News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

government

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Approves Historic Budget for 2025

In a significant development for the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the city council has approved the largest budget in the city's history for the year 2025. This landmark decision is set to bolster various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and social services, which are crucial for the well-being and development of the city and its residents.

Unprecedented Financial Allocation

The approved budget marks a substantial increase in financial allocation, reflecting the city's commitment to addressing long-standing challenges and fostering growth. This move is particularly noteworthy given the context of recent financial constraints faced by public institutions, such as the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), which has seen its budget reduced by almost 2% over the last 15 years despite the autonomous community's budget growing by nearly 12% in the same period[1].

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crime-law

Outrage in Spain as 'Wolf Pack' Rapists See Sentences Reduced

In a move that has sparked widespread outrage across Spain, a Navarra court has reduced the prison sentences of two members of the infamous 'Wolf Pack' gang rape case. This decision comes as a result of a controversial change in Spain's sexual consent law introduced in 2022.

The 'Wolf Pack' Case

The 'Wolf Pack' case involves five men who were convicted of gang-raping an 18-year-old woman during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016. The incident triggered massive protests and calls for legal reforms, as the initial conviction was for the lesser crime of sexual abuse due to the victim not resisting out of fear.

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health

Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvement in Respiratory Condition Amid Ongoing Hospitalization

Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has exhibited a slight improvement in his respiratory condition, although his overall prognosis remains guarded. Admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, following a bout of bronchitis, the Pope has been undergoing treatment for a complex respiratory infection, including bilateral pneumonia.

Current Health Status

As of the latest updates, Pope Francis's clinical condition is described as critical but stable. He has not experienced any acute respiratory episodes, and his hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable. The Pope underwent a scheduled CT scan on February 25 for radiological monitoring of his pneumonia, which showed a "normal evolution" of his pulmonary inflammation[4].

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international-affairs

Spain Reaffirms Strong Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a robust display of solidarity, Spain has once again reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine, as the country continues to face the brunt of Russia's aggressive actions. This commitment was underscored by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine's cause.

Condemning Trump's Remarks

Robles' latest statements come on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about Ukraine. On February 19, Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting that he had done a "terrible job" and that Ukraine was left "destroyed" with "millions of people" killed. Trump also implied that Ukraine needed to hold elections to earn a place at the negotiating table and questioned the accountability of funds provided by Washington.

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immigration

Trump Administration Moves to End Deportation Protections for Hundreds of Thousands of Venezuelans

In a significant and contentious move, the Trump administration has decided to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 348,000 Venezuelans living in the United States. This decision, announced on February 3, 2025, by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is part of President Donald Trump's broader crackdown on immigration and humanitarian programs.

Impact on Venezuelan Migrants

The TPS program, which was extended by the Biden administration, provided crucial protection against deportation and allowed Venezuelans to work legally in the U.S. However, with this new decision, these protections will expire in April 2025, leaving many Venezuelans facing the prospect of deportation back to their home country.

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emergency-response

University of Valencia's Timely Decision to Suspend Classes During the DANA Storm

In the aftermath of the devastating DANA storm that hit the Valencian region, the University of Valencia (UV) has been praised for its proactive decision to suspend classes, a move that significantly reduced the risk to students and staff.

The Decision to Suspend Classes

On October 28, 2023, the University of Valencia announced the suspension of all classes and exams due to the impending severe weather conditions forecasted by meteorological services. This decision was made after the university declared a Level 1 emergency at 2 PM, allowing students and staff to avoid attending classes without penalty. However, as the situation worsened, the university elevated the emergency level to 2 at 9 PM, resulting in the complete suspension of all academic activities across its campuses.

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