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News

News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain.

weather

Severe Storm Brings Record Rainfall to La Palma, Spain

In a dramatic turn of events, the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain, has been hit by a powerful storm that has left a trail of significant rainfall and disruption in its wake. The storm, which made landfall in recent days, has been described as one of the most intense to affect the region in recent memory.

Record-Breaking Rainfall

The storm unleashed an astonishing 200 liters of water per square meter on La Palma, causing widespread flooding and disruptions to daily life. This level of rainfall is unprecedented for the island and has put local infrastructure to the test. The heavy downpour has resulted in flooded streets, damaged buildings, and disrupted transportation services.

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employment

Significant Pension Increases Announced for 2025 in Spain

In a move aimed at protecting the purchasing power of retirees, the Spanish government has announced a notable increase in pensions for the year 2025. This development is particularly significant for the over 10 million individuals receiving contributory pensions in Spain.

Pension Increase Details

Starting in 2025, contributory pensions will see an increase of 2.8%. This adjustment is based on the average year-on-year Consumer Price Index (IPC) from December 2023 to November 2024. As a result, the average retirement pension will rise to €1,481 per month, translating to an additional €560 annually. For the average pension within the system, this increase means a monthly amount of €1,296, which is €500 more per year[1].

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housing

Spain Introduces National Register for Short-Term Rentals to Tackle Housing Crisis and Overtourism

In a significant move to address the escalating housing crisis and the impacts of overtourism, Spain's central government has issued a royal decree establishing a single national register for short-term rental properties. This new regulation, set to come into effect on January 2, 2025, aims to bring order and transparency to the booming short-term rental market.

Key Provisions of the New Law

The decree, signed by President Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and the Council of Ministers, mandates that all short-term rental properties must register with a central digital service and obtain a unique code. This code will be essential for listing properties on any online booking platform. Landlords will be required to renew their registration annually, providing the necessary information and ensuring that their properties are identified with the unique code on all listings.

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employment

Spanish Trade Union to Take Legal Action Against Amazon

In a significant development that highlights the ongoing tensions between labor unions and multinational corporations, the Spanish trade union Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the e-commerce giant Amazon.

Background and Motivations

The CGT, one of Spain's major trade unions, has been at the forefront of labor rights advocacy, particularly in the context of Amazon's operations in the country. The union's decision to take legal action is driven by allegations of unfair labor practices and violations of workers' rights at Amazon's Spanish facilities.

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sport

The Bright Future of Spanish Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz and the Next Generation

As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 season, Spanish tennis is poised to continue its dominance, thanks in large part to the phenomenal rise of Carlos Alcaraz and the emergence of a new generation of talented players.

Carlos Alcaraz: The Current Flagbearer

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, has already made a significant impact on the tennis world. With four Grand Slam titles under his belt, including the recent Roland Garros and Wimbledon victories in 2024, Alcaraz is on a trajectory to become one of the all-time greats. His impressive performance in 2024 also included winning the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games, an ATP Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells, and an ATP 500 crown in Beijing.

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housing

The Importance of Ventilation in Your Spanish Home This Winter

As the winter months settle in, maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment becomes a top priority, especially for expats in Spain. Ventilation, often overlooked, is a crucial aspect of home maintenance that can significantly impact indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even your health.

The Risks of Poor Ventilation

During the colder months, the tendency to seal homes tightly to retain warmth can lead to poor ventilation. This can result in the accumulation of moisture, a primary cause of dampness and mould. According to Neil Freshwater, an indoor climate expert, "Dampness and mould can severely impact your health, particularly causing respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies"[4].

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