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News

News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain.

politics

Municipal Budget for 2025 Approved in Saja-Besaya with Sole Government Support

In a significant development for the municipality of Saja-Besaya in the Cantabria region of Spain, the municipal budget for 2025 has been approved, albeit with a notable absence of broad political consensus. The budget was passed with the sole support of the governing party, highlighting a divide among local political groups.

Approval and Political Dynamics

The approval of the 2025 budget took place on November 28, 2024, during a municipal council meeting. Despite the passage, the vote was far from unanimous, with only the members of the governing party voting in favor. This lack of cross-party support underscores the existing political tensions within the municipality.

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culture

Platform for Democratic Memory in Aragón Faces Uncertain Future

In a significant development that has sparked concern among advocates of historical justice and democratic values, the Platform for Democratic Memory in Aragón, a key entity dedicated to preserving and promoting the region's democratic memory, is facing the possibility of disappearance.

Historical Context and Significance

The Platform for Democratic Memory in Aragón has been instrumental in the region's efforts to confront and understand its traumatic past, particularly the impact of the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent Francoist dictatorship. Established under the framework of the Law of Democratic Memory of Aragón (Ley 14/2018), this platform has played a crucial role in locating and identifying the remains of victims, conducting historical research, and organizing various activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting education on these critical historical events[1].

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business

Significant Labor Reforms and Changes in Spain: What Expats Need to Know

In a move set to impact the lives of millions of workers in Spain, the Spanish government has been spearheading several key labor reforms and changes, some of which are already in effect or slated to begin in the near future.

Reduction in Working Hours

One of the most notable changes is the planned reduction in the standard working week. After nearly a year of negotiations with various stakeholders, including unions and business organizations, the government has decided to proceed with reducing the weekly working hours from the current 40 hours to 37.5 hours starting from January 1, 2025. This decision comes despite the lack of an agreement with business groups such as CEOE and CEPYME, who have expressed concerns about the impact on business autonomy and operations[3][4].

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health

Spain Struggles with High Smoking Rates Despite EU Goals

Spain, like many other European countries, is facing significant challenges in reducing its smoking prevalence, despite the European Union's ambitious goals to achieve a "smoke-free" status. A recent survey has highlighted the persistent issue of smoking in Spanish households, underscoring the need for a more effective tobacco control strategy.

Smoking Prevalence in Spanish Homes

The survey, published in the European Respiratory Journal, reveals that only six out of ten Spanish homes are smoke-free. This statistic places Spain among the countries with the highest rates of smoking in the home, alongside Romania and Bulgaria. In these countries, more than four in ten homes allow smoking, indicating a cultural and societal acceptance that hampers anti-smoking efforts[4].

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crime-law

Spanish Police Dismantle Drug Smuggling Operation Using Ukrainian-Made Drones

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Spanish police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated drug smuggling network that utilized Ukrainian-made drones to transport hashish from Morocco into southern Spain.

Operation Details

The operation, dubbed "Operation Cyclone," was conducted by the Spanish National Police in collaboration with Europol, as well as law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and Poland. The investigation, which spanned over a year, culminated in the arrest of 10 individuals, with 7 of them already placed under temporary detention.

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science

Spanish Scientists Uncover Ocean's Role in Cooling the Climate More Than Previously Thought

In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of Spanish scientists has revealed that the ocean plays a more significant role in cooling the Earth's climate than previously estimated. This finding, which challenges existing climate models, was announced on November 28, 2024, and is set to have profound implications for our understanding of global climate dynamics.

The Research Expedition

The research was conducted by a multidisciplinary team of scientists affiliated with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and other international institutions. The expedition, which took place over several months, involved extensive data collection and analysis from various oceanic regions, including the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean.

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