Spain's Constitutional Court has removed the remaining legal obstacles to former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont returning without arrest under the country's controversial amnesty law. The decision has drawn criticism from opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and renewed political tensions ahead of the November elections.
Spain's Prime Minister Rules Out Meeting With Puigdemont Ahead of November Elections
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has welcomed the legal developments allowing former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to return to Spain but declined to hold an immediate meeting with him. The decision reflects the political sensitivity surrounding Catalan independence and the approaching national elections.
Morocco's King Warns Spain Against Pressure Over Repatriation of Migrant Minors
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has warned that his government will not accept political pressure from Spain over the repatriation of migrant children. The remarks have heightened diplomatic tensions ahead of a planned state visit by Spain's King Felipe VI.
Bank of Spain Raises Economic Growth Forecast to 2.6% but Warns of Inflation
Spain's central bank has upgraded its economic growth forecast to 2.6% for 2026, while confirming that public debt has fallen below 100% of gross domestic product. Despite the stronger economic outlook, policymakers have been warned that consumer inflation could accelerate again.
Death of Evicted 87-Year-Old Woman Intensifies Spain's Housing Crisis Debate
The death of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman recently evicted from her longtime Madrid home, has renewed protests over Spain's housing crisis. Housing campaigners are demanding stronger government intervention as rising rents and limited affordable accommodation place growing pressure on residents.
Spain's Major Trade Unions Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Housing and Working Conditions
Leaders of Spain's two largest trade union organisations, UGT and CCOO, have warned that protests over housing affordability and employment conditions could escalate into a 24-hour national strike. The warning increases pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government as public frustration over living costs continues.
Spanish Court Bans Three Young Men From Social Media Over AI-Generated Explicit Deepfakes
A Spanish judge has sentenced three young men to nearly four years without access to social media after they created and distributed sexually explicit AI-generated images of female classmates. The ruling marks a significant legal response to the misuse of artificial intelligence in image-based sexual abuse.
Spain's Power Grid Operator Orders Eighth Industrial Electricity Reduction in Three Months
Spain's national electricity grid operator, Red Eléctrica, has ordered emergency reductions in power consumption by major industrial users for the eighth time in three months. The repeated interventions have raised concerns about electricity system reliability and the challenges of integrating growing renewable energy capacity.
Spanish Opposition Maintains Support as Socialists Gain Ground From Left-Wing Allies
Recent opinion polls suggest Spain's ruling Socialist Workers' Party is attracting support from voters previously aligned with its left-wing partners, Sumar and Podemos. Meanwhile, the conservative opposition's support remains relatively stable, pointing to continued competition ahead of the next national election.
Spanish Supreme Court Examines Voting Rights of Exiled Spaniards' Descendants
Spain's Supreme Court is urgently considering electoral rights for descendants of Spaniards who went into exile, under provisions linked to the Democratic Memory Law. The decision could affect voter eligibility ahead of the forthcoming national elections.
Spain Introduces National Rental Price Calculator to Improve Housing Market Transparency
Spain's Housing Ministry has launched a national rental price calculator designed to give tenants clearer information about residential property prices. The initiative is part of government efforts to address rising rents and improve transparency in a housing market facing intense political scrutiny.
Meliá Hotels Chief Calls for Crackdown on Illegal Tourist Rentals to Ease Housing Shortage
Gabriel Escarrer, chief executive of Spanish hotel group Meliá, has called for tougher enforcement against illegal short-term tourist accommodation. He argues that removing unauthorised holiday rentals from the market is the most practical immediate step toward easing Spain's housing shortage.
One in Five Room Renters in Spain Is Over 35 as Housing Costs Rise
New housing data shows that 20% of people renting individual rooms in shared apartments across Spain are older than 35. The figures highlight how rising accommodation costs are pushing more adults into shared housing arrangements traditionally associated with younger renters.
Ferrovial Wins Spanish Tax Court Case Following Headquarters Move to Netherlands
Infrastructure company Ferrovial has secured a court victory in a dispute with Spain's tax authorities following its controversial decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to the Netherlands. The ruling could have implications for how multinational companies are treated under Spanish corporate tax rules.
Uniqlo Owner Fast Retailing Outpaces Spain's Inditex in Global Growth
Japanese fashion group Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, is expanding at roughly twice the growth rate of Spanish rival Inditex. The stronger performance is intensifying competition between two of the world's major apparel retailers as both seek a larger share of international markets.
Spanish Stocks Face Volatile Trading as Santander, Telefónica and Repsol See Heavy Activity
Major Spanish companies, including Banco Santander, Telefónica and Repsol, have recorded unusually high trading volumes and price fluctuations on the Ibex 35 index. The activity comes amid broader European uncertainty over energy prices and the direction of monetary policy.
Seat Seeks Volkswagen Approval to Produce Electric Audi Q4 in Barcelona by 2032
Spanish carmaker Seat is negotiating with parent company Volkswagen Group to secure production of the electric Audi Q4 at its Barcelona manufacturing facility by 2032. The proposed project could help protect skilled industrial jobs and strengthen the region's position in electric vehicle manufacturing.
Ouigo Train Drivers Announce Six Days of Strikes Across Spain's Autumn Holiday Period
Train drivers working for French-owned high-speed rail operator Ouigo have announced six days of industrial action across October, November and December. The planned strikes threaten disruption during busy holiday travel periods on Spain's high-speed rail network.
Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia Unite to Defend Tajo-Segura Water Transfer
The regional governments of Valencia, Murcia and Andalusia have agreed to coordinate efforts to protect the Tajo-Segura water transfer system. They argue that maintaining the infrastructure is essential for agricultural production, export activity and employment in southeastern Spain.
Ávila Declares Drought Pre-Alert as Reservoir Levels Fall to 35%
Authorities in the Spanish city of Ávila have activated a drought pre-alert after municipal reservoir levels declined to 35% of capacity. The measure reflects continued concern over water availability despite rainfall in parts of the country during autumn.
Spain's Housing Crisis Becomes Growing Political Challenge as Protests Intensify
Rising rents, the expansion of tourist accommodation and recent eviction cases are increasing pressure on Spain's government to address housing affordability. With major unions considering wider industrial action, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces difficult choices over rental regulation and property market policy.
Repeated Industrial Power Cuts Raise Questions About Spain's Renewable Energy Transition
Spain's repeated emergency reductions in electricity supply to major industrial consumers are renewing concerns about grid stability as renewable energy capacity expands. The disruptions highlight the importance of reliable backup generation and energy storage for