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News

News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain.

housing

Eviction Crisis at Casa Orsola: A Symbol of Resistance Against Real Estate Speculation in Barcelona

In the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, a longstanding battle between tenants and real estate investors has reached a critical juncture. The Casa Orsola, a historic modernist building, has become the focal point of a heated dispute that highlights the city's ongoing struggle with housing affordability and real estate speculation.

The Eviction of Josep Torrent

On January 31, 2025, the first eviction from the Casa Orsola was scheduled, targeting Josep Torrent, a teacher who has been a resident of the building for 23 years. Torrent, who has been paying 700 euros per month in rent, refused to vacate the premises despite the takeover by the investment fund Liones Inversiones SL. His determination to stay in his home has turned him into a symbol of resistance against what many see as predatory real estate practices.

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crime-law

Former Guanyem Badalona Councilor Accused of Sexual Harassment, Party Admits Failure to Address Issue

In a disturbing turn of events, a former councilor of the Guanyem Badalona party has been accused of sexual harassment by a party militant, highlighting a grave failure in the party's handling of the incident.

The Incident and Aftermath

The allegations surfaced recently, with the party acknowledging that it did not adequately address the situation. The accused individual, who has not been named in the reports to protect their identity, was a member of the Guanyem Badalona council until the allegations came to light.

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culture

Malaga Regains Cultural Prominence in Spain

In a significant cultural milestone, Malaga has reclaimed its position as one of the leading cultural cities in Spain, ascending to fourth place in the national rankings for 2024. This achievement was celebrated at an event held at the Albéniz cinema, where the Observatorio de la Cultura, an annual report by the Madrid-based Fundación Contemporánea and La Fábrica, was presented.

Malaga's Cultural Resurgence

After a couple of years in fifth place, Malaga has now surpassed Valencia to stand just behind Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao in the national cultural rankings. This resurgence is largely attributed to the Malaga Festival, which has been a cornerstone of Spanish-language cinema and has now entered the national top ten list, tied with the prestigious Arco contemporary art fair in Madrid.

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transportation

New Regulations for Electric Scooter Users in Barcelona

In a bid to enhance safety and regulate the increasing use of electric scooters, Barcelona has introduced stringent new rules for e-scooter users, effective from February 1, 2025.

Mandatory Helmets and Speed Limits

The city has made it compulsory for all e-scooter riders to wear helmets, a measure aimed at reducing the risk of head injuries in accidents. Additionally, the speed limit for electric scooters has been capped at 25 kilometers per hour. If scooters exceed this speed, they will be classified as motorcycles, requiring riders to hold a motorcycle license[2][4].

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celebrity

Oscar Nominee Karla Sofía Gascón Embroiled in Controversy Over Past Social Media Posts

Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar, is facing intense backlash following the resurfacing of her past controversial social media posts.

Historic Nomination and Current Controversy

Gascón's nomination for her role in the Netflix film "Emilia Pérez," directed by Jacques Audiard, was announced on January 23, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, her celebration was short-lived as old social media posts began to circulate, sparking widespread criticism.

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infrastructure

Power Outage Affects Nine Municipalities in Cantabria, Leaving Thousands Without Electricity

On January 31, 2025, a significant power outage impacted nine municipalities in the region of Cantabria, Spain, plunging thousands of residents into darkness. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the regional power grid and the immediate need for swift action to restore electricity.

The Affected Areas

The power outage affected several municipalities, including Santander, the capital city of Cantabria, as well as other nearby towns such as Camargo, Piélagos, and Santa María de Cayón. These areas are home to a substantial population, including both locals and expatriates, who were suddenly left without electricity.

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