News

Latest news and updates about living in Spain

weather

Storm Jana Brings Severe Weather to Spain and Portugal

This weekend, expats and residents in Spain and Portugal are bracing for the intense impacts of Storm Jana, a powerful low-pressure system that is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and a significant drop in temperatures.

Heavy Rains and Flooding

Storm Jana, which has been developing over the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, is forecasted to hit Portugal and Spain with full force on Saturday, March 8. The storm is characterized by very low atmospheric pressure values, reaching as low as 982 millibars, and is accompanied by dense bands of cumulonimbus clouds laden with large amounts of rain. This is expected to result in heavy to very heavy rains, with some areas receiving up to 150-250 mm of rainfall, equivalent to about 250 liters of water per square meter. Such intense rainfall is likely to cause torrents and floods, particularly in low-lying areas and mountain valleys, posing a significant risk to both urban and rural communities.

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education

Teachers in Spain Express Dissatisfaction with New Salary Increase Proposal

In a recent development that has sparked significant debate within the educational sector in Spain, teachers have voiced their discontent with a new proposal from the People's Party (PP) that aims to increase their monthly salaries by €90-€100. This proposal, while intended to address long-standing issues of teacher compensation, has been met with skepticism and disappointment by many educators.

The Proposal and Its Implications

The PP's proposal, announced in early March 2025, suggests a modest increase in the monthly salaries of teachers across Spain. However, teachers and their unions argue that this increase is insufficient given the current cost of living and the historical underfunding of the education sector.

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social-welfare

Thousands March in Santander for Real Equality and Against Machismo

On March 8, 2025, the city of Santander in the Cantabria region of Spain witnessed a significant display of solidarity and determination as nearly 5,500 people took to the streets to demand real equality and to denounce the persistent impact of machismo on their lives.

A Call for Change

The march, which was part of the International Women's Day celebrations, saw a diverse crowd of men, women, and children gathering in the heart of Santander. The protesters carried banners and signs that highlighted the ongoing struggles against gender-based violence, discrimination, and the entrenched machismo that continues to affect various aspects of Spanish society.

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technology

Vodafone Spain Expands 5G Coverage to Reach 90% of Population by End-2025

In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity across Spain, Vodafone has announced an ambitious plan to extend its 5G network coverage to 90% of the population by the end of 2025. This expansion is part of Vodafone Spain’s commitment to drive digital inclusion and close the digital gap, particularly in rural and smaller towns.

Extensive Coverage Expansion

The expansion will bring 5G services to approximately 1,000 additional municipalities across 49 provinces. This includes coverage for 513 municipalities with fewer than 1,000 residents, 388 municipalities with populations under 10,000, and 56 municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. This comprehensive rollout aims to ensure that both urban and rural areas benefit from the latest in telecommunications technology.

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animal-welfare

Wolf Attacks in the Valles Pasiegos: A Growing Concern for Local Livestock

In the picturesque Valles Pasiegos region of Cantabria, Spain, a pressing issue has been gaining attention from local authorities and residents alike: the increasing problem of wolf attacks on livestock. This longstanding challenge has now been labeled as "very grave" by the municipality, prompting a thorough analysis and potential new measures to mitigate the damage.

The Impact on Local Livestock

The Valles Pasiegos, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is home to numerous small-scale farms and livestock breeders. However, the presence of wolves in the area has become a significant threat to these agricultural activities. The wolves, which are protected under Spanish law, have been attacking sheep, goats, and other livestock, resulting in substantial economic losses for local farmers.

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business

Almassora Marks the End of an Era as Mere Supermarkets Close Down

In a significant development for the retail landscape in the Valencian Community, the town of Almassora has witnessed the closure of the Mere supermarket chain, marking the end of an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful venture in the region.

The Rise and Fall of Mere in Almassora

Mere, a supermarket chain known for its ultra-low-cost model, had opened its doors in Almassora and la Vall d'UixĂł in the province of CastellĂłn with high expectations. However, less than a year after their inauguration, the stores have been forced to close due to the company's inability to find stability in the highly competitive Spanish market.

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