Olive Press Gibraltar issue 233

GOOD TIMING

THE ghosts of the McGrail Inquiry continue to murmur.

An investigation into whether whistleblowers were ‘incentivised’ to give evidence against former Commissioner of Police Ian McGrail has been dropped.

It was handed off to former Northern Ireland Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) John McVea, and backed up by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

On Thursday, September 26, it was announced that McVea’s investigation had not ‘uncovered any evidence that meets the threshold for criminal prosecution for Misconduct in Public Office.’

Meanwhile, on the same day, it was also announced that McVea had landed the position of Chief of Police for the Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP).

“The chess pieces are on the move,” a high-level Gibraltar source told the Olive Press.

In a statement McGrail said: “The suggestion that there was witness inducement was not plucked from thin air but arose from high level official information that I had received from the RGP in early 2021 and which had been shared with the then Governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel.”

However, the former Commissioner of Police expressed his ‘satisfaction’

No drone zone

THE Spanish Navy is busy undertaking military exercises around the Strait of Gibraltar to practise anti-drone warfare.

It comes after observing the success the Ukrainian Navy has enjoyed picking off the Russians in the Black Sea with both sea-based and aerial drones.

The MAR 24-2 training mission, encompassing both the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea, features a number of frigates, landing ships, supply ships, as well as Spain’s flagship aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I

The eight vessels will focus primarily on Above Water Warfare (AWW), while also practising for electronic warfare and anti-aircraft warfare scenarios. Up in the air, Spanish F-18s, MH60R helicopters and a UK-based Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS) aircraft will be soaring overhead.

The urgency for the training comes as the Houthis in Yemen have consistently targeted vital Western shipping that transits the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Borderline control

Uncertainty

THE European Commission has refused to rule out the possibility that its new border controls for the Schengen zone will be delayed beyond the November 10 start date.

La Linea Mayor Juan Franco (below) said that infrastructure apparatus for the new Entry Exit System (EES) has already been installed at the border with Gibraltar.

However, a European Commission spokesperson told the Olive Press:

“The implementation of a system like EES is a complex operation and delays cannot be completely excluded.

“However, the Commission will continue to support Member States in the lead-up to the start of operations as foreseen.”

By Walter Finch

It has been reported that France, Germany, and the Netherlands have confessed to the European Commission (EC) that they won’t be ready by November 10.

Some sources suggested the start date could be pushed back a week to November 17.

The start date has often been viewed as an informal deadline for negotiators to seal a deal to incorporate Gibraltar into the Schengen zone.

Failure to reach one could see 15,000 cross-border workers and their employers face potentially crippling delays and disruptions.

But Chief Minister Fabian Picardo (left), who participated in inconclusive treaty talks two weeks ago, rejected this notion and said talks with the EU and Spain were likely to continue after the EES has gone up.

“It is not impossible there might be other such high-level meetings in the coming weeks or months,” he said in Parliament.

not be in our interest as a negotiating party”

The sticking point, as ever, has been Spain’s demand that uniformed and armed Spanish officers be present on Gibraltar territory manning the borders at the airport and the port.

SCHENGEN: The delays may be delayed

With both set to become Schengen entry points in the event of a treaty, it is believed that the Spanish side is demanding, as EU citizens, that their officers must oversee the two –something Gibraltar views as a clear infringement of its sovereignty.

Guard Agency, known as Frontex, should assist its border staff to man the entry points.

“Frontex is a European agency which can aid member states in respect of the provisions of the statute that creates Frontex, and insofar as that creates jurisdiction in respect of Frontex,” Picardo said.

Efforts

“As I’ve said already, I don’t want to fall into the trap of setting up any date in November as a cliff edge against which we would be negotiating, because that would

Picardo said his government’s position had been made clear ‘ad nauseum.’

“On Gibraltar, there only needs to be Gibraltar law enforcement agents, British law enforcement agents enforcing Gibraltar's laws, including our immigration laws and giving assurance to third parties in the context of what happens in and around Gibraltar.”

Although the negotiations have been held behind closed doors, it is believed that Gibraltar’s position is that the European Border and Coast

But efforts have already been stepped up to prepare Gibraltarians, Brits and Spaniards alike for the likelihood of no deal before the EES comes into effect.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia told delegates at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham that ‘Gibraltar will remain as proudly British as it has ever been, treaty or no treaty’. But he added that there were ‘important red lines on sovereignty and jurisdiction which neither Gibraltar nor the UK would cross, and in those circumstances there would be no treaty’.

Tragic death

FOOTBALLER Erick Lujan, 24, was killed in a car accident while on his way to training with his club CD Belver de Huesca when the car he was travelling in collided with a truck near Lerida.

I do

THE eldest daughter of motor-racing legend Michael Schumacher has married her partner, Iain Bethke. Gina Schumacher tied the knot at the family’s estate in Mallorca.

Murder quiz

AN investigation has been launched by British police two years after tourist Robyn-Eve Maines, 24, plunged 30ft to her death from a hotel balcony in Ibiza, with a man aged 27 arrested then bailed.

Not

wanted

A DIPLOMATIC row between Mexico and Spain has erupted after the Latin American nation’s leftwing president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum refused to invite King Felipe VI to her inauguration.

A SERIES of luxury cars stolen from countries across Europe were seized by police just moments before they were due to be shipped to Morocco from Tarifa.

Among them were a €125,000 Porsche 911 Carrera that had been stolen in Denmark and kitted out with fake Swiss plates and documents to fool customs

Heist stalled

police, and a €225,000 Audi RS6 that had vanished in Germany.

Police uncovered the operation over the past three weeks, seizing 16 high-end cars, five motorcycles, and a quad bike. Authorities believe the ring was target-

ing high-value vehicles to smuggle them across the Strait of Gibraltar, either to be sold on in the Moroccan market or even returned to European showrooms.

Cop deaths arrests

THE drug trafficker accused of piloting the narco boat that killed two Guardia Civil officers in February has finally been arrested.

After months of evading capture, Karim El Baqqali, 32, was picked up by authorities while in Cadiz after spending months hiding out in Morocco. The Moroccan national is accused of piloting the narcolancha that killed Miguel Angel Gonzalez and David Perez in Barbate.

The incident occurred when the officers, patrolling with

Narco trafficker accused of killing two Guardia Civil finally arrested

By Walter Finch

four colleagues in a Zodiac inflatable speed boat, were rammed by a high-powered narco boat.

The smugglers, who normally loiter out in international waters, had been forced into the harbour at Barbate in order to shelter from a storm.

It prompted the Guardia Civil to send the officers into chop-

A RING of food suppliers in Spain conned eco-conscious consumers across Europe by exporting regular fruit and vegetables labelled as organic.

The scheme involved taking advantage of the higher prices customers are willing to pay for organic foods and pocketing the difference.

Investigators estimate that the group, operating in Motril, Granada, sold over two million kilograms of non-organic produce

py waters to face off against the narco boats in an attempt to either arrest them or chase them off.

But it ended in tragedy, with authorities suspecting the deadly attack was premeditated.

The narcolancha is alleged to have deliberately accelerated into the officers’ clearly marked police boat.

El Baqqali is known to be part of a notorious organisation

Fruit ring busted

as organic in just six months.

The profits from this lucrative fraud were divided among the ring's members, including the company owner and several accomplices.

Four individuals have been arrested and 16 others are under investigation.

that traffics hash from Morocco to Spain.

After the fatal incident, he fled to Morocco, where he remained hidden until his arrest.

Three other individuals, who were also aboard the drug boat that night, are still at large.

International arrest warrants have been issued for their capture.

Investigations into the incident took a sudden turn in May when the six suspects initially picked up over the officers' deaths were cleared.

Analysis of video footage from the night of the attack showed that although they were present in the port that night, they were operating a different drug boat.

Attention then shifted to El Baqqali, who was fingered as the boat’s pilot by one of the original suspects.

that the investigation has been carried out in a thorough and serious manner. But he remains ‘concerned that there were so many agreements entered into by the Chief Minister involving public money and positions, without legal authority.’ McGrail added that he expects these agreements to be investigated by the Principal Auditor.

The allegations of witness inducements, which came from McGrail himself, claimed RGP officers were being offered benefits to provide affidavits to this spring’s inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his early retirement.

Given the highly sensitive nature of the inquiry, which was examining allegations of ‘corruption at the highest levels of government’ within Gibraltar, the current RGP Commissioner Richard Ullger requested outside support from the UK, which came in the shape of McVea.

The Ulsterman, who had been working for the RGP as an independent senior investigator since February 2023, will now take over the GDP. The two are not to be confused: the RGP is Gibraltar's primary civilian police force, while the GDP is a specialised force primarily responsible for providing security and law enforcement at British military and Ministry of Defence (MoD) bases in Gibraltar.

Dynamic duo

RAFAEL Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz could be set to reunite to represent Spain at the finals of the Davis Cup, just months after teaming up for the men’s doubles tournament at the Paris Olympics.

The tantalising prospect of the dream duo, christened by tennis fans as ‘Nadalcaraz’, returning to the court together was raised after Nadal, 38, was

named in the five-player preliminary squad to represent Spain at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga this November.

Despite pulling out of last weekend’s Laver Cup event in Berlin through injury, the 22-time grand slam champion has vowed to continue playing tennis at the highest level for as long as his body allows.

If he remains injury-free until November, Nadal could reunite with Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old four-time grand slam champion and World No.3.

CRUISE IN META EVENT

ONE of Spain’s smallest villages had one of the world’s biggest (metaphorically) visitors over the weekend. The quiet hamlet of Arguisal, located near the Aragonese Pyrenees mountains, 40km north of Hu-

By Walter Finch

Jack of hearts

THIS is the heartwarming moment Hollywood actor Johnny Depp surprised youngsters at a children’s ward in Donostia Hospi tal, San Sebastian while dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp, 61, stars as the swashbuckling pi rate in the popu lar Pirates of the Caribbean fran chise, which has

esca, is home to just 14 people – and no tourist villas. But that number was bumped up to 15 when Tom Cruise’s helicopter landed at the home of Meta’s Chief Operating Officer.

Javier Olivan.

47, a key figure in Silicon Valley, has been overseeing Meta companies such

grossed over €4 billion worldwide, running as the 16th-highest-grossing

The award-winning actor regularly visits children’s hospitals after his daughter, LilyRose, was diagnosed with temporary kidney failure aged just seven.

Depp says he is forever in debt to the pediatric doctors who saved his daughter’s life, and so makes regular visits to surprise ill kids.

as Facebook , Whatsapp and Instagram remotely from the isolated mountain retreat after moving from Palo Alto in California.

Despite efforts to keep the superstar visit underwraps, word leaked out of the Top Gun star’s presence in the town and his fondness for quiet, off-the-beaten-track locations.

The eagle-eyed spotted him dining with Olivan, one of Meta’s highest-paid executives, with Forbes reporting him as having a €23 million salary last year.

Confidant

Olivan, originally from the nearby town of Sabiñanigo, has been a close confidant of Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg since joining the company in 2007. The visit of Cruise, 62, is sure to land Arguisal on the map. Shouldered by mountain peaks on the not-so-distant horizon, it’s a lush and green location that would not look out of place in Switzerland. The residents have reportedly been enamoured with their A-list guest.

However, Cruise’s presence may end up attracting further visitors to the secluded and peaceful hamlet.

This may undermine its place as a private retreat ideal for those seeking an escape from modern life.

praised

The award was presented by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron, with whom Blanchett collaborated on Disclaimer In a surprise video message, her long-time friend George

calling

An emotional Blanchett said it felt like a ‘homecoming’ to receive the award.

The audience then enjoyed a screening of her latest film, Rumours

ROYAL TELL ALL

JUAN Carlos, Spain’s disgraced and exiled former king, has announced he will publish his memoirs next year, vowing to ‘explain my mistakes and bad decisions’ during his time as head of state.

The 500-page book will be titled Reconciliation, a nod to Juan Carlos’ role in Spain’s transition to democracy following the death in 1975 of the fascist dicta tor General Franco. It is set to be published by Stock, a French publishing house.

The former monarch, 86, said his hand has been forced into painting his own version of events, claiming ‘my story is being stolen from me’ as several biographies detailing alleged affairs and financial scandals are published.

Juan Carlos abdicated the throne in 2014 amid much criticism for an el ephant hunting safari trip and an embezzlement scandal involving his daughter, Infantina Cristina, and has lived in exile in Abu Dhabi since 2020 following a string of investi gations into alleged corruption.

CATE Blanchett, 55, dazzled in a gold gown as she received the prestigious Donostia Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Clooney

her,

her one of the greatest actors, comparing her to legends like Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro.

FLYING VISIT: Cruise and Olivan (right) with Zuckerberg

Freudian slip

AT least two Spanish government ministries have been caught using maps on their website which show Gibraltar’s territorial waters.

The websites of the Interior Ministry and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition show a maritime boundary around the British territory that is not recognised by Spain.

The Ministry for Ecological Transition’s website displays these disputed waters as part of its noise maps and a geoportal tracking fuel prices across the country.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) uses similar maps on its website to show road incidents.

Blame for this embarrassing oversight has been placed at the door of data from OpenStreetMap, a free collaborative mapping project founded by British engineer Steve Coast.

Wedding horror

AN Irish tourist has been hospitalised after suffering serious burns following a freak accident at her friend’s wedding on the Costa del Sol.

The 29-year-old woman is being treated at a specialist burns unit in Sevilla’s Virgen del Rocio University Hospital after the incident last Thursday, which occured when her dress accidentally caught fire on nearby candles during an Irish couple’s wedding reception.

Fellow guests quickly called the emergency services, who rushed to treat the ‘seriously injured’ woman at a set of holiday apartments by Nerja’s famous Balcon de Europa viewpoint. She was transferred to a hospital in nearby Malaga where she underwent an emergency operation before being sent to Sevilla where she continues to fight for her life.

The unnamed victim is reported to have suffered burns to over 70% of her body, with her legs being the most seriously affected.

A spokesperson for the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the case and continues to provide consular assistance.

QUEUING UP TO COMPLAIN

IN a possible sign of things to come, the border between Spain and Gibraltar has seen long, snaking queues. Workers and tourists alike have reported that Spanish and EU citizens were being funnelled into the same queue as non-EU nationals regardless of nationality or residency status.

The change has reportedly been driven by Gibraltar border control, who were checking every document or ID card by hand, leading to significant slowdowns during peak hours. Previously, Spanish citizens with DNI cards had the ability to bypass the queues and scan their IDs at automated machines.

The change has caused widespread grumbles among residents in Spain who rely on crossing

Russian through

THE Spanish Navy has been on alert after the numbers of Russian warships and merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Gibraltar have surged by 50% this year.

The region, which is already home to the Spanish military, a British naval base and the enormous US station Rota near Cadiz, now has another player. Spain’s Ministry of Defence refused to confirm the number of Russian vessels for ‘security reasons’.

But Spanish newspaper Europa Sur put the number at 83

By Walter Finch

transits between 2021 and last month, while El Pais quoted high-ranking military sources as calling it ‘many hundreds’. They are thought to be cycling weapons, troops and military equipment from the Baltic ports of Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg to Russia’s Mediterranean naval base in Tartus, Syria. The narrow, 15km chokepoint separating the Mediterranean from the Atlantic has long been a focal point in international af-

Do not approach

A DESPERATE search is underway for a 41-year-old who escaped from a mental health centre in Malaga almost a month ago.

Jose Antonio Torres is described by his family, in Coin, as posing a threat ‘to himself and others’.

His brother Salva told Prensa Iberica: “He’s a very unstable and conflictive person.”

Since February 2023, Jose has had a restraining order in place that bans him from approaching his brother and mother.

Policia Nacional are combing the coast, specifically Fuengirola, looking for him.

If you see Jose, do not approach and immediately call the police.

relatives and friends.

the border into Gibraltar for work and daily life. Concerns have been raised that these longer wait times could have a negative impact on the local economy and disrupt the lives of thousands of people.

The Gibraltar Borders & Coastguard Agency has not been available for comment, and cross-border commuters fear this could become the new normal.

This latest disruption follows a previous incident last week when the border was closed for nearly two hours due to a security alert at Gibraltar Airport.

The discovery of a suspicious package forced authorities to temporarily halt all traffic, causing further inconvenience to travellers.

Kremlin activity in Gibraltar strait ‘soars by 50%’ as ‘hundreds’ of Putin’s ships pass through Spanish waters

fairs – and the passage attracts a large number of interested eyes. Alfredo Rodríguez, commander of the patrol ship Vigia, confirmed that his vessel shadowed two Russian assault ships earlier this year.

“We’ve noticed an increase compared to previous years,” he said.

Since Turkey largely blocked Russian naval ships from transiting the Bosphorus Strait between the Black Sea and Mediterranean, it has forced Moscow to send its ships through the Baltic and Mediterranean

– both effectively NATO lakes. It means that potentially hundreds of Russian ships have been passing under the noses of the British Royal Navy in Gibraltar.

Meanwhile, the Spanish navy has been tracking Russian warships and submarines as they pass through Spanish waters.

Alongside NATO allies France and Portugal, they are responsible for ensuring Russian vessels comply with the rules of ‘innocent passage’ when passing through the Mediterranean on their way north.

NEW NURSES

THE University of Gibraltar has inaugurated its mental health nursing course.

Some 14 students will be studying the three year degree, designed to teach students how to provide care to patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health issues.

The Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “By providing this course locally, we are not only providing opportunities for our students, but securing the future of our mental health workforce.”

THE END OF A DARK ERA BRAD’S WARNING

THE former mayor of Marbella Julian Muñoz has died aged 76 following a long battle with cancer and other health problems. The disgraced politician passed away at the HC Hospital in Marbella, after being left blinded in one eye by diabetes and suffering multiple heart attacks and a stroke in recent years. He was surrounded by his wife Mayte Zadivar and their two daughters, alongside other

Muñoz had been admitted on Sunday, September 15 and had 'hardly been awake' during his last week of treatment. His body was transferred to the San Bernabe Funeral home ahead of a service.

Muñoz started his career as a waiter before entering the world of politics as a councillor for Marbella under the watchful eye of the infamous Jesus Gil in 1991.

Gil was forced to resign and was briefly imprisoned in 2002, after €390 million was left unaccounted for in the city council's coffers.

Muñoz filled his place and was Mayor of Marbella between May 2, 2002, and August 13, 2003. He reached a national level of fame after having a fling with legendary Spanish singer Isabel Pantoja.

But in July 2006, Muñoz was arrested for his role in one of the biggest urban planning corruption schemes in Spanish history. As part of 'Malaya case', Muñoz was convicted of a string of charges, including bribery, misappropriation of public funds and the granting of illegal licences. He was granted conditional release in 2021 due to his declining health.

BRAD Pitt has criticised the five conmen who used his image to swindle hundreds of thousands of euros out of two unsuspecting female victims.

Spanish police arrested the suspects accused of defrauding two women - one from Granada, Andalucia and one from Bizikia, Basque Country - out of €175,000 and €150,000 respectively.

The two victims were contacted on a fanpage for the Oscar-winning actor by an account pretending to be Pitt himself.

The women were led to believe ‘they had a sentimental relationship with him’, before being convinced to invest hundreds of thousands of euros in film projects that did not exist.

In a statement, a representative for the Hollywood heartthrob said: “It is horrible that conmen exploit the strong connection between celebrities and their fans, and this is an important reminder to never respond to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who are not on social media”.

FLYING VISIT

THE UK is set to make a formal complaint to Spanish authorities after military aircraft made an incursion into Gibraltar airspace ‘while a British Airways flight was taxiing on the runway’. Reports indicate the same Spanish plane overflew Gibraltar on both Friday and Monday, with a video of a cargo plane doing the rounds on social media. According to flight tracking apps, on Friday the plane flew in from the east, straddled the rock heading south, before making a 180 and heading north over the Bay of Algeciras.

Permission

In response to tit-for-tat suggestions that British military and commercial flights to Gibraltar also ‘fly over the Bay of Algeciras and Spanish airspace’, the British Ministry of Defence assured the Olive Press that ‘permission to use any nation’s sovereign airspace is always obtained via routine flight plans’.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told the Olive Press they are ‘aware of air incursions by a Spanish military aircraft taking place on Friday 27 September and Monday 30 September.’ “The FCDO will make a formal diplomatic representation to the Spanish authorities.”

SPAIN’S passport is now the undisputed king of Europe after being ranked more powerful than France’s or Italy’s – and, bizarrely, Hungary’s, which comes in fifth.

A new ranking by visaguide.world found that Spain beats all its European rivals according to factors such as visa-free access, visa on arrival, eVisas, and global mobility.

Worldwide, Spain ranks second with a score of 90.60, behind only Singapore, which came first with a score of 91.27.

Following Spain is France (90.53), Italy (90.31) and Germany (90.27).

HOTSPOT: Gibraltar has been observing dozens of Russian warships passing through

Voted

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

OPINION

Equine commerce

SO the McGrail Inquiry came and went, shed some light and dished some dirt.

We got a glimpse into how things work, we watched a few very powerful figures squirm (or pretend they weren’t) and we were left with the sense that things aren’t quite right, without being really that bad.

Now, for all intents and purposes – pending the publication of the report itself of course – it is back to business as usual.

But with the announcement that another important figure in the inquiry, this time Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) John McVea, has landed a plum job on the Rock, it’s hard to escape the feeling that the real business might have gone on behind the scenes.

That a fair amount of horses might have been traded.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing here. Even McGrail himself has expressed his satisfaction that McVea’s investigation into supposed inducements for his fellow police officers to testify against him was right and proper.

But it follows a pattern.

McGrail himself mentions the ‘many agreements entered into by the Chief Minister involving public money and positions, without legal authority’ which smells a lot like horse trading.

During Trump-presidency USA they called it quidpro-quo. Something for something.

McGrail’s team also called for legislation to combat conflicts of interest within Gibraltar, which seems to this newspaper like a very good idea. Surely a light should be shone on the horse trading, too?

So who was making the trades, what did they trade and what did they stand to gain? Were these moves in the public interest? Were they trading public assets for private gain?

If you know and feel like sharing, please drop us a line: newsdesk@theolivepress.es

PUBLISHER / EDITOR

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es

Dilip Kuner dilip@theolivepress.es

Walter Finch walter@theolivepress.es

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Look on the bright side

It’s not all doom-andgloom: Reasons to be cheerful as Spain’s economy transforms - with much thanks to foreign tourism - into the poster child of Europe

By Walter Finch

IT could be easy to find oneself overwhelmed with the constant drum beat of bad news and terrible prognostications in Europe.

If it’s not the threat of another war, the terrible forecasts for the state of the environment, or doom-laden demographics, then it’s crime, inflation and immigration.

In Spain, people fret about reservoir levels, the housing crisis and the political extremes crowding out the middle.

But what perhaps doesn’t get enough attention is the Spanish economy, which has become one of the surprising engines of economic growth for the eurozone. It is not just in football where the Spanish are currently seeing a strong regeneration. The country has been posting GDP growth figures that far outstrip those of its stagnant northern neighbours. International observers started to take note last year as Spain smashed its peers out of the park with an economy that grew 2.5%, one and a half times as fast as France (1.1%) and Italy (1%).

But spare a thought for poor Germany, the country Spain is supplanting as Europe’s economic powerhouse, which actually shrank in 2023.

And it only gets better: the OECD recently upgraded Spain’s economic growth forecast from 2.5% to 2.8%, while the country’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) estimates an exciting 3.1%.

So how is the country doing it?

The fourth largest economy in the EU, and 15th in the world, is already home to several important international household names.

These include the world’s largest textile company Inditex, parent to highstreet brand Zara, owned by Amancio Ortega who is worth €1.43 billion and Santander bank (Europe’s fourth largest).

Then there’s infrastructure company Ferrovial, which owned 25% of Heathrow Airport – Europe’s busiest – until last year and also built its runway expansion. Meanwhile, state-owned shipbuilder Navantia is currently producing sec tions for a trio of Brit ish ships, com missioned by the Royal Navy.

Anything else driving this economic growth?

Unsurprisingly, a large majority comes from the tourism sector, which saw record numbers of foreign visitors in August. This tourism boom has already eclipsed the high water mark of 2019, with a total of 13.6 million people visiting the coun-

try last month, and it shows no signs of abating.

It goes with the 10.9 million who came in July – a 7.3% rise year-on-year – and they splashed out a cumulative €15.5 billion over the course of the month – an 11.9% increase on last year.

Setting aside the persistent gripes about ‘overtourism’, the figures are driving a surge in development along Spain’s coasts and islands, including a tsunami of five-star hotels and golf resorts.

And there is plenty to crow about in other sectors, too.

Spain’s exports hit a record €33.2 billion in July, up 9.3% year-on-year, with France the biggest customer. For comparison, EU exports as a whole grew by 7.4%, easily outstripping Germany (5.4%), France (7.1%) and Italy (6.8%).

And – Brits close your eyes – exceeding UK export growth, which shrank by -15.5% (yes, MINUS) in the same month.

eighth largest car manufacturer in the world and hosts 17 major plants which produce vehicles for foreign titans Nissan, Renault, Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen and others.

And not forgetting homegrown car maker Seat (although owned by VW), which is located in Martorell outside Barcelona. In fact, wherever you look across the country you see records being broken. Spain’s housing market has seen near-double digit price rises year-on-year, completely bucking the trend in Europe. A home in Spain now costs an average of €2,176 sqm.

Despite the record price rises, sales jumped by nearly a fifth (19.4%) in July to reach levels not seen since the boom (or bubble) that preceded the financial crash in 2008.

Spain’s exports hit a record

€33.2 billion in July, up 9.3% year-on-year

Spain’s exports grew most strongly in the food, beverages and tobacco sector (2.4%), while cars remain the number one export.

In fact, Spain is the

Interestingly, more than half of these property purchases were made in cash (without a mortgage), indicating that a lot of wealthy people with money to burn live in Spain. Even the beast of inflation has almost been slain; falling sharply again to 1.5% this month – the lowest rate since 2021, before the dual shocks of Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine took hold.

Long gone are the dark days of the 1970s, when two million Spaniards were forced to migrate to Germany and northern Europe in search of work.

Now a new class of Spaniards has aris-

en off the back of this success, a large and burgeoning group which enjoys exotic foreign holidays, drives expensive cars and – perhaps most importantly of all – own more than one property.

As most of us who live on the costas or the islands well know, they are very much alive and well, living it up with their nannies and bulging wallets through late July and August.

BOOMING: Spanish shipyards and factories are going full-throttle, giving PM Pedro Sanchez (above) plenty to smile about despite his political woes

Rustling sheep with British royalty

How one rogue and some British ingenuity smuggled Spain’s prized animals out into the world,

writes Jack Gaioni

CATTLE rustling and horse theft in the American Wild West were crimes punishable by hanging - think Hang ‘Em High with Clint Eastwood. Similarly, the theft of livestock in 19th century Russia was a crime with extreme consequences. In the Middle Ages, Spain viewed the theft and export of the iconic Merino sheep as worthy of the death sentence. Today Merino wool is produced in nearly every continent. It is the most popular wool fabric in the world - prized for its soft comfort, breathability, warmth and high performance luxury.

This begs the question: how did Merino wool morph from a restricted Spanish entity to a world wide phenomena?

The answer involves a British aristocrat, a heist crafted by King George III, and some ingenious British animal husbandry. Consider… Theories abound about the origins of Spanish Merino sheep and their fine wool. Most probably Merino sheep were created by cross-breeding the native Iberian sheep- the Churro - with a variety of rams brought to the peninsula by the Romans and then from North Africa during the Islamic period. Before long Spanish shepherds recognised the export value of Merino’s exquisite fleece and Spain became the centre of the world’s wool trade. In fact, Ferdinand and Isabella actively promoted the export of ‘the world’s finest quality wool’ and demand for Spanish Merino wool grew exponentially. The Spanish monarchy and a powerful guild called the Meseta Organisation controlled the breeding, management, and trade of the Merino sheep. They imposed strict trade and export restrictions replete with punitive (think: the death sentence) punishments for violations. This exclusivity only led to a greater demand for this luxurious fabric in European markets.

The British, perhaps more than any other European country, took a vested interest in

Merino wool. Within the UK the import and export of any raw wool was illegal. Farmers and manufacturers were well organised and successfully pressured Parliament to pass The Wool Act (1699).

This legislation restricted both the import and export of British wool products. Competition was eliminated, the wool market was monopolised but the public was left with an inferior product. Enter the most unlikely historical figure…

Joseph Banks – later baroneted as Sir John Banks – was, along with Charles Darwin, a central figure in England’s Age of Discovery.

Banks, while accompanying James Cook aboard the famous HMS Endeavor, visited Brazil, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia. He brought back to England over 30,000 plant and animal specimens to be incorporated into the Royal So ciety, the United Kingdom’s esteemed National Academy of Sciences.

Banks achieved immediate fame as the foremost natural ist scientist and for the next 41 years was president of that venerated organisa tion. He was so infatuated with the biodiversity of Aus tralia, that Banks took a

particular interest in the British colonisation of that continent.

As a trusted advisor to King George III, the two realised the great potential for the Merino sheep in the unique ecosystems of Australia.

Together, using bribes, falsified bills of lading, stealth and shady diplomacy, they covertly smuggled (read: stole) two genuine Merino sheep from Spain through Portugal. Over the next few decades a ‘national project’ of cross-breeding the Spanish Merino with various British species produced what King George called his ‘royal flock’.

Fashionistas

The project was exported to the British colony of Australia and for the next century the production of Merino wool would greatly bolster the British economy. From about 1810 onwards the Merino sheep industry shifted worldwide to France, Germany, Sweden and the United States.

However it is Australia and New Zealand that now dominate the industry.

Since the early days of settlement ‘down under’, the wool industry has played a dominant role in both the economic and social perspectives. Today, Australia is the undisputed leader in the wool market producing more than 50% of the world’s Merino wool. For fashionistas, Merino wool is more popular than ever. In addition to its comfort, warmth, breathability, etc, the hairs of this storied fabric provide a natural antimicrobial quality that keep bacteria, mould and dust mites from growing. Collectively these qualities speak to society’s desire for a more renewable and sustainable material. Thankfully, we as consumers can enjoy Merino wool products today without risking some draconian punishment. Perhaps we should thank

for

The Olive Press online continues to be THE go to news source for English speakers in Spain with over one MILLION visitors in September

THE Olive Press has once again been leading the news agenda for everything happening in Spain this past fortnight.

We had multiple stories placed in national newspapers in the UK and dozens of our stories followed up throughout September.

They include that of British expat Serena Coronado, who told of her horrific ordeal at the hands of an abusive Spanish neighbour in Galicia. The story was picked up by Mail Online

So too was our exclusive about an Irish father who lost almost €2million on a hotel investment in Malaga thanks to town hall pencil pushers.

Elsewhere, our exclusive tale of a British mother who was the last known victim of the Ibiza gassing robbery gang was picked up by multiple national titles, including the Daily Mail and the Daily Express that continually - and disgracefullytakes our stories and even our pictures without payment or a credit.

The same can frequently be said of the highly dubious GB News.

Even in Spain, you may have noticed our rivals have started copying our style of headlines online.

It proves that we are still the goto source of news in Spain for English speakers.

And the figures back it up, with more than one million people visiting our website over the past month.

Meanwhile, more than 3,700 people registered an account at theolivepress.es in September, taking advantage of all that comes with membership.

And the number of paying subscribers continues to climb, with our unrivalled coverage of the most important stories of the day simply too important to miss.

Don’t forget that simply registering an account grants you access to an extra article and means you will be sent newsletters on news, travel, health and property.

You’ll also receive a personalised missive from digital editor Laurence Dollimore each Saturday.

So what are you waiting for?

Scan the QR code here to register an account and join our more than 50,000 members.

Sir Joseph Banks and King George III

their sheep rustling!

ROGUE: Sir John Banks (above) smuggled the Merino sheep out of Spain through Portugal. Now the fine wool is used in haute couture

DEATH: Ferdinand and Isabella imposed harsh punishments on Merino wool violations. Above, King George III, who wanted the sheep so much he turned to smuggling

Buying Barcelona

A REAL estate brand made famous by Netflix series Buying Beverly Hills, has launched a new office in Barcelona.

Led by Josep Turro and Chi Wei Chin, the Barcelona office will focus on catering to both local and international clients in one of Europe’s most vibrant real estate markets.

CEO of The Agency and star of the Netflix show Mauricio Umansky praised the city’s cultural appeal, saying Barcelona’s artistic charm and beaches make it the perfect location for expansion. It joins Spanish franchises in Marbella, the Costa Blanca and Mallorca.

THE Canary Islands are set to ben-

efit from a €14 million package of support from the European Commission to help pay for the thousands of irregular migrants who arrive on the archipelago. The announcement was made following an official visit to the islands from Margaritis Schinas.

More than 26,000 migrants have so far

Cash support

this year arrived via the Canary Islands. The route between the western coast of Africa and the Canary Islands is widely regarded as the world’s most dangerous migration route, where some 4,808 deaths were recorded in the first five months of 2024.

Credit: Mercedes

Hands in pockets

THE number of people paid for by the government in Spain now outnumber the number of people working Some 8.21 million people are currently receiving state income through pensions, public sector salaries, or social benefits.

This is compared to 17.69 million people earning through private enterprise. It highlights growing concerns over future financial

Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 AI-Powered IT Security

More people are now paid by the government than the private sector

By Walter Finch

sustainability, with Spain’s ageing population at the heart of the issue.

The number of pensioners has soared to 9.2 million as of August, equal to 44% of the working population of

TOURISTS visiting Barcelona have been hit by a rise in tax after the city council agreed to increase visitor levies by over 20%.

The Catalan capital, which receives over 12 million visitors annually, will increase its tourist tax from €3.25 to €4 a night on tourist accommodation in a move that is expected to generate an additional €20 million in revenue each year. Currently, Barcelona collects €95

just 21.6 million people, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).

With only six in 10 people economically active out of a total population of 48.8 million, it means less than half of people in Spain are shouldering the country’s pension payments, which now exceed

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million annually from the tax, but claims it spends €142 million in tourist expenditure, including additional transport, security and cleaning. The €4 charge is the maximum that can be applied under Spanish law, with local authorities urging the central government to raise the cap further.

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Public Wi-Fi: Don’t get hacked while sipping lattes

Iis excited to announce a partnership with the leading IT security and support company Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use Internet-connected device, personal, or within the their small business.

N our hyper-connected world, public Wi-Fi has become a lifeline, especially when travelling or on vacation. Whether at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel, the allure of free internet access is undeniable.

Introducing an exclusive partnership between Olive Press and AnyTech365 AI-Powered IT Security

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However, this convenience can come with significant risks, making public Wi-Fi an easy target for hackers. Connecting to an open network can expose you to several potential threats. It’s like offering your personal data on a silver platter to anyone tech-savvy enough to snatch it. Cybercriminals can intercept data transmitted between your device and the internet, capturing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal emails.

Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the household or their small business.

It’s akin to sending a postcard with your credit card details and hoping it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Known as Man-in-the-Middle attacks, these interceptions allow hackers to eavesdrop on your online activities without your knowledge, which is about as comforting as a surveillance camera in your bedroom.

and their solutions have been widely recognized multiple awards on local, national, and international “The Fastest growing technology company in the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Award in New Technologies, and others. meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the sporting event in the region. It has excellent online scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

IF you want cheap petrol head to Sevilla. It is the cheapest city in Spain in which to fill up at an average price of €1.54 a litre for petrol, according to a report by parking company ParkVia. It is a significant rise since 2015 when a litre of fuel in Sevilla cost €1.21.

Risen

€12.8 billion per month.

Nearly half of Social Security contributors (46%) are now over 45 compared to 41% five years ago.

Meanwhile, August 2024 data shows that 1.8 million people were on the paro (unemployment benefits), and a further 1.96 million individuals, spanning 649,000 households, rely on the Minimum Living Income (IMV).

The public sector workforce itself has also grown by 12% since December 2023 to over 3.6 million people.

Despite this, Spain's central bank upgraded its forecast for 2024’s economic performance from 2.3% to a eurozone-busting 2.8%. And unemployment has been falling over the long-term, most recently down 1.02% to 11.27% in the second quarter of this year.

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Overall, petrol prices across Spain have risen by 49 cents a litre or 35% since 2015.

Valencia (€1.58) and Las Palmas (€1.61) come in second and third cheapest, with Alicante (€1.63) and Madrid (€1.65) rounding off the bargain top five. Bilbao (€1.71), Zaragoza (€1.70), Malaga (€1.69), Barcelona (€1.67) and Palma de Mallorca (€1.67) are the priciest.

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that’s as trustworthy as a used car salesman in a neon suit. This mimicry, known as an Evil Twin attack, fools unsuspecting users into connecting and opens the door to all sorts of mischief.

Once you’re in their web, they can monitor your activity and snag your info quicker than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

These imposters are like the pranksters of the Wi-Fi world, always ready to mess with those who aren’t paying attention.

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To protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN when connecting.

A VPN encrypts your connection, turning your data into an unreadable mess for hackers, leaving them as confused as a mime in a windstorm.

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Olive Press is excited to announce a partnership with AnyTech365, the leading IT security and support company on the Costa del Sol. This collaboration offers Olive Press readers enhanced tech support and cybersecurity solutions. Subscribers will receive exclusive discounts on AnyTech365 services, ensuring their digital safety and worry-free use of any Internet-connected device, personal, or within the household or their small business.

A comprehensive security suite, combining all AnyTech365 premium products together with quick issue resolution by certified technicians without onsite visits anytime, day or night, with AnyTech365’s around-the-clock support services, all offered in more than 15 native languages.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be used by hackers to distribute malware faster than gossip in a small town. Once infected, your device can be exploited to steal data or even take control of your system.

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Malware comes in various forms - viruses, ransomware, and spyware - each one more invasive than a mother-in-law asking about grandkids.

Ransomware locks up your files like a disgruntled sibling hiding your toys, while spyware snoops on your every move like a curious cat. An attacker might set up a fake Wi-Fi network

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This encryption ensures that even if someone intercepts your data, they won’t understand a word of it, providing an extra layer of security as comforting as finding out your favourite ice cream shop is still open. Ensure the websites you visit use HTTPS, the digital equivalent of putting a padlock on your internet door. Look for ‘https://’ at the beginning of the URL or a padlock icon in the address bar. This encryption protects your information from being intercepted by cyber sneaks, adding an extra layer of security that’s as reassuring as knowing your favourite show got renewed for another season.

and

Founded in 2014 by Janus R. Nielsen, a seasoned IT entrepreneur, AnyTech365 leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to offer unparalleled service quality and efficiency in tech support and cybersecurity, keeping your digital life secure and hassle-free.

Making a meaningful local impact, AnyTech365 has been a proud title-sponsor of the Andalucía Open tennis tournament, including the ATP 250 tournament in 2021, the biggest sporting event in the region. It has excellent online reputation scores with tens of thousands of end user reviews on Trustpilot (4.8/5) and Google Reviews (4.9/5).

Regularly update your operating system, brows-

er, and other software to protect against security vulnerabilities. Think of updates as your device’s mandatory spa day - essential for keeping it fresh and protected in a world full of digital dust bunnies. Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software like a cat with a new scratching post, so keeping everything up to date is your best defence. While on public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive information like online banking or shopping sites. If you must, use your mobile data instead, treating it like your emergency stash of chocolate in a room full of hungry kids. Public networks are inherently less secure, so it’s best to save sensitive activities for more secure connections.

The company and their solutions have been widely recognized and won multiple awards on local, national, and international level such as “The Fastest growing technology company in Spain and the 27th fastest growing company in Europe across all sectors” (Source: Financial Times FT1000), the Andalucía Excellence Award in New Technologies, and others.

The company is currently in the process of becoming publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with the transaction expected to complete in Q3 of 2024.

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TAKE CARE: Public Wi-Fi is not secure

Friendly armada

Floating museum the Andalucian Galleon makes triumphant entry into London through Tower Bridge on final leg of world tour

THE sight of a Spanish galleon cruising up the River Thames used to be enough to give any Englishman the shivers.

But this Andalucian Galleon was not part of a new armada demanding Gibraltar back, but rather a floating museum that is on the final leg of a worldwide maritime tour.

It made a spectacular entrance under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, the bright red and yellow of the Spanish flag fluttering in contrast

By Walter Finch

against the drab greys and blues of the British capital.

The meticulously crafted replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon has been sharing the maritime heritage of Andalucia with several European countries, including France, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Built in 2009-2010 by the Nao Victoria Foundation, the Galeon Andalucia was designed by Ignacio Fernan-

BIBLICAL SALE

dez Vial and constructed at the Palmas shipyard in Punta Umbría, Huelva.

The ship’s interior was fur-

A 700-year-old Hebrew bible from medieval Spain sold for €6.16 million at a Sotheby's auction.

The Shem Tov Bible is a 768-page illustrated text written on parchment in the early 14th century.

The text was copied by Rabbi Shem Tov Ibn Gaon, born in the late 13th century in Soria.

He spent an unknown number of years painstakingly working on the bible, taking care to make every letter and illustration as perfect as possible.

The new owner has pledged to put it on public display.

nished with pieces made in Valverde del Camino, Huelva, based on historical records from the Marques de la Victoria.

Since its launch in 2010, the Galleon has travelled more than 100,000 nautical miles, visiting ports in Asia, North America, and Europe, and welcoming over 150,000 visitors along the way.

Now in harbour at St. Katherine's Dock, the London public can step aboard and experience the life of a sailor on a historic Spanish vessel until October 6.

The visit provides an opportunity to learn about Spain's maritime history and the craftsmanship involved in recreating such a vessel.

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The Galeon Andalucia approaches Tower Bridge

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Fancy taking a trip to the quaint Spanish towns of Poo and Penisville? Why not saddle up, brace yourself for the unexpected and join the Olive Press on a tour of Spain and its most weirdly and wonderfully-named towns

By Walter Finch

WITH towns and villages such as Bell End in Worcestershire and Slag Lane on Merseyside, it’s little surprise that Great Britain is the king of the crude place names. After visiting those two locales, why not head onwards through Sandy Balls in the New Forest and finally end up in Shitterton in Dorset (probably best to bypass Twatt)?

But Spain can boast its own equally bawdy journey of head-scratching place names.

So why not join the Olive Press on a wonderful, fear and loathing-style tour of Spain’s most weirdly-named locations?

First up we are going to hit Poo in Asturias. Poo, on Spain’s northern coast, is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic walks.

200-inhabitant town probably got its name from a Roman settler proudly called Penius. Today, the full name of the town is Santa Maria de Villapene, though adding ‘Holy Maria’ to the front hasn’t seemed to have dissuaded opportunistic sign robbers.

Lodged very close to Penisville is another delightful town named Pair of Blondes (Parderrubias) in the province of Ou rense.

The Asturian version of the name, Po, is also the shortest place name in Spain. You could even get some work done at Dental Poo.

After a heavy session at the dentists, nothing on earth will be able to stop us zipping over to Galicia and rocking up at Penisville (Villapene), a lush village which tends to have its road sign stolen fairly frequently.

According to linguist Joseph M. Piel, the

I’m sure we’ll try to combine both into our itinerary. And of course, while in the area, how could we re sist div ing into the charming Cuntis (Cuntis), a mediae val-style town south of Santiago de Compostela.

Blondes. The Mencia wines produced in Warm Snot are something in particular to savour.

Cuntis is renowned for its natural beauty and hot springs.

Visitors have been relaxing in Cuntis’ thermal waters for centuries, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.

Just a short drive east and we are in Warm Snot (Calamocos) in Cantabria.

Warm Snot is the perfect village to unwind in after a good time in Penisville and Pair of

camped out in the area but were forced out, saying ‘a dios, a dios’ as they left. The name stuck and now 172 people inhabit the town known for its

AMUSING: Place names in England are possibly outdone by those in Spain...

LA CULTURA

churches and surrounding countryside.

After leaving Goodbye we will go to Don’t Go (Novallas) in Aragon. But we won’t stay there long and we will quickly be hitting up wine country in La Rioja and looking for Ashtray (Cenicero).

Those after a taste of Spanish life will love Ashtray, famed for its exceptional vinos.

Moving south through the heart of the country, we make a pitstop in a little town which we’d rather avoid called Mother-in-Law (Consuegra), in the province of Toledo, Castile-La Mancha.

Although at least we might at least hope to get a good meal and fresh bed sheets. The area boasts a raft of iconic windmills nes-

tled in the surrounding landscape. But before we call in at Mother-in-Law we may take an unexpected detour to Cocaine (Coca) in Segovia. It’s more or less on the way and what could go wrong? The Cocaine Castle (Castillo de Coca) is a particular masterpiece to be admired.

After leaving Mother-in-Law as soon as we politely can, we will go Wobbly (Tembleque), famed for its unique wooden balconied buildings.

Once Wobbly and Mother-in-Law are firmly in the rear view mirror we will naturally go to Dirty Man (Guarroman) in Jaen, a place we have visited on many occasions previously. They also grow olives.

November 29thDecember 12th 2023

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abic word al-qantarat, which means ‘bridge’ or ‘aqueduct’ and over time evolved into ‘sewer’.

Once we manage to escape from Sewer we will try to avoid going to The Hells (Los Infiernos) but sometimes it can’t be avoided.

Why not then swing by Kill a Fat Woman (Matagorda)?

Legend has it that the town was named after a group of farmers encountered a large ‘mata’, or bush, in the area, calling it ‘Fat Bush’.

The Cocaine Castle (Castillo de Coca) is a particular masterpiece

After our dalliance in Dirty Man we will inevitably find ourselves in Sewer (Alcantarilla), which unsurprisingly is a satellite town of Murcia. It gets its name from the Ar-

On the home straight now, and we make a beeline across the country once again, this time moving without hesitation head towards Kill the Beers (Matalascañas) in Huelva on the Atlantic coast.

It’s full of stunning beaches and there are not that many beers to be killed so prepare for some disappointment. We are coming towards the end of our gruelling tour of Spain now. But where else could we finish it off, but with a quick drink in The Queen’s P***er (Meadero de la Reina) in Cadiz.

The urban myth goes that Queen Isabel II had to make an ‘emergency stop’ in this Cadiz town on a journey through Andalucia in the 19th century, giving it the curious title.

It is believed the Queen and her husband, Francisco de Asís were

visiting the region to gain the sympathy of Andalucians.

Some 160 years later, the legend remains immortalised in the town’s name.

And if you’ve made it this far with-on this wild and wonderful journey, go home.

Cenicero

Guarroman

Matalascañas

Emit away

A MADRID low emission zone designed to improve air quality has been annulled after a court stated that the poor were being disproportionately hit.

The High Court of the Justice of Madrid (TSJM) decreed that the low emission zone failed to comply with the requirement of the European Union’s Court of Justice to respect ‘the principles of proportionality’.

It argued that forcing people on low incomes to buy newer cars meant they faced shouldering an unfair share of the burden.

Currently, 21 districts of Madrid are subject to low emission regulations, which can impose traffic regulations and fines even on cars that do not produce excessive amounts simply because of their age.

Desert warning

PARTS of Spain will have a desert-like climate by 2050, a new study has warned.

Research from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC) into global warming and drought has placed Spain on the frontline of climate change in Europe.

By 2050, they predict that rainfall will decrease by up to 20%, causing drought across the country.

Between 1971 and 2022, average temperatures in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands have surged by over 3C.

PRESERVE THE RESERVE

A PETITION to reopen the Ojen EcoReserva has reached 100,000 signatures.

The reserve is one of the biggest conserva tion areas in Malaga but was forced to close in 2022 after Jun ta environmental officers found al leged failures in the park.

Since 2016, visitors could spend a day in nature and even pet the animals, which included deer, mountain goats and wild boars.

By Yzabelle Bostyn

The ‘idyllic’ park was a far cry from the landscapes burnt from wildfires that volunteers first restored in

In 2016, local Antonio Calvo came up with the idea of establishing an eco reserve alongside the environmental group Pinsapo and the ecotourism company Andalucia Ecotour.

Then, just six years into their work, Calvo was issued a fine of €130,000

for ‘failures’ in the park and although this was later reduced to €65,200 on appeal, he was still forced to close.

“This is one of the most beautiful projects in all of Andalucia. We were lucky to be able to transform the hunting area into an ecological reserve,” he told the Olive Press.

“We created jobs by protecting nature and have been punished for it.”

Amongst the alleged offenses was storing a 1000-litre water tank on the property, which provided water for the

Howling with rage

THE EU has declared that wolves should no longer be ‘strictly protected’ despite fierce opposition from Spain and Ireland EU’s Competitiveness Council has approved downgrading their status to simply ‘protected’. This means wolves, whose population has nearly doubled across the EU in a decade (from 10,000 to over 20,000), could soon face more threats, including hunting.

Attack

animals in times of drought.

Despite the three orders he has received to leave the site, he refuses to go, saying the animals ‘cannot survive’ otherwise.

For two years, he has been doing everything he can to get the 350 kilos of food needed to feed the animals when drought conditions make supplies scarce.

The Junta has also announced it wants to sell the park, but cannot do so until a judge gives the green light. Either way, Calvo has no intention of leaving.

Farmers have blamed wolves for killing livestock, while European Commission head Ursula van der Leyman, who backs the proposal, has lost her own pony to a wolf attack. But environmentalists are raging. Over 300 organisations, including WWF, have blasted the move, saying wolves still aren’t in the clear and need strict protection. They claim Europe is sending a ‘disastrous’ message ahead of a major biodiversity conference in Colombia. Wolves remain fully protected in Spain, despite the EU’s decision.

The European Commission will take the proposal to the Bern Convention in December, where the final fate of Europe’s wolves will be decided.

Gibraltar. Sun, sea and history served with a very British twist.

DISASTER: for Antonio Calvo and the animals he cares for despite the reserve being officially closed

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

LONELY Planet has revealed its top 10 autumn holiday destinations, and two Spanish cities made the cut. Sevilla was crowned the best city break, praised for its ideal sightseeing spots like the Real Alcazar and the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Flamenco lovers can also enjoy live performances at the Museo del Baile Flamenco or catch street performers while strolling along the Guadalquivir River.

Tenerife, ranked eighth, was dubbed ‘best for sunshine’. With year-round warmth, Lonely Planet exploring Puerto de la Cruz or es caping the crowds at Los Gigantes as well as taking in the stunning views of El Teide, Spain’s highest peak.

TOP BREAKS Choose carefully

Copenhagen, The Scottish High lands, Montenegro, Dodecanese in Greece, Umbria, Malta, Latvia and Burgundy were also highlighted.

NOT CHEAP Healthy colour

IT has been revealed that the cost of opening a new restaurant in Spain starts at around €40,000.

But for more ambitious projects be prepared to pay €2 million or more, according to Hostelería de España's Secretary General Emilio Gallego.

He pointed out that while passion drives many aspiring restaurateurs, financial backing and navigating Spain’s complex permit system are significant hurdles.

Gallego said: “These processes are slow and cumbersome,” adding that the paperwork often takes years to be resolved, with different layers of government involved.

The restaurant sector is booming, contributing 6% of Spain's GDP, with 1,432 new independent restaurants opening between 2022 and 2023.

Save more than €1,200 a year by going to the right supermarket

SMART shoppers can save up to €1,272 per year if they choose their supermarket carefully, according to a new report from the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU).

In a country still grappling with inflation, shoppers buying at Alcampo can make this massive saving, while Madrid residents stand to reduce their weekly food bill the most.

Prices

The study also shows that some supermarkets have actually cut prices for the first time in two years.

Carrefour Express has reduced prices by 0.9%, followed by Lidl (-0.7%) and Aldi (-0.6%), but beware – some, such as El Corte Inglés (+9.7%) and Hipercor (+8.2%), have raised

OP QUICK CROSSWORD

By Walter Finch

theirs.

Overall, the average price increase across all chains between May 2023 and May this year stands at 2.9%.

Food price rises have been slowing down, although 63% of items increased in price during the 12 months surveyed, coming down from 90% the year before. Sunflower oil has seen the biggest drop at 23%, but olive oil (76%) and orange juice(47%) have increased massively.

Madrid residents stand to save the most, with potential savings of over €4,100 depending on where they shop.

The OCU found that Alcampo hypermarkets in cities such as Barcelona, Murcia, and Vigo

Across

1 Happen (5)

4 Thoroughbred’s pad (6)

10 Language spoken in Delhi (7)

11 Misplaces (5)

12 Playthings (4)

13 Individual Poles ran off (8)

15 Fatal Greek gift (6,5)

18 Despondent (8)

19 Useful pollutants, now widely banned (2,2)

21 Food poisoning cause (1,4)

22 Prohibition (7)

23 Bad thing to give away (6)

24 Inward feeling (5) Down

2 Racy crowd find out who Richard Gere wed (5,8)

3 Bonneville Salt Flats state (4)

5 Unscripted TV fare (4,4)

6 Salesperson’s handouts (8,5)

7 Canvas supports (6)

8 Dalmatian’s distinctive features (5)

9 Children’s game with an “it” (4-3-4)

14 Fate of a DVD, once seen (8)

16 Stick (6)

17 Windows forerunner (2-3)

20 Plangent musical instrument (4)

All solutions are on page 14

are the cheapest stores.

In contrast, Sanchez Romero stores in Madrid continue to top the list as the most expensive.

The study also revealed that regional disparities in prices are significant.

Galicia, La Rioja, the Valencian Community, and Castilla y LeOn were found to be the cheapest regions for grocery shopping, while Madrid, the Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands were the most expensive.

LIDL Spain is set to bring in a new health labelling system to all its products from 2026.

The Nutri-Score system will use a colour-coded scale to show customers a product’s healthiness, Lidl has already implemented Nutri-Score on 50% of its private-label items and aims to cover all 1,700 products in the near future.

Drive

The supermarket chain is also working to reformulate over half of its products to reduce salt and sugar levels, aiming for up to a 20% reduction by 2025 in another health drive.

24/7 EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

BREAK DOWN COVER

If your car breaks down it can be an upsetting experience, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance cover. But they are also the most common type of problem on the road.

STAY SAFE

If you break down, stay calm and safe until rescue support arrives. Remember that while you wait for help, your priority is to safeguard yourself and any fellow passengers. Línea Directa policyholders simply call 919 171 171 and inform the emergency hotline where you are. Línea Directa provides emergency roadside assistance anywhere in Spain 24/7 and 365 days a year, with a national network of operators and recovery vehicles.

GEOLOCATION SERVICE

BREAKDOWN KIT

To help you stay safe here is a checklist of some important safety items in the event of a breakdown. This emergency breakdown kit should be kept in your vehicle at all times. The kit includes: a torch and spare batteries, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility jacket, first aid kit, jump start cables, empty fuel can, food and drink, two reflective warning signs, a road atlas, and a mobile phone charger.

OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERTISE

This service is exclusive to Línea Directa and allows breakdown recovery and roadside assistance services to pinpoint your location and send help directly to you. This service is available throughout mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The technology is simple to use and really useful when you need it most.

As Spain’s most experienced provider of insurance for British expatriates, Línea Directa has been keeping motorists on the move for over 20 years.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 952 147 834. More information about Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

COUNT PENNIES: They all add up

TOP: Sevilla’s Real Alcazar and (far left) El Teide

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

THE MAGIC KINGDOM

Autumn is the perfect time of year to fall in love with the town that has a real life Cinderella castle

AS the scorching summer days draw to a close and before the chilly winter weather arrives (and it can get very chilly indeed in central Spain) now is the time to visit Segovia.

Around an hour from Madrid by train, car or bus, the historic city is an ideal day trip from the capital.

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 1 Occur, 4 Stable, 10 Punjabi, 11 Loses, 12 Toys, 13 Personal, 15 Trojan horse, 18 Downcast, 19 PC Bs, 21 E Coli, 22 Embargo, 23 Ending, 24 Sense.

Down: 2 Cindy Crawford, 3 Utah, 5 Talk show, 6 Business cards, 7 Easels, 8 Spots, 9 Hide-and-seek, 14 Ejection, 16 Adhere, 17 MS-DOS, 20 Oboe.

Like many Spanish destinations, it has a charming old town, imposing cathedral, impressive views, world famous Roman aqueduct and tranquil walks in the surrounding countryside. And presiding over all its attractions

is its alcazar, believed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle.

A replica for Cinderella’s fortress stands at Disneyland Paris, so Segovia could be considered

By Yzabelle Bostyn

Spain’s answer to a Disney theme park, but with fewer screaming children, less tacky decor and no extortionate prices.

Once you hop off the train or bus, it’s about a half an hour walk up to the old town.

I recommend heading straight to the castle as it lies at one of the furthest points from town, meaning you can take a leisurely stroll past the city’s other attractions to go back to the train station.

The walk to the castle gives you a flavour of Segovia, as you wander past centuries old buildings on one side and calming views of the town and green valleys on the other.

I visited in autumn and it’s truly one of the best times to go as the views are dotted with vibrant reds and oranges as the trees begin to change colour.

After a brief walk around the city walls you will arrive at the alcazar

My favourite part was definitely exploring the castle’s terraces with stunning views

The towering turrets and grand gates will call to mind any fairy tale, but the wonders have only just begun.

To the left of the grass in front of the castle is the ticket office, where you can buy entrance for just €10.

Tickets include the palace, museum and entrance to the tower.

Although I thought it couldn’t get any prettier than the castle’s exterior,

I was wrong.

The inner courtyards and exhibition rooms are stunning, with arabic inspired carved and gilded roofs, plenty of art and arched windows peeking out onto the countryside.

My favourite part was definitely exploring the castle’s terraces.

Not only were the views over Segovia stunning but the terraces themselves are full of little wonders, including bridges and wells worthy of a fairytale.

After the terraces you pass through a museum while waiting for your chance to go up the tower.

If the castle hadn’t already given you the itch to sing ‘someday my prince will come’ a la Snow White, perching your chin on your hand while admiring the valleys of Segovia will certainly do the trick.

Perched on top of a hill, the vistas

QUAINT: Segovia is full of ancient buildings, with a delight around every corner

MARVELS: The cathedral and Roman Aqueduct (right) are sights to behold, with the latter still used for transporting water right up until 1970s

GREAT DAY OUT: Yzabelle at the alcazar and (above right) taking in the views

MAGICAL: There is more than a hint of Cinderellas’s castle about Segovia’s alcazar

of the town are also enchanting and made me excited to spend the rest of my day exploring.

After coming down from the tower, I left the castle and snapped some pictures on the lawn outside.

Desperate for a coffee I nipped into the cafe on the left hand side, where I discovered a hidden garden with excellent photo opportunities and views of both the castle and city. Then, I wandered into the Jewish

quarter, with ramshackle tudor-esque buildings and cobbled streets leading to the main square.

One thing I loved about Segovia was how quiet it was.

I visited in November last year and found it tranquil compared to similar tourist destinations.

Once you reach the main square you will find the gothic cathedral, which is known for its striking appearance, stained glass and art laden chapels.

Around the square there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops that even tempted me in the November chill.

The Plaza Mayor is quite different from your typical Spanish square, as it is dotted with trees, is an irregular shape and has a band stand in the centre. After refuelling on coffee or ice cream, wander down one of the side streets heading towards the aqueduct. Reaching a shocking 28m tall, it is one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts in the world.

You can climb the steps to get an expansive view or simply admire it from below.

I recommend walking along the length of the aqueduct to truly appreciate how it transported water across the city until the 1970s. As the sun set over the monument it was time to go home.

On the way back, we had some bad luck and all the bus tickets were sold out and we were forced to take the train.

However, you must be careful when booking a train from Segovia as it is quite a confusing system and we were not the only pair at the station convinced we had picked the wrong stop. Therefore, I would advise booking your travel beforehand, ideally from the nearer and cheaper bus station.

Shark attacked

Speed demons

POLICE are hunting for a duo who posted a video to social media of them speeding at over 300 kph on the A-7 around Malaga.

Snake attack

A 19-YEAR-OLD hiker had to be airlifted to hospital after being bitten by a viper in the Pyrenees. He was later released. Wasps and bees kill more people in Spain than snakes.

Women first

EXPERTS studying a 5,600-year-old necropolis near Granada have discovered a significant bias towards female burials, with twice as many female skeletons as male. This suggests funerary practices focused on maternal lines.

MOUSEJACKED!

Rodent leaps out of airline meal, forcing emergency landing

A FLIGHT from Norway to Spain was forced to divert this week after a mouse ‘jumped out of a woman’s food’.

The drama unfolded on Scandinavian Airline SAS flight from Oslo to Malaga.

Shortly after take off, a woman is said to have ‘opened some food’, from which a mouse ‘jumped out’.

The experience was retold by passenger Jarle Børrestad, who was sitting next to the woman at the time of

By Laurence Dollimore

the incident.

He wrote on Facebook: “Believe it or not, a lady sitting next to me opened her food and a mouse jumped out.

“We have now turned around and landed at CPH (Copenhagen) to change flights.”

Oystein Schmidt, a spokesperson for SAS in Norway, said:

“According to our procedures, there was a change of aircraft

for an inspection.

“It’s something that happens very rarely.”

The passengers eventually arrived at Malaga after switching aircraft in Copenhagen.

A BRITISH couple’s cheeky attempt at joining the mile-high club has landed them in court.

Bradley Smith, 22, and girlfriend Antonia Sullivan, 20, (pictured) were caught performing a lewd act on an EasyJet flight from Tenerife to Bristol, shocking passengers just minutes after takeoff.

“We have established protocols for these situations, which also include a review with our suppliers to ensure that this does not happen again,” Schmidt added.

SLEAZYJET

A PET dog has been filmed chasing a shark off a Spanish beach.

In a video shared online, the golden retriever can be seen jumping into the sea off Denia in Alicante.

A child can be heard screaming ‘no, perrito!’ (no, doggy!) as the animal swims at full speed towards a shark that is lurking just metres away. The pooch is seen swimming all the way up to the shark and even nibbling on the end of its tail as its panicked owners beg for it to turn around and come back. The dog eventually gave up and returned to the shore, seemingly having enjoyed himself immensely.

Tragically, the sharkwhich had caused quite a stir in the area after several sightings - was found dead the next day after being attacked by a swordfish.

Witnesses reported seeing ‘vigorous hand movements’ under a coat on Smith’s lap, with some even catching a glimpse of his manhood. The couple pleaded guilty to outraging public decency at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. The Welsh pair were slapped with 570 hours of community service and ordered to pay €120 compensation to each of the three horrified witnesses. Judge Lynne Matthews reprimanded them, saying, “You had no regard for the feelings of other passengers, including a child sitting behind you.”

Dr Keti Pachkoria

SMILING NOW: But the mouse was a real shock to Jarle and the women in the row