Feed MRSS-S Noticias, english.elpais.com, spain en-us https://english.elpais.com Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:09:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/a-man-convicted-of-killing-his-ex-partners-cat-in-spain-will-be-deported-to-colombia.html Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:09:10 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/a-man-convicted-of-killing-his-ex-partners-cat-in-spain-will-be-deported-to-colombia.html Rafa Burgos An animal welfare group that filed a private complaint says it is the first time expulsion has been ordered for violence committed against a pet An animal welfare group that filed a private complaint says it is the first time expulsion has been ordered for violence committed against a pet Torrevieja Alicante Colombia Policía Nacional POLICÍA NACIONAL (POLICÍA NACIONAL) Killing his ex-partner’s cat Spanish National Police officers arrest a man convicted of killing his ex-partner's cat in Torrevieja. Spanish National Police officers arrest a man convicted of killing his ex-partner's cat in Torrevieja. <p>Spain’s National Police on Monday arrested a 29-year-old Colombian national who had been sentenced by a court to five years’ expulsion from the country for deliberately killing his ex-partner’s cat <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-27/a-repeat-of-the-1829-torrevieja-earthquake-could-kill-thousands-due-to-areas-tourism-boom.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-27/a-repeat-of-the-1829-torrevieja-earthquake-could-kill-thousands-due-to-areas-tourism-boom.html">in Torrevieja</a>, a resort town on the Mediterranean coast. According to Asociación Leal, an animal-welfare group that filed a private criminal complaint in the case, this is the first time that “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2022-01-05/law-changes-sees-pets-in-spain-now-considered-sentient-beings-with-welfare-taken-into-account-should-a-couple-separate.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/society/2022-01-05/law-changes-sees-pets-in-spain-now-considered-sentient-beings-with-welfare-taken-into-account-should-a-couple-separate.html">animal abuse</a> has had real consequences.” The court ruling, it said, “sets a precedent.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-10/a-man-convicted-of-killing-his-ex-partners-cat-in-spain-will-be-deported-to-colombia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-09/for-spanish-government-pope-leos-speech-on-immigration-and-war-provides-welcome-relief.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:19:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-09/for-spanish-government-pope-leos-speech-on-immigration-and-war-provides-welcome-relief.html Carlos E Cué ,EL PAÍS The administration of Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, sees vindication of its progressive policies as it grapples with the fallout of several high-profile legal probes The administration of Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, sees vindication of its progressive policies as it grapples with the fallout of several high-profile legal probes Papa León XIV Pedro Sánchez PSOE PP Vox Salvador Illa Fernando Calvo (EFE) Pope Leo XIV meets Spain's Prime Minister in Madrid Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Nunciature in Madrid on Monday. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Nunciature in Madrid on Monday. <p>The Spanish government had high hopes for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain, which comes at a particularly tense moment in an already toxic political climate. But the reality has exceeded even their most optimistic expectations, providing a political breather to the governing Socialist Party (PSOE), which is dealing with several high-profile legal probes involving individuals with close ties to the government—such as <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html">former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-09/for-spanish-government-pope-leos-speech-on-immigration-and-war-provides-welcome-relief.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-08/tamara-fernandez-varela-drugged-raped-and-filmed-by-her-husband.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:31:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-08/tamara-fernandez-varela-drugged-raped-and-filmed-by-her-husband.html Domitila Diez The suspect, who has Italian and Swiss citizenship, has been on the run since 2024. His victim is sure that he will do the same thing to another woman The suspect, who has Italian and Swiss citizenship, has been on the run since 2024. His victim is sure that he will do the same thing to another woman Galicia Gisèle Pelicot ÓSCAR CORRAL Tamara Fernández Varela Tamara Fernández Varela in Carballo (A Coruña), May 29, 2026. Tamara Fernández Varela in Carballo (A Coruña), May 29, 2026. <p>She could hardly believe it. Sitting at home, Tamara Fernández Varela kept reading and re-reading the letter from the court in Carballo, in Spain’s northwestern Galicia region, notifying her that her ex-husband had <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/07/25/inenglish/1469445136_776085.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/07/25/inenglish/1469445136_776085.html">drugged</a>, raped and photographed her. It included six images. In some she appeared completely naked. “I kept looking at them and saying: it can’t be me. Such brutality doesn’t fit inside your head. A woman looking dead in a bed. And it’s me,” recalls the 43-year-old woman. Her mother and she both began to scream. They screamed so loudly that a frightened neighbor called an ambulance. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-08/tamara-fernandez-varela-drugged-raped-and-filmed-by-her-husband.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-08/in-address-to-spanish-parliament-pope-leo-warns-against-global-polarization-and-migrant-discrimination.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:52:45 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-08/in-address-to-spanish-parliament-pope-leo-warns-against-global-polarization-and-migrant-discrimination.html Íñigo Domínguez ‘Wherever a person is discriminated against because of their origin, the principle of the equal dignity of all human beings is violated,’ he told a joint session of both houses, where he received a long ovation ‘Wherever a person is discriminated against because of their origin, the principle of the equal dignity of all human beings is violated,’ he told a joint session of both houses, where he received a long ovation Papa León XIV Madrid Pedro Sánchez Congreso Diputados Claudio Álvarez (EL PAÍS) Pope Leo XIV at the Congress of Deputies Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on Monday. Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on Monday. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HZWW5KS55JDYDNHXA2FEK66FYM.JPG?auth=96688ed268b118234e289b1a8ff43f6eda637a0d2aef50149c5469e2d30cafcb" width="3671" height="2447" alt="Pope Leo XIV in Madrid on Monday."></img><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-08/who-is-the-new-pope-leo-xiv-robert-francis-prevost.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-08/who-is-the-new-pope-leo-xiv-robert-francis-prevost.html">Pope Leo XIV</a> delivered a historic speech on Monday inside Spanish parliament in a joint session of both houses, where he stressed that the moral value of political decisions must prevail “over mutable social consensus” and lamented “the permanent denigration of the adversary.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-08/in-address-to-spanish-parliament-pope-leo-warns-against-global-polarization-and-migrant-discrimination.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html Juan Diego Quesada Now under investigation back home on influence-peddling and money laundering charges, the ex-prime minister of Spain defends his risky mediation with Chavismo and the opposition by noting the number of political prisoners he helped free Now under investigation back home on influence-peddling and money laundering charges, the ex-prime minister of Spain defends his risky mediation with Chavismo and the opposition by noting the number of political prisoners he helped free José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Venezuela Pedro Sánchez PSOE Plus Ultra Delcy Rodríguez María Corina Machado Leopoldo López OEA/EUROPA PRESS Zapatero se encuentra en Caracas para participar en un foro invitado por Delcy Rodríguez Zapatero with Delcy Rodríguez in 2016. Zapatero with Delcy Rodríguez in 2016. <p>Those were turbulent times. It was November 2024 and Nicolás Maduro was holed up inside Miraflores Palace, the Venezuelan presidential residence. When any foreign leader hinted to him that it might be time to leave power, he answered with a single word: “Never.” The police and intelligence services under his command detained thousands of people who had <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-13/in-attempt-to-ease-pressure-maduro-announces-release-of-over-100-protesters-detained-after-contested-election.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-13/in-attempt-to-ease-pressure-maduro-announces-release-of-over-100-protesters-detained-after-contested-election.html">taken to the streets to protest</a> the electoral fraud that Chavismo had perpetrated in plain view of the world. Protesters had pulled down bronze statues of Hugo Chávez across the country. Prisons were overflowing. The nation was on the brink of rebellion or a bloodbath — or both. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-07/zapatero-a-decade-on-the-edge-in-venezuela.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-05/spain-a-country-of-50-million-people-with-infrastructure-for-40-million-the-cracks-are-starting-to-show.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:36:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-05/spain-a-country-of-50-million-people-with-infrastructure-for-40-million-the-cracks-are-starting-to-show.html Alicia González Vicente A population boom due to immigration, plus the 100 million tourists who arrive each year, underscore the need to increase spending in numerous sectors for the country to function properly A population boom due to immigration, plus the 100 million tourists who arrive each year, underscore the need to increase spending in numerous sectors for the country to function properly Madrid Barcelona BBVA INE Samuel Sánchez Spain, a country of 50 million people Crowds of people on Gran Vía in Madrid. Crowds of people on Gran Vía in Madrid. <p>At the rate at which <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-03-01/spain-straining-at-the-seams.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-03-01/spain-straining-at-the-seams.html">Spain’s population has grown in recent years</a>, a country of 50 million inhabitants could soon become a reality. The National Institute of Statistics (INE) is expected to reveal this month, in its 2026-2076 population projections, when it believes this milestone will be reached. According to the 2025 census, Spain surpassed 49.1 million inhabitants last year, but data from the Continuous Population Statistics—which combines census data with quarterly estimates—indicate that Spain already had 49,687,120 inhabitants in April. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-06-05/spain-a-country-of-50-million-people-with-infrastructure-for-40-million-the-cracks-are-starting-to-show.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-06-05/manolino-and-other-dolphins-who-approach-people-to-escape-their-loneliness.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:21:30 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-06-05/manolino-and-other-dolphins-who-approach-people-to-escape-their-loneliness.html Esther García Sánchez A study documents how these playful cetaceans allow themselves to be touched, an unusual relationship that can pose a danger to their welfare and to the people they interact with A study documents how these playful cetaceans allow themselves to be touched, an unusual relationship that can pose a danger to their welfare and to the people they interact with Galicia Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente Principado de Asturias EPV People interacting with Manoliño in Galicia, Spain El delfín solitario nadando en la ría de Muros y Noia El delfín solitario nadando en la ría de Muros y Noia <p>Manoliño<i>,</i> Spain’s most famous lone dolphin, was first spotted in 2019. Over time, he became a regular in the Muros‑Noia and Ferrol <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/14/inenglish/1442239035_112828.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/09/14/inenglish/1442239035_112828.html">estuaries</a> of the Spanish northwestern region of Galicia; he practically became one of the locals. For five and a half years, he approached boats and bathers, allowed himself to be touched in shallow waters near the shore, and even interfered with the work of divers who collected razor clams. He died in September 2025 after being struck by a ship’s propellers. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-06-05/manolino-and-other-dolphins-who-approach-people-to-escape-their-loneliness.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/obstacles-at-spanish-consulate-in-havana-hamper-cuban-migrants-legalization-efforts.html Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:25:43 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/obstacles-at-spanish-consulate-in-havana-hamper-cuban-migrants-legalization-efforts.html Carmen Morán Breña Applicants for residency in Spain denounce a huge backlog to secure criminal records, scams to get appointments and problems from power outages Applicants for residency in Spain denounce a huge backlog to secure criminal records, scams to get appointments and problems from power outages Cuba Madrid Miguel Díaz-Canel GIANLUCA BATTISTA Spanish consulate in Havana Long lines to apply for legalization on April 20 at La Farga de L'Hospitalet (Barcelona). Long lines to apply for legalization on April 20 at La Farga de L'Hospitalet (Barcelona). <p>The Cuban community in Spain is encountering particular difficulties obtaining copies of their criminal records, a requirement to be eligible for the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-04-14/spain-approves-granting-legal-status-to-around-500000-undocumented-migrants.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-04-14/spain-approves-granting-legal-status-to-around-500000-undocumented-migrants.html">mass migrant legalization program</a> announced by the Spanish government earlier this year. A perfect storm has left Cubans anxious about whether the documents requested from their country will arrive in time to apply for a residence and work permit in Spain. To the hardships already facing the Caribbean nation — including routine power outages that affect offices and agencies — is added the backlog that the consulate had already been experiencing since <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-12-01/over-a-million-descendants-of-spaniards-have-applied-for-citizenship-overwhelming-consulates.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-12-01/over-a-million-descendants-of-spaniards-have-applied-for-citizenship-overwhelming-consulates.html">an earlier naturalization process</a> opened for children and grandchildren of Spaniards. This has given rise, say some members of the Cuban community, to an underground business selling appointments at the Spanish mission in Havana for anywhere between €200 and €500.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-06-02/obstacles-at-spanish-consulate-in-havana-hamper-cuban-migrants-legalization-efforts.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-28/spaniards-work-half-an-hour-more-per-week-than-the-european-average-and-four-more-than-the-dutch.html Thu, 28 May 2026 13:18:07 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-28/spaniards-work-half-an-hour-more-per-week-than-the-european-average-and-four-more-than-the-dutch.html Emilio Sánchez Hidalgo The average weekly working time in Spain is 36.3 hours, compared with Germany’s 33.9. Differences between countries are explained by the weight of part‑time employment and by shorter full‑time weeks The average weekly working time in Spain is 36.3 hours, compared with Germany’s 33.9. Differences between countries are explained by the weight of part‑time employment and by shorter full‑time weeks Madrid Pedro Sánchez Austria Portugal Albert Garcia (EL PAÍS) precariedad A waiter carries a tray full of beers in October 2025. A waiter carries a tray full of beers in October 2025. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/34RDIKAMBNFANHQ7DNPF57ZTYA.jpg?auth=71b696ffe7e3820f6d2174a4ea03e7e0641f14bff8706dd35a57b75c491ec1c7" width="4724" height="3149" alt="A waiter carries a tray full of beers in October 2025."></img><p>Employees in Spain worked an average of 36.3 hours a week in 2025, according to the latest figures released by Eurostat. That figure <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2014/12/17/inenglish/1418816737_691083.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2014/12/17/inenglish/1418816737_691083.html">keeps Spain</a> above the European average of 35.9 hours and far from the countries where the average working week is shortest. The latter include some of the continent’s most economically advanced states, the opposite of those with the longest hours and with less-developed productive sectors.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-28/spaniards-work-half-an-hour-more-per-week-than-the-european-average-and-four-more-than-the-dutch.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-28/us-ambassador-to-spain-complains-pm-pedro-sanchez-has-not-received-him-once-yet.html Thu, 28 May 2026 09:52:34 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-28/us-ambassador-to-spain-complains-pm-pedro-sanchez-has-not-received-him-once-yet.html Miguel González López Benjamín León Jr underscored the ‘frustration’ felt by Trump at the fact that the Spanish government is not spending 5% of GDP on defense as agreed by NATO Benjamín León Jr underscored the ‘frustration’ felt by Trump at the fact that the Spanish government is not spending 5% of GDP on defense as agreed by NATO Donald Trump Madrid Pedro Sánchez Santiago Abascal Alberto Núñez Feijóo Vox PP Felipe VI Chema Moya (EFE) US ambassador US Ambassador to Spain Benjamín León Jr. speaking Wednesday in Madrid. US Ambassador to Spain Benjamín León Jr. speaking Wednesday in Madrid. <p>“If the prime minister of Spain hasn’t received me, I don’t think he’s inviting President Trump.” With those words, U.S. Ambassador to Spain Benjamín León Jr. complained that he still has not met <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-04/pedro-sanchez-on-the-us-and-israeli-attack-on-iran-no-to-war-we-will-not-support-this-disaster.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-04/pedro-sanchez-on-the-us-and-israeli-attack-on-iran-no-to-war-we-will-not-support-this-disaster.html">with Pedro Sánchez</a> once, more than three months after taking up his post. Speaking at an event organized by the debate organization Nueva Economía Fórum in Madrid, León said that the Spanish government has not made any moves to invite the U.S. president.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-28/us-ambassador-to-spain-complains-pm-pedro-sanchez-has-not-received-him-once-yet.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-05-25/spains-unique-mar-menor-10-years-after-infamous-pollution-episode-from-the-green-soup-to-a-tiny-mediterranean.html Mon, 25 May 2026 11:54:19 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-05-25/spains-unique-mar-menor-10-years-after-infamous-pollution-episode-from-the-green-soup-to-a-tiny-mediterranean.html Miguel Ángel Ruiz Europe’s biggest saltwater lagoon made world headlines following contamination that led to a massive die-off of fish. Remarkable progress has been made since then on restoration, but the natural space remains in an unstable balance Europe’s biggest saltwater lagoon made world headlines following contamination that led to a massive die-off of fish. Remarkable progress has been made since then on restoration, but the natural space remains in an unstable balance Mar Menor Murcia Albufera de Valencia Teresa Ribera The WWF and ANSE video from 2016 that raised the alarm over the state of the Mar Menor The WWF and ANSE video from 2016 that raised the alarm over the state of the Mar Menor The WWF and ANSE video from 2016 that raised the alarm over the state of the Mar Menor <p>Given the clear waters and the dazzling calm stretching this spring morning from Villananitos beach to the wall of residential buildings on La Manga, a sandspit on the far side of the lagoon, it is hard to recall how <a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-03-06/mar-menor-natures-payback.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-03-06/mar-menor-natures-payback.html">the Mar Menor collapsed</a> exactly 10 years ago. A biological breakdown known as the “green soup” devastated the iconic wetland, located in the region of Murcia in southeastern Spain. To this day, although remarkably recovered, the natural space remains in an unstable balance, according to scientists who monitor its vital signs daily.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2026-05-25/spains-unique-mar-menor-10-years-after-infamous-pollution-episode-from-the-green-soup-to-a-tiny-mediterranean.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YBTHTFWK4NGJLM4RIKJEWOGXCM.jpg?auth=1ecdfb3aacde46fa5bf91d885d6d2fa395aaccc39036200abe0b8137ac19bc43" width="4875" height="3249" alt="Removal of macroalgae on Los Urrutias beach by regional authority brigades last week."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RX4AEEUO4FF7LIGBPRFTERPN24.jpg?auth=6332f546aacfe7d05e3332ffb4a5a54f142f37c7bdff7922b243293f5e918b80" width="6240" height="4160" alt="Brigade removing excess biomass from the Mar Menor to prevent rot and spikes in oxygen consumption."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HTIY4AINO5AXDHV66STJISJLOY.jpg?auth=45c06bf5f38191719ad28175544b9f63f63daad6c1e9ffcc1e9fb9431a80a0b4" width="6240" height="4160" alt="View of the lagoon from the municipality of Los Urrutias."></img> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-20/how-spain-plans-to-challenge-the-shakira-ruling.html Wed, 20 May 2026 15:37:54 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-20/how-spain-plans-to-challenge-the-shakira-ruling.html Pablo Sempere ,Nuria Morcillo The government’s appeal focuses on whether intermittent travel — so‑called sporadic absences — should count when determining tax residence The government’s appeal focuses on whether intermittent travel — so‑called sporadic absences — should count when determining tax residence Shakira Bahamas Lucía Flores (ObturadorMX/Getty) directo Shakira, at a concert in Mexico last March. Shakira, at a concert in Mexico last March. <p>Two technical concepts — sporadic absences and the idea of a taxpayer with no effective tax residence — have become the Spanish Treasury’s main arguments as it seeks to overturn a court ruling that handed Colombian singer <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-18/shakira-secures-60-million-victory-in-longrunning-dispute-with-spains-tax-agency.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-18/shakira-secures-60-million-victory-in-longrunning-dispute-with-spains-tax-agency.html">Shakira a major victory on Monday</a>. These terms are little known outside specialist circles, but they increasingly shape multimillion‑dollar disputes. They are especially useful for tax inspectors when they try to challenge residency claims built on dense travel schedules, fragmented stays, or international moves that are hard to substantiate.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-20/how-spain-plans-to-challenge-the-shakira-ruling.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html Wed, 20 May 2026 14:17:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html Xosé Hermida He is the first former head of government to be formally accused after leaving office with an unblemished record He is the first former head of government to be formally accused after leaving office with an unblemished record José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero José María Aznar PSOE Pedro Sánchez Venezuela Efe CONGRESO PSOE 2000 José Bono raises José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s arm after the latter won the PSOE’s 35th congress in July 2000. José Bono raises José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s arm after the latter won the PSOE’s 35th congress in July 2000. <p>La Moncloa, the seat of government in Spain, seems to carry a curse. Ever since Adolfo Suárez decided in 1976 to establish the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/04/17/inenglish/1523960960_848141.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/04/17/inenglish/1523960960_848141.html">headquarters of the first democratic government</a> in 40 years at La Moncloa Palace, no prime minister has left it without calamity or disgrace. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-20/profile-zapatero-from-spotless-spanish-leader-to-former-prime-minister-under-suspicion.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/2I54J2UYQFEM7IRXFDXU25GC6A.jpg?auth=5810ac37a492ecd253386beba2d4746c55870ec05c19a47957450387544d5bad" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Zapatero, during an interview in 2024."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html Tue, 19 May 2026 14:36:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html Liliana Ochoa A judge from Spain’s High Court has lifted the seal on the investigation he has been leading for months with the Anti-Corruption Attorney General’s Office A judge from Spain’s High Court has lifted the seal on the investigation he has been leading for months with the Anti-Corruption Attorney General’s Office Plus Ultra José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero Venezuela PSOE PP MIGUEL GUTIÉRREZ (EFE) Rodríguez Zapatero regresa a Venezuela para apoyar en el proceso de amnistía José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in an archive image. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, in an archive image. <p>Spain’s former prime minister <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html">José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation</a> in a corruption case being handled by Spain’s High Court, the Audiencia Nacional. The news made headlines on Tuesday and sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Here are the key questions about the investigation, which has been shrouded in secrecy for months.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/what-is-former-spanish-pm-zapatero-accused-of-inside-the-plus-ultra-case.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/V3E7ZLIVWNHDHF37XISIARAXGE.jpg?auth=77c9cb455d36ba3ab13d3c2c4f07b6ddbb0f6e6fa8f85f91be4daef21f5769b2" width="8192" height="5307" alt="Ferraz Street, where former prime minister Zapatero's office is located. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MZPIOA6UZRCCDOPE4PY6WM5O7I.jpg?auth=12d40bb85b80dd383d5b327af1681246bb619ca7950e8504f54b62d09c110bb8" width="6779" height="4279" alt="Businessman Julio Martínez."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html Tue, 19 May 2026 14:13:42 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html Óscar López-Fonseca,Irene Dorta The ex-prime minister is accused of receiving $2 million linked to the public bailout of the airline Plus Ultra The ex-prime minister is accused of receiving $2 million linked to the public bailout of the airline Plus Ultra Plus Ultra José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero MIGUEL GUTIÉRREZ (EFE) Zapatero Venezuela Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, alongside the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, on March 17 in Caracas, Venezuela. Former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, alongside the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, on March 17 in Caracas, Venezuela. <p>Former Spanish prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been charged as the alleged leader of “a stable and hierarchical influence‑peddling structure” whose purpose was “to obtain economic benefits through intermediation and the exertion of influence before public bodies on behalf of third parties, mainly [the airline] Plus Ultra.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-19/exspanish-pm-zapatero-charged-over-alleged-influencepeddling-scheme.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-18/shakira-secures-60-million-victory-in-longrunning-dispute-with-spains-tax-agency.html Mon, 18 May 2026 10:33:32 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-18/shakira-secures-60-million-victory-in-longrunning-dispute-with-spains-tax-agency.html Jesús García Bueno The National Court has ruled that the singer was not a tax resident in Spain in 2011 and has annulled the penalties imposed on her; the decision does not affect her existing criminal conviction The National Court has ruled that the singer was not a tax resident in Spain in 2011 and has annulled the penalties imposed on her; the decision does not affect her existing criminal conviction Shakira Gerard Piqué Angel Colmenares (EFE) FIFA presenta a los artistas del espectáculo de la final del Mundial 2026 Shakira, during the presentation of the artists who will perform at the World Cup final. Shakira, during the presentation of the artists who will perform at the World Cup final. <p>Shakira has won the last remaining battle she was fighting with <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-09-04/shakira-accuses-spanish-tax-agency-of-underlying-sexist-prejudices-and-trying-to-publicly-burn-me-at-the-stake.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-09-04/shakira-accuses-spanish-tax-agency-of-underlying-sexist-prejudices-and-trying-to-publicly-burn-me-at-the-stake.html">Spain’s tax authorities</a>, which must now return more than €60 million ($69 million) in penalties that, according to the courts, were imposed on her improperly. The administrative chamber of Spain’s National Court has ruled in favor of the Colombian singer and annulled the case that forced her to pay nearly €55 million ($64 million) in back taxes and fines; those amounts must now be refunded with interest, which judicial sources say totals €9 million ($10.5 million). The ruling finds that Shakira should not have been considered a tax resident in Spain in 2011. The decision does not affect the criminal case for which she has already been convicted — in a final judgment — for <a href="https://english.elpais.com/people/2023-11-20/shakira-reaches-deal-with-spanish-prosecutors-to-avoid-going-to-prison-for-tax-fraud.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/people/2023-11-20/shakira-reaches-deal-with-spanish-prosecutors-to-avoid-going-to-prison-for-tax-fraud.html">tax evasion </a>in later years, from 2012 to 2014.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-18/shakira-secures-60-million-victory-in-longrunning-dispute-with-spains-tax-agency.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-16/underinvestment-crumbling-walls-and-rave-parties-spain-doesnt-know-what-to-do-with-its-castles.html Sat, 16 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-16/underinvestment-crumbling-walls-and-rave-parties-spain-doesnt-know-what-to-do-with-its-castles.html José María Sadia Experts are calling for an updated official inventory to fully understand the state of the fortifications and halt their progressive deterioration: more than half are in danger of collapsing Experts are calling for an updated official inventory to fully understand the state of the fortifications and halt their progressive deterioration: more than half are in danger of collapsing Juan Antonio Gaya Nuño Toledo Aranjuez Valladolid Castilla y León Soria León Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo (https://www.alamy.com) Ruins of Montuenga Castle, in Soria. Ruins of Montuenga Castle, in Soria. <p>“A nursery of ruins functioning as a quarry.” Architect Ignacio Gil Crespo adopts the analysis that art critic Juan Antonio Gaya Nuño used in the early 1950s to assess the state of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/11/13/inenglish/1573647562_139363.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/11/13/inenglish/1573647562_139363.html">Spanish castles</a>. “When you visit a town where the castle is somewhat ruined, it’s very easy to see fragments of it in the houses,” explains the specialist, a member of the National Defensive Architecture Plan commission. Although the general state of fortresses remains, in general, dilapidated, some things have changed in the last century. “We have 800 or 1,000 years of neglect and 100 years of awareness and restoration,” he clarifies. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-16/underinvestment-crumbling-walls-and-rave-parties-spain-doesnt-know-what-to-do-with-its-castles.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-12/how-the-raid-of-the-arconian-led-to-the-largest-cocaine-haul-in-history.html Tue, 12 May 2026 16:37:52 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-12/how-the-raid-of-the-arconian-led-to-the-largest-cocaine-haul-in-history.html Juana Viúdez ,Óscar López-Fonseca EL PAÍS reconstructs how a special unit of Spain’s Civil Guard, tipped off by the DEA and Dutch police, boarded a vessel carrying a record 30 tons of drugs, and arrested its armed guards EL PAÍS reconstructs how a special unit of Spain’s Civil Guard, tipped off by the DEA and Dutch police, boarded a vessel carrying a record 30 tons of drugs, and arrested its armed guards Guardia Civil Dajla Audiencia Nacional Video footage of the raid The cocaine bales lined up on the dock after lifting them out of the Arconian. The cocaine bales lined up on the dock after lifting them out of the Arconian. <p>On Friday, May 1st, a public holiday, Spain’s Civil Guard launched a complex operation to board a merchant ship that, according to intelligence reports, was suspected of carrying a massive shipment of cocaine in its holds. That afternoon, eight Civil Guard officers in dark uniforms, helmets and bulletproof vests disembarked from the Civil Guard vessel <i>Duque de Ahumada</i> and boarded a motorboat that took them to the suspicious ship. It was an hour-long journey during which the waves tossed the boat around, as captured on video by another vessel that participated in the operation. Finally, they positioned themselves alongside the <i>Arconian</i>. The cargo ship, with its hull painted green and red and about the length of a football field, was sailing off the coast of Dakhla <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-05/us-exploring-an-economic-solution-to-western-sahara-conflict-after-50-years-of-stalemate.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-05/us-exploring-an-economic-solution-to-western-sahara-conflict-after-50-years-of-stalemate.html">in Western Sahara</a>, around 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) south of the Canary Islands.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-12/how-the-raid-of-the-arconian-led-to-the-largest-cocaine-haul-in-history.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html Fri, 08 May 2026 12:59:25 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html Patricia R. Blanco Valencia joins a growing number of Spanish cities revisiting their slave-trading past with guided tours and activities designed to recover the stories of communities long erased from public memory Valencia joins a growing number of Spanish cities revisiting their slave-trading past with guided tours and activities designed to recover the stories of communities long erased from public memory Planeta Futuro Valencia Madrid Barcelona Cádiz KIKE TABERNER (EL PAÍS) Spain’s slave‑trading past Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30. Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6AAXF2Y2TBF3TB6P3CBEIHQURE.jpg?auth=3f6cff14ce439e528d27ab636ab31a50540fe21306b56c3e6513cc03d81a3349" width="5244" height="3496" alt="Deborah Ekoka leads a tour in Valencia on April 30."></img><p>The Central Market Square in Valencia, now filled with outdoor cafes and tourists photographing its modernist dome, was for centuries one of the main sites of the slave trade in the Spanish city. This is clearly documented by archival documents: from the late 15th century, this was one of the entry points for enslaved Africans. Just a few meters away, in the now-demolished Posada del Camell, more than a hundred people were sometimes crammed together in chains, waiting to be auctioned off. And yet, there is not a single plaque to commemorate it.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-05-08/the-black-legacy-that-spain-left-out-of-its-official-history.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/USYHIPB7MRCQHKANGZUDHRHK7U.jpg?auth=28b2c34a17127a48b10f06740fcc5f810433e70693260d1045ffbf921f602cfa" width="6048" height="4032" alt="Deborah Ekoka, during the tour she organized in Valencia, on April 30."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-08/anchoring-off-tenerife-smallboat-transfers-and-talks-with-22-countries-the-difficult-return-home-for-the-hantavirus-cruise-passengers.html Fri, 08 May 2026 07:36:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-08/anchoring-off-tenerife-smallboat-transfers-and-talks-with-22-countries-the-difficult-return-home-for-the-hantavirus-cruise-passengers.html Pablo Linde Spain is negotiating with various nations over how to repatriate their citizens. Uncertainties remain over the arrival of the ‘MV Hondius,’ its disinfection, and possible quarantines Spain is negotiating with various nations over how to repatriate their citizens. Uncertainties remain over the arrival of the ‘MV Hondius,’ its disinfection, and possible quarantines Hantavirus Canarias Tenerife Mónica García Gómez Guidelines for responding to hantavirus Puerto de Granadilla, in Tenerife, where the 'MV Hondius' will be anchored. Puerto de Granadilla, in Tenerife, where the 'MV Hondius' will be anchored. <p>Two days before the <i>MV Hondius </i>arrives in Granadilla de Abona, a municipality in Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands, several questions remain about how and when each passenger will be able to return home. It is clear that the 14 Spaniards will be transferred by military plane to Madrid to quarantine at the Gómez-Ulla Hospital, but it is unclear how long this quarantine will last, or what will happen if any of them refuse to self-isolate. For the other <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-06/logbook-of-the-mv-hondius-from-ushuaia-to-the-canary-islands-chronology-of-a-hantavirus-outbreak.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-06/logbook-of-the-mv-hondius-from-ushuaia-to-the-canary-islands-chronology-of-a-hantavirus-outbreak.html">133 passengers</a>, of 22 different nationalities, their repatriation will depend on negotiations with their governments. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-08/anchoring-off-tenerife-smallboat-transfers-and-talks-with-22-countries-the-difficult-return-home-for-the-hantavirus-cruise-passengers.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-05-07/the-evangelical-boom-in-madrid-packed-stadiums-bus-advertising-and-political-connections.html Thu, 07 May 2026 10:49:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-05-07/the-evangelical-boom-in-madrid-packed-stadiums-bus-advertising-and-political-connections.html Lucía Franco The presence of this religious community has grown by 30% in a decade in the Spanish capital The presence of this religious community has grown by 30% in a decade in the Spanish capital Madrid Franklin Graham Billy Graham Al Jazeera Donald Trump Dani Alves PP José Luis Martínez Almeida Dani Alves Dani Alves during an appearance at the Metropolitano stadium. The Change Madrid. Dani Alves during an appearance at the Metropolitano stadium. The Change Madrid. <p>Religious battles are no longer fought only in churches. They’re also being waged on buses. For days now, advertisements for the Festival of Hope featuring American preacher Franklin Graham have been appearing on Madrid’s Municipal Transportation Company (EMT) buses. The posters, which cover the sides of the vehicles, include a direct invitation: “Share the love of Jesus Christ with people from all over Madrid.” The event, expected to draw a large crowd, will be held on May 30 and 31 at the Vistalegre Palace concert venue and, according to the website, will bring together evangelical churches from all over Spain around the son of the legendary televangelist <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-03-25/country-music-movies-tv-and-preachers-how-white-evangelicals-fractured-the-united-states.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-03-25/country-music-movies-tv-and-preachers-how-white-evangelicals-fractured-the-united-states.html">Billy Graham</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2026-05-07/the-evangelical-boom-in-madrid-packed-stadiums-bus-advertising-and-political-connections.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-06/hantavirus-case-triggers-political-friction-in-spain-as-canary-islands-resist-whomandated-port-call.html Wed, 06 May 2026 13:33:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-06/hantavirus-case-triggers-political-friction-in-spain-as-canary-islands-resist-whomandated-port-call.html Carlos E Cué Madrid argues the archipelago must accept the vessel as the nearest EU port, and because Spanish citizens are aboard Madrid argues the archipelago must accept the vessel as the nearest EU port, and because Spanish citizens are aboard Hantavirus Fernando Clavijo Pedro Sánchez Canarias Reuters TV (via REUTERS) Sick passengers evacuated by boat from Cruise Ship in Cape Verde's port An aerial view of the cruise ship ‘MV Hondius.’ An aerial view of the cruise ship ‘MV Hondius.’ <p>The arrival in the Canary Islands in the coming days of the ship where a Hantavirus outbreak occurred has quickly sparked a political battle in Spain. The premier of Spain’s Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, from the Canary Coalition, sparked tension Wednesday morning during a series of interviews with various media outlets. He stated that his government has not received detailed information on how the operation will be carried out and speculated that it might be a highly contagious variant.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-06/hantavirus-case-triggers-political-friction-in-spain-as-canary-islands-resist-whomandated-port-call.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/soledad-gallego-diaz-the-consummate-journalist-and-first-female-editor-in-chief-of-el-pais-dies.html Tue, 05 May 2026 21:59:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/soledad-gallego-diaz-the-consummate-journalist-and-first-female-editor-in-chief-of-el-pais-dies.html Guillermo Altares Lucendo Besides leading the newspaper between 2018 and 2020, she was a correspondent in numerous capitals and secured the major journalistic scoop of Spain’s democratic transition Besides leading the newspaper between 2018 and 2020, she was a correspondent in numerous capitals and secured the major journalistic scoop of Spain’s democratic transition El País Soledad Gallego-Díaz Samuel Sánchez Soledad Soledad Gallego-Díaz, in June 2018. Soledad Gallego-Díaz, in June 2018. <p>Soledad Gallego-Díaz, who died this Tuesday in Madrid at the age of 75, achieved the major journalistic scoop of Spain’s democratic transition at just 26 years old: the publication in the magazine <i>Cuadernos para el Diálogo</i> of the draft of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2017/12/06/inenglish/1512560206_533027.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2017/12/06/inenglish/1512560206_533027.html">Spanish Constitution of 1978</a>, which, for reasons that now seem incomprehensible, was kept under strict secrecy. From then on, Sol, as she was known, was a force to be reckoned with in Spanish journalism: the first female editor-in-chief of EL PAÍS from June 8, 2018, to June 15, 2020; deputy editor under three different editors (Juan Luis Cebrián, Joaquín Estefanía, and Jesús Ceberio); correspondent in Brussels, London, Paris, New York, and Buenos Aires; special envoy to numerous international events, such as the end of the dissolution of the Soviet Union; political reporter; bureau chief in Seville; readers’ advocate; editorial writer; and instructor at the journalism courses taught by this newspaper in partnership with the Autonomous University of Madrid.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/soledad-gallego-diaz-the-consummate-journalist-and-first-female-editor-in-chief-of-el-pais-dies.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/the-who-and-spain-agree-that-epidemiologists-will-inspect-hantavirushit-cruise-ship-before-deciding-its-destination.html Tue, 05 May 2026 17:33:03 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/the-who-and-spain-agree-that-epidemiologists-will-inspect-hantavirushit-cruise-ship-before-deciding-its-destination.html Oriol Güell Domínguez,Ferrer Ferrer The international agency will evacuate to the Netherlands two passengers from the cruise ship who show symptoms compatible with hantavirus, and will transfer a third passenger — considered a ‘high‑risk contact’ — to Germany The international agency will evacuate to the Netherlands two passengers from the cruise ship who show symptoms compatible with hantavirus, and will transfer a third passenger — considered a ‘high‑risk contact’ — to Germany Argentina Hantavirus África Fernando Simón Soria Fernando Clavijo Arilson Almeida (AP) Cape Verde hantavirus The 'MV Hondius' cruise ship, this Monday in front of the port of Praia, capital of Cape Verde. The 'MV Hondius' cruise ship, this Monday in front of the port of Praia, capital of Cape Verde. <p>The World Health Organization (WHO) and Spain’s Ministry of Health have agreed that a team of epidemiologists will examine on Tuesday afternoon the condition of the 147 people on board the luxury cruise ship <i>MV Hondius</i> before deciding on the port where passengers will be allowed to disembark. The shipping company responsible for the vessel, which sails under the Dutch flag, is Oceanwide Expeditions.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-05-05/the-who-and-spain-agree-that-epidemiologists-will-inspect-hantavirushit-cruise-ship-before-deciding-its-destination.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-05/madrid-leaders-tribute-to-the-conquistador-hernan-cortes-shakes-up-mexico-city-politics.html Tue, 05 May 2026 12:22:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-05/madrid-leaders-tribute-to-the-conquistador-hernan-cortes-shakes-up-mexico-city-politics.html Elena San José Isabel Díaz Ayuso is on a tour of Mexico, where she was warmly received by a fellow conservative but labeled a ‘fascist’ by the governing party. The event is viewed as a provocation just as Mexico and Spain were patching up bilateral relations Isabel Díaz Ayuso is on a tour of Mexico, where she was warmly received by a fellow conservative but labeled a ‘fascist’ by the governing party. The event is viewed as a provocation just as Mexico and Spain were patching up bilateral relations Isabel Díaz Ayuso Claudia Sheinbaum México Madrid Nacho Cano Emiliano Molina (EL PAÍS) Madrid tribute to Hernán Cortés Isabel Díaz Ayuso at the tribute to Hernán Cortés in Mexico City on Monday. Isabel Díaz Ayuso at the tribute to Hernán Cortés in Mexico City on Monday. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RGUHE3UL45C57D52LOENYRIKTQ.jpg?auth=e5d54c7741b316cb29c6a2c521e0dfbd4a12625add1de54dc61b00f54281b305" width="5318" height="2992" alt="Isabel Díaz Ayuso at the tribute to Hernán Cortés in Mexico City on Monday."></img><p>Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a Spanish conservative politician who is the regional premier of Madrid, has landed in Mexico like a meteor, ready to use provocation as her most effective political weapon. Ayuso had been stirring things up for months with remarks about Mexico that have particularly irritated the Mexican left. Speaking from Spain, she had likened Claudia Sheinbaum’s government <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-26/alina-fernandez-daughter-of-fidel-castro-people-in-cuba-need-to-breathe-to-enter-the-21st-century-to-give-their-children-a-life.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-04-26/alina-fernandez-daughter-of-fidel-castro-people-in-cuba-need-to-breathe-to-enter-the-21st-century-to-give-their-children-a-life.html">to the Cuban dictatorship</a>, and defended the Spanish conquest of the Americas as a civilizing process rather than a genocide. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-05/madrid-leaders-tribute-to-the-conquistador-hernan-cortes-shakes-up-mexico-city-politics.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YJBJ6Y3NDZDO5KXMRGHS5F34WY.jpg?auth=82b988d67c270cc1d1567741fe85d997dfc29de66e53c7dc2d045147965f6f6a" width="5452" height="3635" alt="Alessandra Rojo de la Vega speaks at the event this Monday."></img>