The
OLIVE PRESS
OLIVE PRESS
BREXIT NIGHTMARE
Hellcare
THE healthcare costs of hundreds of thousands of British nationals in Spain may only be covered for a matter of months. Government officials have confirmed that in the event of a no-deal Brexit expats’ unrestricted access to healthcare could end after just six months. In the nightmare scenario, the often costly treatment would have to be funded by the individuals after that date. While a British embassy spokesman insisted the new ruling would not be introduced until the end of 2020, it is still a major jolt for already worried expats.
Taxes
“Having paid taxes our whole working lives, pensioners should be entitled to free healthcare whether we choose to retire in Bradford, Bournemouth or Barcelona,” said Sue Wilson, of Bremain in Spain. “The UK government is trying to reassure people with this new announcement, but inevitably people will ask ‘what about after six months?’” The Department of Health has sofar only pledged £150m to cover the costs of British nationals living in the EU after a no-deal. This would cover pensioners, students, those on disability benefits and UK workers posted to the EU, as well as UK tourists who began their holiday before the UK’s exit. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Protecting the healthcare rights of UK nationals is a priority of this government. UK nationals in the EU’ should nevertheless act now and take the simple steps needed to secure their access to healthcare.” Opinion, Page 6
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who held criminally cannot be - floored it and responsible crashed into the Laude School.
MISSING: Torte
From pet passports to dodgy removal men, one British family’s highs and lows as they set up in Spain before Brexit strikes...
Bolted on
Modern masterpieces
Issue 33
Have you seen a tortoise around Jalon? Contact the Olive Press at newsdesk@theolivepress.es
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In Ibiza
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September 2019
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UPS AND DOWNS
Growth figures for buyers and a drop July make up for sluggish foreign in June
SPAIN has recorded month for property its best growth. sales for In total, 11 years, new government 11 of Spain’s 17 re- difficult for owners to rent to data gions grew over tourists. This has made has revealed. the last year. ty on the islands less properA total of 47,890 transactions It made up for a 9% year-onattractive as investment opportunities. year drop in June, were reported in which sugJuly 2019, gested marking a 3.8% year-on-year the market was really Further negative news saw foreign buyers drop by slowing down. increase. British buyers among 7%, with There have also been June 2008 was the those besome more homes were last time declines in the long time big ing put off purchasing in Spain for- (see Slow Down, in Spain, continuingsnapped up eigners favourite the Balearics pg the trend as well hoped that the end of II). It is of steady market growth. as Madrid, which the BrexThe regions of Extremedura drops of 21.9% and 8.1% saw it saga, possibly next month, re- and the long spectively. In (23.4%), La Rioja (22.4%) awaited return to and slump followsthe Balearics the political stability Castilla-La Mancha can help recuon from the in(21.6%) re- troduction corded the largest year-on-year of strict new rental perate British losses while also bringing laws which have made it more foreign anda boost to both the domestic markets. DECLINE:
Mallorca’s property
market has dramatically
slowed down following
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Your expat
voice in Spain
Get me out of here! THE biggest peacetime repatriation of Britons abroad is in full swing following the collapse of Britain’s oldest travel company Thomas Cook. A shocking 104,000 British holidaymakers are still stranded overseas after the travel giant’s collapse on Monday. A massive 70,000 of them were stuck in Spain, when the travel giant - which has 55 hotels and dozens of planes in Spain - filed for bankruptcy. Mallorca is expected to lose 25,000 tourists in October alone due to the
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By Robert Firth and Gillian Keller
firm’s collapse. Most holidaymakers had been left in the dark about their travel plans. Meanwhile many did not know if their hotels would charge them. All clients are ATOL protected, meaning they will be provided with flights home. Nonetheless, customers are facing delays of hours, even days, which many cannot afford.
In a new book serialisation, Jason Heppenstall recalls the unique and fascinating genesis of the Olive Press 16/06/2017 15:36 See Page 18
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Replacement flight rip offs, evictions from hotels, anxiety among thousands of tourists as Thomas Cook folds after 178 years
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A WOMAN filmed riding has been a red Ferrarinaked upon gar-chomping as its ciA RANDY tortoise has gone es the streets driver cruismissing from FOOT FETISH: of Ibiza. his Costa Appeal launched Tortoise gets The Blanca home woman stuck in while his Brit after for ‘randy’ tortoise appears completely owner is urgently it escapes from oblivious as stairs, Kent, appealing to the public and went to she dances to British centre for help. stay two nights reggaeton Corrales ‘Torte’ the tortoise in a local music blaring from B&B. disap- Tuesday. area of Jalon last from the slow-moving peared from Greece, and the Camino He has been “When we picked him The incident supercar. is understood in up was to come theDavid Priaulx’s care for the owner gave me an in- at the Marina Ibiza filmed last 30 years. voice, saying on the Balearic island, ‘no “I’ve had so and was many esca- ever stayed for freeone had later widely pades with and he shared on sowasn’t years,” David,him over the “Torte’sgoing to be the first’. cial media. like my But the Jalon, told the who lives in but I love him andnemesis, pursueddriver is now being “He escaped Olive Press. for reckless so does once in Broad- the whole family.” driving. David added that Torte an- A city council swers to his name. son said the spokesperHe said, however, authorities that the hope to track down randy tortoise A JOY ride has will ‘pick culprits soon as ‘there the on anyone’ gone pearare not many cars shaped after to make a and is known Ibiza’. like this in an Irish teen gine running outside a smashed through garage noise’ when loud ‘shrilling a school All in San Pedro. wall in his dad’s mounting the chaos then ensued shoes of his victims. The cheeky Audi A4. as the minor -
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Music to our ears ROSALIA has become the first Spaniard to win an MTV Music Award, by ‘Best Latino bagging for her song Video’ Con Altura with J Balvin and El Guincho.
Testing times A MAN, 26, has been gored edly in hisrepeatcles at a bulltestirun in Cuellar, near Valladolid, after he jumped a fence became tangled.and
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Some customers said that they had been forced to fork out huge sums of money for quicker replacement flights. Jamie Marshall, 40, told the Olive Press he had spent €1200 on replacement flights from Mallorca to London for his family of four. “It’s very disappointing,” he said. “We weren’t told anything. If a pilot I know hadn’t told me, I’d have just turned up at the airport.” Meanwhile, there have been several reports of hotels threatening to kick out Thomas Cook guests if they fail to cough-up huge sums of money. Bars in Magaluf clubbed together to pay for food, drinks and accommodation for a group of five lads from Manchester, after staff at the BH Mallorca hotel allegedly threatened to kick them out if they didn’t pay €1800 euros. “I don’t understand why they were kicking those boys out. They hadn’t done anything wrong,” a barman told the Olive Press. He added: “There is no one in the resort helping out. Why isn’t there someone from the British Consulate here?” Many others were forced to bed down on airport floors as they battle mammoth queues in airports. One mum stranded in Almeria said she would runout of vital food supplies for her disabled daughter, unless she is flown home this week. Demine Warner, 25, from Essex, said she urgently needed medicine for her daughter Aubree, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and needs to be tube-fed milk through her stomach if they weren’t flown home in time. “We still haven’t heard anything. I’m worried about my daughter as she is on medical milk and cannot eat the food here,” she said. “We will
Where Brits were stranded in Spain Palma 9,671 Tenerife 7,216 Lanzarote 4,625 Menorca 4,611 Ibiza 3,399
Fuerteventura 2,565 Reuse 2,467 Gran Canaria 2,115 Almeria 1,549 Girona 685 Alicante 534 STUCK: Palma worst affected soon run out.” In the biggest travel company collapse in history, 600,000 people were left stranded worldwide after the UK government denied an eleventh-hour bailout of £250 million. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has commandeered a fleet of 45 aircraft from as far away as Malaysia to support the massive rescue operation. They will fly from 53 destinations in 17 countries. By the end of Wednesday almost 46,000 passengers had been flown back home to the UK on 206 planes, the third day of the mammoth rescue operation. Continues on Page 8
Opinion Page 6
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CRIME
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NEWS IN BRIEF Soft touch KING Felipe VI of Spain’s jailed brother-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarin, will be allowed out of prison for two days a week to avoid ‘dehumanisation’ and ‘desocialisation’, a court has ruled. Urdangarin was jailed last year for misappropriating €6 million of public funds.
Plate death AN 83-year-old man has died in hospital after his wife, 84, battered him with a plate.
Catalan gang POLICE in Barcelona have arrested nine Catalan separatists over charges of ‘rebellion, terrorism and possession of explosives’.
Foul play BARCELONA footballer Samuel Umtiti’s house was burgled while he watched his team lose 5-2 against Valencia.
September 27th - October 10th 2019
White horses Retired expat couple who lived the high life facing 12 years in prison for cocaine smuggling on cruises
A RETIRED expat couple arrested with nearly €1million of cocaine on a luxury cruise have claimed a mystery ‘Jamaican businessman’ funded their lavish lifestyle, court papers reveal. Roger and Sue Clarke were set to take another €4,500 twoweek trip from Cuba to the Caribbean and back home to
Boozy bomb arrest A DRUNKEN British tourist has been arrested at Ibiza Airport after claiming there was a bomb on board a plane. The Jet2 flight heading to Newcastle was delayed by five hours as it was evacuated and searched by bomb disposal experts. Police arrested the British man for making a false bomb scare, and said he was under the effects of alcohol at the time.
By Joshua Parfitt
Spain before Portuguese police arrested them in Lisbon in December. A handwritten diary by Sue Clarke and made public reads that the cruise, via Antigua, Barbados and back via Malaga and Alicante this March would set them back ‘approx £4,000’. This was despite the Clarkes living on an income of just €1,000 a month at their home in Alicante. The couple are facing up to 12 years in prison for drug smuggling at Lisbon court. They both wept in court claiming they had been betrayed by friends, when police found the drugs on their ship the MC
Marco Polo. Former chef Roger, 72, insisted he had no idea the cocaine was hidden in the lining of four suitcases picked up on the paradise island of St Lucia. He claims his friends asked him to bring the suitcases back ‘because they could fetch a high price in places like Harrods’. After their arrest they pointed the finger at a man called ‘Lee of Jamaican origin’, who paid for their €7,700 cruise. Mr Clarke claimed the businessman asked him to pick up empty new suitcases in St Lucia and then buy exotic fruit that could be sold for a ‘massive profit’ in the UK. The Clarkes, who also have a house in Kent, have been held in separate prisons in Portugal for the past 10 months, awaiting trial. Portuguese police
Gang raid IN a drug gang raid in Playa de Palma police have arrested ten people and searched seven properties. More than 1,000 counterfeit football t-shirts, 75 allegedly-stolen cell phones and over €50,000 in cash was seized in the Arenal area. Receipts of transfers totalling more than €200,000 sent to Senegal were also found.
RUBBISH FINES
The ten arrested during ‘operation beach combat’ are accused of belonging to a criminal association and drug trafficking. The gang are said to have sold fake t-shirts and drugs along the beach, including cocaine and marijuana. The group used bicycles to transfer money from the houses to the beach sellers. An investigation is ongoing.
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Inspetor Carla Nunes insisted it made ‘no sense’ that mystery businessman paid for the cruise. She said that Mr Clarke was unable to provide police with a phone number, email or name of any import-export firms the businessman entrepreneur was involved in. Nunes added: “They could both have been making between nearly €20,000 and €30,000 plus expenses per trip.’ The Clarkes were jailed in Norway in 2010 for trafficking 240kg of cannabis resin on another cruise.
THE city of Marratxi has fined five people for ‘garbage tourism’ and dumping waste in the city. It comes after the city started a new rubbish collecting system and in recent weeks carried out a campaign to control irregular dumping. Officers caught 39 people, fining five people €300 each who live outside the city and are supposed to dispose of rubbish within their own municipalities.
Check out Chik
A WELL known Russian fugitive is believed to be hiding out in Spain. Aleksandr Chikovani, 43, is wanted by various Russian law enforcement agencies for a number of financial frauds. According to Russian media, he has defrauded many people via a series of companies including Nord Construction and Gephest Construction. While Chikovani denied links to the companies, police in Russia proved otherwise by linking his other firms’ IP addresses to them. Gephest Construction filed for bankruptcy with a loan debt of 50 million rubles, which Moscow Arbitration Court believes was to avoid paying off debts.
Devil son
POLICE in Palma have arrested a man for domestic violence after he told his mum he was the ‘devil’ and would ‘ruin’ her life. The 37-year-old man also said that he would steal all her money, during the tirade of abuse. He then went to a nearby bar and told the owner that he was going to ‘tear’ him apart. Neighbours alerted the police after hearing a commotion.
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September 27th - October 10th 2019
A place in the mud Dr Quien? A NEW Netflix series filmed by David Tennant has a twist: part of the series, Criminal, is shot in Spain, with the characters speaking the local lingo. The four-part series takes place across four countries: the UK, Spain, France and Germany, with each episode unfolding in a police interrogation room. Lee Ingleby from hit BBC crime drama Inspector George Gently will star in the UK instalment of the series. Spanish actor Eduardo Fernandez, who starred in the award-winning spanish language film Biutiful, plays an Al Capone-esque figure in the Spanish section. The show’s creators include George Kay, the man behind BBC thriller Killing Eve.
Heart’s back in it
ANTONIO Banderas has thanked a heart attack for getting him reinvesting in Malaga. The Hollywood star insisted the 2017 attack led to retreating from the US to his hometown, where he has since bought a theatre and developed a theatre school. Now the former Zorro star is to launch his first production, A Chorus Line, at the brand new Soho Caixabank Theatre, in Malaga, in November. “The heart attack was one of the best things to ever happen to me,” said Banderas. “A flash came to me and I said to myself, I’m going to buy a theatre.” As well as the theatre he has launched his ESAEM performing arts school, which already has dozens of budding students. He is also adamant that culture should not be confined to the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
A PLACE in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman has captured the aftermath of the torrid floods that killed seven in southeastern Spain. The Costa Blanca had its worst storms in 140 years and Harman stepped out onto the beach in Murcia to show her Instagram followers the devastating effects. She said: “The sand is like quicksand because of the floods. “I normally enjoy a dip in the sea in the morning,
EMPATHY: From Jasmine Harman but now everything is a bit strange.” The havoc even saw several towns become entirely en-
gulfed by water, with one British expat claiming he had lost ‘everything’.
Leading the way Basketball ace to join Freddie Flintoff and Katie Price with protection dog EXCLUSIVE By Jacque Talbot
A SPANISH basketball star is taking a lead from a host of UK celebrities in buying an elite protection dog. The Barcelona-based player will join cricketer Freddie Flintoff, model Katie Price and a host of British footballers and business magnates when he buys the topof-the-range dog from UK firm Protection Dogs Worldwide. Costing from 16,000, the dogs - mostly Dobermans, Great Danes or German Shepherds - are hand-trained by a team of specialists. They have worked alongside the Manof K9 institute, which has provided dogs for the Israeli special forces as well as alongside the Czech Police’ special dog division.
Attackers
“We carefully tailor our training to what our clients need,” explains lead trainor Leedor Borlant, who has also provided dogs for ambassadors. “Some of what our celebrity clients have gone through, you wouldn’t believe,” he added. “Being rich and famous makes you vulnerable.” Through word of mouth, the company has acquired a string of leading clients from Katie Price, who bought a
SHE is one of Spain’s true celluloid sex symbols. Now Paz Vega has set pulses racing sporting not much more than a leather jacket for a saucy lingerie shoot. The Sevilla beauty, 43, was all smiles as she posed nearly topless, sporting a cropped haircut. She is currently starring alongside Rambo legend Sylvester Stallone in the film’s fifth installment, Rambo: Last Blood, which has had mixed reviews. Vega, known for Lucia y El Sexo and Spanglish, plays an undercover journalist seeking revenge.
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Like-ala-vista Paz!
Rolling in
WHO’S NEXT: Which star joining Katie and Freddie? German Shepherd named Blade, to Flintoff, who purchased a Doberman called Trevor. Now the Yorkshire company has started to expand into international territory, with Spain already taking around 15% of its dogs. The most expensive dogs take years to train and come in at around €55,000. “We teach our dogs to handle any situation we can think of, whether that be one attacker or multiple attackers,” he explains. “The training is thorough. Diligence is required to ensure the dog will be effective
in a real-life situation. From obedience training to protection training, the dogs build confidence, and soon they are able to start biting the padded sleeves on cue, before being put in scenarios catered for the buyer.” And best of all, the company carefully vets each client to ensure the dogs are not sold to criminals. “We get frequent calls from the underworld to buy dogs. Criminals, drug dealers they come knocking, but we assess each client before we even allow them to visit us.” Visit www.protectiondogs.co.uk
SPOKING OUT: Ambassador Hugh on missing bike BRITAIN’S top new mandarin in Spain has spoken of his fondness for the country at a private party to mark his arrival. Hugh Elliot told a select group of diplomats, journalists and friends how he had fallen in love with Spain - and found a wife, Toni (above) - while teaching English in Salamanca. Speaking over canapes at the official home in the leafy Madrid suburb of Valdezarza, the UK ambassador revealed how it had not, however, been the smoothest arrival in Spain in 1984. Speaking in fluent Spanish, he raised a big laugh, when he revealed he had arrived here for a cycling holiday MINUS his bike. He recalled how he got off the train in Burgos to find the bike had vanished and asked if there was anyone in the audience from RENFE who could still help find it. Elliot then joked that he would not have any problem filling the ‘big shoes’ left by outgoing ambassador Simon Manley, as he had size 47 feet (a UK 12). The ambassador, now in his 50s, has worked for the Foreign Office since 1989 and been posted in Argentina and France, as well as spent five years in Madrid in the 1990s. The former Cambridge graduate has two children, both Real Madrid fans and born in Spain.
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BREXIT NEWS
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Food for thought UK Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has warned reporters in Madrid that Spanish producers will be hit in a no-deal Brexit. He said ‘sherry’, ‘manchego cheese’ and ‘cava’ would face stiffer competition if UK procurement rules change.
Proroguing unlawful BORIS Johnson’s proroguing of parliament for five weeks was ‘unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has unanimously ruled.
Clearer plans
September 27th - October 10th 2019
Listen in
Brexit bard
Expats tired of lack of Brexit clarity from Government REPRESENTATIVES of campaign groups for British nationals in Spain have urged for ‘greater clarity’ after meeting with the UK’s Brexit Secretary. John Carrivick, vice-president of EuroCitizens, said ‘less gung-ho optimism’ was needed from Stephen Barclay over crucial issues like rights to ‘benefits’ and ‘healthcare’. Barclay met with Carrivick, as well as representatives from Brexpats in Spain and ECREU, at the British Embassy in Madrid before flying to Brussels. “Why is the uprating of pensions within the exclusive gift
ALTHOUGH much of Europe is unsympathetic towards Brits over Brexit, one Madrid poet has penned the UK a touching message of solidarity. For €1, street writer Marta Carmona fired off a few lines of prose on her typewriter for the Olive Press in the capital’s trendy La Latina barrio. Her untitled work (translation below) confronts nationalism by asking ‘why do we let ourselves be divided?’
EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
of the UK government being made subject to reciprocity, and thereby placing it at risk?” Carrivick told the Olive Press. President of Brexpats in Spain, Anne Hernandez, said: “It seemed to us the buzzword of Mr Barclay was ‘intention’ - but we don’t want intention, we want action.” Hernandez said it was the first time a Brexit Secretary had spoken with her, despite ‘numerous’ conversations with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and EU Brexit coordi-
Call to arms
THE Labour Party has agreed on its draft Brexit policy should it win the next election. A new deal would be negotiated with the EU within three months and a second referendum would then have it backing either ‘leave’ or ‘remain’. PASSIONATE: Brits protesting in Malaga
‘GUNG-HO’: Barclay nator Guy Verhofstadt. In a video message after the meeting, Barclay affirmed the government’s commitment to ‘safeguard citizens’ rights’. It comes as Barclay is locked in talks with the EU over amendments to Theresa May’s withdrawal deal ‘minus’ the controversial Irish backstop, according to statements made during the meeting.
DOZENS of British expats have filled the streets of Malaga to protest against the UK government’s Brexit preparations. Demonstrators, many draped in EU flags, held up placards saying ‘No Brexit.’ Around 365,967 British nationals’ rights to healthcare, work permits and other assistance lie in the balance in the event of a no-deal Brexit. “We feel really forgotten here in Spain,” said 61-year-old businessman Michael Soffe, who was protesting in Malaga, where he has lived for 30 years. More anti-Brexit protests are due to take place in the border town of La Linea, near Gibraltar, on October 19.
‘Why divide, when we could share the pain, why build up a wall at the frontier. Why search for a compass (and take us or to take us) to nowhere. I love those that take a plane to smell the streets of Madrid, Why deprive me to fly to England where today and yesterday will always be ours. From me to you!
Loss of rights BRITISH citizens in Spain will lose key rights if there are no reciprocal arrangements for Spanish people living in the UK, Spain’s foreign minister has confirmed. Josep Borrel said his government’s Royal Decree last March guaranteed British rights in Spain, but warned
these rights will be ‘stripped back’ if the UK does not respond in kind to Spaniards in Britain. Legislation already passed by the Spanish government covers the recognition of British university degrees and driving licenses, healthcare coverage and work permits.
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A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than one million people a month.
OPINION
Sun has set on package holidays BRITAIN’S oldest travel company failed to move with the times. When budget airlines like Ryanair offer flights across Europe for as little as £15 and it’s possible to stay in a local’s fully furnished apartment thanks to sites like Airbnb, Thomas Cook just couldn’t compete. Clean but bland hotels, a little extra legroom and the convenience of airport transfers were not enough to attract the thousands of people who now prefer to book holidays online, rather than pop into their local travel agents. Poor business decisions didn’t help. Merging with struggling competitor MyTravel in 2011, when the number of people opting for package holidays was already dwindling, didn’t pay off. Those who have hit out at company bosses’ £50 million bonuses over the last decade are right to do so on the grounds of competence. But it’s unlikely withholding them would have made a difference to the muchloved travel agent’s fate. People’s holiday habits have changed for good and it’s up to travel firms to follow
suit.
Healthcare a right, not a privilege THE news that British expats will have to pay for their healthcare if no-deal Brexit happens is a betrayal of hardworking people. Many of these expats have paid their taxes for years and rightly expect quality care that they can afford as they age. Brexiters told us that leaving the EU would give us an extra £350 million per week for the NHS. Even if that figure was exaggerated, surely all of that money should now be used to cover expats’ healthcare costs. People back in the UK already have guaranteed free healthcare. So far the Department of Health has pledged £150 million to cover British nationals’ healthcare costs. That sum is a slap in the face to the 360,000 Brits living in Spain. They expect better and they deserve better. As Sue Wilson from Bremain in Spain has said, British nationals should be entitled to free healthcare whether they choose to retire in ‘Bradford, Bournemouth or Barcelona.’
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FEATURE
Losing their religion
September 27th - October 10th 2019
With atheism on the rise in Spain, Maya Eashwaran checks out why the masses are deserting the church
T
HINK Spain on Sunday and for many this conjures up an image of families soberly dressed, starting the day worshipping in their local churches. Old and young alike brought together by tradition, religion and community. But the deeply religious roots that have long been part of Spanish culture are being severed and instead of packed churches, clergymen are increasingly preaching to rows of empty pews, their sermons echoing round silent churches where congregations have gradually disappeared. Spain’s younger generation is firmly turning its back on religion and, while this is not surprising, the growth of atheism in a country with a history of religious fervour certainly is, with almost half of young Spaniards aged between 18 to 24 claiming that no religion is their religion. Decline in religion is a worldwide phenomenon. According to The Guardian newspaper, 70% of 16-29 year-olds in the UK identify with no religion. Around two thirds of people in this age range say they never pray. Leading the faithless field in Europe, France and the Czech Republic come just under China and Japan in The Independent newspaper’s list of countries with the most ‘convinced atheists.’ Atheism is no longer a hidden minority in fact, Europe’s Christian population is forecast to drop by 100 million people in the next 30 years, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center, a respected organisation in Washington, USA. Pew’s study takes into account factors like migration between Asia and Europe, the fertility levels of women of different religions, as well as the average ages of current religiously affiliated people. The numbers are so substantive that no religion at all was called the ‘world’s newest major religion’ by National Geographic just a few years ago. According to the Pew Research Center, non-religious people (labelled the ‘nones,’
SKY’S THE LIMIT: Young and old Spanish believers are in freefall, while (above top) Father an ironic homonym) make up a stunning between Franco’s dictatorship and Span16% of the world population. ish Catholicism. This age group still believe Non-religious groups have become so in God who was an obligatory element in prominent that they are often referred their childhood lives under the Franco reto as their own grouping entirely — the gime which lasted from the end of the Civil ‘nones’ actually come in second place as War until his death in 1975. the largest ‘religious group’ But following decades of dein almost half of the world’s mocracy, Varsavsky believes countries. This grouping ‘religion in Spain is mostly Religious includes those who do not becoming tradition.’ He identify with any official recontinues: “Sunday church marriages in ligion, including atheists, attendance is in the single agnostics and those who Spain declined digits. In this country, they practice a mix of religions or still teach religion in most from 79% to spiritual practices. schools, but to most it is as This rapid movement toif they were teaching Span19.8% wards atheism, coupled with ish history, the history of a the less surprising finding country that used to be relithat the majority of churchgious but it is not anymore.” goers are from older generations, does not According to Pew’s research, most western bode well for the future of European Chris- European adults still consider themselves tianity. Christian, even though they may be nonSpain’s declining religious numbers are practicing. particularly interesting. This group still makes up a larger portion El Pais reported earlier of society compared to the ‘nones’, showing this year that 27% of all how religion is adapted to fit the social and Spaniards are among cultural views of many modern day adults. the ‘nones’. In contrast, These non-practicing Christians do not be88.6% of the country’s lieve in the ‘biblical definition of God,’ as 65-and-overs still as- practicing Christians do although they incribe to traditional reli- clude elements of the religion in their daily gious beliefs, the most lives. prominent of which is But the clergy still hold out hope that there Christianity. could be a reversal. Father Francesc Romeu Church marriages have (pictured above preaching)remains optialso declined steeply; mistic, even though he has seen a decline in a 27 year-long period, in congregation numbers at his parish of the percentage of reli- Santa Maria de Taulat in the Barcelona bargious marriages in Spain rio of Poblenou since he was ordained 34 declined from 79% to years ago. 19.8%, a huge drop of “The old people I had when I started out nearly 60 percent. as a priest have died and now I have othMartin Varsavsky, in the ers who are retiring,” he told El Pais. “Their Huffington Post, goes grandchildren are now older and there to the history books to comes a day when they walk into the church explain that one of the and stay.” major factors behind Whether the growing tide of atheism sweepthe older generation’s ing across Europe will continue to empty religious adherence is church pews long term, only time will tell. the strong connection Or perhaps it’s in God’s hands.
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FEATURE
7
LET’S TALK ABOUT PORN With more gang rapes reported every year, there is an urgent need to define the line between fact and fiction, writes Heather Galloway
P
ORNOGRAPHY used to be associated with middle-aged men hovering in front of magazine racks until they believed it was safe to reach up to the top shelf, snatch down the coveted item and make it to the till unobserved. Then came the 1990s series Friends and porn was ushered into the mainstream with chums Joey and Chandler constantly alluding to their porn addiction in what was packaged as harmless fun. Now, the founder of the Asturias Association for Sex Education, Ivan Rotella, claims that children as young as nine and ten are regularly consuming porn on their smart phones – a device which, according to the Spanish Institute of Statistics, is in the hands of 26.25% of this age bracket. Consequently, a warped sex education begins before some even reach puberty. “It creates a lot of problems,” Rotella tells me after explaining that any child looking up parts of the body for anatomy homework will be exposed to it. “Some don’t want their parents to touch each other after seeing it,” he continues. “Nor do they want to give kisses themselves or go to the park where other children will show them more porn on their mobile, usually the most obscene or peculiar images they can find.”
7 Olive Press online
September 27th - October 10th 2019 that’s the
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LIES AND DAMNED STATISTICS ‘LIES, damned lies and statistics,’ as former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once said. Anyone can throw claims and figures about. It is what’s behind the statistics that matters. At the Olive Press we simply publish our numbers according to official Google Analytics numbers (above) and report on our most popular stories of the fortnight. We also like to remind our readers that we are Spain’s Number One English news site by a country mile. What we DON’T do is buy followers on Facebook or Twitter or acquire overnight website links (hundreds of thousands of them, like some rivals do) to artificially boost our site. We simply grow organically, thanks to our diet of good reporting and investing in journalism. And we let the numbers do the talking. FILMING: 12% of gang rapes in Spain were filmed
offender to have a notable criminal record, and more likely to be Spanish than foreign. There is a pattern to these crimes too: they are frequently committed after fiestas or at weekends, suggesting that the blurring of the line between Rapes fantasy and reality has been exacerThe porn-addiction joke starts to ware bated by drink and drugs. particularly thin though, when we are But like Rotella, Andrea Giménez-Satold that the numbers of sex offences lina, president of the Foundation for and gang rapes are soaring. Applied Research into Crime and SeAccording to Feminicidio.net there curity, is loath to draw conclusions. were a staggering 60 gang rapes “Recently there has been a lot of in Spain last year compared to 14 talk relating pornography to these in 2017, and 18 in 2016 when the attacks, but there is no empirical eviinfamous Pamplona San Fermines dence to support this,” she tells me. ‘manada’, - or wolf pack - took place Rotella believes the rise in gang rape with five Spanish men taking turns to is probably down to more victims rape an 18-year-old. feeling able to report This year, there have it. But he does make a been 42 reported tenuous link between cases taking place People think porn on tap and sex between January offences when he and August 2, when sex education is says, “Proper sex six men raped an about condoms education in schools 18-year-old who had would decrease genarranged to meet and orgasms. It’s der violence and sex one of her aggressors attacks,” adding that not through Instagram in porn distorts young Bilbao. people’s view of what Of the 134 gang rapes might be pleasurable committed since 2016, 12% were or acceptable because it is pure faneither filmed or photographed, as tasy. though the perpetrators were keen He goes on to draw parallels with scito make their own porn movie with ence fiction. “If a child watching Spithemselves as the stars. derman understands it as a climbing But while Rotella, who runs the Artur- manual, they’re going to have probsex program to educate teenagers, lems. Pornography is entertainment, agrees some offenders may want to not a handbook for sex,” he says. imitate porn, that doesn’t mean porn “The only solution is to educate our has actually driven the crime. children. People think sex education “They may prove a link in the future, is about condoms and orgasms. It’s but it hasn’t been done yet,” he says. not. It’s about getting young people Gang rapes are generally commit- to understand their bodies, accept ted by a younger demographic than themselves and express themselves similar crimes committed by an indi- and it’s about respect and commuvidual. nication.” The average age is 25, according to Ana Fernández Alonso, director of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior. the sexology department at Oviedo They are also less likely than the lone University, goes further, explaining
that it is not enough to have sex education thrown in with another subject. “It needs to be taught by someone qualified,” she says. “To think anyone can teach it because we are all sexual beings is like thinking we can all be cardiologists because we all have a heart.”
Fairy tales
Through the Artursex programme, Rotella and his colleagues visit schools to discuss sexism and homophobia with students, personal hygiene and sexual diversity with younger teenagers, jealousy, control issues and the risks of social media with pre-teens. They also look at alternative endings to traditional fairy tales with the very young. “It should start at the age of three,” says Rotella, “like any other subject.” Back in January this year, the PSOE’s Ministry of Education was proposing to include sex education as part of a reform bill, enraging elements on the right, such as the Madrid region’s Vox candidate Rocío Monasterio who claimed that pupils aged eight were being introduced to bestiality in optional sex education sessions. Rotella dismisses this as nonsense. “We have had complaints from Vox, but they have no idea what they are talking about. We never introduce material that the school doesn’t approve beforehand.” In any case, Monasterio can breathe easy as the reform bill has been put on ice while Pedro Sanchez struggles to form a government. But as Rotella says, we haven’t yet had the chance to assess what effect exposure to porn will have on these nine and 10 year olds in later life – “Above all, on their relationships with a future partner.” It’s time to get the conversation started.
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The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress. es in the past two weeks are:
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- BREAKING: Extreme risk ‘red alert’ warning issued for all of Alicante from midnight Wednesday as Gota Fría batters the Costa Blanca (50,398)
2
- City-wide curfew and ‘Level One Emergency’ in Orihuela as Costa Blanca deals with torrential floods (23,494)
3 4 5
- WATCH: Cars swept down 3m-high weir as rainfall exceeding 400mm hammers Costa Blanca village (21,921)
- Hailstorm hits Costa del Sol’s Ronda as winemakers hope their crops have not been ruined (19,473) - Brits living in Spain will LOSE their rights if UK fails to give Spanish citizens better protection says Spain’s Government (17,727)
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Thousands stranded From Page 1
They will fly from 53 destinations in 17 countries. By the end of Wednesday almost 46,000 passengers had been flown back home to the UK on 206 planes, the third day of the giant rescue operation. It means that just over 30% of stranded passengers have now made it back home. A massive 21,000 people (thousands in Spain) have been left jobless by the travel firm’s sudden collapse, with 9,000 in the UK. Despite not balancing the books, Thomas Cook CEO, Peter Fankhauser raked in £8.3m during his time in the top job. Despite this, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson speculated that it could be time to ‘reflect on whether the directors of these companies are properly incentivised to sort such matters out’. Thomas Cook was set up in 1878 and has been running package holidays to Spain since the 1950s. ATOL Protected passengers with future bookings are entitled to a full refund for their cancelled holiday. Passengers currently overseas may also make claims for the cost of replacing ATOL protected parts of their trip, or for out-of-pocket expenses as a result of delayed flights home. The Civil Aviation Authority will be launching a service to manage all refunds by Monday 30 September, once the flying operation has progressed. This refunds service will seek to process all refunds within 60 days of full information being received.
SLOW DIG Franco’s body comes one step nearer to being removed from mausoleum IT’S a saga almost as torturous as his life. But Spain has now come one step closer to moving former dictator Francisco Franco from his communal grave at Madrid’s Valley of the Fallen. The Supreme Court has finally ruled that the disgraced dictator can be dug up from his tomb in the heart of the biggest war monument in Europe. It comes after Pedro Sanchez’s government pledged last year to remove his body from underneath the monument and move him to a pri-
Swingers ship A SWINGERS ship has docked in Palma, with 674 fun loving couples, most of them American, onboard. The Azamara Journey cruise liner, which moored in Palma harbour on Wednesday, is hosting passionate couples exchange event, Desire Monte Carlo.
10
By Robert Firth
vate cemetery in Madrid. The move was originally planned for June 10, but the Supreme Court forced it to delay the move after receiving an appeal from the Franco family. However, the appeal, arguing that his body should be reburied in Madrid’s Catedral de la Almudena, has now been turned down. The body could now be moved to a non-controversial site the El Pardo cemetery where
The eight day Mediterranean cruise sees passengers embark on a voyage of ‘erotic pleasure, where clothing is optional,’ according to the event’s website. In addition to intimate encounters, which are ‘limited to specific areas of the ship,’ couples onboard enjoy costume-themed event
WE GIVE YOU MORE
his wife is buried, as well as many other politicians. The issue has divided opinion in Spain, with Franco buried alongside tens of thousands of civil war dead, most of them Republicans. It has led to the monument symbolising a triumph of fascism, and a shrine for the far right. “The idea that people who were killed by Franco’s troops are buried together with Franco is absurd,” said Silvia Navarro, whose great uncle died in 1936.
nights, such as ‘Saints and Sinners,’ as well as world class gastronomy.
September 27th - October 10th 2019
PLANE CRASH
A HUNTER out stalking rabbits has claimed he heard ‘three explosions’ from the engine of an aeroplane that later crashed in Pedreguer, killing two French nationals. The hunter told the Olive Press he heard ‘a very strange sound’ coming from the engine of the Cirrus SR22 four-seater aeroplane. Police sources initially claimed ‘poor visibility’ due to ‘mist’ as the possible cause of the accident - but the hunter’s account could suggest engine failure as a possible cause. It comes following the tragic incident in the hills near to Llosa de Camacho last Monday. Residents of the Monte Solana area called emergency services saying a plane had gone into the mist and disappeared just before 4pm. Members of the Grupo Rescate de Denia had to hike 400m to get to the remote area, where by 8pm a team of forensics, judicial police, Civil Protection and Guardia Civil arrived and confirmed the death of the two pilots.
The week long cruise set sail from Nice and will finish in Barcelona.
Branson Mansion death A BRITISH tourist has been found dead in the pool of a Spanish villa owned by the sister of entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. Oliver Wissenbach, 25, was discovered lifeless by a maintenance worker in Menorca at Lindy Branson’s pad on the first day of his holiday on the Balearic island. It is thought he drowned after taking a late night dip in the pool at Lindy’s Villa Gloria that his family were renting. The 25-year-old was wearing sunglasses when he was found. He had just come back from a trip out to see fireworks with his family.
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Property
go S - p m to p ain ag ro ’s az pe in rty e
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Issue 33
September 2019
El Ca Cap nt ric ab h ria o,
Modern masterpieces
From pet passports to dodgy removal men, one British family’s highs and lows as they set up in Spain before Brexit strikes... See page IV Ca Ba sa rc Ba el tll on o, a
But which is Spain’s favourite modernist building? See page III (a clue is in the picture in the middle)
C Ca asa s Le tilla Lis, on y
P Lo alac M ngo io d ad ri e rid a,
UPS AND DOWNS Growth figures for July make up for sluggish foreign buyers and a drop in June SPAIN has recorded its best month for property sales for 11 years, new government data has revealed. A total of 47,890 transactions were reported in July 2019, marking a 3.8% year-on-year increase. June 2008 was the last time more homes were snapped up in Spain, continuing the trend of steady market growth. The regions of Extremedura (23.4%), La Rioja (22.4%) and Castilla-La Mancha (21.6%) recorded the largest year-on-year
growth. In total, 11 of Spain’s 17 regions grew over the last year. It made up for a 9% year-onyear drop in June, which suggested the market was really slowing down. There have also been some big declines in the long time foreigners favourite the Balearics as well as Madrid, which saw drops of 21.9% and 8.1% respectively. In the Balearics the slump follows on from the introduction of strict new rental laws which have made it more
difficult for owners to rent to tourists. This has made property on the islands less attractive as investment opportunities. Further negative news saw foreign buyers drop by 7%, with British buyers among those being put off purchasing in Spain (see Slow Down, pg II). It is hoped that the end of the Brexit saga, possibly next month, and the long awaited return to political stability can help recuperate British losses while also bringing a boost to both the foreign and domestic markets.
DECLINE: Mallorca’s property market has dramatically slowed down following new rental laws
II
PROPERTY
Mark Stucklin
COOLING OFF September 27th - October 10 th, 2019
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com
Foreign buyers, Brits included, were turned off investing in Spanish property this summer, writes Mark Stucklin SPAIN was not the flavour of the 2019 summer season for overseas buyers. The number of Spanish homes purchased by foreigners declined in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. And it’s not just a blip. This is the second consecutive quarterly decline in what looks like the start of a downward trend. The number of property sales deeds registered in the Spanish land register by a foreign buyer in the second quarter of this year numbered 16,209, according to the latest report by Spain’s As-
sociation of Land Registrars. That compares to 17,338 a year before, a decline of 7%. Before Q1, foreign demand for Spanish property had not declined in any quarter since foreign demand started to recover back in 2010 (and four years before local demand began to recover). Now it has declined for two quarters in a row. By nationality, the biggest group of buyers was once again the British, with 2,159 Spanish property acquisitions registered in the quarter (13% of the foreign market), followed by the
French some way behind with peared to turn upwards towards 1,236 (8%), and the Germans positive growth in Q2, with the with 1,184 (7%). exception of the UK, where deIn terms of market share the ‘rest mand growth is negative and of the world’ is gainpointing down. ing whilst the bigWhen you look at gest markets are on the overall market The trend in the retreat. including local deAlmost all markets foreign demand is mand, the figures posted a decline in clearly downwards reveal a second Q2, with the excepconsecutive quarand looks set to terly decline and tion of Morocco, Romania, France, and continue that way a clear downward the rest of the world. trend, so it’s not However, if there is just foreigners who one bit of good news seem to be going in the figures it was that demand cold on Spanish property. from the biggest markets all ap- As a result of the change in both
local and foreign demand, buyers from abroad represented 12.5% of the Spanish property market in Q2. As I concluded in my article on the Q1 foreign demand for Spanish property figures: “The trend in foreign demand is clearly downwards and looks set to continue that way in the next few quarters at least.” I see no reason yet to change that conclusion based on the Q2 figures. The downward trend is taking shape.
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com
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PROPERTY
III
September 27th - October 10 th, 2019
Transfer time
Disgraced former England manager Sam Allardyce sells his Spanish villa for new pad
Go Gaudi
EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
Brutalist birthday A TRIO of Brutalist Costa del Sol blocks celebrated their 50th anniversary this month. The ‘Los Manantiales’ complex in Torremolinos was finished the same year Judy Garland honeymooned in the town - way back in swingin’ 1969. The three striking 18-storey towers have been acclaimed for their unique features including external spiral staircases and concrete tubing used to channel sea breezes. Madrid-born architect Luis Alfonso Pagan is behind the complex, which houses 450
ANDALUCIA’S capital city is growing sharply having approved 2,000 new homes, with construction to be carried out mainly in the south and east of the city. The new houses in Sevilla have been given the go-ahead, with some 18,000 homes set to be completed over the next three years. Otaisa Architecture Studio will
apartments and a 45-bedroom hotel. Originally only planned as a six-storey development, Malaga City Council upped the ante due to Pagan’s ‘quality’ design. Los Manantiales even went on to win a Silver Hexagon at the Space International Awards in 1979. Brutalist architecture, a style that emerged in the 1950s, was characterised by its monolithic appearance, rigid geometric style and largescale use of poured concrete.
Capital growth carry out the plans, with the new neighborhood, named ‘Buenaire’. It is set to have many trees, a children’s playground, spaces for walks, bike lanes and a leisure centre.
FORMER England manager Sam Allardyce has sold his multi-million euro villa on the Costa Blanca, a wellplaced source has claimed. The five-bedroom pad, named ‘Big Sam’s Villa’, had been on the market at a reported €3.9 million since April 2017. But the five-bedroom property was sold earlier this year while the high-profile manager has reportedly bought land further up the Cumbre del Sol, the source added. With sweeping views, the villa views features a stunning private garden, wine cellar, swimming pool and is close by the Club de Golf Javea. The villa has been taken down from Rightmove, but agency Font Moraira - which features an image of property on its Facebook banner - said it could ‘neither confirm nor deny’ the sale due to confidentiality agreements. It comes after the Olive Press reported how Allardyce, 64,
escaped to the villa in 2016 after his shock resignation as England manager following a newspaper sting alleging he chased a €460,000 deal to top up his salary while offering advice on bypassing transfer rules. Life-long friend David Ingham said at the time Sam was
‘sad’ and ‘very hurt’. “I’ve known Sam for 40 years since he was a young Bolton player and he’s a lovely man with a high moral compass,” Ingham told the Olive Press. “He’s being painted as a greedy money grabber but that’s not the man I know. He’s a great guy.”
Round the houses HE might have problems selling his Spanish mansion, but it hasn’t stopped Michael Douglas playing the property market. The US star has splashed €4.1 million on a home in the New York suburbs, despite failing to shift his S’Estaca estate, in Mallorca, now down to just €29 million from an original €50 million asking price. The Basic Instinct actor’s new buy, with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, dates back to 1895 and is set amongst 12 acres of meadow on the Hudson River. It also boasts two indoor pools, a tennis court, gym, sauna, steam room, two-story library and guest cottage.
GAUDI’S remarkable Casa Batllo has been crowned the greatest modernist building in Spain. An Architectural Digest poll put the Spanish architect’s masterpiece in Barcelona in first place with 21% of the vote. In second place came Cantabria’s El Capricho, with Casa Lis in Castilla y Leon third, and Madrid’s exuberant Palacio de Longoria, in fourth. Casa Batllo, which is known for its peculiar skeletonlike balcony, sits in Barcelona’s Eixample district. It was however, snubbed as the city’s best building in 1906, when it was finished, with another architect being awarded that year’s title.
Rental woes RENTS have surged at more than 30 times the rate of wages in Spain for the last five years. Whilst the average rental cost in Spain is 50% higher than the same property in 2013, wages have only increased by 1.6% in the same period. Around half of Spain’s tenants spend over 40% of their pay packet on rent. Mallorca’s capital, Palma, saw the steepest increase in rents, alongside Barcelona, with rents going up by more than 50% since 2013. In Malaga, Madrid and Valencia, properties are 45% more expensive than in 2013.
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Buying or Selling a property come to visit us in our brand new office, Plaza Portals nous. 3. or visit www.themallorcadeal.com
IV
September 27th - October 10 th, 2019
PROPERTY
Brexit made us do it! As the Halloween deadline looms, Karen Livermore relives the trials and tribulations of her own family’s recent Brexodus to Spain
R
EWIND to the summer of 2016 and refer- worse-than-usual poendum result day. My partner and I were litical backstabbing. relaxing on a friend’s terrace over a chilled Key messages about glass of Rioja, gazing up at the awe-inspir- trade and freedom of ing Sierra de las Nieves mountains, when the re- movement got lost. sults started to come in and pictures of a gurning We became increasNigel Farage filled the TV screens. ingly incredulous at Compared to our spectacular surroundings it was the inept handling of not quite such a pretty sight! negotiations with the It was also the outcome no one expected. Even EU and when MPs began acting like sulky chilFarage originally declared the dren in kindergarten we decided it Leavers had been defeated just was time to go. a few hours after the polls closed. Three quotes, one It wasn’t a decision taken lightly. A shocked nation, a PM’s resignawere hardly militant pro-Euroif we moved pre- We tion, Parliament in turmoil, calls peans hoisting the blue and yellow for a general election ... the weeks Brexit, one for no- flag outside our house. But the following were muddled and chaextremism and fake news stories otic. Three years on it’s eerily the deal and another from both sides left us cold. Insame... stead, like a growing number of Back in the UK, we watched sides if there was a deal rationally-minded Brits, we could being drawn up. We were told how see what effect leaving the EU President Trump would give us would have, and we didn’t like huge trade deals to make up for the plethora of what we saw. companies and industries that were packing their If we were going to make a move, we wanted to go bags and heading for the nearest Channel port. before Brexit - whatever that looked like - to avoid Let’s see how that pans out. being caught in a potential red tape nightmare. We witnessed changing global economies and After a dalliance with France and a mad half hour suddenly Leavers who had cast their votes on considering Australia, we chose Spain. the back of an immigration campaign started to My partner speaks fluent Spanish (which has IDYLL: Karen’s Brexit-free paradise with realise that this was an insignificant part of the been a godsend) having lived in Menorca for over Hubby Terry (top left) and her dogs (right) overall picture. 15 years, while his sister and her husband have I think at the time of the referendum, huge num- been based in Andalucia for almost 20. Really it gasp. Poring over the pound to euro exchange bers of the electorate simply did not know what was a no brainer. And so the property hunt began. rates became an obsession. When you are they were voting for or the impact the result would Many a Sunday morning was spent flicking changing property-sized amounts of cash, every have. The campaigns were full of rhetoric and through inmobiliario websites shortlisting proper- centimo counts! ties that could be our new home. Even the physical move was hijacked by Brexit. A quick viewing trip back to Anda- Astonishingly, one UK-based removal company lucia, and we fell in love with the gave us three quotes - one if we moved prefirst place we saw. Yes, very dan- Brexit, one for a no-deal scenario and another if gerous I know. we moved and there was a deal! Not unsurprisAlas, just as we ingly, they didn’t get our busiwere about to ness. Instead, we found a great make an offer, the company based on the Costa We watch the agent told us the del Sol which quoted one price vendor had acand a good one at that! news glasses cepted a private We also didn’t realise how deal. The house of chilled Rioja in Brexit would affect our dog with its 360-degree and two cats. Dylan the dog panoramic views of hand - with a more was already well-travelled with whitewashed vila pet passport from the previdetached view lages, the Sierra de ous year, obtained by a simple las Nieves and Siprocess - get the rabies jab, erra de Mijas was pay £90 and wait for the passport no longer an option. to arrive in the post. However, as happens in the house This time around vets acting on DEFRA advice, hunting business, the next proper- which of course could not be definitive, were not ty we found had equally stunning only recommending a £90 rabies jab for all three views, needed less work and our pets but a further blood test four weeks later at offer was accepted. £120 and, depending on the antibody count, By now it was December 2018 another £90 rabies jab and then another £120 and the Brexit clock was ticking. blood test. Then a three month wait before they The vendors needed to find some- could travel and a potential further unspecified where, their lawyers were not the fastest in the cost for a second certificate alongside the pet world and we wanted completion before the then passport. Brexit deadline date of March 31. Oh, and despite only being a few months into her Then, as now, no one really knew what would original rabies jab, Dylan had to go through the happen. Deal or no-deal, it could alter the stakes process again too. drastically in terms of freedom of movement and However, we were advised that should Brexit not the status of Brits in Europe. happen, then the old regime was adequate which Meanwhile the exchange rates were going crazy, made the whole process look like a money-makrollercoastering to highs not seen since 2017 ing ploy rather than extra vigilance over rabies. before suddenly plunging to levels that made us And this was all coming from the UK government,
not Europe. Given the cost for transporting our pets would come to £1,200, and convinced there was no way Brexit would be delivered by the end of March, we took a chance and brought them over on the current system. Since then, like a lot of expats, we have adopted another dog and getting her passport from our new Spanish vet was a breeze - at half the price! Now we watch the news - glasses of chilled Rioja in hand - with a slightly more detached view, glad to be out of the mayhem choking the UK, although we sense the panic as the new October 31 deadline looms. We eventually completed on our house on March 29 - just two slim days before the initial Leave Europe deadline. It all went smoothly, which is more than can be said for the shambles that is Brexit.
VI
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
Designer Magnus Ehrland stitches historic styles together seamlessly in this new hotel on Palma’s seafront
PROPERTY
Making waves
WEDGED between the Med and Palma cathedral it couldn’t ask for a better location. And Mallorca’s hottest new hotel El Llorenc Parc de la Mar is already making waves. The stunning 33-room guest house cleverly knestles into this historic location, while also sending out a strong message. Its clean lines and simple exterior, bely the sumptuous, stylish interiors within. But it is the rooftop swimming pool which really takes some beating, with its amazing views across Palma bay and inland towards the cathedral and far away hills. Its architect Pedro Rabassa has created a clever balance and included all the necessary luxuries one would expect of such a hotel, such as a Turkish steam bath and spa. Designed by Swedish interiors guru Magnus Ehrland, the rooms eschew the well-worn beach linen and wicker combos of many boutique hotels, and opt for a style befitting this historic suburb of Palma. So think Moorish patterns alongside art deco and you get the picture. For more information visit www.elllorenc.com
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Keys Isl nd to the
Maybe if Boris had played it straight, he wouldn’t be in such a mess. It’s a lesson homeowners should learn too, writes Amanda Butler
By Amanda Butler
LET’S GET REAL
W
ho could have predicted the current political drama with Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament being ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court? We are witnessing history being made and sailing uncharted seas – a group of independent judges have stopped the government in its tracks. MP’s are baying for Johnson’s head, with the Queen probably wanting to join them after being mislead by the PM. Will he even make Brexit day one wonders? And then what? Meanwhile, we continue to watch from afar, wondering what the next chapter of this horror story will bring. Us expats feel rather fortunate not to be stuck in the middle of this mayhem, but are fearful of the outcome. There is no doubt Brexit is playing its part with official figures released by the Institute of Real Estate Agents,
MESS: Johnson’s no-deal Brexit threat affecting Mallorca’s property market
showing there was a 21.9% decrease in property sales in the Balearics in July 2019 compared with July 2018. This was the biggest fall in the whole of Spain, and compares to a 3.8% rise nationwide to 47,890 transactions, the most since May 2008 apparently. In the Balearics there were only 1,261 registered sales. However, it can’t only be the drop in British purchases responsible for this dip in figures. According to Natalia Bueno, the president of the Institute of Real Estate Agents,
one of the main reasons for this decrease in numbers is that house prices in the Balearics are reaching a ceiling level. Figures will of course need to be compared for the whole year to get a full picture, but according to numerous real estate agency sources, volume of enquiries for July and August was down substantially for many agents. The institute has been declaring for some time that it is impossible to buy a property at a reasonable price. For example in the centre of Palma, there
aren’t any decent apartments under €400,000. Bueno recommends that owners obtain genuine valuations, which the institute can do for free, since properties offered at ‘a real market price’ sell without any problem, while properties with overinflated prices languish. The National Statistics Institute point to a moderation in property prices with second quarter figures for the Balearics indicating a 5.3% increase compared with April-June 2018. This reflects the lowest quarterly rise since 2016.
VIII
September 27th - October 10 th, 2019
PROPERTY
Cabin Fever Bendinat Golf – Delightful Garden Apartment with views over Bendinat Golf Course
2 Beds 2 Baths 100 m² Living 100 m² Garden Pool €550.000 Ref: 19014
Recently reformed southwest facing, with large master bedroom en-suite, open plan kitchen, dining room, lounge with fireplace, ‘live-out’ covered terrace, private garden, BBQ area, storage x 2, off-street parking, lovely views. Situated in a secure community with 4 pools. Perfectly situated only 5 minutes from Portals, and 10 minutes from Palma. Viewing highly recommended.
Contact Amanda J Butler your one stop property advisor in Mallorca email: ajb@mjcassociates.net or tel: (+34) 690 075 169
As a location it couldn’t get much better. High in the hills above Ibiza’s sleepy village of Es Cubells, it needed to fit into the landscape. An extension of a millionaire’s palatial villa, it also had to have an impact. The Cabana, as it is called, acts as an extension to the villa as well as ‘a refuge for the owner and his guests looking for a more primordial experience’. Created by Atelier LAVIT, an architectural and design practice, based in Paris, the room faces south, overlooking a valley and the sea, while the roof and walls have been designed to give
the outdoor spaces 24/7 shade. Meanwhile, the carefully stacked wooden screens on top of the hut guarantee the privacy of its dwellers, as well as sheltering them from the sun and wind. Inside, the design is simple, with the bathroom and dressing room separated from the bedroom. The project was largely prefabricated in a wood workshop in the south of France, before being shipped onto the island. All the parts were numbered, dismantled and rebuilt on site within just three weeks.
LA CULTURA That bombed!
17
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
ROCK ON By Gillian Keller
MAYOR of Palma Antoni Noguera has announced his hopes of reviving the Pop and Rock Contest of the 1980s. The city hosted a very popular musical contest in the 80s and 90s and Noguera, who is also the Councilor for culture, has asked different sectors in the city to ‘study’ the old programme in an attempt to revive a newer, more current version. However, major changes would have to occur to make the contest work in today’s world, including expanding categories to include newer genres.
Complex
The idea so far would be to have ‘selection’ concerts through the spring season, with a grand finale on June 21, International Music Day. Not all music categories will be represented; some genres such as jazz that already have their own festivals in the city will be excluded. Mayor Noguera has also addressed the issue of live music in the city, and the complex balance ‘between pleasing neighbours and improving the live music scene’. He pointed out that Barcelona has recently brought in new regulations in favour of live music, and that this should be studied as an example of how to have happy neighbours and a booming live music environment.
United Nations apologises after webpage claimed Republicans were Guernica bombers
THE United Nations has apologised after it wrongly attributed the bombing of Guernica to Spanish Republican forces, who were in fact the victims of the attack. The UN website that records gifts donated to the organisation said the 1937 painting was created by Pablo Picasso as an ‘artistic protest against the atrocities of the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.’ In truth, Nazi German and fascist Italian forces carried out the aerial bombardment
what’s on Fira Dolca SWEETIES are celebrated in all their glory at the 14th annual Sweet Fair in Esporles, with included cakes, pastries, jams and candies on October 6.
Harvest Festival
of the Basque town in support of their fascist Spanish ally, General Francisco Franco. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the error was a ‘horrendous mistake.’
SINKING STONES
He added: “The Republicans were the victims, not the perpetrators. We regret the error and extend our apologies to the people and Government of Spain.” Bombers dropped over
THE Spanish Government has ruled out rescuing ‘Spain’s Stonehenge’ from being submerged by a swamp. The 55 granite standing stones of the 4,000-year-old Dolmen de Guadalperal made headlines when they emerged ‘like magic’ from the waters of Valdecanas lake in Extremadura in August. There is now a ‘very high probability the stones will be lost to water erosion’, according to the Geographical Association of Extremadura.
Shambhala Challenge
45,000 kilos of explosives on Guernica during the 1937 attack, reducing the town of 5,000 people to rubble. The description on the UN website is in reference to a tapestry of the painting that was commissioned in 1955 by former US vice-president and tycoon Nelson A. Rockefeller. It has hung on a wall at the entrance to the UN Security Council chamber since 1985. The tapestry was created under the supervision of Malaga-born Picassso in a workshop in the south of France.
LLUCMAJOR’S annual autumn harvest festival returns full of street parties, live music, arts and crafts markets and parades from September 27 - October 27.
Tapas and crafts night CRAFTS and tapas meet in Sa Pobla every Wednesday through to the end of October at the Tapas and Craft Market Night with local artists and restaurants uniting for fun evenings with food and art.
Mallorca Protect your family from funeral costs and complications A pre-paid funeral plan from Avalon is an easy way to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance so your family doesn’t have to deal with unfamiliar procedures and language barriers.
CHARITY: Shambhola fit FOR the second year in a row, expats and locals have united in Santa Ponsa for the Shambhala Challenge to raise
money for ASPANOB, a local association for parents of children with cancer. A hoard of local businesses
Lucky dip PAUSE for a moment before purchasing your next pint or pincho de tortilla - the €2 coin in your hand could be worth €1,000. This is the top suggested bid on Ebay for a €2 piece minted in 2009 - a tidy 500 times its actual face value. The mint itself depicts the 10th anniversary of the birth of the Euro currency. The design is intended to celebrate the single currency and, by extension, Economic and
Monetary Union (EMU) being the latest step in Europe’s long history of trade and economic integration. But the childlike image of a stick figure holding hands with the Euro symbol has been much ridiculed and turned it into a collector’s item.
teamed up with Shambhala Gym for the event, including Fit4life Mallorca, Body and Mind Mallorca and Imperial Properties to raise over €2,000. The challenge began at Shambhala Gym with a race to the famous stairs, running down all 549 steps and then back up the steps and back down again. Then participants crossed the bay of Santa Ponsa with a one-kilometre swim. Once on dry land again, the race continued through the streets of Santa Ponsa to the Puig de Na Morisca archaeological park and then finally back down to the Shambhala gym. After the challenge participants enjoyed a BBQ while the sponsors gave out prizes.
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18
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
LA CULTURA
Lost in translation Setting up any new business in Spain is hard. Try setting up a newspaper. In the first part of a hilarious new serialisation, Jason Heppenstall (right) recounts the strange, and quite frankly shocking genesis of the Olive Press newspaper
W
HEN the door swung open into what would be our new office it revealed a scene that suggested the previous occupant had left in a hurry. The brass plaque with the lawyer’s name was still attached outside the entrance and the picture from his law school graduation remained on the wall above the desk, but of the man himself there was no sign. Next to the picture stood a bookshelf packed with leather-bound tomes of the type lawyers like to be pictured sitting in front of. It was difficult to overlook the fact that the splintered wooden door had a bootprint on it, and an upturned chair lay on the floor surrounded by scattered legal
papers. She waited for our reaction, and failThe elderly landlady was showing us ing to detect one, started again, a little around. louder this time. “These books are inMercedes was a sturdy-footed senior cluded in the price of the rent.” with a booming voice “We’re not lawyers,” and a cast iron hairstyle. I pointed out, “but She was speaking so thanks for the offer.” “At least you are fast that Marcus, our The landlady didn’t editor, had to translate not English. I must seem to understand for me as we inspected Spanish but repeatadmit, I respect my what was clearly a resied the offer again very dential apartment rath- what you Germans slowly as if we were er than an office, comboth deaf and dumb. have done” plete with floral curtains “THESE BOOKS ARE INand a kitchen sink full of CLUDED IN THE PRICE washing up. OF THE RENT. “These books,” she “They are very valushouted as if we were deaf, “are in- able. Maybe you will need them here cluded in the rental agreement.” in my country so you can understand
the law.” “Jesus,” grumbled Marcus, “why do these old Spanish people have to say everything three bloody times?” Having considered cutting costs and working from home, the prospect of possessing an office in Órgiva would lend us at least some credibility, we figured. But office space was in short supply in Órgiva, a town in the Alpujarras mountains of Granada province, unaccustomed to white-collar employment, and we had almost given up the search when Molly, Marcus’ girlfriend, had put us onto Mercedes. Surveying the wreckage in the office before us the question had to be asked, and Marcus duly obliged: “What
FOUNDER: Olive Press stalwart Jason Heppenstall and behind Orgiva town happened to the lawyer who was here before?” She eyed him suspiciously. “Gone. He is gone away,” she said with a dismissive flick of the wrist, “to Madrid.” I got the impression that ‘Madrid’ was a euphemism for ‘away: destination unknown’.
FOOD COMES FIRST! Home insurance with Linea Directa has you covered if your fridge or freezer breaks Contents insurance guarantee What about the contents of your fridge? A big part of our monthly expenditure goes on shopping for food. And a fridge packed full of food is a significant cost. Imagine your fridge or freezer stops working in these hot summer months and all the food is quickly ruined. Will it be covered as part of your contents insurance?
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Tips for power cuts and surges Power cuts and surges are a nuisance and often occur during thunderstorms during the hotter summer months. And it’s not only the contents of your fridge or freezer that can be spoiled, expensive electronics, home alarm systems and other appliances may be affected. We recommend you install surge protectors and remember to unplug your most prized electronics during thunderstorms.
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2/8/18 17:01
19
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
“So he’s not going to come back and find us in his office?” I asked, a little hesitantly. In truth I was more worried about people coming in looking for the man. Whoever had kicked in the door and smashed the place up probably didn’t look wet behind the ears.
A SMALL FART AFTER A DUMP Our new printer Carlos greeted us and led our party inside the facility in an industrial estate in Granada (ED: appropriately in the suburb of Peligros, meaning ‘dangers’). A handful of tired-looking workers wearing blue boiler suits were leaning against different parts of the mechanical contraptions that filled the cavernous space. He led us around, pointing out the functions of the machinery that would print The Olive Press. A worker yawned loudly, and Carlos apologised, telling us that they had just spent the night printing 200,000 copies of local rag Ideal, as well as various magazines and books, and all that stood between them and their beds were 10,000 copies of The Olive Press
Bloodshot
The man said something to his mates and they all burst out laughing. Carlos looked embarrassed. “What did he say?” I asked, and Marcus explained that he’d said printing our newspaper would be “like a little fart at the end of a long shit.” And thus, with that thought in mind, and without any fanfare whatsoever I was invited to press a large button, setting in motion the entire printing press. The cacophony was enormous, like being inside an immense metal tank while men with jackhammers tried to smash their way out. A huge roll of paper, like a giant toilet roll, span around and a single continuous sheet of printed paper flew above us at speed as it was fed into a box. It appeared from this box just a fraction of a second later chopped neatly into small piles and recognisable as a newspaper. These newspapers flew onto a high speed conveyor belt, which took them around the warehouse at a dizzying speed before they emerged on another belt at table height where a man with a magnifying glass picked copies off at random, inspecting the colour balance with one bloodshot eye.
“He will not be coming back,” Mer- you say you are, you’d be pirates. And I cedes replied with a wry chuckle that do not let my office out to pirates!” sounded a little sinister. “If you want She spat the word ‘piratos’, disgust his books I will also throw in the desk flashing in her eyes. She continued, alblotter as well.” most at a whisper. “As if we’d want that…” muttered Mar- “No, you are nothing more than babies. cus. But at least you are not English and, I “What are you doing here in my coun- must admit, I respect what you Gertry?” she suddenly demanded, her mans have done in the past.” penetrating stare putting us both on “We’re not bloody Germans,” said Martrial. cus, in English. “We’re making a newspaper,” said She reached out and squeezed his Marcus. cheek, causing him to blush, and con“An estate agency?” tinued almost in a whisshe replied, as though per. that was the only ra“You may rent my office tional reason to be Avocado-coloured but, by the Lord, the launching a business I am charging you bathroom with rent as an expat in the very is so low it pains me. rural region. You hear me, it pains a leaking tap, “No a newspap...” me! And me, a pensionno light and an er being held hostage “Yes,” she interrupted, “you estate agents unflushable toilet in my own country by come here to sell the foreigners!” land from under our We both looked at her. feet. Just as I thought. She seemed to be “Well, you may rent my office while you completely mad, but an office was an go about your unsavoury business, but office, even if it wasn’t really an office on my word, I trust you only because of and was a bit on the pricey side. your German heritage.” “You may pay me a deposit of three “We’re English,” I interjected, feeling months’ rent and the first month’s that perhaps I’d missed some part of rental in cash, plus a breakages the conversation. The old woman’s deposit. But do not push my genereyes narrowed as she scrutinised my osity, if I do not hear from you by face for signs of dishonesty. tomorrow I will give it to someone “Ingles?” she said, h e r else.” And with that the old lady voice softenturned and left us on our own. We ing. looked around the apartment unim“If you were peded. It was large, conEnglish, as sisting of a spacious reception room and two smaller ones. The kitchen was stacked to the ceiling with cardboard boxes, and an avocado-coloured bathroom with a leaking tap, no light and an unflushable toilet. The one large window looked We needed a name for the newspaper, and down from the secracked our brains to come up with one. The Órond floor onto an giva Post seemed an obvious moniker, but this abandoned litterwas swiftly rejected by Marcus and Molly, who strewn courtyard in disliked the association with the town, which they which a lone fig tree regarded as a Spanish version of the spaceport had sprouted from Mos Eisley from Star Wars (“You will never find a a gutter. Stray cats more wretched hive of scum and villainy...”). The sunned themselves next proposal was the leftie-sounding Voice of atop a graffiti covthe Alpujarras, which had a pleasing resonance ered wall beside the and seemed to fit in with the area’s self-regard church. “Órgiva as an enclave of radicalism. The name, however, really is a dump was likely to put off people who lived outside Las isn’t it?” said Alpujarras. I looked around at the landscape with Marcus. Natumy foreign eyes for inspiration and came up with rally, we took The Lemon Tree. Nobody could find a good reathe office. son not to dislike this title and so it remained The Lemon Tree for quite some time prior to the first issue. But then, one day, standing in the kitchen More adventures of one of my neighbours and listening as he lanext issue from mented the amount of work he had put into har: THE OLIVE vesting his olives compared to the puny amount PRESS: NEWS of oil he had received as payment from the olive FROM THE LAND press, a new name struck me. I texted Molly: “The OF MISFITS Olive Press?” She texted back immediately: “We have a winner!” (available on
Forget the Lemons!
Amazon)
INTREPID: Jason and daughter on Alpujarras peak, (left) his book and (top) the first issue
BUSINESS
20
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
Criminal construction
A JAILED businessman has begun rebuilding his empire after being granted a building license to legalise and reopen Megasport gym. The gym has been closed since May last year whileBartolomé the ‘Night King’ Cursach was behind bars, accused of more than a dozen crimes. The courts ordered a partial closure of the gym due to illegal construction extensions and irregularities – Cursach chose to close the entire gym. The plan to expand the building has been approved by the City of Palma with a proposed budget of €3.7 million. However Town Hall bosses did slap Cursach with a €2 million fine for work on the Megapark beer hall without permission. Both buildings owned by Cursach and the Cursach Group have had extensive extensions without licenses.
Green savings
GROUNDED!
Iberia staff to hold new wave of strikes as bosses slam door on union talks GROUND handlers for Iberia are set to stage an eight-week walkout this autumn in protest at the national airline’s suspension of negotiations with unions. The Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) has called for strikes every Monday from September 30 until November 18.
Fortunes
The nationwide strikes come off the back of August strikes that took place at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and Bilbao and led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. The Iberia management suspended negotiations fol-
lowing the summer round of strikes, saying that it ‘cannot continue negotiating in good faith, subject to the blackmail of strikes’. The UGT has called on all its members who work for Iberia to join the strike, as well as members of Iberia’s workforce who belong to different unions. Iberia has around 13,000 ground handlers across Spanish airports. These include airport personnel such as baggage handlers, mechanics in charge of aircraft maintenance and service staff. The UGT argues previous terms it signed with Iberia were agreed to on the basis of ensuring the sustainability of the airline. The agreement involved the union accept-
EMAYA is to use 30% alternative fuels, it has been announced. In the last three years its fleet of garbage trucks and street cleaners has increased by 26% with nearly 150 new vehicles. The waste management company now has15% fewer diesel vehicles and 9% fewer petrol cars and vans. The transition to a more globally-conscious fleet is saving Emaya around €400,000 per year in fuel costs.
ing concessions on wages and working conditions. The union says Iberia’s fortunes have
Taking granny abroad A SPANISH company will soon start shipping its awardwinning Abuela Carmen (Granny Carmen) cheese abroad. Sevilla-based Quesos Los Vazquez - which makes €10 million annually - is expanding around Europe from 2020 and expects to grow by 7% this year alone. The cheese is named after the owner’s wife.
Pay gap WOMEN with degrees in Spain can expect to pocket up to €9,500 less than their male counterparts each year, it has been revealed. While more Spanish women are working than ever before, their annual pay packet is still on average €5,982 less than men’s.
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since reversed and the company now has a high volume of work.
The Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) criticised the gender pay gap, saying that the shortfall could no longer be attributed to a lack of skills amongst women. It added: “There is a severe undervaluation of women’s work.” The OECD, which published the data, said the gap could partly be accounted for by women choosing lower paying careers.
Oh Dia!
DISCOUNT supermarket chain Dia lost an eye watering €420.7 million during the first half of 2019. Losses at the beleaguered retailer were 14 times higher than in the first six months of 2018, when it shed €29.5 million. The company said that recent measures, including store closures and redundancies, will lead to better results in the long-term. Its restructuring plan will see the closure of 30 Max Descuento stores, part of its Grupo El Arbol subsidiary.
Pricey Palma SUPERMARKET shopping in Palma costs €500 a year more than anywhere else in Spain, it has been revealed. The study by the OCU, the Organisation of Consumers and Users, found that Palma is 11% dearer onaverage. In total 1,200 supermarkets were studied across 65 cities. The research also found that Alcampo has lowered its prices this year, while Mercadona has raised them.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Street cred
21
September 27th - October 10th, 2019
HAMtastic!
THERE’S more to the Spanish delicacy Jamon Iberico de Bellota than great flavour, texture and quality. It can also prevent digestive problems, scientists have discovered. Munching on the meat made from acorn-fed pigs reduces the symptoms of intestinal conditions such as Ulcerative colitis. Scientists found that a particular variety of ham made by the Joselito family for six generations had ‘superfood’ powers. Dr. Felipe Lombo, who led the study, said: “[This] is the only one that does not contain heavy metals, dyes, or preservatives. “[It is] 100% natural and of the highest quality.” Jose Gomez Sanchez, a member of the Joselito family, said: “We have 151 years of history: we develop a product of the highest quality, completely natural.” Some 180,000 people in Spain suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, according to 2016 figures. SCHOOL dinners in the Balearics are the most expensive in all of Spain, it has been revealed. The average cost of one school meal in the Balearics is €6.50, compared to just €3.50 in the Canary Islands. The data comes from the Association for Parents of Students (Ceapa), which is asking schools for better quality and fresher food. More than 80% of public schools have 'cold lines' where a catering company brings in food to be reheated a couple of days a week, reaching students days after it was originally made. “The kitchen space is disappearing from schools,” said Ceapa secretary Maria Capellan, who explained that only six catering companies deliver food to more than 80% of Spain's schools. Many lunches travel hundreds of miles before even reaching schools.
F
Madrid barrio among top 10 coolest suburbs in the world A SPANISH suburb has made it into the top ten world’s most fashionable addresses. Embajadores in Madrid has been voted in at number nine in a list of the 50 coolest places to live around the globe. The barrio - just a stone’s throw from the city centre and historic Plaza Mayor - is awash with trendy restaurants, bars and shops, according to the poll by travel bible Time Out. As well as including the Lavapies district, which came top last year, it also incorpo-
Top tip
Edgy
‘Florists arrange their bouquets in Plaza Tirso de Molina next to the bold murals of street artist Okuda. Next to the Indian restaurants that have been popping up around Calle de Lavapies, you’ll find traditional eateries like the legendary Melo’s, where punters gather to order their famous zapatillas (two slices of bread, as large as a skateboard, stuffed with heaps of Lacon pork and tetilla cheese).
Food for thought
esta des Vermar
BINISSALEM'S famous wine festival is on until September 29, with the massive and messy grape battle starting at lunchtime on Septmeber 28.
rates hip La Latina and the famous Rastro flea market area that has been going for a century in Madrid. It was pipped at the post by Arroios in Lisbon and Wedding in Berlin, while Peckham, in London comes 11th. While many locals in Madrid warn tourists off the area, citing high levels of crime and drugs, the Olive Press spent a few days in the suburb this week finding, the very opposite.
What’s on for foodies!
B
PALMA’S Oktoberfest is on until October 6 at Pueblo Español with Bavarian bands, beer and plenty of food, including pork knuckle, pretzels, sauerkraut and an array of sausages.
CHILLED: Rastro market (inset) and (right) caracoles chef The vast majority of residents were incredibly friendly and there was a real sense of an upwardly mobile, but above all proud and creative vibe. Businessman Fernando Barandilla, 42, who owns a series of tourist apartments just off Plaza Cascorro, one of the area’s nicest squares said: “I love the alternative buzz and edgy feel - plus at the weekend it comes completely alive with the Rastro.” The Time Out Index survey asked more than 27,000 citydwellers around the world
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eers and Bratwurst
F about the ‘best, most overrated and most undervalued’ neighbourhoods in their hometown.
esta des Botifarró
A WEEKEND dedicated to Mallorca's traditional blood sausage, the botifarron, is on from October 5 - 6 in Sant Joan, featuring tours, music and openair grilling.
AGONY Property ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES
MORTGAGE LOAN CLAMPDOWN Lawbird’s Antonio Flores explains how the Supreme Court makes it more difficult for banks to foreclose
The association has launched a campaign, which seeks to add more fresh fish and fruits, and less dairy and starch to menus. “It is inadmissible how our children are being fed in
some schools,” said Ceapa President Leticia Cardenal. The pressure group is also campaigning on behalf of students who carry too much weight in their backpacks.
Calvia Food Show A MOUTHWATERING new food festival has been launched in Calvia for October. Every Friday at the Mostra de Cuines - or Calvia Food Show - a different area will feature restaurants with special set menus from €12 to €16 per three-course menu. The first areas to host the food show are Santa Ponsa, Costa de la Calma and Urb Galatzo, with a dozen restaurants participating on October 4. Charly Tapas will offer a traditional Mallorcan meal for only €12, while Shere Zade has a luxurious menu including a Black Angus bacon cheeseburger. On October 11, Peguera, Cala Fornells and el Toro host eight participating restaurants, including Diamante, Neptuno and three of Port Adriano's finest eateries.
Son Caliu, Cas Catala, Illetes, Bendinat, Portals Nous and Costa d'en Blanes all share the third weekend. Highlights include Iberian pork from Luis in Cas Catala and Hawaiian salmon Poke starters at the OD Port Portals restaurant. The final Friday sees 14 restaurants across Palmanova, Magaluf and Son Ferrer offer bargain three-course menus. The Good Burger, Bondi Beach Bar and Urban Food Mallorca all bring treats to Magaluf, while Tabu, My Thai and Brisas are proven fan favourites in Palmanova. Most of the participating restaurants have special options including children's menus, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and some have both lunch and dinner specials.
IN line with the resolutions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the Spanish Supreme Court (SC), a recent ruling on September 11 has ruled on the consequences of the invalidity of mortgage repayment default clauses that allowed termination of the loan agreement and in doing so, has sealed the fate of thousands of ongoing foreclosure proceedings dealt with by Courts of First Instance. As of September 11, the following rules apply in loan foreclosures in Spain: 1. Banks will be able to foreclose if:
2013 by applying the default clause recognized as null and void, the case will be disa. The borrower has defaulted on its repay- missed. ment obligations on principal, or interest. b. If the loan was terminated after May 15 b. The sums unpaid amount to 2013 by applying the default a minimum of: clause recognized as null and b.i. 3% of the principal borvoid: Dismissed if the rowed, if default takes place b.i. The case will be dismissed during the first half of the default does not if the default does not meet the mortgage loan term. This concriteria of gravity and proportiondition will also be considered meet the criteria ality, by application of art. 24 of met when the borrower is at Act 5/2019. of gravity and least 12 months in arrears (or b.ii. The case will not be disequivalent). proportionality missed - and may continue to be b.ii. 7% of the principal borprocessed - if the default meets rowed, if the breach takes the criteria above described. place during the second half of the mortgage loan term. This condition will 3. Where the bank is legally unable to also be considered met when the borrower is continue with ongoing cases: at least 15 months in arrears (or equivalent) In this case they will still be entitled to bring 2. Loan foreclosure cases that are ongo- further loan foreclosure applications but exing will be dealt with as follows: clusively based on contractual default based on the criteria of Act 5/2019, and not on the a. If the loan was terminated before May 15 existing loan default clause.
Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.com
COLUMNISTS Just 14 last things!
Mallorca DIARIES
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September 27th - October 10th, 2019
WELL my lovely readers, oh yes I know that there’s at least two of you and you’re both lovely, I’m very sad to say that this is my final column. No more witterings from me. The time has come to return to the motherland after three enjoyable and fascinating years. There are many things I could say now, but I thought my last offering should be devoted to helping you all get the best out of life here based on my experiences. Here are a few things I have discovered, usually the hard way, which I hope you can now avoid.
1
Car washes don’t allow cars with tow bars or so I was told by the garage after at least my fifth problem free visit, it upsets the computer apparently (The computer says ’No Tow’). This means you have to use their jet wash.
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Never use the jet wash whilst wearing a white tshirt. The only time this doesn’t apply is if you are a size 12 or less, a female who is too young to remember when TV only had three channels, or are hoping to get chosen for Miss Wet Tshirt 2020. Sadly, this is not me and it’s not a good look as I discovered this afternoon.
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Don’t ever leave a damp cloth on the floor. This will very quickly become a social club for cockroaches. I left
By Lesley Keith
In her final column (sob!) Lesley Keith shares some shrewd advice to make living here oh so much easier. Trust us, you won’t find this in any guidebook. Ignore at your peril! one by my washing machine to go in with the next wash. When I picked it up twenty small, fast and annoyed cockroaches fell out of it and scuttled off.
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park. Failure to do this will result in you becoming a victim of the Spanish kiss, or more appropriately for here, the Mallorcan snog. This is when your car is shunted along to make way for a car that’s too big for the space.
Never turn the light on in the middle of the night without stamping your foot first. This gives all those scutIn view of the above, tlers time to make for safety never bother with a and get out of sight before your pristine car: it just won’t stay eyes adjust. Once you’ve seen decent for long. In fact, it’s very them and know they’re reliberating not to ally there you’ll have to worry have no chance too much about of getting back Mallorcan guy your car bodyto sleep. work. One more with hardly dink or scratch Always will not affect its any teeth that assume performance or the other driv- shuffles down to resale value at er is an idiot all so just relax. a little old bar because they probably are. W h e n They won’t sigbuying nal, let you out or wait for a safe clothing stay away from polyplace to overtake and to be fair ester or nylon fabrics because does anyone really know the they will cook you alive in your priority at roundabouts? As- own sweat for eight months of sume the worst: you probably the year. Cotton and linen may won’t be disappointed. look continually crumpled, but collapsing with heat exhausLeave loads of room tion isn’t much of a good look around your car when you either.
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SWITCH OFF: Spanish news can make for gloomy viewing
9
Always carry water with you. This is not only to drink, but to pour down your back when the heat gets too much. In the same vein, if you need to walk anywhere, time it for when the sprinklers come on in public places so you get a lovely cool misting. You won’t care about your hairstyle, trust me.
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Save money by not bothering with expensive perfumes. The one scent you need here is Eau de Deet. Forget all those bottles in the bathroom. For a couple of euros you can buy insect repellent and be mozzie free. It is the only thing that really works and it will be the best money you spend by far.
It’s never quiet. This is Spain: dogs bark, people shout, building work is continual. Jet skis and motor boats come into secluded bays and no-one, and I mean no-one, knows how to close doors quietly. Why shut when you can slam? Sound proofing doesn’t seem to exist so just ignore it. Cyclists. I’ll leave that one with you.
Never assume anything about anyone. That guy boasting about selling his company for millions was probably a carpet fitter from Dagenham. That old scruffy Mallorcan guy with hardly any teeth who shuffles
down to a little old Spanish bar for tapas and a red wine could own half the town. Just be nice and respect everyone, it costs nothing.
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Finally, don’t work too hard on the lingo for they seem to have their own secret language that only those born here really understand. If they want to, they’ll know what you’re saying. If they don’t, well it doesn’t matter how you say it, you’ll be wasting your time, So that’s really all from me. With a heavy heart and a weak stomach (or is it the other way round?) I wish you all contentment. My final thought to you is ‘Today’s trauma is tomorrow’s funny story’. Take care x
The paper NOT to miss on Mallorca island THE Olive Press is now distributing all over the island in an incredible 500-plus locations. Found at golf courses, tourist offices, museums and petrol stations, it has become the most sought-after English newspaper in MalAlaro Alcanada Alcanada Alcudia ALGAIDA Andratx Andratx BENDINAT BENDINAT BENDINAT Binissalem Cala Estancia
lorca every fortnight. Look out for one of our many stands, as seen here at Santa Catalina market, in Palma, and in Andratx town centre. We print between 7,000 to 8,000 copies every issue and take our distribution very seriously,
Aim estage agent Alcanada Golf Spar Tourist Information EROSKI Tourist Information CCA Andratx CAN NATURA Lindew Hotel Real Golf at Bendinant Eroski Aqua Restaurant
EASY TO FIND: Fara Homes in Andratx
Cala D’or Cala D’or CALVIA CALVIA Cala Llamp CAMP DE MAR CAMPOS CAN PASTILLA CAN PASTILLA CAN PASTILLA Can Picafort COSTA DE LA CALMA Costa den Blanes Costa den Blanes Deia Deía EL TORO ES CAPDELLA Esporle Festival Park Inca Inca Llucmajor MAGALUF Maioris Manacor Manacor PAGUERA PAGUERA PALMA
and need you, the readers to keep us informed of numbers... and more importantly if each location needs more or less papers. We also want to know where you would like to see it and where you don't think we should
Yacht Club Eroski ROSITA RESTAURANT TOWN HALL Gran Folies Golf De Andratx HIPER CENTRO SPAR EROSKI AQUARIUM Ponderosa Beach Bar THE GLASGOW SUNDOWNERS MOODS Robert Graves Museum Forn Deía SPAR BAR NOU Spar Tourist Info Office Barretts Hipercentro EROSKI Golf Club Pontiene Maioris Gof Club Lidl Bar Mingos VILAMIL HOTEL TOURIST INFORMATION BOATHOUSE
bother. Here are a select group of a few dozen key drops. Please get in touch at Newsdesk@theolivepress.es to find your nearest drop or suggest another.
WELL STOCKED: Stands are always regularly stocked such as Santa Catalina market PALMA PALMA PALMA PALMA PALMA NOVA PALMA NOVA PALMA NOVA PALMA NOVA PALMANOVA PALMANOVA Palmanyola Pollensa
Santa Catalina market Palma University Real Club Nautico First Mallorca Eroski Tourist Office GOLF FANTASIA EROSKI Palmanova Gardens Mari Cunningham Son Termens Golf Pollensa Golf
Pollensa PORT ADRIANO Port Alcudia Port Andratx Port Andratx Port Alcudia Port Pollensa Port Pollensa Port Soller PORTALS NOUS Portixol PUERTOPORTALS
Eroski Sansibar Lidl Cepsa Garage Tourist Office Eroski Real Club Nautico The Stay Hotel Jumeirah NICE PRICE Portixol Hotel Reeves
Advertise with The Olive Press TEL: (+34) 951 273 575 EMAIL: sales@theolivepress.es
SPORT SPORT Fairway to hell A POPULAR golf resort has been flooded following the worst storms in Alicante for 140 years. Deadly floods killing seven and washing away cars in Valencia, Murcia and
If you have a sports story, newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call 0034 951 273 575
eastern Almeria. Online footage emerged Marquesa course’s bunkers sandpits completely terlogged by storms.
MUM’S THE WORD
September 26th - October 9th 2
has golf and wa-
Safe keeping
MANCHESTER United’s Spanish goalkeeper, David de Gea, has donated €200,000 to the disaster relief fund in the flood-hit Vega Baja region because of his father’s links in the area. His father was born in Redován and grew up in Orihuela, which was one of the cities worst affected by the
recent gota fria storm that killed at least seven people. De Gea himself was born in Madrid. Red Cross Spain thanked him for the gesture through their Cruz Roja Española en Aspe page, writing, “Thank you very much David De Gea for your solidarity and support to those affected.”
Expat golfer returns from maternity leave to beat Americans and take home Solheim Cup AN expat living in Marbella has helped Europe beat the USA in the Solheim Cup 2019, before announcing her retirement from golf. Suzann Pettersen, 38, had been away from the sport on maternity leave for two years. Many doubted that she should have even be selected, having only played in two events prior to the competition.
Biggest But she came back with a bang, holing her birdie putt on the 18th to defeat Marina Alex and win the trophy. The sportswoman celebrated as the ball rolled in, and soon her euphoric teammates joined - they had only half an hour prior resigned themselves to defeat in the competition. Indeed, Pettersen’s selection by her captain, Catriona Matthew, had some eyebrows raised, some
Champions of the world
SPAIN has claimed its first title in 13 years after it beat Argentina 95-75 to win the Basketball World Cup in Beijing. Sergio Scariolo’s side maintained the lead after scoring 14 of the first 16 points against the 2004 Olympic champions. The tournament’s most valued player, Phoenix Suns point guard Ricky Rubio, was Spain’s most electric
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September 27th - October 10th, 2019
player with 20 points and three assists. Toronto Raptors centre Marc Gasol, who became part of the first non-US team to win the NBA this year, also added 14 points and three assists. It comes after a talented Spain side hosted the competition in 2014, but failed to lift the title, dramatically crashing out against France. Gasol was part of that losing team and this year’s gold
OP Puzzle solutions
Across: 7 Incommunicado, 9 Smarten, 10 Discs, 11 Lobe, 12 Slander, 15 Sherbet, 16 Acne, 19 Raise, 21 Colleen, 22 Pennsylvanian. Down: 1 Diesel, 2 Scramble, 3 Burn, 4 Giddyap, 5 Eats, 6 Mouser, 8 Mate, 12 Set, 13 Decrepit, 14 Abreast, 15 Stripy, 17 El Nino, 18 Flea, 20 Ions, 21 Calf.
SUDOKU
Quick Crossword
medal-winning team, but he refused to compare the two. Speaking after Spain’s win yesterday he said: “It can’t be compared [with that of] 13 years ago. “It is not worth comparing it with other things. You have to enjoy it for what it means, for what all the staff have put in. It is magnificent.” Both Spain and Argentina had already qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
believing the Scandinavian was too rusty to compete, but she soon put paid to that. Following her dramatic victory the Norwegian said: “I think this is a perfect closure. “A good end to my professional career. It doesn’t get any better. “Life’s changed so much for me over the last year. “He’s [son Herman] obviously the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me. “But now I know what it feels like to win as a mom. I’m going to leave it like that.” Pettersen retires with an esteemed career, having won 15 times on the LPGA Tour, including two majors - the 2007 Women’s PGA Championship and the 2013 Evian Championship. She is a member of the Aloha Golf Club, a high-end private members’ 18-hole PGA Tour course between San Pedro and Marbella.
UNDERDOG: Petterson had been on maternity leave
THE beautiful beach of Es Trenc has been evacuated after environmental agents found a bomb sticking out of the sand. Guardia Civil officers arrived quickly to clear the area of beachgoers and diffuse the rusted, decades-old explosive.
FINAL WORDS
Pickpocketing pensioner A THIEVING pensioner who robbed other elderly people at banks and pharmacies has been arrested. The man was carrying four different identity cards when he was stopped by police.
Chill officer A POLICEMAN in Murcia has been found with €220,000 of weed stashed in his house.
Legless A VALENCIA court has sentenced its regional maraton champ Jaouad Tougane to three months in prison for repeated theft. Tougane reportedly stole from his interpreter’s car during the court hearing.
OLIVE PRESS
The
Beach bomb
FREE
DEER ME
MALLORCA
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 3 Issue 64 www.theolivepress.es September 27th - October 10th 2019
WHITE STRIPES
AN albino tiger locked in a cage next to the swimming pool of a Spanish residence has raised alarm bells among municipal law enforcement. A photograph of the tiger was released with a statement saying Policía Local,
Rare tiger - one of 20 left in world - found in garden
Seprona and the Department of Health were ‘checking’ if the owner possessed appropriate licences.
WHAT A MAN-ACOR By Gillian Keller
A MANACOR local has been named the ‘Strongest man in Spain’ after winning a strongman competition in Granada. Miguel Angel Caldentey of Mallorca’s Manacor also qualified for the World Championships in Almeria with the win.Six contestants from across Spain participated in the competition that involved pulling a 20-tonne truck and flipping a 1.5-tonne car.
RARE: Tiger found at Spanish home
The statement added albino tigers are ‘extinct’ in the wild and only ‘20’ exist in the whole world. “Alicante, with this exceptional specimen in private hands, has become part of the few enclaves in Europe that have one of these wild oddities,” the statement said. “But the Department of Health assumes these wild beasts must live in their natural habitats, since their trade is driving their extinction.” Police and the Department of Health are now investigating if the owner lacks the ‘documentation, permits, insurance and other requirements concerning the
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possession of a dangerous species’. Spain’s Ley 42/2007 prohibits ownership of a list of animals deemed either invasive or critically endangered. However, only indigenous Iberian animals at risk of extinction – not foreign animals such as tigers – are illegal to own as pets. Owners of dangerous pets, such as dogs, are required to possess both licences and insurance of ‘no less than €120,000’, according to Spain’s Real Decreto 287/2002. Lacking any special precautions for tigers, however, in theory it is easier to possess a licence for a tiger than for a Staffordshire Terrier.
CYCLISTS have rescued a deer stranded in floodwaters in Andalucia. The animal had become stuck in ruins, following heavy rainfall that has hit the area in the last few weeks. The walls of the ruins were too steep for the animal to jump over. A team of four lycra-clad cyclists from Club Ciclista Huescar 1925 managed to pull the deer out by its antlers. The animal then charged off into the woods, but not before knocking a couple of the cyclists to the ground. The club posted a video of the incident on social media, where users praised the bravery of the good samaritans. One user said: “Thank you guys for your bravery. God and life will reward you.”