Olive Press Costa Blanca South and Murcia Issue 108 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

The

O LIVE P RESS

Your expat

voice in Spain

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 5 Issue 108 www.theolivepress.es February 8th - February 21st 2024

Who are the most famous celebrities who have property in Spain? Find out on page 8

IN COURT: Javier Mendez

Bent cop 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.

SCHOOL kids in Murcia have been banned from switching on their mobile phones in classrooms with other areas of Spain set to follow suit. Murcia's Education Minister Victor Marin said: "The possession of mobile phones in the classroom has no legal place, we cannot regulate it, but we can establish that they remain switched off." Marin said they adopted the ban after verifying the distraction it represents for students. The average time it takes a student to regain attention after receiving a phone message or notification is around 20 minutes, according to UNESCO's 2023 GEM report. In addition, 20% of serious offences committed by high school and vocational training students in Murcia are related to the inappropriate use of mobile phones. The Valencian Community is also looking to impose phone restrictions after consulting with schools.

Kill the Drug

THE Olive Press is launching a nationwide campaign against the ‘deadly’ drug Nolotil. Cocaine It comes as a protest group filed an The cocaine gang was brought official complaint with Spain’s pubdown in 2019 with one of the lead- lic prosecution office after yet aners found to have €1.5 million in other Brit died at the hands of the cash stuffed in three suitcases at ‘deadly’ drug. The complaint calls on health his house. The Prosecutor's Office has re- officials to ‘urgently initiate quested a total of 749 years in a thorough investigation’. prison for the gang members and The Association for Drug Affected People fines amounting to €435 million. Javier Mendez attended 24 meet- (ADAF) claims giving ings in 2018 and 2019 in Denia, Nolotil to tourists and Javea and Alicante with leaders of other expats is a ‘crime of serious negligence’. the criminal group. He's accused of tipping-off two of As reported in our last the ring-leaders about police in- issue expat dad Mark vestigations and taking part in a Brooks, 42, died a sensemoney laundering plot to recycle less death by sepsis caused by the drug after a minor profits made from the enterprise. Among the gang’s major moves golf injury. was a failed attempt to bring in The Olive Press has since 2,020 kilos of cocaine by boat discovered serious flaws to Galicia, with a retail value of in an official warning about the drug issued from Madrid in around €104 million. 2018. Opinion Page 6 We have discovered Nolotil - which is banned in 40 countries - is still being prescribed regularly at hospiALL YOUR LEGAL tals and ISSUES DEALT WITH! clinics around Compare funerals Here to help with your Spain. Dozens Plans cover the life in Spain including of readwhole of Spain wills, residency, ers have Interest free payment plans been in tax returns, buying from €2,250 or as little touch to

Olive Press Campaign launches as complaint is filed for criminal negligence over Nolotil

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 O LIVE LIVE FOREVER P RESS flesh-eating disease within days of being prescribed the drug. NEVER AGAIN! Meanwhile, D o r e e n Hughes suffered ‘total DEADLY: The drug and (left) how we reported yet organ failure’ another Nolotil tragedy and had to spend months es,” she told the Ol- tion packet. learning to walk952 147 834 ive Press. A spokesman told the Olive Press: again, after her battle “Our lawyers have “Nolotil (metamizole) has a well-eswith Nolotil. found evidence of tablished safety profile and has been This week ADAF President Cristina criminality and a full investiga- used by patients for almost 60 years. del Campo revealed her group had tion is needed. We will provide all of “Agranulocytosis is a very rare, adacted after Spain’s official agency the cases we have gathered, none of verse reaction that has been known for medicines, AEMPS, launched a which the authorities have looked at for decades and is well-described in marketing campaign promoting the yet.” the medicine package information.” drug. Boehringer Ingelheim, the German See page 6 The group doesn’t believe Madrid is company that produces Nolotil doing enough to communicate why c l a i m s Nolotil has been banned around the the drug world. is safe THE BIG-HEARTED Among many key questions, the and all EXPAT SAVING complaint asked: ‘What is happen- the side ing in Spain when in the UK, US and e f f e c t s HIS LOCAL CAT Ireland, the product is banned be- are listCOMMUNITY cause it is highly dangerous?’ ed in the “We cannot wait, while we wait, m e d i more people die. Mark Brooks died c a t i o n ’ s recently and there will be more cas- informa-

KILL THE DRUG

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Gobsmacked

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The great switch off

Your expat

What incredible 90 world record has this year local man smashed this week ?

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 5 Issue 107 www.theolivepre

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voice in Spain

ss.es January 25th February

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

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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 popular with expats in she discovered showed a ‘potential to Agency or damages. We want to make Quesada on October 15.Ciudad documents, which revealed ALL YOUR LEGAL agranulocytosis’ among induce them stop giving Nolotil to that Mark’s death was certain Within hours of receiving British people,” explained as the populations. ISSUES DEALT WITH! an result ‘an apparent del 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 given painkiller. It ruled there to medical Quesada, Rojales 03170 professionals. ‘no evidence’ it was betterwas Boehringer Ingelheim, tel: 966 943 219 See page 15 the controlling pain than ‘safer at company that www.mylawyerinspai ternatives’ like paracetamol al- claims all the makes Nolotil, n.com side effects are or ibuprofen. clearly listed in its information Meanwhile, one English packet. newspaper recently even expat pubOpinion Page 6

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CRIME

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NEWS IN BRIEF Big spenders OVER 10.4 million foreign tourists led by UK visitors spent €12.5 billion in the Valencian Community last year.

Pot raid A GIANT marijuana farm in an Algorfa warehouse run by Chinese nationals has been busted by Policia Nacional in one of the biggest finds of its kind in the area.

Big brother TORREVIEJA will spend €800,000 on surveillance cameras to monitor traffic using its city centre ‘Low Emissions Zone’ which may be launched later this year.

Nest appeal RISING numbers of breeding Kentish Plover birds on Guardamar’s dunes have led environmentalists to ask for restrictions on large sand cleaning equipment next to nesting areas.

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 As-

ton Ventures, a UK company founded by Barrowman, insisting it was a ‘consultancy 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

REVEALED: The free hunting trips and school fee payments behind a €180 million Guardia Civil corruption scheme

to 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.

AN Elche couple had a row while having breakfast, with the boyfriend ending up with a broken nose. They were having a morning snack at a city bar when the verbal altercation turned violent as the woman head-butted her partner. A bar employee called the

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 indepth investigation by ABC. The gravy train began when Alberto Jose Martín became the head of Sabas’ Techpolice when he saw blood nical Section in pouring down the victim’s 2000 and continface. ued under ColoThe 30-year-old aggressor nel Juan Antowas tracked down and arnio Maroto from rested while her boyfriend 2015. required hospital treatment. The officers felt so little threat

Head butty

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. Opinion Page 6

Bounced to jail MURCIA'S Supreme Court has thrown out an appeal by two men behind the €50 million Trampolin Hills housing development scam who were jailed for fraud in November 2021. Antonio Martinez Gonzalez will spend five years in prison after defrauding 500 buyers - including a dozen from the UK - over off-plan home sales in Gea and Truyols. In February 2020, he turned down a plea deal involving a two-year jail term, meaning that as a first conviction, he would have remained a free man. Martinez’'s former partner, Rafael Aguilera Serna, will go to prison for four years. Buyers discovered homes they bought had been mortgaged by the duo, with loans of up to €100,000 with the now-defunct CAM bank.

NEWS

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Be cool!

CARNIVAL CAPERS

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

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-

February 8th - February 21st 2024

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.

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

4 www.theolivepress.es Drought impact 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.

ALICANTE’S popular Esplanade market looks doomed. Traders want an urgent meeting with the city council after being told they will no longer be able to sell from their booths from October 31. Merchants association president, Wilton Damus, says talks are needed to try to find an alternative location from November.

February 8th - February 21st 2024

MARKET DEADLINE Appeals against the removal of the stalls have been made but rejected by Alicante City Council. The iconic market opened in 1979 on

Landmark reached the Esplanade but trading will stop which according to the council, will ‘recover the area for the enjoyment and recreation of Alicante residents and visitors’.

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.

Legion of expat voters will ‘help to oust’ Tory leader Sunak at forthcoming general election Despite this huge rise, the Conservative government still removed the previous 15-year cut off limit for British citizens living abroad on January 16. Dr Susan Collard, from the University of Sussex, ex-

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

plained 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. 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.

Eligible

“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. Opinion Page 6

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TORREVIEJA'S population has gone into six figures with 100,421 registered residents an 8,690 rise last year, according to the City Council. The totals are based on 2023 padron registrations and it’s the first time the 100,000-mark has been surpassed since 2012. This is even bigger than the 6.8% growth in 2022 and easily the third-largest in Alicante province, behind Alicante and Elche. Almost half are non-Spaniards (49,944), representing 122 countries, with UK residents the third-biggest group (4,912), only beaten by Ukranians with 7,650 and 5,837 from Russia. The growth emerged as the council approved its biggest annual budget of €157.8 million.

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.

NEWS

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A BRITISH animal lover is facing fines of up to €600 if he carries on feeding stray cats near his home on the Costa Blanca. Retired police officer Derek Hepple, 81, enjoys early morning walks with his rescue dog Markie on a route taking in the Salinas Salt Flats that has a colony of around 30 cats. It comes despite the big-hearted expat joining the volunteer feeding team and getting an official permit from the Policia Local. It also means digging into his own pocket to the tune of €128 each month.

A BRITISH expat is earning more than Spain’s Vice President for ‘managing’ an urbanisation of just 109 properties. 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 (Malaga) after his inflated pay packet was revealed. It is not known if this includes

By Alex Trelinski Merry Christmas and a happ y

New Year to all our

readers... “Most of the cats were abandoned by people who just packed up and left,” Derek told the O LIVE Olive Press. P RESS Sign iﬁ cant But now, the colony lead for Levi has come under at- CHRISTM AS tack from Santa Pola CH EER council with workers FINE: The cats and the Olive Press removing a number front page about Derek and George of small huts and trees the cats lived in ing area ing them could be fined and a series of small where I €600,” he added. bowls and containput the “Why didn’t the council ers left out for them. food in,” continued Hepple. let us know first? Or try “They have cleared out and “They then put up a huge and find a solution. It is destroyed the whole feed- sign stating anybody feed- disgusting that people in charge can do this and let 30 cats purposely starve to rrently cost residents death. around €6,000 per “It appears there is nothing year. 952 14 I can do about this.” 7 834 Now a ‘large group’ EXCLUSIVE Derek first hit the headBy Laurence Dollimore of residents, many of lines when he featured on them Brits and Irish, the front cover of the Olive ex-football managers Harry Redk- have taken Hills to Press two years ago, when napp and George Graham, or the Irish court to prove his acthe generous pensioner mafia clan, the Kinahans, who are also tions are ‘illegal’. found a home for a homesaid to be owners. “People are outraged, his actions are less 71-year-old man living But it means he is earning more totally illegal and against the rules,” exnear him. than Spain’s deputy leader Yolanda plained lawyer David Valadez, who is Czech expat George and Diaz, who pockets €79,415. representing the residents. his dog Boba were living Hills allegedly exempted himself from The Olive Press has contacted Hills for in an abandoned Civil War paying community fees - which cu- comment. bunker. ...our Christmas present to you; a 5 page skiing special

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2022-2023

Sierra Nevada WHERE TO EAT

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The Sierra Nevada is the true icing on the cake of living in southern writes Jon Clarke Spain,

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PIPING hot raclette, a burger and chips and a few tasty tapas used to be the basic offering in the Sierra Nevada two decades ago. Today a Moroccan Harira soup, ramen and gyozas or a spicy red tuna burrito are more likely to be on the menu for your evening’s grazing. Just as the quality of food has gone up around Spain over recent times, the same has happened in the country’s most famous ski resort. One of the trailblazers in this improvement is former snowboard pro Stevie Silva, who swapped his board for a set of sharp knives, over a decade ago now. A man never content on standing still (and with three restaurants in Pradollano these days), his main joint Ci Vediamo is still hard to beat. While he dubs it ‘rebel food’ and there is plenty of creativity here, the truth is you are just as likely to eat a simple soft crab tempura or a superb bowl of pasta. What he guarantees is quality and always a few nice twists. This year I loved his deep-fried ‘parcels’ of egg, bacon and leeks (below) that melted in the mouth in one bite, while an amazing

CREATIVE: Stevie at Ci Vediamo

Ci Vediamo The Sierra Nevada’s most elegant restaurant

Michelin trained chef Esteban Silva produces classic Italian style dishes with a modern twist Open 7 days a week Monday to Sunday 12.00-16.00 & 20.00-24.00

Cyprus

The quality of food in the Sierra Nevada is going up as rapidly as the resort, writes Jon Clarke spaghetti of giant crayfish with pecorino cheese was unbeatable after a hard morning on the slopes. “I arrange it so all the juices flow from the head and claws into the dish,” he explains, as he personally shaved the pecorino on top. “It really adds to the flavour”. A tight ship run by Stevie and his Maitre’d girlfriend Luna, their wanderlust takes them around the world in summer time (to the Far East and around Europe) tasting new dishes. One of the best places to try their current favourites is their new joint, Makalu, named after the fifth highest mountain in the world, bordering China and Nepal. This hip spot feels like a pop-up, literally Shoreditch carved out of a wall in the heart of the resort. Set up by Stevie and three partners, it is focusing on ‘fusion cooking’, a mix of Asiatic, Basque and European dishes, around 12 in total. “We’ve got stuff like Ramen, some cuchara (literally spoon) dishes and

sierranevada.es

2022-2023

Photos by Telemark

Photos by Jon Clarke

T was two decades out from a hillside ago that I looked of fun and excellent culinary fare, not to spotted the distant near Ronda and mention usually around Spain the Sierra Nevada snowy peaks of Something of clement weather. (or fly to a rite over 150 kilometres away. school trip to the Alpsof passage since a Granada orMalaga, Gibralas a teenager, my Like a giant white magnet itchy feet to strap tar). on skis get more and ately pulled in, seduced I was immedi- more apparent The snow-capped as by the thrills of winter sports, right ber inches closer tothe month of Decem- peaks of Christmas. Veleta None of the hasslehere on our doorstep. By mid-December Mulhacen the first heavy snows and and a four-hour coachof flying to Geneva of the year (mainland big freeze in Glencoe, trip, or braving the slopes are have normally fallen and the highest Spain’s mounof us on the costas in Scotland, most and with a usually warm during the day tain) fair few regulars actually can be seen are under a threehour drive to the ing in t-shirts. ski- for miles around the Sierra Nevada. winter wonderland of Yes, while most and winding up winter sports fanatics While entirely possible to do in a day trip be shivering in the Alps at Christmaswill the steep, scenic from the Costa del struggling to see through or road fog in the Pyr- as to the top is you are missing out Sol, take it from me enees, visitors exhilarating as half of the fun if you to the don’t stay at least one be sinking canas in Sierra Nevada will any drive in Spain, the sunshine… and This is rightly dubbed night. best of all at particularly on the SURPRISES: View top skiing resort’ and ‘southern Europe’s under half little over €2 a throw (or well sharp approaching slopes curves with steep drops. while (right) a dog Spain - with it comesnaturally - it being “This is thethe price of the Alps). goes for a slide Run by nicest place in the the usual dollop world to dalucia, an offshoot of the Junta de An- There will be up to 110 kms of pistes ski,” explains Luis Casanove, open at the peak, Cetursa has upped sea level. of Telemark including ski school, who has been wintering here considerably in recent years,its game Laguna valley, for expert the amazing Its highest peak, for 35 years. “We offer Mulgetting the skiers, where increasingly and the prices have the best weather and buying automated in both parking 1972Netflix series about the infamous hacen, is named after the ski passes (forfeits). hardly gone up in plane crash in the Moorish years.” It’s easy to park right Andes was Hacen king Muley under the two main filmed earlier this year (see Page (Abdul Hassan And if you’re looking ski-lifts to the 6) For to do en route, the for something else euros a day. top and it costs around 20 yoursnowboarders or jump-lovers make Ali), who is said to magical architecture way to Superpark have of Spain’s most visited Sulayr, in the the been buried at Loma de Dilar area, monument, the Most places to rent skis and boots, top. Alhambra, is just 30 Europe’s snowboards, can be or found within 200m freestyle park, with its giant 165 largest The views from the highest the fascinating regionminutes away, while of the car park. metre 3,300 metres, ‘half pipe’. ski the other side of the of the Alpujarras is Slopes-wide, are among the bestlift, at And then new pistes are added in Europe, The well worn claim mountain. most that leads there is the famous ‘Rio’ run raneanwith the views across the Mediterof being able to ‘ski years, while the latest version right down to the resort to in the morning, sunbathe of snow cannons have been of Pra- making thethe Rif mountains of Morocco in the afterinstalled guarantee- dollano, which sits at 2,100 metres. ocean look like a small noon’ is perfectly possible… but that’s ing snow until, normally, early May. pond. From here, decent sierranevada.es not for me. I like getting amazing runs of skiers access the up there for a few The season often kicks off in late Novemnights, 2022-2023 the Laguna de las ber, but is normally 958 70 80 90 enjoying the mountain scenery, Yeguas valley, including getting properly going food and fresh air, by the ‘puente’ the celebrated The geography of the area is simply stag- Olympic run with its many twists mountain sport. plus of course a bit of late Conceptionweekend of the Immacu- gering given it is on the same turns. and on December 8. One of the real joys While this year the latitude as The sheer snow has arrived Cyprus and just 30 miles from the snowy peaks first though is seeing the late, frequently beach- is stunning nature and landscape here in the resort es of the Costa del appear on the skyline 40,000 skiers can Sol. and you will sometimes and then loom in front rock Getting so much yourself find as you drive from up around this time, so better to come week later. a with its altitude, snow here is all to do time yourskiing alone here midweek if you which trip gering 3,482 metres goes up to a stag- It definitely well. pays to (11,423 feet) above Easter and Christmaspick your days with frequently saturat-

APRES SKI: Chilling

Peak of good dining

year, goes from strength to strength, adding a new chef, who’s ‘spent 25 years making sushi, many years in Japan’. A bit further up the hill it is well worth seeking out and expect some delicious gyozas, noodles and a cool vibe. My top tip, go for the California Roll with a king prawn, salmon and sesame seeds. Another couple really focussing on creative food are Nestor and Sonia, who have just opened their first restaurant, Confusion, in Pradollano after running holiday apartments for five years. You can tell it’s going to be different from the floral decor outside, while inside it has a sense of Alice in Wonderland, thanks to the creative interior design skills of artist Sonia. Luckily, the food is able to match and, while just finding its feet, it has a real international team in

Food from five

the kitchen coming up with some great ideas. There are lots of vegetarian options, which is rare for skiing resorts, and a great section of sharing dishes, salads and soups. I really liked their Harira soup, from the Rif mountains, a rich broth of chickpeas, lamb, harina and apricots, among other ingredients. The tostada section was also enticing, with a lovely avocado and anchovy number, with watercress and cherry tomatoes from the couple’s own huerta (vegetable garden). Easily the most established restaurant in the Sierra Nevada is Tito Luigi, run by two long term pals Luis and Xavi, whose brother runs Tia Maria cafe just off the slopes. They can claim at least two kings of Spain eating here and the walls pay tribute to their esteemed clientele, including various international film stars, bullfighters and politicians. An absolute must for any stay in the resort, in partic-

continents - Vegan

ll about

Sierra

OP Puzzle

Quick Crosswordsolutions

He and his brother Luciano also run Muralla Burger, almost next door, which specialises in the best quality burgers on the slopes. It’s hard to disagree trying his ‘gourmet’ burger, which is actually made from oxtail ‘rabo de toro’ with a thin slice of cheese and mayonnaise and cooked in its own juice. The pair also run popular Las Gondalas just off the slopes and excellent for some apres ski light bites, a hot drink or a beer. Fancy Mexican? Then you are now spoilt for choice in Pradollano. Somewhere really worth checking out is Canalla a brand new place set up by Raul, fresh from six years living in London and with a really good sense of taste. A good use of space with an excellent terrace just below the Kenia Nevada hotel, the staff are dressed in utilitarian boiler outfits and music is distinctly London grime. I loved the decent list of tacos and burritos, an amazing ribs taco coming out steaming and delicious sweet sauce.

Instructors

MAGICAL: Three kings trudge up the slopes on January 5

he resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they arrive in their droves for Christmas and New Year. ‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive season with a huge family meal and lashings of turron, is usually a sell out. Meanwhile ‘nochevieja’, or New Year’s Eve, where massive screens show the countdown in Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol, with grapes galore, is a riot. For the eve of the Reyes on Jan 5 the three kings duly arrive on skis. Kids will love it. Carnival, from February 6-14, also sees a mass arrival for the fancy dress competition and snow-sport contests.

Across:

Sierra, 5 And now for somethingMove, 10 1Solo, Hasten, 16completely 8 Flagship, 12 Idaho, Dose, 17 13 Learn, Hosni, 18 different! 9 23 Legality, 14 Peal, Edits, 25

Nevada 958 70 80

THRILLSEEKERS: Get their kit off every year

A COLLECTION thrill seekersof Sierra Nevada’s rush down for the bravest last

Next year, day of the the mountain and silliest and veggie dishes season. in swimsuits the unusual at Borreguiles - Great fordownhill families! clothes where to participantsevent take to will where drinks the slopes hand in start and hedonism their Budding into Pradollano awaits. ed ski nudists often pass if ficial page. they signget a discountup to the However, of500 people space is normally best and and prizes limited most outrageous are given to One regular visitor to outfits. to the lipe, is the not mer yearsexpected to slopes, King FeChristmashe normallytake part. In fortime with drops in around right). friends (pictured

ular to see it in action (it can serve up to 250 people in one sitting), so make sure you book in high season. Expect some of the best pizzas in the resort, generally splendid Italian fare, while a stand out dish is easily the squid-ink spaghetti with prawns. Looking for something a bit more creative and informal, the pair also run the hipper joint Tito Tapas a few doors up, while a third restaurant is up in the middle of the resort. Guaranteed to be full every night, the wines by the glass are excellent and the tapas change regularly. If meat is your thing make sure to try out La Muralla, run by Argentinian Gonzalo Funes, whose steaks sit pride of place in the window and are among the best in the resort. The ‘tostas’ are also great and come in various guises, while I loved the milhoja of foie gras and a courgette carpaccio with fig sauce and the melt-in-the-mouth bulls cheek is also stunning.

Festive fun

FInd us on Google Maps with 360° degree view

2022-2023

Apres-ski

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Designer Sonia and husband Nestor have brought some magic to Confusion

English Ski & Snowboard

Plaza Andalucía, Edf. Salvia s/n, Pradollano tel: 958 480 856 civediamosn@gmail.com

A But would he approve?

ed with queues for the lifts, although Christmas can often be relatively Day around Christmas. quiet, while on the Reyes (January 6), day of the The almost all of the Spanish Sierra at home opening presents. will be ing fun, Nevada has also got a reputation with the apres as beDon’t forget to try and in Europe, once you ski being some of the best avoid Semana Blanca ‘white week’) – or know where to find (literally mostly half term at the end it (tip: it’s uphill). – when school children of learn to ski, and, February The resort started to develop bank holidays can rapidly from 1995 also be very busy. The of course, the World Skiing Championship. with to go up early at 8am main tip is “Since going or waiting till to 9am before the Spanish get frastructure changes were huge and then the inmidday. resort,” explains resort it is now a big villa, who has worked marketing boss Santiago Sethere for nearly two decades. The ticket office ital and now has in Plaza Andalucia is fully digdozens of machines for credit cars and phone payments.installed skiing costs €33 A day’s mally about €45, to €57 at peak time, but norwhile those in their free passes. 70s get

While a modern resort, is a nice spot to take the main base at Pradollano there are things for in the air or a spot of lunch, and and Disney figures the kids to do, with entertainers wandering around, particularly

an amazing Spanish tortilla with white truffle,” adds Stevie.

His other Japanese restaurant, Sierra Shimbuya, now in its fourth Nevada

WHERE

Snow dreams TO STAY

The Sierra of reliable Nevada only has hotels, writes Jon a handful Clarke

sierranevada.es

2022-2023

AUTHENTIC: Kenia Nevada

T is hard dollano to describe Pra- clean, Pra mountainas an authentic well run But, with village. one of and serves a metre on the ground Spain. the best breakfasts up of nally out, and the snow It also in has a ficharms. it certainly sun fi gym and has its with an in-house spa, There are and plenty masseur, stay but lots of places eas, filled of communal easily most charming one of to furniture. with charming arthe You be the old has Nevada,authentic Hotel got to and could also go splurge near the which is well Kenia wonderful on one upmarket located of the two Melia open mostcentre of town in of the year. and Thethe heart of thehotels, right Run by rooms at resort. the friendly dro – who the Melia Nevada used to Don Pe Pe- renovatedhave been Sierra country ski for the as a youngster and the recently New Pre- it is mium rooms have on floors 7 and 8. been built

Stares, 26 20 Volt, 22 Seen, Exempt Down: 2 6 Samoa, Igloo, 3 Rag doll, 4 Aah, 5 16 Divulge,7 Envious, 11 Bath Happiness, 19 Inner, salts, 21 Let up, 15 Element, 24 Gee

SPLURGE:

PLAZA DE ANDALUCÍA,

EDIF MONTEBAJO

2, SIERRA NEVADA

At luxurious

Melia hotel

TEL: 610 896 014

Atmosphere

Nearby, is Calambrito, a lovely space, with an equally good mix of Mexican favourites. I particularly liked the tacos, while the staff were really attentive. Another place focussing just on burgers, La Calle, opened up last season. Another great simple joint, but with great home cooked food, is Telesilla Burger. first hostals in the 1960s. The historic photos add to the atmosphere, while the heart-warming soul food is always excellent, and includes stews and lentils. Another excellent place overlooking the slopes is Tia Maria, which has a good mix of dishes and is a great place for breakfast.

眀眀眀⸀琀椀琀漀氀甀椀最椀⸀挀漀洀

Continues on next page

(+34) 902 144444 // www. (+34) 902 melia.com 144444 // www. melia.com

Find out how to be a Christmas angel this year with our rundown of charities that need a helping hand

Your

expat

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 3 Issue 80 www.theol

ivepress.es December 15th -

voice in Spain

January 12th 2023

See page 6

By Anthony Piovesan

A PRIVATE investigator who worked with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle nificant lead’ in is chasing ‘a sigthe missing Levi Davis case. Investigator Gavin Burrows volunteered to help former X-Factor track down the team of detectivesstar and sent a from his firm, Line of Inquiry, His 12 agents to Barcelona. ing on rotation have been workaround the clock scouring the streets.

Odd

Brit gives lifeline expat and his dogto homeless septuagenaria n as he shivers in winter storms

A BRITISH Good Samaritan may have “We have a number saved the one could be really of leads but man livinglife of an elderly homeless EXCLUSIVE with his dog in a denly peeked out By Alex Trelinski are following up,” significant we Civil War bunker. freezing from underneath Burrows, who has also worked Elche Hospital, while with Elton John, Retired policeman Derek Hepple, told the Olive Press. his Portuguese some blankets in came to the rescue 80, the concrete of the Czech man, Waterdog pet is being cared “This is an odd known as for by ker, which bunmembers is like have spoken to case. He must month ago.George, and his dog, Boba, a “Nobody of the Barkingside charity. somebody when an igloo this old should be he came to Barcelona Derek, who lives by living like 12 feet around or arranged Santa Pola’s Tam- this, especially with the cold in diamto meet somebody nights eter. drawing in,” Derek but that person arit beach, came across the 71-year-old has never come on one of his daily “I hope he can fi told the Olive Press. While the forward.” nd himself a The 24-year-old lanConcerned about coastline walks. his safety as the nent home in the new year.” perma- guage was quite rugby union for Brit, who played weather Derek, who has a deteriorated, he background of ani- a barrier, he got ing on October Bath, went miss- ways to help explored mal charity 29 within talking and the fundraising in his has not Now, to him been heard from native and after an urgent community. North-East since. he has managed to two-week search, ing a group England, had been help- how discovered get George a bed at of abandoned cats he close to living inhad been George’s shelter for the area five years. It was on one of for some time, alhis regular 5am though police ocfeeding visits so as casionally moved SAFE: Derek (left) not to attract the him on. hands Boba to charity helpers wrath of neigh- “I went straight back to my apartment and returned with nearby ing was soiled and wet,” bours, that he he explained. came across the wiches and coffee for George, sand- But he also knew providing plus some dog food for help was Czech man. Boba,” he explained. not going to solve the problem and he contacted Santa Pola’s ALL YOUR LEGAL He explained how “Since then I made sure to make social services. he got a shock ly visits to feed both of them,” dai- Finally, council worker ISSUES DEALT WITH! Marga Salmeradded on met when a head sud- Derek. with Derek to check out Meanwhile, Another former police- George’s living conditions. Here to help with “She was appalled your man, and phoned a docRichard life in Spain including Sparrow, provid- tor before an ambulance arrived take to him to hospital,” Derek ed a sleeping bag, wills, residency, said. while a Span- Boba had apparently vanished but tax returns, buying iard named Paco thankfully was found on the beach few a days later. brought in some and selling property “He’s now in an animal extra food. sanctuary run Despite living off by a friend of mine.” We speak your language! just an old age Meanwhile, he picked up his belongings and La Marquesa Commercial pension, Der- cluding gave some of the clothes, inCentre, Office 4C, ek’s generosity “All’s his precious Parka, a wash. Ciudad well that stretched ends well Quesada, Rojales to bring- really 03170 pleased that it’s all I hope and I’m ing new socks, tel: 966 943 219 come scarf, a hoodie,a ter nearly a month, thanks to good afwww.mylawyerinspain.com Marga,” exclaimed Derek, and a hat. who went through a “I had to do some- major operation in September and is still recovering. See page 9 thing because what he was wearOpinion Page 6

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TORREVIEJA council has approved the biggest annual budget in its history - namely €157.8 million. Opposition groups, with the exception of the far-right Vox party, voted against the Partido Popular authority's package. The leader of the Suena Torrevieja party, Pablo Samper, said that even though it was the ‘highest’ budget ever, it was the least ‘supportive’. Samper said that a total of €3 million had been slashed from 10 social programmes. Cuts included reductions in funds to help vulnerable people pay rents and school transport subsidies. Finance councillor Dominic Paredes refuted the claims.

Taking root ELCHE is embarking on a big programme of tree planting which will see 1,000 trees appear around the city this year. A wide variety of deciduous and perennial trees will be planted including Japanese acacias and fig trees. Some 860 tree ‘pits’ will be created on pavements and paved areas to improve shading and reduce pollution. The council has pledged to plant at least 4,000 trees each year through to 2027.

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Big-hearted expat’s frustration at cat colony feeding ban

E IV US CL EX

A PRELIMINARY autopsy into the death of Ivo Petrov, 15, suggests he died accidentally. The teenager went missing on January 5 after sailing on the Mar Menor in a stolen canoe with friends. Police divers recovered Ivo’s body 20 days later with his family suggesting his death might not have been an accident. They said he was scared of the sea and would not have gone sailing voluntarily. All three occupants were thrown into the water but despite two surviving off the Los Alcazares coast, Ivo’s body was not found until January 25.

Cat-astrophe The T he

No foul play

February 8th - February 21st 2024

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

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Together we can ‘Kill the Drug’

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

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%).

PROPERTY

February 8th - February 21st 2024

Celebrity

HAVEN

Javea

NEWS

www.theolivepress.es

Place in our home

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones January 24th - February

this month that reShe told her 143,000 followers decision. of passage for anyone locating had been a great Zumba class, she gushed: IT is something of a rite Smiling after a beachsideI mean to go on. moving to Spain. as when the costas’ latest So it was no surprise in, Jasmine Harman, “I’m starting the year to you, whatever “Whatever happened expat celebrity to move the good, let go a kitten. went on in 2023, hold onto announced she was adopting rescue i n the in took afresh 48, of the bad and start The Place in the Sun star, it living by a bin. cat after a friend found a new addition! Over 2024.” is “Family News! We haveours found a kitten all She continued: “Family thing the holidays, a friend of put on her Instagram the most important us a and this will give alone by some bins,” she balance.” better much feed. ADOPTED: she’s now called Hashe chose Es“We have taken her in, to life with a On whyshe added: “It Jasmine and tepona, zel and she’s adapting amazingly family have a lovely commufamily.” taken in a helping Brits find has After spending decades Harman finally took nity feel. We have stray kitten lots of Spanish famtheir ‘dream life’ abroad, (far left) buying a home in Esilies nearby.” the plunge in October tepona.

HETHER it is Saudi princes, Hollywood actors or British TV stars you are looking for, there is no shortage of celebrities who have made Spain their home. From the early days when Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant could be spotted chatting over breakfast in Marbella, to the current batch of publicity-hungry reality TV stars routinely spotted falling out of clubs, the trend has shown no sign of abating. The latest high-profile expats to make the move Iberian-side include Jasmine Harman who has moved to Estepona on the Costa del Sol. The Place in the Sun star, 48, has spent decades helping Brits find their ‘dream life’ abroad and has now taken her own advice. Meanwhile Hollywood actress Amber

SpanBy Ben Pawlowski HE is the best-selling ish artist of all time having sold over 150 million albums stringent import rules he according to worldwide. still was detained, Yet, Julio Iglesias, 80,in his a popular Spanish TV show travels with foodstuffs Fiesta. suitcases. spokesman for the DoMarbella-based A s AgriculThe ‘al- minican Republic’ multi-millionaire was ar- ture Ministry confirmed the most arrested’ on his Re- stop after Iglesias arrived on rival in the Dominican a private flight. ex-girlfriend, public with an astonishfood Meanwhile an‘Makoke’ Giing 42 kilograms of Jose María she often stuffed into his luggage. Lat- aever revealed The so-called ‘King ofPunta used to transport food in’ was pulled over at immi- for Iglesias, who has 5,000 Cana airport where vast performed over gration officers seized ies, concerts around the world. quantities of strawberr s, “Sometimes I would bring blueberrie Galicia from raspberries, seafood him cherries, tomatoes, celery, which he loved,” she told the beans, spinach, lettuce, Fiesta programme. mushrooms and meat. of eight, including father The Falling foul of the country’s

Julio Iglesias stopped at airport with suitcase full of berries and meat

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. Who Must File Modelo 720? The obligation extends to any tax resident in Spain, both

The world-renowned DJ owns one of the most luxurious villas Bit of a on Ibiza. Named after one tough ? of his songs andguy designed by his wife Cathy, Villa Titanium has 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, as well as a cinema, spa, gym and its own disco. He’s certainly anything but the only FREE superstar DJ owning on the island with Calvin Harris recently buying a farm in Santa Eulalia and Pete Tong a long time on/off resident. Supermodel Linda Evangelista meanwhile has an isolated villa in Es Cubells.

between The Bahamas livand Punta Cana, old ing with his 58-yearDutch wife, Miranda Rijnsburger. leaders, while league the to 1-0 losing the second game, He regularhis they drew 0-0 on Sunday. England’s visits in es ly appearanc 123 The centre-back made at Tottenham, Southampton huge estate top flight, including spells between side MalLiverpool. Marbella FIFTH-tier Spanish football a surpris- and 32-year old’s career had previously been derailed The Ojen, as the defender suffered aga City have announced staff. and by a wave of personal issues, and a gambling his ing new addition to their alcoholism where anxiety, , Totwith depression Former Liverpool and son Enrique addiction. just kept getting tenham star Steven Caulker grew up. a play- “I hit so many rock bottoms and they has joined the club as Reports lower and lower,” he confessed.a financial rock bottom, er-manager. rock bottom, in the US ip star rock The former Premiersh g the “It was a mental an emotional and spiritual his bottom, suggest rock discoverin physical a after joined up his bottom”. health is declub while on holiday with and therapy, Caulker admits teriorati ng, Following intensive rehab day-by-day. girlfriend and son in Nerja. a com- he has to confront his personal battles an organisation in particuIt was sadly anything but Behind the White Lines, team belar suffering manding start with the end of a He set up to provide training camps to young players mowhich seeks from ing on the wrong young. clubs when for 6-0 hammering in his who are released from bility issues Caulker can not yet playable first game. While Brexit rules mean has been and memoim- the club until he has a special licence, he Things badges. ry loss. while completing coaching for

CLEAN START

By Dilip Kuner

proved

to manage the team

START YOUR JOURNE

NAVIGATING MODELO 720 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.

Spain inflight magazine.part in a simiA BMW dealership in The actress took tion in 2017. has dropped an ad campaign actress lar demonstra armed terrorist featuring Money Heist in ETA was an waged a bloody Itziar Ituno for protesting political group that independence for defence of the rights of campaign for prisoners from ETA. took of- the Basque Country killing 829 The garage in Bilbao e at the people over nearly 60 years. appearanc disbandher fence at in The group eventually protest of 20,000 people ed in April 2018. Raquel Bilbao. an Ituno played inspector hit Netflix show. Airline Iberia also removed for its Murillo in the interview with the star

a pop star Enrique, has lived quiet life since retiring. time He mostly splits his

Heard recently moved to Madrid, after a year in Mallorca, following her split from Johnny Depp, while ex-ManchesS ME? UR READER U SEE Sharpe O ter United ace Lee isS happily N ALL CAN YO A C O S SINES U THEN B R AS Blanca OU Costa living near Javea on Ythe D BE COUL S THIS UAL A ITTLE having become a golfVRISpro. L AS F OM AN ISSUE 0 There are literally hundreds of ex-proAS €5 fessional footballers and other sportsmen living here, not to mention reality TV stars. It’s no surprise as Spain offers an attractive combination of fantastic weather, luxurious properties and discreet locations, which all add to the appeal. From pop stars to leading actors, the Olive Press takes a light-hearted peek behind the gated mansions of some of the more famous names who live or spend time in Spain.

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. 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. 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

The Hollywood power couple famously own an estate in Mallorca, although little is known about the holiday home they acquired in the charming Valencia resort of Javea (pictured left). Overlooking an isolated, rocky cove, it has a stunning, enviable position. Maybe when in town they pop round to the pad of TV chef Nigella Lawson for a spot of dinner – she too has a home in Javea. It’s less likely they play golf with Lee Sharpe.

Shot in the foot

FRUIT CAKE

As TV star Jasmine Harman and ex-Premiership ace Steven Caulker move to the Costa del Sol, we look at 5 of the most well-known celebrities to make this country their home (well, at least, on/off)

6th 2024

David Guetta Ibiza

All FANCY yourself as a boxer? a session Comers can earn €368 the ring if they fancy a whirl in with heavyweight contender . Oleksandr Usyk (pictured) - who is Actually, the Ukrainianhis forthtraining in Valencia for with Tycoming world title fight ed son Fury - needs right-hand 210 cm boxers between 200 and tall and have an arm span of 200 to 216 cm. Usyk fights the Gypsy King, the WBC champion, in Saudi Arabia on February 17. Fury, 35, is training in Morecambe, Lancashire, previhaving trained ously for fights at KinaDaniel han’s controMTK versial gym in Marbella.

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Brad Pitt

Port d’Andratx ( Mallorca) Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt can occasionally be found in his mansion in Mallorca, an impressive house in Port d'Andratx that’s worth €3.5 million. A keen fan of architecture with a serious property portfolio, he bought the home in 2016 but hasn’t visited that often, according to neighbours.

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

Michael Schumacher

Port d’Andratx ( Mallorca)

The legendary Formula 1 driver is well known for his love of Mallorca. With its tranquil landscapes and Mediterranean allure, it is the perfect setting for Schumacher to recuperate in the long years since his tragic skiing accident in 2013. His wife Corrina bought Villa Yasmin in Port d'Andratx for a reported €30 million, in 2017, to provide a tranquil retreat for the racing icon on the family’s visits to the island. He is anything but the only famous German on the island with tennis ace Boris Becker long owning there, while Claudia Schiffer had a family home there in Camp de Mar for decades.

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

Annie Lennox Soller ( Mallorca) The former Eurythmics singer has long been a big fan of Spain and particularly Mallorca where she owns a house in Soller where stone buildings line charming narrow streets that weave in and out of lush squares. Despite her busy schedule, Lennox spends extended periods in her charming home… and less so in the two village houses she bought two decades ago in the inland Cadiz provincial town of Olvera. All’s the better, for now you can sprinkle a bit of stardust on your life, with one of them, Annie’s Corner, now on the market for just €90,000. The classic white-washed home spreads over 190m and counts on three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The sweet dream can be acquired at www.olveraproperties.com.

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

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.

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

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

Rising rents

RENTALS prices in Spain are set to soar with available properties at a 'minimum' according to real estate portal Fotocasa. Rents are projected to rise by over 5% this year, after record-high prices were logged last year. In the first half of 2023, the all-time high rental price was recorded at €11.69 per square metre - a figure exceeding the previous record set during the 2007 real estate bubble. Higher rents are causing the exclusion from the market of many potential tenants - up to 40% who can only afford lower prices. The escalating costs means that there is a 14% rise in demand for rooms in shared housing.

Housing woes THE slice of a paycheck going up in smoke each month on rent has climbed three percent to 33%. Barcelona tops the list, demanding 44% of household income, followed closely by Palma at 43%, Valencia at 39%, Málaga at 38%, and Madrid at 37%. Meanwhile, average mortgage costs have jumped from 18% to 22% in the last year. A tight squeeze in housing supply and the resulting price hike is blamed for pushing rental costs to the limit, while rising interest rates are the culprits for buyers.

RENT CRISIS SPECIAL

February 8th - February 21st 2024

RENT CAPS

A fine record

Controls set for Spain’s second city as 140 municipalities in Catalunya are labelled ‘tense zones’ CATALUNYA is set to be the first region in Spain to order price limits on landlords. Rent controls are to be introduced in 140 municipalities, revealed planning boss Ester Capella. All of Barcelona and the pro-

ticularly in densely populated areas. A meeting between vincial capitals of Lleida, Tar- Capella and Isabel ragona and Girona will come Rodríguez, Spain's under the ruling. Minister of HousThe move is a response to the ing culminated in urgent affordability crisis, par- an agreement to finalise the Rental Price Reference Index in the up- CAP: Six million people live in the affected area JUST 16% of Spanish young- ish Youth Council study. coming weeks. sters have managed to move out The figure represents a fall This index is designed - will be designated as ‘tense of their parents’ home, compared from the 19% before the panto provide a benchmark zones’, meaning rents for new to the European average of 32%. demic and a huge drop from the for setting rental prices, leases ‘cannot exceed’ the price The 18 to 30-year group is finding 26% registered before the six particularly in areas with set in the last contract over the it even harder since the COVID year ‘crisis’ hit in 2008. high housing demand or past five years. pandemic, it has emerged. Youth unemployment, sitting where there's a significant Furthermore, landlords who Just seven million youngsters at 28% for the under 25s, is a imbalance between supply own more than 10 properties in that age range were able major factor in the change, as will be restricted from setting and demand. to move away from the family well as the high price of rentThe municipalities - home rent prices above the estabhousehold, discovered a Span- al accommodation. to over six million people lished index. By Walter Finch

STAY-AT-HOME GENERATION

A SPANISH landlord has been slammed with a record €420,000 fine for renting out unlicensed tourist apartments 'for years'. The unnamed Barcelona owner rented 14 flats for years, advertised online through holiday accommodation portals. On arrival, punters were handed keys by an elderly tenant who lived in the same block. Barcelona town hall hopes the giant fine will serve as a warning that illegal rentals are no longer being tolerated in the city. The 14 flats had initially been advertised on Booking.com and Airbnb, but in 2018 the portals withdrew any apartments in the city that did not have a license number. Inspectors have been busy over the last six years monitoring the owner and others like him via a string of other sites. The properties usually appeared under many different names in order to trick the authorities. The €420,000 fine is understood to equate to the estimated profit he made. The town hall is also providing their file to the Hacienda tax authorities in case he hasn’t declared his income properly.

PROBLEM OR PANIC?

The Property Insider

by Adam Neale

The squatting of empty homes is a necessity not an anarchist’s folly and the actual numbers do not match up to the media hype, explains Adam Neale

T the end of last year, a well-established squat (okupa) was raided in Barcelona, leading to several arrests. The mass raid by riot police (pictured right) reignited a debate in Spain about squatting and spurred a flurry of articles and denunciations of the current government. The facts are squatting emerges when a section of the population is unable to afford basic housing. The problem is exacerbated by rental markets suffering a chronic shortage of properties at reasonable prices. That’s Spain in a nutshell and, sadly, government attempts to address the issue, specifically with the new housing law, are only making matters worse. The facts are, the new law is merely discouraging private investment without replacing it with anything else. What’s more, the burden of dealing with the pro-

blem is now being levied on homeowners, including the costs associated with evicting squatters. It’s all stick and no carrot for everyone concerned. Media slant v reality Spain’s mainstream media allows politicians to continually fear-monger that a criminal underclass exists, one intent on squatting homes for profit or just for the thrills. However this picture of an insurmountable and unbearable crisis simply is not true. While there are tens of thousands of squatted homes in Spain, the number of denuncias against squatters began to decline since 2022. Furthermore the number of squats has actually declined since 2016 from 87,000 to 78,000 in 2023.

Addressing the housing crisis Meanwhile, rents have been rising far faster than incomes in Spain. According to the Cerda Institut, rent now takes up over 40% of income for low earners, putting housing out of reach for many. With such financial pressures, particularly in the cities, some resort to squatting empty buildings out of economic necessity rather than criminal opportunism. In Barcelona, the average squatter is between 36 and 45 years old with dependent children. Some 72% are Spanish nationals despite some sectors of the media claiming they are all immiUNDER INVESTMENT: Spain spends a tenth of the UK on grants or anarchist hippies. social housing

BATTLE: Squatters in Barcelona waged a desperate fight against eviction in November

Social housing tragedy Spain spends just €35 per person per year on social housing, compared to €439 in the UK (see chart left). It is the lowest in Europe, in fact. But instead of constructive policy solutions, politicians exploit fears of squatters to avoid addressing the root of the problem. Quite simply, no goverment has seriously committed to expanding social housing or funding its development with private sector incentives. Rather than addressing the issue they are simply pushing the problem onto landlords and into the courts, which are now overwhelmed. Evicting a squatter takes ten to 11 months on average at trial level and a further ten months if appealed, for a total of around 20 months. As the Olive Press revealed last year one English owner in Ronda has waited two years to even get a court date. With such delays, it is understandable owners

feel aggrieved, but the root of the problem remains unaddressed. Solutions What we need is a sharp increase in the construction of affordable housing. Rather than political rhetoric, governments should offer tax breaks, low-cost loans and other financial incentives for private developers to build affordable housing. Where market incentives fail, direct public investment in social housing is warranted. So yes, it’s true that 78,000 squatted homes – even if it only represents 0.4% of the country’s housing stock – is causing headaches for thousands of property owners. However, politicians and the media have exploited the situation to generate disproportionate fears of a widespread crisis. We must address the root economic causes rather than whip up moral panic.

February 8th - February 21st 2024

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Spain amongst the best in the world for life expectancy

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

By Yzabelle Bostyn

(83.9) and Korea (83.6). The worldwide average life expecUK tancy is just 80.3 years, with the clocking in just above, at 80.4 years. exIt is believed Spain’s high life pectancy could be linked to good nationwide healthcare provision, as the Mediterranean diet, as well the warm climate.

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

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ESPERATE to shed some excess festive timber but apprehensive about hitting the

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

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.

Old age wonder

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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sleep with someone who had a ‘sexual infection’, but 30% said it depended on the type. Despite this, four out of 10 Spaniards say they do not peocheck the sexual health status of the ple they sleep with. to The report, Spaniards and Sex, spoke 2,000 men and women aged between 18 and 58.

free without an appointment FLU vaccinations are now available at all health centres around Andalucia.spread of respiratory illnessThe move comes however, just as the es, such as flu, is starting to subside. across Spain, with a fall The first week of 2024 saw a 3.2% decrease residents. from 966 to 935 cases per 100,000 rate nationwide with only Andalucia also has the second lowest bettered by the Balearic Islands. 460 cases per 100,000, a rate only rate of 1691 cases per 100,000. Castilla-La Mancha has an infection

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A BRITISH expat has died blood cells and sepsis. after being given the The next day, he was painkiller Nolotil for a deadly shoulinto intensive care with taken der injury, it has emerged. failure. Two days later, organ Mark Brooks, 42, was enjoying he was dead. a game of golf near his home in His partner, Summer Alicante when he began (right) has been left to Moses riencing shoulder pain. expepick up the pieces with their four-yearThe next day, he went old daughter, Aurora. local health clinic on theto his CosThe pair had been planning ta Blanca, where he received to get married, before the a shot of metamizole, also incident took Mark’s tragic known as Nolotil. life in October last year. Some 48 hours later the “Summer was in complete dener, from Derbyshire, garwas shock. One day he was admitted to hospital ing golf, really excited,playrevieja with depletedin Torand white then the next he was dead,” anti-Nolotil 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 FINAL HOLE: Just Within hours of revise and Boehringer Ingelheim, the cam- cluding 170 Britons living paign group, the Association company that makes in modify regulations and investi48 hours later, Mark receiving an inof Spain. Nolotil, Drug gate Affected (centre left ) was dead 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, ational began latest statistics have shown. the legal action Almeria is the worst affected Olive Press launched All UK & Intern province with water a cam- ish Medical against the SpanCompare funerals paign plies stand at just 9.38% TV systems 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 d Plans cover the particu- government CCTV - Soun 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%, & Vision to hand out the drug. Euro0.2% drop over the past peans and a year-on-year fall of 22%. is week not Spain’s Interest being et followed. most free payment plans popular sub- “We’re & 4G Intern The stark numbers come not looking for money from €2,250 or as scription painkiller, Nolotil Fiber Optic 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 952 763 840 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. 635 400 099 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 info@theskydoctor.com See pages 24 stands at 23.4% (+0.17%), 21.3% (+0.7%), Sevilla Jaen Tomorrows Funeral www.theskydoctor.com (+1.6%) and Huelva 36% 34% (+5%), Cordoba 18% (+3.8%). at Today’s Price

British expat, 42, dies Father-of-one develo after taking Nolotil: ped sepsis after being given the ‘lethal’ painki ller for a minor golf injury

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).

PREMATURE?: Our 2017/18 campaign rested after the Spanish goverment ruled that Nolotil should not be given. to tourists or Northern European expats, yet people are still dying from it (as our front page last issue proved)

Cracking up

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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

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

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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

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: Cristina del Campo

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.

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.

Head to the subscribe page, click the package you want and enter VALENTINE24 into the code box that opens up below. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below with your device to be taken directly to the discounted offers. P.S. The sale ends on February 19!

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SCAN HERE TO LAND YOURSELF AN UNLIMITED, AD-FREE HALF PRICE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: are bars closing in Spain? How the number 1- Whyof drinking establishments has dwindled by almost 20% since 2021 EXCLUSIVE: Families are unable to flush the 2as -community toilet or wash for DAYS on Spain's Costa del Sol runs out of water 'due to the drought' - Olive Press News Spain

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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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 ex-

By Yzabelle Bostyn

change which will help us to overcome Spain’s colonial history.’ However, strict proposal has provoked criticism from opposition leaders. 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.”

ART: but is it appropriate? The revision has been under consideration for some time, even before current culture minister, Ernest Urtasun, took

Surreal, Man 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. 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

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 move follows recommendations from the International Council of Museums. He said: “Museums respond to the debates of their time.”

Decolonise

DIFFERENT VIEW: Man Ray’s works 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.

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) Down 1 Chew on (4) 2 Names (6) 3 Prolonged pain (5) 4 Signal to arise (8) 5 Cured (6) 7 “The Scream” artist (5) 12 Artsy pet organized picture in fabric (8) 13 Leap on one foot (3) 16 Beaver abodes (6) 18 Superior of a convent (6) 19 Orange variety (5) 20 Short and stout (5) 22 Jump lightly (4)

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.

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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.”

Why NowCompare? Before NowCompare entered the Spanish market, expats were grappling with high health insurance premiums. The platform's arrival has disrupted the status quo, empowering expats with the ability to compare, save, and secure the best health insurance coverage. The company's licensing in Europe underscores its commitment to facilitating the expat experience in Spain. Seize the Moment: Save Before It's Too Late The clock is ticking, and NowCompare encourages expats to take advantage and save up to 40% on health insurance by acting now. The process is easy, quick, and, most importantly, cost-effective. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock exclusive savings that could reshape the way you approach health coverage while living overseas. The Path to Peace of Mind Navigating life as an expat comes with its own set of challenges, but health insurance shouldn't be one of them. NowCompare is not just a comparison service; it's a partner in ensuring your peace of mind. With offices around the world, the company is uniquely positioned to understand the diverse needs of expats, offering tailored solutions that prioritize both health and financial well-being. In conclusion, NowCompare.es invites expats in Spain to embark on a journey towards cost-effective and comprehensive health insurance. Seize the opportunity to save, compare, and secure the best health insurance before it's too late. NowCompare: Your gateway to a healthier and more affordable expat experience in Spain.

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HEALTH ALZHEIMER’S REVELATION

February 8th - February 21st 2024

Miracle baby

A BABY has been born in Spain using his grandmother’s donated uterus. Manuel was born just two years after his mother, Mayra Montes, received a uterus transplant from her mum. Mayra said: “It’s incredible when they tell you can’t have children and then two years later you have one of your own.” The birth took place in the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, the only health facility in Spain to have performed a uterus transplant birth. The first took place in the hospital in March 2023. In both cases, the mothers suffered Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, being born without a uterus or fallopian tubes.

How the brain disease was spread between humans via a growth hormone given to children

A NEW study has revealed that brain disease Alzheimer’s can spread between humans. Experts have found evidence of at least five people contracting the illness. Each person who caught the memory erasing condition were amongst 1,848 people injected with growth

Keep the doctor away A NEW report has confirmed that tomatoes are good for you, especially if you eat them daily. Spanish doctor David Murcia-Lesmes, who is a Food Science and Nutrition researcher, has concluded that tomatoes can help prevent and treat high blood pressure. The condition is suffered by up to 11 million people in Spain, and can cause other issues such as heart failure and strokes. The doctor’s research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, shows that eating a tomato daily can reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 36%. The reason for this is the fruit’s high content of lycopene which is known to be beneficial particularly in elderly and overweight people.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

hormones full of toxic amyloid-beta protein ‘seeds’, or prions, as children. They all developed the same early onset variant of the condition. Now, others who received the same treatment are considered ‘at risk’ of developing Alzheimer’s. For some 27 years between 1958 and 1985, unusually short children were given hormones harvested from human corpses to help encourage their growth. Used in the UK and US, it was found that some batches were contaminated with prions that led to a deadly, incurable brain disorder known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). The illness, closely linked to mad cow dis-

ease, led doctors to instead use synthetic hormones. Researchers now believe other medical procedures could lead to Alzheimer’s disease as prions can survive medical grade sterilisation methods. Prions can encourage illnesses by accumulating in the brain and killing neurons, a vital part of brain function. According to the UK’s NHS, the accumulation of prions can lead to plaque deposits.

This abnormal build-up of proteins in and around neurons is believed to lead to Alzheimers. The memory robbing disease was formerly thought to come in two forms. Most common is the ‘random’ variant suffered by thousands over the age of 65. The other variant was a genetic early-onset type that runs in families. The latest research was carried out by University College London.

Cancer on the rise CANCER cases could rise by 77% by 2050, according to a new report by the World Health Organisation. Current standing at 20 million, the WHO predicts global cancer diagnoses will rise to 35 million in the next 25 years. The report covers 185 countries and 36 types of the illness. The research indicated that lung, breast and colorectal cancer are the most common forms of the disease. According to the study, several factors will drive the expected increases, including obesity, air pollution, tobacco and alcohol use. The ageing population is also a key factor in influencing cancer rates. However, the rise will not affect all populations equally. While most-developed nations will record the greatest increase in case numbers, mortality rates will be much higher in less developed nations.

14 Cala Estreta, Costa Brava, Catalunya 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.

h c a e b a s e’

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

f i L

February 8th - February 21st 2024

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. 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.

Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cadiz 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.

Playa de Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands 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.

Playa de Torimbia, Llane s, Asturias

The rugged but encha coming increasingly ponting landscape of Northern Spain is bepular with Spanish tou to see why. rists and it’s easy Described as ‘one of the wil de st and most spectacular Bay of Biscay, protected of the perfect beach break for by giant cliffs’, Playa de Torimbia is the ad ven turers who also like to every once in a while. sunbathe The dramatic landscap shape make this cove e, golden sand and almost perfect shell But visitors be warned,an astonishing beauty spot. the Playa de Torimbia is a nudist beach.

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.

OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword 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.

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 . *Data extracted from process closure surveys after using our Roadside Assistance and breakdown services.

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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.’

Rave on AN illegal three-day rave in Novelda could be heard 20km away, with police saying that 60 speakers blared out loud music to a crowd of 1,000.

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COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 5 Issue 108 www.theolivepress.es February 8th - February 21st 2024

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.