The Local Spain

Messi receives top Spanish award from heir to throne Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:38:21 +0200 Lionel Messi received Spain's most prestigious sports award on Friday in recognition of his glittering career and his work for disadvantaged children's access to health and education.

250,000 rally in Madrid demanding state pension guarantees Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:01:28 +0200 Authorities said 250,00 people marched through central Madrid on Saturday demanding protection for the Spanish state pension scheme, one of the hot topics in a parliamentary election next month.

Inside Spain: How the Basque Country avoided the 'Empty Spain' problem Sat, 24 Oct 2026 11:58:34 +0200 As Spanish city dwellers struggle with affordability and politicians call for people to move to 'Empty Spain' as a solution, we look at how the Basque Country managed to avoid the problem of poor population distribution decades ago.

Lawmakers say EU must probe social media role in protests Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:49:48 +0200 The EU must urgently investigate the role of social media during protests in member states including France, European lawmakers demanded Friday, adding that Brussels should be prepared to block access "as a last resort".

'Seek your tribe': Your tips for making friends in Spain Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:14:53 +0200 To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve run a series of articles on how loneliness affects foreigners in Spain, and how to beat it. Here are our readers' recommendations for integrating and meeting people in your local community.

Will Spain's 100 percent property tax on foreign buyers ever be approved? Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:28:10 +0200 In 2025, Spain's government proposed a controversial 100 percent tax on property buyers from outside of the EU which would double the price of Spanish real estate for them. Will this levy ever be approved, and does it depend on who wins the election?

EU parliament approves more safeguards for travellers in Europe Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:49:21 +0200 The European Parliament has given its final approval to a new set of safeguards for the 13 billion people who travel in Europe each year by plane, train, coach, bus or ferry.

'Generational rage': How young Europeans are fighting to be heard Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:41:40 +0200 From blockaded schools in Rome to tent camps in Madrid and street protests in France, young people across Europe are turning their anger on a political class they say is not listening.

The new rules for overtaking cyclists if you drive in Spain Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:39:02 +0200 New traffic rules mean that overtaking a cyclist too closely on Spanish roads could see you fined hundreds of euros and even cost you points off your licence.

What Spain's parties are promising self-employed voters ahead of election Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:08:28 +0200 If you're self-employed in Spain, a new government after the upcoming November 29th general election could bring changes to your taxes, social security fees and other work conditions.

Ryanair cuts Spain flight routes and adds new ones for 2027 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:03:13 +0200 Low-cost airline Ryanair has scrapped several routes between Spain and Belgium, but will add a number of new ones from Spanish airports to the UK, Italy and Germany.

'Staying until there's change': Madrid housing protest camp marks one month Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:29:52 +0200 One month after starting as a small camp, a sprawling warren of tents and tarpaulin in Madrid has spearheaded protests over Spain's housing crisis - a key issue in November elections.

Ten things to know about Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:54:58 +0200 Spain's Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony has acquired international prestige and is easily the highest accolade Spain grants exceptional citizens. This quick explainer will fill you in on everything you need to know.

How to make the most of Spain's public and regional holidays in 2027 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:34:27 +0200 Already thinking about planning your vacation days for next year? Here's a list of all the national and regional holidays in Spain in 2027 and how you can maximise your annual leave to get as many long weekends as possible.

Ceuta migrant crisis stokes anger at Sánchez ahead of Spain's election Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:08:22 +0200 Mari Carmen Mata remains furious with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over his response to the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta, a crisis complicating the Socialist leader's bid for re-election next month.

Spain's opposition leader shrugs off claims he will privatise pensions Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:38:59 +0200 Spain's conservative opposition leader has vowed to raise pensions in line with inflation every year if the PP wins the election next month, contradicting voices within his party that say the public pension system risks "collapse" if not overhauled.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:53:38 +0200 US denies visa of Spanish presidential candidate, police clash with protesters as Vox leader visits northern Spain, and more news on Thursday October 22nd.

Unrest in Europe: What's behind the protests in France, Spain and Italy? Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:45:08 +0200 Protests and violent clashes have gripped France, Italy and Spain in recent weeks, but what's behind the unrest in each country and is it motivated by the same grievances? Our editors in each country look at the causes of the unrest and what lies ahead.

Argentina's Milei calls Spain's PM a 'dictator' during Madrid visit Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:20:35 +0200 Argentina's far-right President Javier Milei called Spain's left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a "dictator" in a visit to Madrid on Wednesday, urging voters to oust the Socialist party in upcoming elections.

MEPs urge EU ministers to act and bring an end to seasonal clock changes Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:44:53 +0200 Some 44 members of the European Parliament from 15 different EU countries and six political groups have called on EU transport ministers to break the deadlock and get the plan to end the seasonal changing of the clocks moving again.