Madrid Times

Spanish Judge Seeks Ceuta Records in Investigation Into Migrant Repatriations

A judge has ordered Ceuta’s regional government to provide records of communications between the local mayor and Madrid as part of an investigation into the repatriation of unaccompanied migrant minors.

Catalan Politician Laura Borràs Avoids Prison After Agreeing to Anti-Corruption Course

A Spanish court ruled that Catalan independence politician Laura Borràs will avoid active imprisonment for previous administrative misconduct if she completes a mandatory anti-corruption education program.

Las Rozas Village Plans 29 New Luxury Boutiques Near Madrid by 2028

Las Rozas Village will add 29 high-end stores by 2028 as the luxury retail destination seeks to capture growing spending from international visitors to Madrid.

Smart Living Properties Acquires Large Student Housing Complex in Andalusia

Smart Living Properties has acquired a major student residence in southern Spain, reflecting growing institutional demand for alternative real estate assets such as student housing and co-living.

Spanish Rail Operator Iryo Launches Fixed-Price Pass as High-Speed Competition Intensifies

Private rail operator Iryo has introduced a discounted pass covering 10 journeys, escalating competition with state-owned Renfe and France’s Ouigo on Spain’s liberalized high-speed rail network.

Sánchez Meets Roche and Pharmaceutical Executives on European Medical Supply Security

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met Roche’s chief executive and other pharmaceutical leaders to discuss biotechnology, regulation and ways to strengthen European medical supply chains against international trade disruption.

Spanish Activists Accuse Domestic Companies of Supporting Israeli Defence Supply Chains

Spanish human rights and pro-Palestinian groups allege that at least two domestic logistics and manufacturing companies have maintained supply links with Israel’s defence industry, increasing pressure for stricter enforcement of an arms ...

Javier Milei Plans Spain Visit to Campaign Alongside Right-Wing Political Allies

Argentine President Javier Milei is scheduled to visit Spain in mid-October and appear with Spanish right-wing political groups, risking renewed tension with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.

Catalan Separatist Oriol Junqueras Renews Call for Self-Determination Referendum

Catalan independence leader Oriol Junqueras says pro-independence parties should now pursue a legally binding referendum on self-determination following progress on amnesty measures.

Madrid’s Six Public Universities Call Two-Day Strike Over Funding

Staff and student groups across Madrid’s six public universities have scheduled a two-day strike for early November, demanding higher regional funding and improved working conditions.

Balearic Conservatives Block Proposal to Allow Municipal Rent Caps

The People’s Party and Vox have blocked legislation that would have allowed municipalities in the Balearic Islands to cap residential rents despite severe housing shortages in one of Spain’s most expensive property markets.

Spanish Hospitality Sector Warns Higher Energy Costs Are Eroding Record Tourism Revenues

Hotels, airlines and tourism service providers say rising electricity, fuel and operating costs are squeezing profitability despite record international visitor numbers across Spain.

Spain and Greece Sign Agreement to Coordinate Policy on Mass Tourism

Spain and Greece have signed a tourism cooperation agreement covering issues including infrastructure pressure, environmental impacts and regulation of short-term holiday rentals.

Spanish Companies Lead EU Plans for Increased Research and Development Spending

A survey by consulting firm Ayming found that 83% of Spanish companies plan to increase investment in technology, innovation and research and development over the next year.

BBVA Launches Global Wealth Platform Targeting More Than Two Million Affluent Clients

BBVA has introduced an international wealth-management division aimed at more than two million high-net-worth customers, with the Spanish bank targeting annual growth of 20% in premium assets under management.

People’s Party Files Electoral Complaint Against Sánchez Over Use of Moncloa Palace

Spain’s opposition People’s Party has complained to the Central Electoral Board that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez improperly used the official government residence for a partisan address after calling the snap election.

Spain and France Seek Closer Coordination on European Industrial and Energy Sovereignty

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on strengthening European industrial autonomy, securing critical supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign energy and technology imports.

Spanish F-18 Jets Intercept Suspected Drone Incursions Over Romania

Two Spanish Air and Space Force F-18 fighters deployed on NATO’s eastern flank responded to airspace violations over Romania following drone alerts near the Ukrainian border.

Banco Sabadell Sells 7% Stake to France’s BPCE Amid Takeover Pressure

Banco Sabadell has sold a 7% stake to French banking group BPCE, creating a strategic alliance as the Spanish lender seeks to strengthen its defenses against future acquisition attempts by BBVA.

US Courts Order Spain to Pay More Than €800 Million in Renewable Energy Arbitration Awards

US courts have issued three rulings requiring Spain to honor 12 outstanding international arbitration awards worth more than €800 million over retroactive cuts to renewable energy subsidies.

Spain’s Foreign Social Security Contributors Reach Record 3.5 Million

Spain added more than 480,000 foreign workers over the past year, taking the number of migrant contributors to the social security system to a record 3.5 million as the economy relies increasingly on overseas labour.

Violent Housing Protests Disrupt Central Barcelona Amid Rising Rent and Eviction Tensions

Thousands of housing protesters clashed with police and set street barricades alight in Barcelona as anger intensified over high rents, property speculation and displacement linked to mass tourism.

Spanish Unions Call Nationwide General Strike Over Housing Costs

Spain’s Workers Commissions and General Union of Workers have called a 24-hour general strike for this autumn, escalating demands for stronger government action on housing affordability and living costs.

Spain Launches Third Economic Relief Package as Iran War Drives Inflation and Supply Disruption

Spain has approved a new support package for vulnerable households and energy-intensive industries as higher prices and supply-chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict increase pressure on the domestic economy.

Spain’s Judiciary Lifts Arrest Warrant for Catalan Separatist Leader Carles Puigdemont

Spanish judicial authorities have withdrawn the arrest warrant for former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, removing a longstanding legal obstacle in negotiations between Madrid and pro-independence parties.

Spain Approves Emergency Housing Decree Restricting Investment Fund Purchases

Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved measures extending existing tenancy agreements and banning speculative property purchases by investment funds as the government seeks to ease the housing affordability crisis before the election.

Pedro Sánchez Calls Snap Spanish Election for November 29 After Housing Bill Defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dissolved parliament and called a general election for November 29 after his minority government failed to secure enough support for emergency housing and rent-control measures.

EuroLeague Clubs Advance Plans for Closed Franchise Basketball Model

The EuroLeague’s 13 shareholder clubs met in Italy to advance plans for a closed franchise structure modeled on North American professional sports, a change that could reshape the economics of European basketball.

Seville Metro Construction Uncovers More Than 200 Andalusi Burials

Archaeologists working along the route of Seville’s new metro discovered more than 200 historic Andalusi graves, adding to knowledge of the city’s Moorish past while complicating construction work.

Greenpeace Activists Acquitted Over LNG Tanker Protest in Sagunto

Eleven Greenpeace activists were cleared of public disorder charges after blocking an American liquefied natural gas tanker in Sagunto, concluding a high-profile case involving protest rights and energy infrastructure.

Laura Borràs Ordered to Complete Anti-Corruption Course to Avoid Prison

Catalonia’s High Court ordered former regional parliament president Laura Borràs to complete administrative integrity training as a condition of remaining out of prison following her corruption conviction and partial pardon.

King Felipe VI Highlights European Security and Ceuta Migration Pressures in Finland

King Felipe VI used a state visit to Finland to call for greater European unity on security threats as Finnish leaders acknowledged the pressure Spain faces managing migration at its southern border.

Severe DANA Storms Disrupt Madrid and Barcelona Airports as Flood Alerts Spread

A powerful DANA weather system caused delays, diversions and cancellations at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat airports while authorities issued red-alert flood warnings and evacuations in Tarragona and Castellón.

Luis de Guindos Links Spain’s Housing Crisis to Migration and Construction Shortfall

Former European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos said pressure on Spain’s rental market reflects rapid population growth driven by immigration without a corresponding increase in new housing supply.

Basque Nationalist Party Backs Sánchez Government’s Emergency Housing Measures

The Basque Nationalist Party said it will support validation of the government’s housing decrees in the parliamentary standing committee, giving Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez important backing during the pre-election period.

Spanish Opposition Figures Question Postal Voting Security Ahead of Election

Senior Popular Party figures, including Madrid regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, raised public concerns about the integrity of Spain’s mail-in voting system as political tensions intensify before the snap election.

Barcelona Housing Protest Turns Violent, With 13 Arrested

A demonstration over rising rental costs in Barcelona escalated into clashes with Mossos d'Esquadra police and vandalism of commercial properties, resulting in 13 arrests.

Tens of Thousands Protest Across Spain Over Housing Costs

Large demonstrations in Madrid, Valencia and other Spanish cities demanded stronger rent controls and government intervention in the housing market, making affordability a central issue in the approaching national election.

Spain Inflation Jumps to 4.9% as Energy and Housing Costs Rise

Spain’s annual inflation rate climbed to 4.9%, intensifying pressure on household purchasing power and adding economic strain ahead of the country’s snap general election.

Spain Pushes Through €10 Billion Housing Package by Executive Decree

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved €10 billion in emergency housing measures, including support for first-time buyers and extended restrictions on speculative purchases by investment funds, after the government failed to secure parlia...

Pedro Sánchez Calls Snap Spanish Election for November 29 After Parliamentary Defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dissolved parliament and called a general election for November 29 after Catalan separatist party Junts joined opposition lawmakers to defeat his flagship housing legislation.

Spain Reassesses Brazil Strategy as Political Polarisation Raises Trade Risks

The Spanish Foreign Ministry is reviewing its diplomatic and commercial approach to Brazil as political tensions and potential electoral shifts threaten to complicate bilateral trade and Spanish corporate investment.

Castilla y León Commits €120 Million to Infrastructure Projects in Salamanca

The regional government has announced €120 million for transport, healthcare and urban development projects in Salamanca as part of a broader investment push.

Castilla y León Prepares Agricultural Emergency Measures Ahead of Severe Storms

Authorities in Castilla y León are activating contingency plans to protect vineyards and grain crops as forecasts point to potentially damaging hail and storms across a key farming region.