Feed MRSS-S Noticias, english.elpais.com, spain, catalonia en-us https://english.elpais.com Sun, 27 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-07-27/dalis-creative-dream-scientific-evidence-demonstrates-the-power-of-micro-naps.html Sun, 27 Jul 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-07-27/dalis-creative-dream-scientific-evidence-demonstrates-the-power-of-micro-naps.html Adrián Cordellat Brief periods of sleep can drive creativity and help with problem-solving Brief periods of sleep can drive creativity and help with problem-solving Salvador Dali Cadaqués Thomas Alva Edison Bettmann (Bettmann Archive) Dalí Salvador Dalí's working method was atypical. He would lie down on a perfumed couch in his studio with a handful of pencils. Salvador Dalí's working method was atypical. He would lie down on a perfumed couch in his studio with a handful of pencils. <p>In the pages of his book <i>50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship</i>, originally published by New York’s Dial Press in 1948, the Catalan artist Salvador Dalí (1904-1981) made reference to one of the most curious techniques of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-11-21/the-resurrection-of-luna-luna-the-amusement-park-designed-by-artists-such-as-dali-basquiat-and-keith-haring.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-11-21/the-resurrection-of-luna-luna-the-amusement-park-designed-by-artists-such-as-dali-basquiat-and-keith-haring.html">his artistic practice</a>, which he described as the “sleep with a key” method. It had to do with the micro-naps he often took during the day. During these, he would sit upright in an armchair holding a heavy metal key in one hand. Below that hand, he would place an upside-down metal plate. The idea was that shortly after he fell asleep, the key would fall from his hand, hit the plate and wake him up with a clang — a primitive alarm clock. According to Dalí, these brief naps revitalized him both physically and psychologically, spurring his creativity.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-07-27/dalis-creative-dream-scientific-evidence-demonstrates-the-power-of-micro-naps.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2025-06-01/montgat-the-spanish-town-stripped-of-beaches-and-income.html Sun, 01 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2025-06-01/montgat-the-spanish-town-stripped-of-beaches-and-income.html Alfonso Congostrina Climate change has swallowed beaches in the Barcelona municipality, which has lost €1 million a year since the pandemic due to the lack of tourists Climate change has swallowed beaches in the Barcelona municipality, which has lost €1 million a year since the pandemic due to the lack of tourists Barcelona Montgat ERC JuntsxCat Albert Garcia Montgat The beaches of Montgat are losing sand year after year. The beaches of Montgat are losing sand year after year. <p>Montgat, a town of 12,600 inhabitants located less than nine miles (14 km) <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-09-21/tourists-also-want-an-authentic-city-not-a-theme-park-the-redevelopment-plan-that-seeks-to-give-la-rambla-back-to-barcelona-residents.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-09-21/tourists-also-want-an-authentic-city-not-a-theme-park-the-redevelopment-plan-that-seeks-to-give-la-rambla-back-to-barcelona-residents.html">from Barcelona</a>, has become a prime example of the impact of climate change on the Catalan coast. In less than a decade, this location has lost almost all of its beaches. Previously, the railway line ran parallel to the beach, but now the tracks are just a few feet from the water. Sandy areas such as Can Tano, Montsolís and Toldos have disappeared. Other strands such as Les Barques have lost more than 70% of their sand. The situation is desperate in a municipality that, until recently, had beach tourism as one of its main sources of income. Spain’s Ministry of Ecological Transition has a plan on the table to build submerged breakwaters and prevent the last of the sand from disappearing. Even so, studies are still needed to start building what would be the last chance for Montgat’s beaches.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2025-06-01/montgat-the-spanish-town-stripped-of-beaches-and-income.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-09-21/tourists-also-want-an-authentic-city-not-a-theme-park-the-redevelopment-plan-that-seeks-to-give-la-rambla-back-to-barcelona-residents.html Sat, 21 Sep 2024 04:05:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-09-21/tourists-also-want-an-authentic-city-not-a-theme-park-the-redevelopment-plan-that-seeks-to-give-la-rambla-back-to-barcelona-residents.html Ianko López The project, which is expected to be completed in 2027, seeks to rescue the Catalan capital’s most emblematic promenade from excessive tourism and gentrification. But it seems easier said than done The project, which is expected to be completed in 2027, seeks to rescue the Catalan capital’s most emblematic promenade from excessive tourism and gentrification. But it seems easier said than done Barcelona Ada Colau Jaume Collboni EL PAÍS Proyecto de Reforma de La Rambla icon design Digital recreation of the La Rambla renovation project. Digital recreation of the La Rambla renovation project. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/EN3VVG5XR5GOVPFXHQKKDLXR2Y.jpg?auth=852dbc8e5c6a23622f189c0935d2295bf801a0788fd89798145109f7ae448d5d" width="1920" height="1440" alt="Digital recreation of the La Rambla renovation project."></img><p>Whatever happens to La Rambla happens to all of Barcelona. Both the city’s greatness and its misery are concentrated within its three-quarter mile length. What was originally a narrow stream is today, to the unprejudiced eye, a beautiful boulevard dotted with landmark buildings. However, Barcelona residents tend to see it only as an obligatory boundary between the Raval and Gòtic neighborhoods. Only tourists make use of its original function as a promenade that links the central Plaça Catalunya with the old port. “Locals walk along it transversally, and tourists longitudinally,” summarizes the architect Lola Domènec, a member of the cross-disciplinary Km-ZERO team that won the competition for the transformation of La Rambla in 2017. A task that is now finally being resumed and is expected to be completed in 2027.</p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/4DWJQYPHOFHTPP4BSXR7GFBGNM.jpg?auth=73c61344d94f85ff8883ef8361b577d01e93d8d0ae9f03f814de5abd01f7067d" width="4288" height="2848" alt="La Rambla promenade in June 2018."></img><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-09-21/tourists-also-want-an-authentic-city-not-a-theme-park-the-redevelopment-plan-that-seeks-to-give-la-rambla-back-to-barcelona-residents.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WHWZAL3D6FGJPGTEGLBOH4BNVM.jpg?auth=5dcabbe7d29f379c3824fb0905526917c5d86a0dbf555e05607343b23955f8f8" width="2439" height="3426" alt="A street vendor selling birds on La Rambla in 1970."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2024-08-08/carles-puigdemont-catalonia-launches-search-and-detain-operation-for-former-regional-leader-after-return-from-years-on-the-run.html Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:59:36 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2024-08-08/carles-puigdemont-catalonia-launches-search-and-detain-operation-for-former-regional-leader-after-return-from-years-on-the-run.html EL PAÍS ,AP Associated Press The politician, who was ousted by the central government after a failed secession attempt in 2017 and faces embezzlement charges, vanished shortly after giving a speech outside the regional parliament The politician, who was ousted by the central government after a failed secession attempt in 2017 and faces embezzlement charges, vanished shortly after giving a speech outside the regional parliament Carles Puigdemont Mossos d'Esquadra Pedro Sánchez ERC JuntsxCat Massimiliano Minocri (EL PAÍS) Carles Puigdemont: Catalonia launches search-and-detain operation for former regional leader after he returns from years on the run Carles Puigdemont with supporters in Barcelona, August 8, 2024. Carles Puigdemont with supporters in Barcelona, August 8, 2024. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/BTOXTVHIOBDGVAYCOGOZGMHPPQ.jpg?auth=38ebd8d94b3ca694cc2e93ea44e2d087ec7adda3e7bb625109f52610c006cfd2" width="3063" height="1723" alt="Carles Puigdemont with supporters in Barcelona, August 8, 2024."></img><p>The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, activated a search-and-detain operation shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday to locate a vehicle in which they suspect that<a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2017/12/22/inenglish/1513934159_879325.html"> former regional leader Carles Puigdemont</a> fled after delivering a short speech in Barcelona. With an arrest warrant in force against Puigdemont for his part in organizing a referendum on independence in the northern Spanish region in 2017, which was declared illegal by the central government and the Constitutional Court, everything points to the fact that the leader of the Together for Catalonia (JuntsxCat) political formation, who has been in exile in Belgium, has reneged on his promise to appear at the investiture debate to install Salvador Illa as the new regional premier after a deal brokered between the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) and the left-wing Esquerra Republicana (ERC). The Catalan police had been expected to arrest Puigdemont, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-24/former-catalan-premier-carles-puigdemont-released-by-judge-after-arrest-in-sardinia.html">who has been on the run for seven years</a>, before the investiture. Puigdemont’s alleged latest escape act, televised in the presence of a police deployment of over 300 agents in Barcelona, has left the Mossos in a state of stupefaction with commanders themselves describing the incident as an “historic ridicule.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2024-08-08/carles-puigdemont-catalonia-launches-search-and-detain-operation-for-former-regional-leader-after-return-from-years-on-the-run.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HIDT6LVEHJGNLOVOL24KIGEAU4.JPG?auth=993c06d5963cfdb6fa6159b845c63e3d7c36c99788d236c618eb6d7c9b0d5ce0" width="3984" height="2656" alt="A Mossos d'Esquadra checkpoint on a highway in Barcelona following the disappearance of Carles Puigdemont. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-12-14/in-catalonia-family-under-police-protection-after-winning-case-on-spanish-language-in-schools.html Tue, 14 Dec 2021 11:21:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-12-14/in-catalonia-family-under-police-protection-after-winning-case-on-spanish-language-in-schools.html Jesús García Bueno,EL PAÍS A ruling involving a five-year-old’s right to a bilingual education has triggered social media harassment against her and her parents, who say it’s time to stop yielding A ruling involving a five-year-old’s right to a bilingual education has triggered social media harassment against her and her parents, who say it’s time to stop yielding MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI Catalan language Graffiti in favor of the Catalan linguistic immersion program at Turó del Drac school in Barcelona. Graffiti in favor of the Catalan linguistic immersion program at Turó del Drac school in Barcelona. <p>A family from Catalonia that fought in the courts to secure some Spanish-language classes for their young child is under police protection after being harassed on social media by defenders of an all-Catalan education.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-12-14/in-catalonia-family-under-police-protection-after-winning-case-on-spanish-language-in-schools.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/ML3FOKDW6VBGPNLCJPK7SP6A2M.jpg" width="2799" height="1574" alt="Demonstrators marched on Friday in Canet de Mar (Barcelona) in support of an all-Catalan education. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-11-19/advisory-committee-calls-on-catalan-government-to-widen-use-of-covid-passport.html Fri, 19 Nov 2021 12:18:24 GMT https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-11-19/advisory-committee-calls-on-catalan-government-to-widen-use-of-covid-passport.html Bernat Coll The region currently has the fourth-highest incidence of the coronavirus among Spain’s territories, and there are fears of further spread during the upcoming long December weekend The region currently has the fourth-highest incidence of the coronavirus among Spain’s territories, and there are fears of further spread during the upcoming long December weekend PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA (AFP) A staff member checks a Covid passport in Corsica. A staff member checks a Covid passport in Corsica. A staff member checks a Covid passport in Corsica. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/MOL4YAJ4TVGE7M2YGQYAGRAYQM.jpg" width="5184" height="3456" alt="A staff member checks a Covid passport in Corsica."></img><p>The committee that is advising the Catalan regional government on its approach to the coronavirus pandemic has recommended widening the use of the so-called “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-11-17/new-spike-in-coronavirus-infections-in-spain-prompts-wider-use-of-covid-passport.html" target="_blank">Covid passport</a>” to more economic activities. The group of experts, which is made up of 34 figures from the healthcare sector, has handed over its report to the region’s health department, which will now revise it. The experts are aiming to combat the sensation of normality among the population given the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-11-16/coronavirus-contagions-in-spain-accelerate-as-incidence-hits-82-cases-per-100000-inhabitants.html" target="_blank">ongoing rise in infections</a>, minimize risks in closed spaces, and limit the spread of the virus ahead of the approaching long weekend – December 6 and 8 are national holidays in Spain. The committee works independently from the regional government and its advice is not binding, but it will serve as a reference point for future decisions taken by the authorities.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-11-19/advisory-committee-calls-on-catalan-government-to-widen-use-of-covid-passport.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-24/former-catalan-premier-carles-puigdemont-released-by-judge-after-arrest-in-sardinia.html Fri, 24 Sep 2021 16:14:41 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-24/former-catalan-premier-carles-puigdemont-released-by-judge-after-arrest-in-sardinia.html Óscar López-Fonseca,Camilo S. Baquero ,Daniel Verdú,EL PAÍS The politician, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, has been living in Belgium since fleeing Spain to avoid detention for his role in the 2017 secession attempt. The Italian courts want to confirm whether or not he has immunity The politician, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, has been living in Belgium since fleeing Spain to avoid detention for his role in the 2017 secession attempt. The Italian courts want to confirm whether or not he has immunity EUROPA PRESS (Europa Press) Arrest of Carles Puigdemont Former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont, pictured earlier this month in the south of France. Former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont, pictured earlier this month in the south of France. <p>The former Catalan regional premier, Carles Puigdemont, was arrested on Thursday in Sardinia (Italy). The politician had traveled there to attend a conference, according to his lawyer Gonzalo Boye and sources from his party Together for Catalunya (Junts per Catalunya).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-24/former-catalan-premier-carles-puigdemont-released-by-judge-after-arrest-in-sardinia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-16/in-spain-central-and-regional-leaders-hopeful-despite-their-differences-after-meeting-on-future-of-catalonia.html Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:28:44 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-16/in-spain-central-and-regional-leaders-hopeful-despite-their-differences-after-meeting-on-future-of-catalonia.html Carlos E Cué ,Camilo S. Baquero ,Cristian Segura,EL PAÍS Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez and Catalan premier Pere Aragonès underscored that the main thing is to keep communication channels open but admitted it will be hard to reach an agreement Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez and Catalan premier Pere Aragonès underscored that the main thing is to keep communication channels open but admitted it will be hard to reach an agreement MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI Future of Catalonia Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez (left) and Catalan premier Pere Aragonès greet one another in Barcelona on Wednesday. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez (left) and Catalan premier Pere Aragonès greet one another in Barcelona on Wednesday. <p>A <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-15/ahead-of-talks-with-spanish-pm-on-future-of-catalonia-coalition-partners-split-over-interlocutors.html" target="_blank">long-awaited meeting</a> between central and Catalan authorities in Spain over the future of the northeastern region ended on Wednesday without any groundbreaking progress, other than an agreement to keep meeting regularly for as long as it takes.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-16/in-spain-central-and-regional-leaders-hopeful-despite-their-differences-after-meeting-on-future-of-catalonia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/VMF2BH5RFJD25BV4F2XPHKIXS4.jpg" width="1903" height="1152" alt=" Sánchez and Aragonés followed by other delegates at the meeting."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-15/ahead-of-talks-with-spanish-pm-on-future-of-catalonia-coalition-partners-split-over-interlocutors.html Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:32:08 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-15/ahead-of-talks-with-spanish-pm-on-future-of-catalonia-coalition-partners-split-over-interlocutors.html Camilo S. Baquero ,José Marcos García,Carlos E Cué ,EL PAÍS Regional premier Pere Aragonès has rejected two team members proposed by Together for Catalonia on the basis that they are not current members of the Cabinet Regional premier Pere Aragonès has rejected two team members proposed by Together for Catalonia on the basis that they are not current members of the Cabinet Quique Garcia (EFE) Catalan independence movement Catalan premier Pere Aragonès. Catalan premier Pere Aragonès. <p>Members of Spain’s central and Catalan governments are scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Barcelona for highly anticipated negotiations on the future of the northeastern region, where separatist politicians led an <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2017/10/10/inenglish/1507620922_401849.html" target="_blank">unsuccessful unilateral secession attempt</a> in late 2017.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-15/ahead-of-talks-with-spanish-pm-on-future-of-catalonia-coalition-partners-split-over-interlocutors.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-09/government-airport-authority-rule-out-el-prat-expansion-due-to-differences-with-catalan-politicians.html Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:56:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-09/government-airport-authority-rule-out-el-prat-expansion-due-to-differences-with-catalan-politicians.html EL PAÍS A row broke out despite the deputy premier of Catalonia having signed a deal covering the €1.7bn project. The tensions are throwing into doubt plans for talks over the future of the region A row broke out despite the deputy premier of Catalonia having signed a deal covering the €1.7bn project. The tensions are throwing into doubt plans for talks over the future of the region EUROPA PRESS (Europa Press) Transportation Minister Raquel Sánchez pictured in Barcelona on Wednesday. Transportation Minister Raquel Sánchez pictured in Barcelona on Wednesday. Transportation Minister Raquel Sánchez pictured in Barcelona on Wednesday. <p>The Spanish government and state airports authority Aena are ruling out any expansion plans for Barcelona’s El Prat airport until at least 2026, after the announcement yesterday that the planned investment of €1.7 billion for the project was being put on hold due to differences with the Catalan regional government.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-09-09/government-airport-authority-rule-out-el-prat-expansion-due-to-differences-with-catalan-politicians.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/Y4T4AKN5Z5G2LKADDN22SCLDDI.jpg" width="4016" height="2846" alt="Catalan regional premier Pere Aragonès in a recent file photo."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-09-01/tolls-scrapped-on-more-than-550-kilometers-of-spains-freeways.html Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:38:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-09-01/tolls-scrapped-on-more-than-550-kilometers-of-spains-freeways.html Dani Cordero,Clara Blanchar ,EL PAÍS Drivers in Catalonia and Aragón are benefiting from a move that liberates parts of the AP-7, AP-2, C-32 and C33 from charges. But some mobility experts lament the lack of incentives for public transit use Drivers in Catalonia and Aragón are benefiting from a move that liberates parts of the AP-7, AP-2, C-32 and C33 from charges. But some mobility experts lament the lack of incentives for public transit use Albert Garcia (EL PAÍS) Abertis Toll roads People lifting the toll barriers on the C-32 road. People lifting the toll barriers on the C-32 road. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/KMKJBSQVMRGPFE4I6K4MOP5TLI.jpg" width="1600" height="1066" alt="People lifting the toll barriers on the C-32 road."></img><p>Four freeways running through Spain’s Catalonia and Aragón regions last night became free of charge, slightly ahead of a September 1 deadline when Abertis, the road manager, eliminated tolls after decades of charging drivers for access.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-09-01/tolls-scrapped-on-more-than-550-kilometers-of-spains-freeways.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-08-23/catalan-high-court-rejects-regional-governments-latest-requests-for-nighttime-curfews.html Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:34:48 GMT https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-08-23/catalan-high-court-rejects-regional-governments-latest-requests-for-nighttime-curfews.html Bernat Coll The judges point to the fact that the epidemiological data submitted by the authorities are already out of date, and that police controls should be sufficient to ensure coronavirus rules are respected The judges point to the fact that the epidemiological data submitted by the authorities are already out of date, and that police controls should be sufficient to ensure coronavirus rules are respected Lorena Sopêna (Europa Press) Curfews in Catalonia Crowds in Barcelona's Gràcia neighborhood on August 19. Crowds in Barcelona's Gràcia neighborhood on August 19. <p>The Catalan High Court on Monday rejected the regional government’s plans for a curfew in 43 municipalities, limiting the coronavirus measure to the 19 current areas where it is currently in place. With this latest setback for the region’s authorities, the four provincial capitals in Catalonia –&nbsp; Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona – have escaped a new closure of their nightlife venues.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-08-23/catalan-high-court-rejects-regional-governments-latest-requests-for-nighttime-curfews.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2021-07-09/at-pre-trial-hearings-over-alleged-145m-tax-fraud-shakira-presents-expert-report-claiming-presence-in-spain-was-sporadic.html Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:33:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2021-07-09/at-pre-trial-hearings-over-alleged-145m-tax-fraud-shakira-presents-expert-report-claiming-presence-in-spain-was-sporadic.html Jesús García Bueno An inspector has refuted the theories presented by the Colombian signer’s defense team to the Barcelona court, confirming that she was indeed resident in the country during the years in question An inspector has refuted the theories presented by the Colombian signer’s defense team to the Barcelona court, confirming that she was indeed resident in the country during the years in question Shakira Gerard Pique Cordon Press Shakira tax fraud Shakira and Gerard Piqué in a file photo from 2019. Shakira and Gerard Piqué in a file photo from 2019. <p>Shakira is running out of options to avoid a trial for six alleged tax offenses. The Colombian singer claims that until 2015 her fiscal residence was in the Bahamas, and as such, she should not have had to pay Spanish income tax – known as IRPF. A report submitted by her defense attorneys, to which EL PAÍS has had access, claims that during the three years in question her presence in Spain was “sporadic.” That hypothesis, however, was refuted on Thursday by a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy_and_business/2020-09-04/how-the-spanish-tax-agency-followed-the-trail-of-shakira.html" target="_blank">Tax Agency investigator</a> who confirmed evidence of the evasion before the judge overseeing the pre-trial stage of the case.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2021-07-09/at-pre-trial-hearings-over-alleged-145m-tax-fraud-shakira-presents-expert-report-claiming-presence-in-spain-was-sporadic.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-30/spains-pm-tells-parliament-there-will-never-be-an-independence-referendum-in-catalonia.html Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:46:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-30/spains-pm-tells-parliament-there-will-never-be-an-independence-referendum-in-catalonia.html Javier Casqueiro Barreiro,Xosé Hermida,Elsa García de Blas Pedro Sánchez faces skepticism a day after meeting with the Catalan premier and a week after releasing nine pardoned leaders of the 2017 secession attempt Pedro Sánchez faces skepticism a day after meeting with the Catalan premier and a week after releasing nine pardoned leaders of the 2017 secession attempt Andrea Comas Pedro Sánchez Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaking in parliament on Wednesday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaking in parliament on Wednesday. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/5JJQKD5HQJHV3BLD7KMNDW5MHE.JPG" width="2687" height="1511" alt="Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez speaking in parliament on Wednesday."></img><p>A week after <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-06-23/jailed-catalan-separatists-released-from-prison-following-pardons.html" target="_blank">pardoning nine jailed leaders</a> of the 2017 unilateral secession attempt in Catalonia, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday assured parliament that there will “never” be a legal independence referendum in the region.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-30/spains-pm-tells-parliament-there-will-never-be-an-independence-referendum-in-catalonia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-06-23/jailed-catalan-separatists-released-from-prison-following-pardons.html Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:30:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-06-23/jailed-catalan-separatists-released-from-prison-following-pardons.html EL PAÍS ,Camilo S. Baquero ,Alfonso Congostrina The decision to commute the sentences of the nine individuals has been met with fierce opposition, with the Popular Party calling on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign The decision to commute the sentences of the nine individuals has been met with fierce opposition, with the Popular Party calling on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to resign MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI (EL PAÍS) Catalan independence movement Six separatist leaders stand outside Lledoners prison on Wednesday after being pardoned. Six separatist leaders stand outside Lledoners prison on Wednesday after being pardoned. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/BWLNAZH7SVGUPHAO776OHNWGDM.jpg" width="4394" height="2472" alt="Six separatist leaders stand outside Lledoners prison on Wednesday after being pardoned."></img><p>Nine Catalan separatists jailed for their involvement in the failed 2017 secession attempt in Catalonia were released from prison on Wednesday after being <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/spanish-government-approves-pardons-for-nine-jailed-leaders-of-2017-catalan-secession-attempt.html" target="_blank">granted pardons by the Spanish government</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/catalonia/2021-06-23/jailed-catalan-separatists-released-from-prison-following-pardons.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-06-23/pardons-for-catalan-separatists-a-change-from-inertia.html Wed, 23 Jun 2021 11:09:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-06-23/pardons-for-catalan-separatists-a-change-from-inertia.html EL PAÍS The move holds the potential to shift a dynamic that’s been highly detrimental to Catalonia and to the whole of Spain The move holds the potential to shift a dynamic that’s been highly detrimental to Catalonia and to the whole of Spain Opinión Jaime Villanueva (EL PAÍS) Pardons for Catalan separatists Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/IOLE73KLLNCSJG5MN2YWGR3M3E.jpg" width="4283" height="2409" alt="Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday."></img><p>The Spanish government on Tuesday <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/spanish-government-approves-pardons-for-nine-jailed-leaders-of-2017-catalan-secession-attempt.html" target="_blank">approved pardons</a> for Catalan separatist leaders who were convicted of subversive acts committed in 2017. The measure is a political act that is contemplated by the constitutional framework, and it does not change the guilty verdicts themselves but rather commutes the prison sentences associated with them. The clemency has been justified using the legal criteria of being in the public interest, and with the goal of improving frayed social relations in Catalan society. Its beneficiaries will remain barred from holding public office and could have their pardons reversed if they commit new crimes. It is a momentous and controversial decision and there are valid arguments against it. Yet, in the terms in which it’s been framed, it seems like a good move because it <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-05-31/to-the-catalans.html" target="_blank">holds the potential</a> to change a dynamic that’s been highly detrimental to Catalonia and to the whole of Spain.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-06-23/pardons-for-catalan-separatists-a-change-from-inertia.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/spanish-government-approves-pardons-for-nine-jailed-leaders-of-2017-catalan-secession-attempt.html Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:04:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/spanish-government-approves-pardons-for-nine-jailed-leaders-of-2017-catalan-secession-attempt.html EL PAÍS Speaking after the Cabinet meeting where the decision was taken, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the move ‘comes from the need to reestablish coexistence’ Speaking after the Cabinet meeting where the decision was taken, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the move ‘comes from the need to reestablish coexistence’ PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (AFP) Pedro Sanchez Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. <p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet had <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-21/poised-to-pardon-jailed-catalan-separatists-spains-pm-may-get-little-thanks.html" target="_blank">approved pardons for the nine jailed leaders</a> of the failed 2017 secession attempt in Catalonia. Speaking at a press conference at lunchtime, the Socialist Party (PSOE) chief said that “the decision comes from the need to reestablish coexistence.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/spanish-government-approves-pardons-for-nine-jailed-leaders-of-2017-catalan-secession-attempt.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-21/poised-to-pardon-jailed-catalan-separatists-spains-pm-may-get-little-thanks.html Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:24:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-21/poised-to-pardon-jailed-catalan-separatists-spains-pm-may-get-little-thanks.html EL PAÍS Pedro Sánchez traveled to Barcelona on Monday to explain his plans, but he faces opposition from all sides, including the independence movement which views the clemency as ‘a farce’ Pedro Sánchez traveled to Barcelona on Monday to explain his plans, but he faces opposition from all sides, including the independence movement which views the clemency as ‘a farce’ ALBERT GEA (Reuters) Pedro Sánchez Catalan separatists Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explains his plan to issue pardons to Catalan separatist leaders in Barcelona. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explains his plan to issue pardons to Catalan separatist leaders in Barcelona. <p>The Spanish government is poised to approve pardons for <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/10/04/inenglish/1570178504_315132.html" target="_blank">nine jailed leaders</a> of the failed 2017 secession attempt in Catalonia. The move will be authorized at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-21/poised-to-pardon-jailed-catalan-separatists-spains-pm-may-get-little-thanks.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/YT4XY5G3Z5DAHAZPWMYSTQONSU.JPG" width="3425" height="2284" alt="A protest against the pardons held in Madrid on June 13. "></img><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/FB5KRLBQKRCEBEOUZSGEABYP7Q.jpg" width="5472" height="3648" alt="Ex-Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont speaking in Waterloo (Belgium) while current Catalan leader Pere Aragonès looks on. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-18/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-separatists-spark-fresh-controversy-in-spain.html Fri, 18 Jun 2021 11:51:17 GMT https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-18/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-separatists-spark-fresh-controversy-in-spain.html EL PAÍS PM visits Barcelona a day after the head of a leading employer group drew criticism for saying the government’s clemency plans could bring ‘normality’ to the region PM visits Barcelona a day after the head of a leading employer group drew criticism for saying the government’s clemency plans could bring ‘normality’ to the region A. Ortega / Europa Press Pedro Sánchez Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez (r) greeting CEOE president Antonio Garamendi (l) at a business forum in Madrid on Wednesday. Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez (r) greeting CEOE president Antonio Garamendi (l) at a business forum in Madrid on Wednesday. <p>Spain’s Prime Minister <a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-06-18/obligatory-use-in-spain-of-masks-outdoors-will-end-on-june-26-says-prime-minister-pedro-sanchez.html" target="_blank">Pedro Sánchez was in Barcelona on Friday</a> to meet with business leaders, a day after the head of a leading employer group triggered public controversy by apparently supporting the government’s <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-05-31/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-independence-leaders-will-be-fast-limited-and-reversible.html" target="_blank">plan to pardon</a> jailed leaders of the Catalan secession attempt of 2017.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-06-18/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-separatists-spark-fresh-controversy-in-spain.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/5D54Q73ZWNG4FARDAKRKMHDPZM.JPG" width="6000" height="4000" alt="People protesting the planned pardons last Sunday in Madrid's Plaza de Colón. One of the signs reads: "Your Majesty, don't sign""></img> https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-06-14/thousands-join-right-wing-parties-in-madrid-to-protest-pardons-for-catalan-separatists.html Mon, 14 Jun 2021 06:15:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-06-14/thousands-join-right-wing-parties-in-madrid-to-protest-pardons-for-catalan-separatists.html Xosé Hermida The crowd of around 60,000 people was mostly there to support far-right Vox, with the conservative Popular Party and center-right Ciudadanos keeping a lower profile The crowd of around 60,000 people was mostly there to support far-right Vox, with the conservative Popular Party and center-right Ciudadanos keeping a lower profile Manifestación contra los indultos en la plaza de Colón The protest in Madrid's Colón square on Sunday (Spanish audio). The protest in Madrid's Colón square on Sunday (Spanish audio). <p>Spain’s right-wing parties and around 60,000 protestors, according to calculations by EL PAÍS, took to Madrid’s central Colón square on Sunday to demonstrate against the central government’s plan to pardon the jailed leaders of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-05-31/to-the-catalans.html" target="_blank">2017 unilateral independence drive in Catalonia</a>. The conservative Popular Party (PP), center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) and far-right Vox were in attendance at the event, the second time that the three groups had come together at such a protest in the same location. But this time there was no photo of the parties’ leaders together, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/02/11/inenglish/1549869663_014812.html" target="_blank">as had happened in February 2019</a>, and there were fewer attendees than on that occasion – a protest <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/02/06/inenglish/1549459710_632375.html" target="_blank">also called to express rejection of the approach of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez</a> of the Socialist Party (PSOE) to the issue of Catalan independence.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-06-14/thousands-join-right-wing-parties-in-madrid-to-protest-pardons-for-catalan-separatists.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/2RYHKFR5CVCWRILCOG3HNJFN7I.jpg" width="588" height="441" alt="Una mujer sujeta el brazo de la presidenta de la Comunidad de Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, durante la protesta en la plaza de Colón. Ayuso, ha acusado este domingo al jefe del Ejecutivo, Pedro Sánchez, de querer hacer a Felipe VI "cómplice", con su firma, de los indultos a los líderes del 'procés'. Además, ha afirmado que con la presencia del PP en la concentración de Unión 78 no reivindican la "foto de Colón" sino la "foto de la dignidad"."></img><h3>Gallery: The demonstration in photos (Spanish captions)</h3><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/HABWJIXDCFACLOUPO2V3FVSMZM.JPG" width="2500" height="1667" alt="Rosa Díez."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/jailed-catalan-separatist-leader-backs-pardons-and-questions-unilateral-independence.html Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:08:07 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/jailed-catalan-separatist-leader-backs-pardons-and-questions-unilateral-independence.html Angels Piñol ,EL PAÍS Former deputy premier Oriol Junqueras says government clemency would be a welcome gesture to ‘relieve the pain’ and shows support for a negotiated referendum Former deputy premier Oriol Junqueras says government clemency would be a welcome gesture to ‘relieve the pain’ and shows support for a negotiated referendum MASSIMILIANO MINOCRI Oriol Junqueras Oriol Junqueras (center) at the swearing-in of Pere Aragonès as the new Catalan premier. Oriol Junqueras (center) at the swearing-in of Pere Aragonès as the new Catalan premier. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/LMLKFPD2TVF2XF2HSRUDJXTKOE.jpg" width="4599" height="2587" alt="Oriol Junqueras (center) at the swearing-in of Pere Aragonès as the new Catalan premier."></img><p>A jailed leader of the 2017 breakaway bid in Catalonia has publicly backed <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-05-31/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-independence-leaders-will-be-fast-limited-and-reversible.html" target="_blank">proposed government pardons</a> for himself and eight other independence leaders who were convicted of sedition. The pardons were described as “gestures that could relieve the conflict, ease the pain of repression and the suffering” of Catalan society.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-22/jailed-catalan-separatist-leader-backs-pardons-and-questions-unilateral-independence.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/FCBZE2EU7JAQTIWKE2SIOTV7K4.jpg" width="3780" height="2126" alt="Catalan premier Pere Aragonès (l) and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez greet each other at an event in Barcelona on Monday. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-05-31/to-the-catalans.html Mon, 31 May 2021 10:27:59 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-05-31/to-the-catalans.html EL PAÍS The best way to redirect the secessionist crisis is through political initiatives that will first reduce the tension, then progressively restore spaces attuned to the Spanish democratic project within Catalan society The best way to redirect the secessionist crisis is through political initiatives that will first reduce the tension, then progressively restore spaces attuned to the Spanish democratic project within Catalan society Opinión EUROPA PRESS/E. Parra. POOL (Europa Press) Catalan Independence On Thursday of last week, the debate in Congress was dominated by the issue of pardons for jailed leaders of the secession attempt. On Thursday of last week, the debate in Congress was dominated by the issue of pardons for jailed leaders of the secession attempt. <p>Over the last four decades, Spanish democracy has fostered an admirable period of progress and freedoms, and its society now ranks among the most advanced on the planet. This achievement does not mean that Spanish society is not still facing threats, most notably from Catalan secessionism. <a href="https://elpais.com/agr/referendum_independence_catalonia/a/6" target="_blank">In 2017, separatist leaders tried to trample on the frameworks of constitutional and regional coexistence</a>, tearing at the social fabric in Catalonia and in the rest of Spain.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2021-05-31/to-the-catalans.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-05-31/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-independence-leaders-will-be-fast-limited-and-reversible.html Mon, 31 May 2021 07:58:51 GMT https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-05-31/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-independence-leaders-will-be-fast-limited-and-reversible.html Carlos E Cué ,EL PAÍS The Spanish Cabinet is expected to approve the measure at the end of June or early July. According to government sources, the separatists will return to jail if they break the law and will remain barred from public office The Spanish Cabinet is expected to approve the measure at the end of June or early July. According to government sources, the separatists will return to jail if they break the law and will remain barred from public office Pau Venteo - Europa Press (Europa Press) Pardons Catalan independence leaders Jailed separatist leader Jordi Cuixart (l) with the Spanish minister of territorial policy, Miquel Iceta. Jailed separatist leader Jordi Cuixart (l) with the Spanish minister of territorial policy, Miquel Iceta. <p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is preparing to take the most delicate decision of his mandate so far, by issuing <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-27/from-sterile-to-betrayal-idea-of-pardons-for-jailed-catalan-leaders-sparks-political-outrage-in-spain.html" target="_blank">pardons for the Catalan independence leaders</a> who were jailed for their role in the 2017 secessionist drive in the region. In contrary to what was expected, the pardons will not take place in August, a time when many Spaniards will be on vacation and not paying so much attention to the news, but in the clear light of day. The Cabinet meeting that will take the decision, one that will have <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-27/from-sterile-to-betrayal-idea-of-pardons-for-jailed-catalan-leaders-sparks-political-outrage-in-spain.html" target="_blank">a clear political cost for the government</a> and will mark a defining moment in its current term, will take place at the end of June or early July, according to a number of sources from the government.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/catalonia_independence/2021-05-31/pardons-for-jailed-catalan-independence-leaders-will-be-fast-limited-and-reversible.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/P6HQI2UQGBD73C6L2KOEVDU53I.jpg" width="4271" height="2402" alt="Jailed separatist leaders (l-r) Oriol Junqueras, Jordi Cuixart, Jordi Sanchez, Quim Forn, Carme Forcadell, Dolors Bassa, Raul Romeva, Jordi Turull and Josep Rull in a protest to call for pardons in February."></img><h3>Offense of sedition to be modified</h3><p>The Justice Ministry has been working for the last few months on a change to Spain’s Criminal Code to modify the offense of sedition and bring down the punishment from the current level of eight to 15 years in jail. This modification would assist with the process of pardoning the jailed Catalan separatist leaders, given that they were convicted of the aforementioned offense, among others. <br/><br> The legal reform was announced by the government before the coronavirus pandemic hit, but has been on hold until the right moment can be found for it to be sent to Congress. The executive is planning on taking it to the Cabinet in the coming weeks, potentially before the pardons are approved via royal decree. <br> According to government sources, the legal reform would serve to support the arguments behind the pardons – a reduction of the sentence for the offense of sedition would be retroactive and thus would benefit the jailed independence leaders, making it easier to defend the pardons, which would have the same effect. </p> https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-27/from-sterile-to-betrayal-idea-of-pardons-for-jailed-catalan-leaders-sparks-political-outrage-in-spain.html Thu, 27 May 2021 14:39:09 GMT https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-27/from-sterile-to-betrayal-idea-of-pardons-for-jailed-catalan-leaders-sparks-political-outrage-in-spain.html Carlos E Cué ,Camilo S. Baquero ,EL PAÍS ,José Marcos García Spanish PM defends move to restart talks on the future of the region, but he has little legal backing. Meanwhile, new leaders in Barcelona say only a full amnesty will be acceptable Spanish PM defends move to restart talks on the future of the region, but he has little legal backing. Meanwhile, new leaders in Barcelona say only a full amnesty will be acceptable Albert Garcia Catalan separatist leaders ERC leader Oriol Junqueras (with yellow face mask) walking out of prison on January 29 after being granted a more flexible regime. ERC leader Oriol Junqueras (with yellow face mask) walking out of prison on January 29 after being granted a more flexible regime. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/JIWWKQPTFBHSZPV5L6PKS4OZNQ.jpg" width="4017" height="2260" alt="ERC leader Oriol Junqueras (with yellow face mask) walking out of prison on January 29 after being granted a more flexible regime."></img><p>The Spanish government’s apparent willingness to pardon leaders of the 2017 unilateral secession attempt in Catalonia, nine of whom have been in prison for more than three years, caused political outrage even before a formal decision has been announced.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-27/from-sterile-to-betrayal-idea-of-pardons-for-jailed-catalan-leaders-sparks-political-outrage-in-spain.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/HLMMISKCLBEY5PJLA53IINRYEQ.jpg" width="4373" height="2460" alt="The newly elected Catalan government is sworn in on Wednesday. "></img><h3>Past pardons</h3><p>There have been other times when a Spanish government granted politically sensitive pardons to individuals convicted of serious crimes involving matters of state. In nearly all those cases, however, there was at least one favorable report by either state prosecutors or the court that handed down the conviction.<br><br/>Alfonso Armada, one of the leaders of the coup attempt of February 23, 1981 was pardoned on Christmas Eve of 1988 after being sentenced to over 26 years in prison. The 69-year-old had made the request five times, had been hospitalized for over a year and had expressed loyalty to the Crown and the Constitutional. The court that convicted him supported his release. <br> In December 2000, the PP administration of José María Aznar fell back on religious arguments – Pope John Paul II had declared it a Jubilee Year marked by the remission of sins – and approved 1,443 clemency measures for individuals serving prison sentences for a range of crimes, from refusing to do their military service to involvement in illegal party funding in the so-called Filesa case.</p> https://english.elpais.com/podcasts/que/2021-05-27/que-podcast-s05e02-spain-welcomes-back-uk-visitors-and-new-catalan-premier-is-sworn-in.html Thu, 27 May 2021 07:51:44 GMT https://english.elpais.com/podcasts/que/2021-05-27/que-podcast-s05e02-spain-welcomes-back-uk-visitors-and-new-catalan-premier-is-sworn-in.html Simon Hunter ,Melissa Kitson This week, we discuss the changes to the coronavirus restrictions for UK travelers and examine the political situation in Catalonia and its wider effects on the national scene This week, we discuss the changes to the coronavirus restrictions for UK travelers and examine the political situation in Catalonia and its wider effects on the national scene Podcast S05E02: Travel after Brexit and Catalan politics <p>This week, on the second ¿Qué? podcast for 2021, we discuss the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-05-21/travelers-from-the-uk-will-be-able-to-freely-enter-spain-from-monday-with-no-restrictions-and-no-coronavirus-test.html" target="_blank">changes to the coronavirus restrictions on travelers from the United Kingdom</a> and what they <a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-05-25/spanish-tourism-sector-cheers-return-of-british-visitors-but-warns-recovery-rests-on-uk-lifting-restrictions.html" target="_blank">mean for the Spanish tourism industry</a>. We also look at the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/politics/2021-05-25/catalan-premier-takes-oath-of-office-pledging-to-make-self-determination-inevitable-for-the-region.html" target="_blank">new Catalan government</a>, which has made securing clemency for the jailed leaders of the 2017 breakaway bid a priority – a situation that is set to put Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in a difficult position.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/podcasts/que/2021-05-27/que-podcast-s05e02-spain-welcomes-back-uk-visitors-and-new-catalan-premier-is-sworn-in.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>