Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin Feb 28
TOP STORIES: "3 out of 4 drivers in Spain don’t know what this road sign means" & "2025 brings the first round of post-Brexit TIE renewals"
We made it through to the end of the week and the end of the month. But I’m afraid to say that, for better or for worse, Spain is going to have some very wet, windy and chilly weather this weekend and into next week. Tell you what, though: a nice, wet spring should set us up well for a drought-free summer. Let’s start the month as we mean to go on, eh?
Talking of going on, I’m going to stop going on so much now and go on to the main part of this week’s bulletin…
Driving blind
Have you ever come across this particular road sign? If not, don't worry - you're in good company. It appears that three out of four motorists are unfamiliar with its meaning. This isn't entirely surprising, given that the sign originated in France in 2011 and has only been introduced in Spain and other EU countries in recent years.
In fact, it was only brought into use in 2023, so it's still a relatively new addition to our roads.
For those who may be unsure, the sign is known as the P33 and is intended to replace the old fog warning sign. According to the DGT, its purpose is to alert drivers to areas where traffic may be impeded due to reduced visibility caused by fog, rain, snow or smoke.
Despite its importance, a recent study has found that a massive 75% of drivers have no idea what the sign means.
If you're planning on hitting the road, particularly near city limits, it's worth keeping an eye out for the P33 sign. It's a triangular sign with a red border, featuring a car driving into parallel lines.
It's worth noting that the sign can be easily confused with the Low Emission Zone (ZBE) sign, even though one is a prohibition sign (it is round) and the other a danger sign (triangular).
Don’t forget to join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for all the latest motoring and travel updates
The gift that keeps on needing to be renewed
Remember when Brexit was supposed to be all about taking back control? Well, if you’re a UK national living in Spain under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, it’s time already to “take control” of renewing your TIE card before it expires. It’s come around fast, right?
The five-year residency permits issued in 2020 are now coming up for renewal, and if you don’t sort yours out in time, you could find yourself battling Spanish bureaucracy while also struggling to access banking, utilities or even travel freely.
It should be noted that some of these post-Brexit TIEs had a 10-year duration, so if that’s your case you won’t need to renew until 2030, though that deadline will probably come rushing up before we know it too!
For those who had a green residency card before swapping to a TIE, things are relatively simple. Just head to your nearest police station and apply for a shiny new 10-year card, which they all will be from now on.
But if you got your TIE through the ‘resolución’ method (aka Spain’s official approval system for post-Brexit residency), the process is less clear. Different regions might have different rules, and Spanish authorities haven’t quite decided yet whether you’ll need to make a fresh application or just roll over into the next decade of residency.
So, if you’re one of these lucky individuals, you’ll want to start early to avoid getting caught up in a bureaucratic limbo. Probably the best option is to go to the office of a gestoría paperwork and legal administration expert to get them to do the whole thing for you.
As carrying with you a valid photo ID that is not expired is a legal requirement when in Spain, the bottom line here is just to go and check your TIE’s expiry date right now, don’t assume the renewal process will be smooth, and get your paperwork in order sooner rather than later. Because the last thing anyone needs is to have their residency status thrown into question just because of a technicality. Brexit might be done, but the red tape is the gift that keeps on giving.
Money talks
In one of the week’s bigger stories that all the Spanish papers are talking about this week, the government has decided to play the generous parent, offering to wipe out a whopping €83.5 billion in debt owed by its autonomous regions.
It’s a grand gesture, apparently aimed at easing financial pressure on local governments and making life easier for everyone. Except not everyone is feeling particularly grateful. Take Murcia, for instance. Instead of saying “thank you”, the regional government is looking to give the deal a hard pass, seeing it as a politically charged move for the Socialists to curry favour with Catalonia, which especially stands to gain from the offer.
Basically, this whole debt write-off was originally a sweetener for the Catalan pro-independence party ERC in exchange for political support, but now it’s being extended across the board. Andalucía, Catalonia, Valencia and Madrid are set to be the biggest beneficiaries in raw numbers, with Valencia and Catalonia topping the per capita relief rankings. Murcia, meanwhile, is down the pecking order, getting a €3.3 billion reduction. That’s still a hefty 27% cut in its debt, but apparently not enough to change its stance.
Murcian Finance Minister Luis Alberto Marín is not impressed. He calls the deal an “offence” and “privileged treatment for Catalonia” while arguing that the root problem of regional underfunding remains unaddressed. Murcia wants a full-scale reform of Spain’s regional financing system, not a one-off write-off it sees as politically motivated. The government in Madrid, of course, insists this is all about fairness and economic stability, but the debate rages on.
Murcia’s regional government is also taking its own proactive steps to minimise the potential effects of US trade tariffs on the Region’s exports. With the shadow of Donald Trump looming over these global trade policies, Murcia is assembling a special Tariff Committee to keep a close eye on any potential fallout.
The US currently buys €621 million worth of Murcian exports, mainly in wine, juices, fuels and chemical products. While no immediate tariff threats are on the horizon, Murcia isn’t taking any chances, and the newly created committee will bring together business leaders, government officials and economic experts to anticipate problems before they arise.
Murcia
Another of the biggest stories coming out of Murcia this week is the revelation that police have managed to solve the crime that shocked the Region and the country last November, when two British tourists were killed in their hire car on the La Manga del Mar Menor road when a speedboat being towed on a trailer in front of them came loose.
The horrific accident left 11 other people injured and driver fled the scene, sparking a months-long investigation that has finally led to the arrest of 17 individuals. It seems the culprits were part of a well-organised gang trafficking people from North Africa to Spain whose disastrous attempt to transport one of their high-speed inflatable boats went spectacularly wrong.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill criminals; in a joint raid on properties in Molina de Segura, Elche and Rojales, authorities found illegal weapons, a small stash of drugs and an elaborate system designed to bypass detection, including falsified documentation and modified vehicle lights that can turn on at the front and turn off at the back to avoid detection in police chases.
The police operation also uncovered how these gangs use Phantom-type speedboats to cross the Strait of Gibraltar in record time with drugs and human cargo, all while putting lives at risk. While this takedown is a step towards justice, authorities have shared that the investigation isn’t over yet, and there could yet be more arrests on the way.
In other news, development, building and improvement work continues apace in Murcia as the Region becomes more popular on the national and international scene. Case in point: the start of construction of Oasis Altaona, a self-proclaimed ‘sustainable’ luxury development.
The project, which won ‘Best Sustainable Project in Spain’ at the 2024 International Property Awards, is aiming to redefine high-end living. Nestled within the Altaona Sports & Wellness Resort, this community of 70 sleek, modern villas is designed with double-glazed windows, green roofs and native plant gardens to keep its environmental footprint as tiny as possible.
The development boasts a prime location next to the golf course and a UNESCO-protected park. With starting prices at €399,000, it’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who can afford it, it promises the perfect blend of luxury, eco-friendliness and exclusivity. Plus, as Murcia’s popularity continues to rise, investors are eyeing it as a hot property for strong returns.
In terms of more in practical everyday benefits, Los Alcázares residents have finally won a battle they’ve been fighting for years: public dentistry services. The town has just launched a long-awaited Oral Health Unit, giving registered residents access to state-funded dental care. It might not be as glamorous as a luxury resort, but for locals who have been waiting ages for this, it’s a significant step forward.
Over in Caravaca de la Cruz, the town is taking a long-overdue approach to modernisation that respects its heritage. Officials have partnered with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena to revamp the outdated Special Plan for the Interior Reform and Protection of the Historic Centre, a document that’s been gathering dust since 1989.
With Caravaca’s track record of successfully blending old and new, seen in recent projects like the transformation of the Europán block and the restoration of Caravaca Castle, this initiative aims to bring the town into the 21st century without erasing its historic charm. By updating urban planning regulations, protecting key buildings and creating a roadmap for sustainable development, Caravaca is proving that progress and preservation don’t have to be at odds.
But not all so-called progress is good news. Take the Fuente Álamo road to Mazarrón, for instance, where a shiny new biomethane plant is set to begin operations in April. Five Bioenergy, the company behind the project, insists it will be a win-win for the environment and local economy, turning organic waste like pig slurry into biomethane while also producing purified water and biofertilisers. On paper, it sounds great, reducing waste, promoting renewable energy and boosting the local agricultural sector. But the reality isn’t necessarily quite as idyllic.
Biogas plants have a nasty habit of emitting foul-smelling gases, some of which can pose health risks. There is a general growth of these kinds of plants across Murcia, and they are billed as a green solution that puts the Region at the forefront of European sustainability targets. But the recent rejection of a similar project in Baños y Mendigo showed, these facilities don’t always play by the rules when it comes to environmental and urban planning regulations. While Fuente Álamo’s plant is still moving forward, its long-term impact remains to be seen and how well it will be accepted by the local community.And then there’s El Portús, where the long-standing battle between naturist campsite residents and corporate developers has reached a new level of absurdity. The once tranquil site has been embroiled in controversy since its takeover by Newtown Capital S.L., now rebranded as Taiga Resorts Costa Cálida. Long-term residents claim they have faced eviction, alleged intimidation and legal battles as the new management pushes ahead with its redevelopment plans.
Now, the latest flashpoint is the installation of modular homes, which environmental activists claim violate planning laws. Cartagena Council has supposedly put a stop order on the work, but according to residents, construction continues undeterred. The campsite’s entrance to Cala Morena beach – a public right of way – is now blocked, with the company insisting this is just a temporary safety measure. Residents and activists aren’t buying it, arguing that the developers are flouting the law while authorities turn a blind eye.
Meanwhile, tensions on-site have escalated, with reports of security guards physically assaulting individuals attempting to access the area. The company, of course, denies everything, claiming their actions are all above board and in full compliance with the law. The saga is now heading to court, with some residents being offered financial settlements to leave, while others dig in their heels for a fight they believe is far from over.This weekend is when most of the big carnival parades are supposed to be taking place, but by the looks of it many of them may be fairly waterlogged. Sorry to rain on your parade. If you’re looking for something to do indoors and under cover, you could try the VINARTE wine festival, which starts in Bullas this weekend and continues on every weekend in March.
Meanwhile, next weekend, on Saturday March 8, there is an exciting event taking place in Los Alcázares as TKO Radio brings its roadshow to Los Narejo’s La Zona Terraza bar for an afternoon of music, dancing, big prize competition and even a hog roast to dig into! One to put in the calendar...
Be sure to check out our EVENTS DIARY for more events and activities coming up soon in the Region of Murcia:
Spain
If you’re an employee in Spain, you’ll be well aware of the government’s plans to reduce the working week from 40 hours to 37.5. This is great news for staff, who will get to enjoy a shorter working day without losing money.
But what does this mean for employers? As it turns out, the new law comes with some important administrative requirements that companies need to be aware of.
One of the key changes is that all companies, regardless of their size, will need to provide their employees with a detailed breakdown of their working hours. This includes the total number of hours worked, whether they're ordinary or extraordinary hours and any reductions in working hours that have been applied.
This information will be presented in a new digital document that will be attached to the employee's pay slip, making it easy for staff to keep track of their hours and for the authorities to inspect the records if needed.
The new law also introduces a robust penalty system for companies that fail to comply with the requirements.
The idea behind this is to ensure that companies take the new regulations seriously and prioritise their employees' well-being. The law considers non-compliance to be a serious offence if it poses a "serious risk to the safety and health of workers" and the fines can range anywhere from 1,000 euros to 10,000 euros.
While many employees in Spain are celebrating the recent reduction in working hours, the country's doctors are preparing to take a stand and demand better working conditions. The Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) and the Andalucían Medical Union (SMA) have announced that they'll be going on strike on May 23 in response to a proposed draft law that they feel doesn't do enough to address their concerns.
At the heart of the issue is the fact that doctors feel their rights have been eroded over the past 40 years, while their responsibilities have continued to increase.
They're pushing for changes to the law that would allow them to negotiate their working conditions with proper representation, rather than being forced to accept whatever is imposed on them.
The current draft law, proposed by the Ministry of Health, has been met with widespread criticism from medical professionals, who feel it doesn't go far enough to address their concerns.
The decision to strike comes after a series of meetings aimed at amending the draft law but so far, the ministry has failed to make the necessary changes. Doctors are frustrated that despite being the backbone of the healthcare system, they're facing worsening working conditions, including excessive working hours, inadequate rest periods and lower overtime payments.
They're also concerned about the lack of respect for their profession, with many doctors facing verbal and physical abuse from patients and their families.
Unless the government comes up with a satisfactory solution, doctors across Spain will go ahead with their planned strike, seeking to bring attention to their concerns and demand fair treatment in their profession.
It's a bold move, but one that doctors feel is necessary to protect their rights and ensure that they can continue to provide the best possible care for their patients.
A dream holiday turned into a nightmare for 68-year-old Marshall Latham, a retired carpenter from Nantwich in Cheshire, when he was brutally attacked while walking back to his apartment in Fuerteventura, one of Spain's popular Canary Islands.The senseless and apparently unprovoked assault has left Marshall in a coma and his family is reeling from the devastating news that he may never regain the ability to walk or speak again.
The horrific incident occurred on December 10 when Marshall, who was on holiday with his partner Lynn, was suddenly punched by a stranger, sending him crashing to the ground. The impact was so severe that it caused a traumatic brain injury and Marshall had to be rushed to a hospital in Gran Canaria for emergency treatment.
Surgeons performed a partial skull removal to alleviate pressure on his brain, and Marshall has since undergone a tracheotomy. However, his condition has been further complicated by two bouts of pneumonia.
As Marshall fights for his life, his family remains by his side, struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking prognosis. Doctors have delivered the crushing news that Marshall's injuries are likely to be permanent, leaving him unable to walk or communicate ever again.
The suspect, a fellow British national, was arrested at the airport as he attempted to flee to Glasgow and police are continuing to investigate the shocking incident.
Meghan Markle is at the centre of yet another controversy, and this time she’s in a bit of bother in Spain. Rather than making the headlines over her royal duties or charity work, the Duchess of Sussex has instead set Mallorca abuzz about her new business venture.
As you explore the charming villages of Mallorca, you'll discover a treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty. From the picturesque streets of Valldemossa to the stunning scenery of Deià, there's no shortage of hidden gems to explore. But one small town, Porreras, has found itself in the spotlight for a rather unexpected reason.
The town's coat of arms, which features a palm tree with two birds flying on either side, has been a proud symbol of Porreras' heritage since the 17th century. So, when Meghan Markle unveiled her new logo for her brand 'As Ever', which bears a striking resemblance to the town's coat of arms, the locals were understandably taken aback.
“At first we took it as a bit of a joke because we didn't really understand where it had come from and what their objective was in copying the coat of arms,” explained Xisca Mora, the mayor of Porreras.While the town isn't considering taking legal action just yet, they're not thrilled about the idea of their historic image being duplicated. And who can blame them? The coat of arms is a big part of Porreras' identity and the thought of it being used as a logo for a commercial brand is understandably unsettling.
But instead of getting angry, the town is taking the high road. In a surprising twist, the mayor has invited Meghan Markle to attend the town's patron saint festivities and even offered her the role of fiesta hostess.
Who knows - maybe Meghan will take them up on the offer and learn a thing or two about the rich history behind the coat of arms that's caused all the fuss.
Alicante
The one and only Tom Jones is coming to Spain as part of his Defy Explanation Tour 2025. It's been two years since he last wowed Spanish audiences and now he's back with a brand new tour that's sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Mark your calendars for August 11, when the Welsh heartthrob will take the stage in Chiclana de la Frontera in Cádiz, followed by a show-stopping concert at the iconic Alicante Bullring on August 13.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Tom Jones has proven time and time again that he's still got it - and then some! His classic hits like ‘It's Not Unusual’, ‘Sex Bomb’ and ‘Delilah’ never fail to get the crowd going and his 2023 concert in Alicante was a huge success.
The Defy Explanation Tour 2025 promises to be just as amazing, with a mix of Tom's best loved hits and some of his more recent songs. And at 84 years young, Tom Jones is still going strong - his vocal power and charisma are simply unmatched.
But before he gets to Spain, Tom will be touring North America, with stops in Niagara Falls, Nashville, Daytona Beach, New Orleans and Las Vegas from mid-April to late May. Then he'll be heading to Europe, with concerts planned in Greece, Croatia, Romania, Hungary and Norway starting on June 21. The UK tour will follow in July and August and we're thrilled that Spain is a key part of his schedule.
Tickets for the North American leg are already on sale and we're expecting tickets for the Spanish dates to go on sale any day now through iboleleproducciones.com and Tomjones.com.
Big news for the Ukrainian community in Spain this week as Spanish President Pedro Sánchez made a significant announcement in Kyiv: Spain will be establishing a ‘House of Ukraine’ in Torrevieja, a special centre dedicated to supporting the needs of displaced Ukrainians in the country.
President Sánchez made this announcement at an international summit in support of Ukraine, which marked the third anniversary of the start of the Russian aggression.
But his announcement has been met with some push-back, since Torrevieja already has a facility that's been helping Ukrainians since the beginning of the invasion. The Reception, Assistance and Referral Centre for Displaced Ukrainians (Creade) is a one-stop shop where Ukrainians can get administrative advice and support. It's one of four centres like it in Spain, with the others located in Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga.
So, why Torrevieja for the new ‘House of Ukraine’? It's no coincidence. Even before the war, the Ukrainian community in Torrevieja was one of the largest international groups in the city. In fact, out of the 120 nationalities represented in Torrevieja, 9,500 people are from Ukraine - that's a significant number. They're followed closely by Russians and Brits.
At the summit, President Sánchez highlighted the significant support Spain has provided to Ukraine since the start of the war. We're talking more than 100 million euros in humanitarian aid between February 2022 and the end of 2024, with an additional 10 million euros on the way.
On top of that, Spain has provided around 400 million euros in financial aid for reconstruction, as well as military equipment and training for nearly 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers.
While Ryanair is axing flights at several Spanish airports, Alicante has managed to dodge the bullet. And it's no surprise given the Costa Blanca's growing popularity as a tourist destination. Ryanair is the top dog at Alicante airport and it's clear that the airline is committed to investing in the area.
In fact, Alicante is one of Ryanair's biggest bases in Spain, with 18 aircraft set to operate this summer. That's a whopping $1.8 billion investment (around €1.715 billion) and it's expected to generate around 6,500 jobs thanks to the influx of tourists.
To top it all off, the budget Irish carrier has just announced three brand new destinations from Alicante this summer. Say hello to Bydgoszcz in Poland and Linz and Salzburg in Austria.
These new routes are a response to growing demand from Eastern and Central European markets and they're a win-win for both tourists and locals. Visitors will get to experience the beauty of the Costa Blanca, while locals will have the chance to explore these exciting new destinations.
To celebrate the launch of its 2025 summer schedule, Ryanair is offering some amazing deals. You can snag fares from as low as €21.99 for travel until the end of June, but you'll need to act fast - these prices are only available until February 28.
Alfaz del Pi has finally launched its hiking trail to Santiago de Compostela, 12 years after applying to be a starting point for the southeastern leg of the Camino de Santiago.
The launch of 15-kilometre route from Alfaz del Pi to Benidorm was attended by 150 participants, who received an official booklet with the route mapped out and stamped.
The event was organised by the local council and the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago, with the goal of promoting this lesser-known pilgrimage path.
The route passes through several towns, including Benidorm, Finestrat and Villena, and offers a scenic and accessible journey.
With strong local support and growing interest from walkers and pilgrims, Alfaz del Pi's connection to the Camino de Santiago is set to continue. Organisers are already planning another walk before the end of the year and the town is committed to promoting the route and raising awareness about its existence.
Andalucía
For all of you in Andalucía this weekend, remember that this Friday February 28 is a public holiday for the Día de Andalucía. That means a glorious three-day weekend with no work, school or shopping (unless, of course, you forgot to stock up beforehand!).
Aside from that, we’ve got a Málaga province-heavy Andalucía section for you this week. First, a rather sombre note, as a 60-year-old British tourist was found dead in a Fuengirola hotel room. The man was supposed to check out the day before but never did, prompting staff to check on him. Police have launched an investigation, but so far, there are no signs of foul play, and an autopsy will determine the exact cause of death. It’s a tragic situation, and authorities are working to piece together what happened.
Meanwhile, there has been a Costa del Sol court ruling that has left quite a few people scratching their heads. A Málaga judge has overturned a ban on a controversial bullfighting event involving performers with dwarfism. The Junta de Andalucía had shut it down last year, arguing it was degrading, but the judge wasn’t convinced, stating there was no clear evidence that the show mocked participants.
The ruling essentially means the event can go ahead, and the organisers might even claim compensation. Of course, this hasn’t put an end to the debate, with supporters arguing it’s about personal choice and employment rights, while critics say it perpetuates outdated stereotypes. And that’s not even to mention the fact that it’s cruel and violent towards the poor bulls! Wherever you stand on this one, you can be sure it's going to keep making headlines.
As for other entertainment and attractions in Málaga, a visit to the city’s Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro castle is about to cost you twice as much. The city council has decided to bump up ticket prices, citing the need for extra funds for maintenance and improvements.
Standard tickets are going from €3.50 to €7, while the combined ticket for both sites will now set you back €10 instead of €5.50. Even discounted tickets for pensioners, students and the unemployed have doubled in price. The council, however, insists that even with the increase, the new prices are still lower than those of similar landmarks across Spain, and the tradition of free entry on Sunday afternoons will still be carried on, so at least there’s that.
Lastly, for something that could be straight out of a comedy sketch. Three Málaga police officers had to be hospitalised after accidentally consuming drug-laced sweets. This happened after a raid on a cannabis club, where officers seized various items, including gummy sweets infused with what was presumably a little more than just sugar.
Somehow, a bag of these illicit treats ended up unlabelled in the coordinators’ room, according to police sources, and when the officers returned from duty, they helped themselves. Cue the inevitable: they started feeling ‘unwell’ and had to be rushed to hospital.
Thankfully, they were discharged a few hours later, but the incident has sparked an internal investigation. Let’s just say that between the mishandling of evidence and their unfortunate snack choices, these officers are probably in for a bit of an awkward time at work.
You may have missed…
- Why don’t Spanish women change their surnames when they marry?
Spain is one of the few countries in the world where women don’t take their husband’s surname after marriage. While in many places it’s expected – and often automatic – for a woman’s surname to change, in Spain, it simply doesn’t happen. But why? - Scientists rule out asteroid’s impact with Earth.
Scientists have confirmed that, despite initial concerns, asteroid 2024 YR4 will not collide with Earth in December 2032, avoiding the need for any Armageddon-style heroics. - Spanish city honours foreigners who intervened in homophobic attack.
The northern Spanish city of A Coruña has formally recognised two Senegalese migrants for their courageous actions in attempting to save a young man who was fatally attacked in a homophobic assault in 2021. - 10 sites to see prehistoric rock art in the Region of Murcia.
It’s fascinating to wonder what our 400th-great-grandfathers were looking at and thinking of when they sat down, around 10,000 years ago, and decided to paint images on the walls of the caves and rock shelters where they lived... Well, we can walk into their homes and stand where they stood! Here are some of the best places to see prehistoric rock art in the Region of Murcia. - Once-in-a-lifetime planetary alignment to illuminate Spanish skies.
It’s going to be pretty overcast, unfortunately, but if there’s a clearing in the clouds you can look up to the skies this Friday February 28 for a chance to see the historical aligning of 7 planets at the same time! This is the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the next time it happens will be in the year 2492!
And there we have it! Thank you for reading this edition of the weekly bulletin. Have a great weekend and we’ll be back with your next dose in a week’s time.
’Til then!
