The Local Spain

'Prevost is Real Madrid!': Pope enters Spanish football schism Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:40:03 +0200 Leo XIV tossed away the diplomatic tact usually required of popes as he began a state visit to Spain on Saturday, revealing that his footballing loyalties lie with Real Madrid.

Inside Spain: How drinking is becoming an old man's game Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:48:46 +0200 In this week’s Inside Spain we look at the reasons why young Spaniards are drinking far less alcohol than their parents in a country where alcohol consumption goes hand in hand with socialising.

Pope says Church abuse 'still an open wound' as Spain trip begins Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:21:43 +0200 Pope Leo XIV on Saturday said sexual abuse within the Catholic Church remained "an open wound" as he began a trip to Spain that will include a meeting with victims.

EXPLAINED: Spain's new co-payment system for medications Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:27:07 +0200 The Spanish government has recently approved a new decree to reform its pharmaceutical co-payment system, meaning people will now pay according to income level. Here's what you need to know.

How Shakira's tax battle in Spain could affect foreigners and the 183-day rule Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:16:51 +0200 The Spanish Tax Agency's plan to overturn a recent court ruling in favour of Colombian singer Shakira could have implications for high-earning foreigners, digital nomads, and remote workers who split their time between Spain and other countries.

Spain's PM denies knowledge of plot to silence corruption probes Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:32:10 +0200 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday distanced himself from an alleged plot to sabotage investigations into his entourage and Socialist party that has intensified pressure on a government already beset by legal woes.

Concerns raised over air passenger rights in Europe as crunch talks continue Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:20:57 +0200 Concerns are mounting at a controversial revision of Europe's air passenger rights, as crunch talks between European Parliament and Council negotiators are expected to continue next week ahead of a June 15th deadline.

Hotels drop prices in Spain as summer demand stalls Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:51:43 +0200 A confluence of geopolitical and economic factors mean that the Spanish tourism sector is cutting prices as the summer season arrives.

Spain welcomes Russian tourists amid European push for visa crackdown Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:49:44 +0200 Eleven Schengen nations have called for further visa restrictions on Russian tourists whilst the war in Ukraine rages on, a measure directed largely at Spain given that it continues to welcome tens of thousands of visitors from Russia every year.

Self-driving taxis given green light in Spain's capital Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:47:43 +0200 Madrid will soon see its first self-driving taxis, with the Spanish capital set to get a fleet of 'robotaxis' by late 2026.

What's the law on Ozempic for weight loss in Spain? Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:56:22 +0200 Ozempic has quickly become the world's most popular off-label weight loss drug - but can people in Spain get their hands on it without a medical prescription and if they don't have diabetes? Here's what the law says.

What’s the difference between a gestor, a lawyer and a notary in Spain? Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:13:23 +0200 It’s impossible to live in Spain and not have to deal with its often frustrating bureaucracy, and for that you’ll usually need professional help. So for which official matters should you hire a gestor, a lawyer or a notary? What can they do and not do?

Spain posts record number of heat-related deaths in May Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:55:24 +0200 The deaths of 101 people in Spain in May were heat-related, the highest number for the month since such records started being kept in 2015, the Spanish health ministry has said.

Spain starts work on 2027 budget after years of parliamentary deadlock Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:07:42 +0200 Spain's prime minister said Wednesday that his government has begun work on a 2027 budget, effectively shelving hopes of passing a spending plan for this year as his minority administration struggles to secure parliamentary support.

Anti-bullfighting activists protest before pope ahead of Spain visit Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:18:24 +0200 Two anti-bullfighting protesters at the Vatican were taken away Wednesday after interrupting Pope Leo's popemobile before an audience, just days before the pontiff's visit to Spain.

Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:03:55 +0200 Murcia forest fire extinguished, Spain's biggest hotel chain pulls out of Cuba, five Spanish police officers die in lorry collision, and more news from Spain on Thursday 4th June.

Far right stay in power in Spain's Castilla y León region in another win for Vox Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:53:43 +0200 Spain's main opposition conservative party united with the far right to have its leader re-elected in the northern region of Castilla y León on Wednesday, their latest alliance before next year's general election.

How companies in Europe are struggling to recruit workers from outside the EU Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:49:22 +0200 Almost half of European small and medium companies struggle to find workers with the skills they need but recruitment outside the EU remains “limited” and “too difficult”, a recent Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission had shown.

New EU law forces employers in Spain to publish salary before job interview Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:36:26 +0200 A new European Union directive on pay transparency means that companies in Spain must provide more information on salaries in the job advert itself and before the application and interview process.

Mercadona to open on Sundays over summer in Spain's tourist areas Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:17:46 +0200 Spain's most popular supermarket has announced that it will be open for longer in areas of high-tourist concentration during the peak summer months, closing later on weekdays and opening on Sundays.