender Stephen Caulker as player-manager at the start of the year. The tenure got off to an inauspicious start, being tonked by Almeria 6-0 in Caulker’s first game. However, under Caulker’s management they gradually steadied the ship, losing the following match by a fine 1-0 margin and drawing the next two. Finally the hard work on the training pitch paid off, with striker Borja Morales netting a 52nd minute winner.