News, April 2009

April 30th, general news roundup.

Swine fever now affects 10, including one who did not visit Mexico - 70 under surveillance; May Day holiday: many will take a long weekend, despite poor weather (in North) - and economy; Seville enjoying reasonable weather for Feria; Inflation: advance CPI steady at -0.1%; taxi driver congratulated on handing to police forgotten handbag containing 20,000 Euros (plus the lady's documents); 29th: Swine fever cases now 4; judge garzón opens investigation into torture in Guantanamo; 9 cruise passengers arrested for collecting cases full of drugs in Brazilian ports; chase in France as 2 wanted ETA suspects escape in stolen cars; GNP: Q1 economy 2.9% down on last year, 1.8% on Q4; EU Commission tells Spain to cut budget deficit; Government to give free electricity to poor; bank Santander earns 5% less in Q1 - 'big five' banks make 18% less, only Caja Madrid making a slight gain, while bad debts between 2.5% and 5.5%, 3 times that of last year; killer Portuguese Man of War jelly fish (Physalia physalis) seen for first time in decade in Mediterranean - spotted off Mar Menor coast; 28th Second swine flu case confirmed - first could leave hospital today, 26 possibles under observation; frigate Numancia captures pirates off Somalia - accused of attacking Italian cruise ship -BBC report; Royals greet Sarkozy on state visit -see photo of Carla and Letizia; Air Berlin celebrates 30th anniversary in Palma -where it carries 25% of the traffic, or 6 million passengers p.a.- taking over the newly rebuilt terminal C; BBVA bank holds underlying profit in Q1; 27th: 11 possible swine flu cases in Spain - Health minister claims it is under control - Times; 3 survivors of last year's Madrid airport crash declare at court today; Ferrovial's Gatwick airport sale closes bidding today - BBC report; on last day to sign up for EU elections, only 16% of potential EU residents in Spain are properly registered - mainly British.

24th: EAPS unemployment survey shows over 4 million unemployed in Q1, reaching 17% -PDF - BBC report; Cervantes Day (in Catalonia San Jordi) - Saint George) sees as many books and roses sold as last year, but roses were marked down.

Earlier during April: Main events over past 3 weeks: cabinet reshuffle, as economy minister and VP Pedro Solbes retires - Elena Salgado takes over economy, Blanco, new VP, goes to {Fomento (development)... - The Economist reports - official announcement; government to ban prostitution ads in papers - a success for the Stop The Traffick campaign; government promises 3 billion credit support for town hall bills to be paid; 3 ETA members, including probable current 'military leader' arrested - BBC comment; Royals launch Made in Spain offensive in USA - The Economist.

March 30th: Many thousands marched Sunday against freer abortion law in Congress - organisers reckon half a million; Bank of Spain injects liquidity into savings bank CCM - IBEX drops 4% - BBC report - The Economist; builder Habitat has 1 billion debt, says administrator; inflation: March CPI (advance) falls 0.1%.

Earlier news headlines: click here.