News, June 2011

On the move

We were on the move during much of May, including attendance at two national conferences. We hope to get back up to speed this month. Please forgive the interruption. more >>

News from the Churches

Differing responses to new euthanasia law. Excitement as the Gospel encounters the 'Indignants' in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square. Bookshop at Madrid book fair. New web services flourishing. more >>

June 28th, recent news round-up

Last State of Nation debate before national elections - but when will these be? At the latest they must take place in March - El País; Congress approves rise in pension age to 67; first heat wave of the summer continues across Spain; former Mallorcan tourist secretary, Miquel Nadal (no direct relative of Rafa), arrested for corruption; high speed rail link in Castilla La Mancha between capital Toldeo and regional cities cut - as only 9 people used it's 2000+ seats each day over past 8 months - Telegraph; Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca become UNESCO heritage site; Madrid celebrates 25th anniversary of Spanish Film Academy with walk of fame - BBC; British press report on historical issues: more British fought in Spanish Civil War than previously thought - BBC, Guardian, Guardian editorial, 29th - more British died for Spain than in the current Afghan conflict - (archives available for one month online) ; poet Lorca's last hours in Civil War revealed - Guardian. more >>

Sport headlines

Nadal wins again in Paris. Alonso 2nd in Valencia. Barcelona gathers variety of cups. more >>

Local Elections, May 2011

During May the political focus was on the local and regional elections, which took place on 22nd. National parties got a foretaste of what they might expect in the national election, which must take place by March. All local municipal councils were re-elected and most regional governments also. All the regions which had elections were held or taken over by the right of centre Partido Popular and their Navarrese allies UPN. For the socialist PSOE the disaster was complete as even the disputed region of Extremadura went to the PP, due to the support of far left wing IU councillors. The leadership of the PSOE immediately began a change, as vice-president Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba was chosen as candidate for the presidency at the next election. more >>