News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

government

Spanish Government's Debt Forgiveness Plan Sparks Controversy and Division

In a move that has sent ripples through Spain's political landscape, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has unveiled a sweeping plan to forgive over €83 billion of debt accrued by autonomous communities. This proposal, announced by Minister of Finance María Jesús Montero on February 25, aims to alleviate the financial burden on regional administrations, particularly those exacerbated by the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Plan and Its Implications

The debt forgiveness plan excludes the Basque Country and Navarra, which have their own unique financial models. The bulk of the forgiven debt, €83.2 billion, will be distributed among other autonomous communities, with Andalusia set to benefit the most, receiving €18.791 billion in debt forgiveness. Catalonia follows closely, with €17.104 billion, and the Valencian Community will receive €11.210 billion[3].

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economy

Spanish Government's Debt Forgiveness Plan Sparks Controversy and Economic Debate

In a move that has sent ripples through Spain's political and economic landscape, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has unveiled a sweeping plan to forgive over €83 billion of debt accrued by the country's autonomous communities. This initiative, announced on February 26, 2025, aims to alleviate the financial burdens imposed on regional administrations, particularly those exacerbated during the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Debt Forgiveness Plan

The plan involves the central government taking over a significant portion of the debt accumulated by the autonomous regions through the Regional Liquidity Fund (FLA), established in 2012 as an emergency measure. This fund allowed regions to obtain financing when they no longer had access to capital markets. The debt forgiveness is part of an agreement reached between the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) to secure ERC's support for Sánchez's government.

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economy

Spanish Multiservice Sector Sees Significant Growth in 2024

In a year marked by economic challenges and transformations, the Spanish multiservice sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. According to recent financial reports, the sector collectively invoiced an impressive €11.65 billion in 2024, highlighting a robust performance despite broader economic uncertainties.

Sector Overview and Key Players

The multiservice sector in Spain encompasses a diverse range of companies that offer a variety of services, including facility management, security, cleaning, and maintenance. Key players in this sector have been instrumental in driving this growth through innovative service offerings and strategic expansions.

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housing

Torrelavega Approves Land Transfer for 12 Affordable Rental Homes

In a significant move to address the housing needs in Torrelavega, the local council has unanimously approved the transfer of a building to Gesvican, the public housing company of Cantabria, for the construction of 12 affordable rental homes.

Unanimous Approval

The decision was made during a commission meeting on February 25, 2025, marking a crucial step in the collaboration between the Government of Cantabria and the Municipality of Torrelavega to enhance the availability of affordable housing. This approval follows a broader initiative by the regional government to build a total of 285 protected housing units across nine municipalities during the current legislative term.

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housing

Torrelavega Leads the Way: Cantabria's Municipality with the Steepest Rise in Housing Prices

In the picturesque region of Cantabria, Spain, the municipality of Torrelavega has emerged as the area with the most significant increase in housing prices, a trend that is capturing the attention of both local residents and expats alike.

A Sharp Increase in Housing Costs

As of the latest reports, Torrelavega has witnessed a substantial surge in housing prices, outpacing other municipalities in Cantabria. This rise is part of a broader trend in the Spanish real estate market, where demand for housing, particularly in desirable regions, continues to drive up prices.

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crime-law

Arrests Made in Cantabria for Series of Crimes Including Arson and Theft

In a recent crackdown on criminal activity, the authorities in Cantabria, a region in northern Spain, have made several arrests in connection with a string of serious crimes. The incidents, which include arson, theft, and an attempted car burning, have sent shockwaves through the local community.

The Incidents

On February 25, 2023, a caseta (a small, usually temporary structure) located near a gas station was set on fire. This act of arson was quickly followed by the theft of items from a nearby trastero (storage room). In a separate but related incident, an individual attempted to set a car on fire.

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