Feed MRSS-S pp_partido_popular_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Thu, 14 May 2026 12:10:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-fate-of-the-ursa-major-mystery-surrounds-russian-ship-sunk-off-the-coast-of-spain-carrying-nuclear-material.html Thu, 14 May 2026 12:10:40 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-fate-of-the-ursa-major-mystery-surrounds-russian-ship-sunk-off-the-coast-of-spain-carrying-nuclear-material.html Óscar Gutiérrez Garrido The cargo ship’s crew heard several explosions on December 23, 2024, before it sank in the presence of a warship sent by Russia The cargo ship’s crew heard several explosions on December 23, 2024, before it sank in the presence of a warship sent by Russia Kremlin Kiev PP Pyongyang Maria Amparo Valcarce García CNN Yoruk Isik (REUTERS) Sinking of the ‘Ursa Major’ The Russian cargo ship 'Ursa Major' in the Bosphorus Strait in April 2023. The Russian cargo ship 'Ursa Major' in the Bosphorus Strait in April 2023. <p>The exploits of Ukrainian espionage, officially acknowledged or not, eventually reach the public eye. Around the second half of December 2024, Kyiv’s intelligence services reported that a Russian ship was damaged and stranded in the Mediterranean. It had suffered, they claimed, an engine problem. The GUR, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-30/ukraine-deploys-drones-to-disrupt-russian-summer-vacations.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-30/ukraine-deploys-drones-to-disrupt-russian-summer-vacations.html">the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s spy agency</a>, identified the vessel as the <i>Sparta</i>. According to Kyiv’s version at the time, it was en route to Syria to transport military equipment. Ukraine never claimed responsibility for any sabotage that might have damaged the enemy vessel. On December 23, 2024, the cargo ship, renamed <i>Ursa Major</i> — although until 2021 it bore the name <i>Sparta</i> on its hull, a long-standing family of Russian ships — sunk to a depth of 2,500 meters off the coasts of Algeria and Spain.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-05-14/the-fate-of-the-ursa-major-mystery-surrounds-russian-ship-sunk-off-the-coast-of-spain-carrying-nuclear-material.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/economy-and-business/2026-05-05/luis-de-guindos-i-used-to-be-more-of-a-hawk-now-im-on-the-side-of-prudence.html Tue, 05 May 2026 16:36:52 GMT https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-05/luis-de-guindos-i-used-to-be-more-of-a-hawk-now-im-on-the-side-of-prudence.html Amanda Mars The ECB vice president, nearing the end of his term, advocates a gradual response to the current crisis, defends immigration, and praises Lagarde’s unifying role at the institution The ECB vice president, nearing the end of his term, advocates a gradual response to the current crisis, defends immigration, and praises Lagarde’s unifying role at the institution Luis de Guindos Christine Lagarde PP Vox BCE Donald Trump Claudio Álvarez (EL PAÍS) LUIS DE GUINDOS Luis de Guindos, vice president of the ECB, on April 30 in Frankfurt. Luis de Guindos, vice president of the ECB, on April 30 in Frankfurt. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/ZWFCX7SPI5DRZLHRNKBITMFKUY.jpg?auth=180d091cc365aec5d4d36011886488f1d3783aac52b858036065a1a9496e9348" width="6000" height="4002" alt="Luis de Guindos, vice president of the ECB, on April 30 in Frankfurt. "></img><p>When he took over as vice president in 2018, Luis de Guindos, 66, faced what seemed like the most uneventful term in the history of the European Central Bank (ECB). “I thought we weren’t going to move interest rates, neither up nor down; they had been unchanged for a long time, and I thought they would stay that way,” he recalls now. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2026-05-05/luis-de-guindos-i-used-to-be-more-of-a-hawk-now-im-on-the-side-of-prudence.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/4MQUJ5V5NNDD5ERYLBFBRDAEE4.jpg?auth=bdae6055ea36c602078bf0e9af8ce1236db0c367ef2af50213d2bd3474fbc7cf" width="6000" height="4002" alt="Luis de Guindos poses after the interview next to his chair in the ECB Governing Council meeting room. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LHID446L6ZGYDBAXC6BEMKBZOU.jpg?auth=0d79ec055fbf887c08b097db1bcfad4c79b55aa16b362e8c65545fef2d7b945d" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Luis de Guindos arrives alongside ECB President Christine Lagarde at his final press conference as vice president on April 30 in Frankfurt. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SFYBP57CM5E5XMY66ASSZQONUU.jpg?auth=76008df03a9c0dcb49bfe087a2c16e732a2a27c16bc00823ed7a1d56ce8e3123" width="4002" height="6000" alt="Luis de Guindos, vice president of the ECB, photographed in his office at the Frankfurt headquarters."></img> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-23/what-should-moderate-right-wing-parties-do-against-the-far-right-surge.html Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:33:31 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-23/what-should-moderate-right-wing-parties-do-against-the-far-right-surge.html Sergio C Fanjul Many of them seem trapped in an identity crisis. The dilemma is whether to embrace extreme positions or strive to maintain a centrist profile, like the Hungarian conservative Péter Magyar, who defeated Orbán with votes from the center and the moderate left Many of them seem trapped in an identity crisis. The dilemma is whether to embrace extreme positions or strive to maintain a centrist profile, like the Hungarian conservative Péter Magyar, who defeated Orbán with votes from the center and the moderate left Vox PP Viktor Orban Péter Magyar Javier Milei Patricia Bullrich Sam McNeil (AP/LaPresse) Cowardly right-winger A man waves a Hungarian flag in Budapest during celebrations for the electoral defeat of far-right Viktor Orbán on April 12. A man waves a Hungarian flag in Budapest during celebrations for the electoral defeat of far-right Viktor Orbán on April 12. <p>The rise of the far right is one of the great issues of our time: it is often cited as a threat to democracy and one of the building blocks of future dystopias. The left, as is its wont, reacts with a mixture of horror, discouragement, and calls for resistance. Caught in the middle, the traditional right seems to be indecisive, out of step with the times, torn between going all in with the risks that entails (the much-discussed preference for the original over the copy), or maintaining a responsible moderation.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-23/what-should-moderate-right-wing-parties-do-against-the-far-right-surge.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-18/distrust-in-the-system-a-journey-to-the-origin-of-the-reactionary-wave.html Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:30:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-18/distrust-in-the-system-a-journey-to-the-origin-of-the-reactionary-wave.html Oriol Bartomeus We made the mistake of minimizing and caricaturing the rise of authoritarianism. This far-right populism took advantage of the distrust in democracies generated by the Great Recession to infiltrate the very core of society. If we want a democratic recovery to succeed, we cannot continue to uncritically defend a system that not only led to the 2008 crisis but also failed to pursue a just way out of it We made the mistake of minimizing and caricaturing the rise of authoritarianism. This far-right populism took advantage of the distrust in democracies generated by the Great Recession to infiltrate the very core of society. If we want a democratic recovery to succeed, we cannot continue to uncritically defend a system that not only led to the 2008 crisis but also failed to pursue a just way out of it Donald Trump PSOE Pedro Sánchez The Washington Post CIS Carolina Bescansa Elon Musk PP Sr. García (EL PAÍS) IDEAS12/04/2026 <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FEC2GWQ6H5HP3O4VWF6G2SVLVI.jpg?auth=57fbfa647cc66c0725d05b9e387896e91f337816ac4125f6879c3aa29c08673d" width="1350" height="1080" alt="."></img><p>Since the 2008 crisis, the world’s democracies have been damaged at their core: citizens’ trust in the system’s ability to provide well-being and justice. The movements promising new politics seemed capable of repairing this fracture a decade ago, but they failed. In parallel, a movement has emerged that rides on this wave of distrust and appears poised to define a new era.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2026-04-18/distrust-in-the-system-a-journey-to-the-origin-of-the-reactionary-wave.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-04-14/spain-approves-granting-legal-status-to-around-500000-undocumented-migrants.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:25:43 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-04-14/spain-approves-granting-legal-status-to-around-500000-undocumented-migrants.html EL PAÍS ,AP Associated Press The move is meant to regularize the situation of people already living unofficially in the country, and bucks a global trend toward harsher immigration policies The move is meant to regularize the situation of people already living unofficially in the country, and bucks a global trend toward harsher immigration policies Santiago Abascal Vox Pedro Sánchez PP Elma Saiz Diego Radamés (Europa Press) El Gobierno da luz verde a la reforma en la Constitución para blindar el aborto Minister Elma Saiz during a press conference after the Cabinet meeting. Minister Elma Saiz during a press conference after the Cabinet meeting. <p>Spain’s government, led by a progressive coalition, on Tuesday approved a decree at a Cabinet meeting that paves the way for the regularization of approximately 500,000 immigrants currently living and working in the country without authorization, the latest way the country has bucked a trend toward increasingly harsh immigration policies <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-14/markwayne-mullins-first-steps-as-secretary-of-homeland-security-improving-public-image-but-maintaining-deportations.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-04-14/markwayne-mullins-first-steps-as-secretary-of-homeland-security-improving-public-image-but-maintaining-deportations.html">imposed in the United States</a> and much of Europe.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-04-14/spain-approves-granting-legal-status-to-around-500000-undocumented-migrants.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-04-02/a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience-or-a-public-nuisance-the-big-debate-over-shakiras-stadium-in-madrid.html Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:17:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-04-02/a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience-or-a-public-nuisance-the-big-debate-over-shakiras-stadium-in-madrid.html Lucía Franco Authorities in the Spanish capital support the event that will end the artist’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, but local residents say this and other large concerts in the area create unlivable conditions Authorities in the Spanish capital support the event that will end the artist’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, but local residents say this and other large concerts in the area create unlivable conditions Shakira Madrid Getafe PSOE PP LIVE NATION/Europa Press AM.-Shakira dará 6 conciertos en Madrid en un "estadio" ubicado dentro del Iberdrola Music y cada evento durará 12 horas Shakira will end her world tour in Madrid on a pop-up stadium made especially for her. Shakira will end her world tour in Madrid on a pop-up stadium made especially for her. <p>On paper, everything is going smoothly: <a href="https://english.elpais.com/people/2026-03-27/shakira-announces-two-new-concert-dates-in-madrid-after-tickets-sell-out-in-record-time.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/people/2026-03-27/shakira-announces-two-new-concert-dates-in-madrid-after-tickets-sell-out-in-record-time.html">more than 500,000 tickets have been sold</a> in record time, with all 11 concerts expected to be sold out. If everything goes as planned, Shakira will turn the Iberdrola Music venue—located in Madrid’s Villaverde district—into a tribute to Latin music this coming September (on the 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th) and in October (on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th). She’ll do so in partnership with Live Nation, the promoter that owns Ticketmaster. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-04-02/a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience-or-a-public-nuisance-the-big-debate-over-shakiras-stadium-in-madrid.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YGHIY7GIBZB7JNOGJ5AMAJMRXI.jpg?auth=5cfa43eca296e283e7b4183052c9cc3ef43fef519b9d3afe8094d7b3397bb07c" width="4495" height="2528" alt="Shakira during a performance in Mexico City."></img> 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 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:54:46 GMT 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 Carlos E Cué The Spanish prime minister responded to Donald Trump’s threats of a trade embargo: ‘Some will say that this is naive. What is naive is to think that violence is the solution. Or to think that blind and servile obedience is leadership’ The Spanish prime minister responded to Donald Trump’s threats of a trade embargo: ‘Some will say that this is naive. What is naive is to think that violence is the solution. Or to think that blind and servile obedience is leadership’ Pedro Sánchez Donald Trump Irán Washington D.C. Israel Benjamin Netanyahu George W. Bush Tony Blair José María Aznar PP Alberto Núñez Feijóo Pedro Sánchez valora la guerra en Irán, en directo Pedro Sánchez valora la guerra en Irán, en directo Pedro Sánchez valora la guerra en Irán, en directo <p>Pedro Sánchez has revived the “no to war” slogan that mobilized the Spanish left in 2003 and was the prelude to the conservative Popular Party (PP)’s loss of power in 2004 after the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-03-11/spanish-and-european-officials-mark-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-madrid-train-bombings-in-2004.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-03-11/spanish-and-european-officials-mark-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-madrid-train-bombings-in-2004.html">March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid</a>. The Spanish prime minister has firmly maintained his position against the conflict waged by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, revisiting the slogan to establish himself as the great antagonist of the U.S. president. “Spain’s position is the same as in Ukraine or Gaza. No to the breakdown of international law that protects us all. No to resolving conflicts with bombs. No to war,” he said Wednesday, while recalling the conflict in Iraq. “The world has been here before. Twenty-three years ago, another U.S. administration led us into an unjust war. The Iraq War led to a dramatic increase in terrorism and a serious migration and economic crisis. That was the gift of the ‘Azores Three’ (George W. Bush, Tony Blair and former Spanish prime minister José María Aznar) : a more insecure world and a worse life,” he stressed.</p><p><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="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-03-02/norwegian-influencer-buys-failed-property-development-in-spain-to-build-self-sufficient-eco-community.html Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:37:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-03-02/norwegian-influencer-buys-failed-property-development-in-spain-to-build-self-sufficient-eco-community.html Beatriz Olaizola The Modern Eco Village plans to erect 500 homes, schools and shops in a pristine mountain spot near the protected reservoir of Beniarrés, in Alicante province. The plan builds on an earlier attempt that flopped due to the 2008 financial crisis The Modern Eco Village plans to erect 500 homes, schools and shops in a pristine mountain spot near the protected reservoir of Beniarrés, in Alicante province. The plan builds on an earlier attempt that flopped due to the 2008 financial crisis Alicante Oslo Esteban González Pons Valencia PP Embalse de Beniarrés (Alicante) Aerial view of the area where the village is to be built, next to Beniarrés reservoir in Alicante. Aerial view of the area where the village is to be built, next to Beniarrés reservoir in Alicante. <p>It was going to be a huge success: the homes would be built on a 500,000 square meter (123-acre) tract of land nestled in the mountains of Alicante, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-16/the-iberian-peninsula-is-rotating-clockwise-scientists-report.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-16/the-iberian-peninsula-is-rotating-clockwise-scientists-report.html">in the Spanish Mediterranean</a>, on the idyllic shore of a water reservoir and close to a friendly village of just 700 residents. The original project, which began in 2006, was dubbed La Joya de Planes (The Jewel of Planes) and envisioned as a large residential development of 435 homes facing the Beniarrés reservoir, a few miles from the existing village of Planes. The plot of land had previously been owned by the family of Esteban González Pons, a politician with Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) and a member of the European Parliament between 2014 and 2023. The plot was rezoned and approved for building before the surrounding area received protected status in 2007 due to its high environmental value.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2026-03-02/norwegian-influencer-buys-failed-property-development-in-spain-to-build-self-sufficient-eco-community.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6L7Z47QEIRGIFGREICO7KQA4GQ.png?auth=a080f8497bef945fe2398ab6dfe2cf1206d0e659475f7e4f63b27dda25f27cf3" width="1328" height="710" alt="Six modules with different potential designs. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/woman-whose-rape-complaint-triggered-spanish-police-chiefs-resignation-is-devastated-after-her-identity-is-shared-on-social-media.html Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:18:23 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/woman-whose-rape-complaint-triggered-spanish-police-chiefs-resignation-is-devastated-after-her-identity-is-shared-on-social-media.html Liliana Ochoa,Irene Dorta,Patricia Ortega Dolz,Óscar López-Fonseca The case of the police inspector who says her boss sexually assaulted her has created political turmoil for the leftist government of Pedro Sánchez The case of the police inspector who says her boss sexually assaulted her has created political turmoil for the leftist government of Pedro Sánchez Pedro Sánchez Fernando Grande-Marlaska Policía Nacional PSOE PP Moncloa Former Deputy Director of Operations of the Police, José Ángel González, at a press conference in April 2020. Former Deputy Director of Operations of the Spanish National Police, José Ángel González, at a news conference in April 2020. Former Deputy Director of Operations of the Spanish National Police, José Ángel González, at a news conference in April 2020. <p>A Spanish police inspector who accused a senior colleague of sexual assault, prompting the latter’s resignation, is “devastated” after her identity was revealed and shared on social media, said her lawyer, Jorge Piedrafita. Speaking on Spain’s state broadcaster, TVE, the woman’s lawyer said that his client’s full name has been “circulating” in WhatsApp groups for police officers, and that she has since been “bombarded with messages and calls,” some of which were “supportive” of her decision to come forward with her complaint against a top police official, while others were threatening in tone. He also said that <a href="https://english.elpais.com/technology/2024-06-21/in-the-cauldron-of-fake-news-the-supposed-spinster-ridiculed-by-the-manosphere-who-has-been-married-for-years.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/technology/2024-06-21/in-the-cauldron-of-fake-news-the-supposed-spinster-ridiculed-by-the-manosphere-who-has-been-married-for-years.html">rumors and slander</a> are being spread deliberately.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-19/woman-whose-rape-complaint-triggered-spanish-police-chiefs-resignation-is-devastated-after-her-identity-is-shared-on-social-media.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-10-22/the-debate-over-bullfighting-a-cultural-and-political-battle-that-still-divides-spain.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:23:45 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-10-22/the-debate-over-bullfighting-a-cultural-and-political-battle-that-still-divides-spain.html Tommaso Koch The recent refusal by Congress to even consider a public initiative to withdraw national cultural protection from bullfighting, aided by a conspicuous abstention by the governing Socialists, has infuriated some and delighted others The recent refusal by Congress to even consider a public initiative to withdraw national cultural protection from bullfighting, aided by a conspicuous abstention by the governing Socialists, has infuriated some and delighted others PSOE PP Madrid Pedro Sánchez Sumar Ricardo Rubio (Europa Press) Bullfighting The signatories of the initiative, in front of Spanish Congress during the vote that rejected their proposal on October 7. The signatories of the initiative, in front of Spanish Congress during the vote that rejected their proposal on October 7. <p>The congressional debate wasn’t even held. But almost two weeks later, it’s still being talked about. On October 7, Spain’s Congress of Deputies refused to consider a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP in its Spanish acronym) — a procedure that lets citizens propose legislation to Congress and which <a href="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-08-04/the-race-to-make-spains-mar-menor-a-legal-person.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-08-04/the-race-to-make-spains-mar-menor-a-legal-person.html">requires at least 500,000 signatures</a> — to withdraw national cultural protection from bullfighting. In other words, the lawmakers chose to dismiss the issue without giving it a chance for parliamentary debate, in a vote marked by the conspicuous abstention of the main party in government, the center-left Socialist Party (PSOE). In the process, they turned a deaf ear to 664,777 citizens, as many as the signatures supporting the proposal. In the seat of Spanish democracy, the conversation about bullfighting was vetoed. But not even parliament can prevent it from continuing in the streets.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-10-22/the-debate-over-bullfighting-a-cultural-and-political-battle-that-still-divides-spain.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/NWNVBGHDDVHH3DDI4IC7YI4QPQ.jpg?auth=940a3f46e04469771690b8a52af1897d320419fba280f04fa0549eeaa92aea92" width="5712" height="3808" alt="Members of the committee promoting the ILP "It's Not My Culture" before the Congress of Deputies last February."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-13/over-21-of-spaniards-think-the-franco-years-were-good-or-very-good-survey-shows.html Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:55:22 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-13/over-21-of-spaniards-think-the-franco-years-were-good-or-very-good-survey-shows.html Natalia Junquera Añón Among voters of the mainstream conservative Popular Party (PP), more people believe the dictatorship was ‘good’ than ‘bad.’ And 61% of far-right Vox voters believe the democratic system is worse or much worse than Francoism ever was Among voters of the mainstream conservative Popular Party (PP), more people believe the dictatorship was ‘good’ than ‘bad.’ And 61% of far-right Vox voters believe the democratic system is worse or much worse than Francoism ever was Francisco Franco CIS Madrid PP Vox SANTI BURGOS (EL PAÍS) valle Pro-Franco rally in July 2018 in Cuelgamuros Valley outside Madrid. Pro-Franco rally in July 2018 in Cuelgamuros Valley outside Madrid. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/KOMOME5AYBFVZNRKZ7GRJXYMY4.JPG?auth=b03bb438643bd0a28a0ecf8f6bebe48b75d254fa19646537a0b0a9028f915d0b" width="3861" height="2574" alt="Pro-Franco rally in July 2018 in Cuelgamuros Valley outside Madrid."></img><p>More than 21% of the Spanish population considers <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-09-24/the-financial-scandal-that-rocked-francos-spain-and-ended-with-a-suicide-in-lausanne.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2025-09-24/the-financial-scandal-that-rocked-francos-spain-and-ended-with-a-suicide-in-lausanne.html">the years of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship</a> (1939-1975) to have been “good or very good,” according to the latest CIS poll, compared to 65.5% of the population who says they were “bad or very bad.” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-13/over-21-of-spaniards-think-the-franco-years-were-good-or-very-good-survey-shows.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-08-14/fires-continue-to-rage-in-spain-overwhelming-authorities.html Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:41:54 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-08-14/fires-continue-to-rage-in-spain-overwhelming-authorities.html Juan Navarro García Firefighting professionals denounce their precarious working conditions and the lack of coordination within regional government operations. The blazes have now claimed three lives Firefighting professionals denounce their precarious working conditions and the lack of coordination within regional government operations. The blazes have now claimed three lives Madrid Zamora Castilla y León Ourense UME Fernando Grande-Marlaska Cantabria Pedro Sánchez Alberto Núñez Feijóo UGT PP Lalo R. Villar (AP/LaPresse) A volunteer fighting the Larouco forest fire (Ourense). A volunteer fighting the Larouco forest fire (Ourense). <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-08-13/spain-faces-another-day-of-battling-wildfires-across-the-country.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-08-13/spain-faces-another-day-of-battling-wildfires-across-the-country.html">Wildfires continued to rage across Spain</a> on Wednesday, leaving thousands of hectares burned. After surrounding and controlling several blazes, the main focus was in the northwest of the country, specifically in the triangle formed by Ourense, León, and Zamora. Of the 10 main active fires identified by the Ministry of the Interior as of Wednesday afternoon, seven were in that area. Over 9,500 people in more than 50 municipalities in Castile and León had been forced to flee their homes due to the threat of the fire, which has now claimed three lives in Madrid and León and left several more injured, four in critical condition. In Extremadura, fire threatened the residents of Cabezabellosa (Cáceres), who refused to leave their homes, to the dismay of the regional authorities. “We are helpless and waiting,” complained the mayor of Alija del Infantado (León, population 573), José María Sánchez Córdoba, a member of the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP), in the face of the threat of the fire spreading to a nearby pine forest and reaching the town.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-08-14/fires-continue-to-rage-in-spain-overwhelming-authorities.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-05-13/the-homeless-people-of-madrids-barajas-airport-im-sick-of-sleeping-on-the-floor.html Tue, 13 May 2025 14:42:26 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-05-13/the-homeless-people-of-madrids-barajas-airport-im-sick-of-sleeping-on-the-floor.html David Expósito,María Martín EL PAÍS visits the terminals and speak with the highly vulnerable individuals, both Spanish and foreign, who are taking shelter there EL PAÍS visits the terminals and speak with the highly vulnerable individuals, both Spanish and foreign, who are taking shelter there Madrid José Luis Martínez Almeida PP David Expósito (EL PAÍS) Aeropuerto de Barajas Homeless people sleeping at Madrid-Barajas airport on Monday. Homeless people sleeping at Madrid-Barajas airport on Monday. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/EPCYWNHQGVBZ7EPWBCQY5CGHMU.jpg?auth=02aba3820343339d8baa8a728fd16c501ec9375fd0de62d7389524bf646d3814" width="6240" height="4160" alt="Homeless people sleeping at Madrid-Barajas airport on Monday."></img><p>Between 300 and 400 homeless people sleep <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/03/28/inenglish/1553770209_459978.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/03/28/inenglish/1553770209_459978.html">each night at Madrid’s Barajas Airport</a>. The number has reached as many as 500. No one knew who they were until a religious organization — Mesa de la Hospitalidad, which includes Caritas — took the initiative to carry out a census. Nearly three months after the issue emerged, the report was presented this Monday to municipal, regional, and national authorities. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-05-13/the-homeless-people-of-madrids-barajas-airport-im-sick-of-sleeping-on-the-floor.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-04-30/massive-blackout-in-spain-reignites-culture-war-over-the-future-of-nuclear-energy.html Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:11:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-04-30/massive-blackout-in-spain-reignites-culture-war-over-the-future-of-nuclear-energy.html Manuel Planelles While the opposition insists on keeping the power plants open beyond the scheduled timeline, the government closes ranks around renewables While the opposition insists on keeping the power plants open beyond the scheduled timeline, the government closes ranks around renewables Vox PP Pedro Sánchez PSOE SOPA Images (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Almaraz Almaraz nuclear power plant in Cáceres. Almaraz nuclear power plant in Cáceres. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-28/massive-power-outages-cause-blackouts-in-spain-and-portugal.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-28/massive-power-outages-cause-blackouts-in-spain-and-portugal.html">unprecedented blackout that struck</a> mainland Spain and Portugal earlier this week has reignited the cultural and political battle over the future of nuclear energy. Spain’s current energy roadmap — endorsed by the European Commission — outlines a gradual phase-out of the country’s five nuclear power plants. However, the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox have long championed nuclear power and vehemently oppose the government’s decommissioning plans.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-04-30/massive-blackout-in-spain-reignites-culture-war-over-the-future-of-nuclear-energy.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-02-09/ignorance-and-justification-for-franco-on-tiktok-the-cocktail-that-pushes-young-people-towards-historical-revisionism.html Sun, 09 Feb 2025 04:30:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-02-09/ignorance-and-justification-for-franco-on-tiktok-the-cocktail-that-pushes-young-people-towards-historical-revisionism.html Natalia Junquera Añón Historians warn of the complexity of competing against social networks and the popularity of far-right YouTubers Historians warn of the complexity of competing against social networks and the popularity of far-right YouTubers Francisco Franco Antonio González Pacheco "Billy El Niño" TikTok Madrid PSOE PP Vox Sevilla Valencia Cecida por el Instituto Navarro de la Memoria. (EL PAÍS) Ignorance and justification for Franco on TikTok: The cocktail that pushes young people towards historical revisionism A group of students attend the exhumation of a mass grave in Iruzkun (Navarre) in 2019. A group of students attend the exhumation of a mass grave in Iruzkun (Navarre) in 2019. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/72CLSIGQ3BBRVEV44ZIZ3RLPQE.JPG?auth=06f70afbdf871be1c635e63799404e3a5dafb622ad1e8dae08cfbfa08eb31644" width="4000" height="3000" alt="A group of students attend the exhumation of a mass grave in Iruzkun (Navarre) in 2019."></img><p>“We are the only country in the world where history has been written by the losers […] The great mistake of the Transition was to legalize the parties that had provoked the Civil War, including the Spanish Socialist Party [...] There is nothing more dangerous than a red in power about to lose. Just in case, I am not going to take a train in the days leading up to the elections...” </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2025-02-09/ignorance-and-justification-for-franco-on-tiktok-the-cocktail-that-pushes-young-people-towards-historical-revisionism.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HJPAGZV77VE47PMNVLCPJN2NTQ.jpg?auth=18686574fead17d659852fbaae876048e293c7babefd43cd2a37a21d74626829" width="1706" height="960" alt="Antonio González Pacheco, alias "Billy the Kid," during his time as a police officer."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-22/the-far-right-is-moving-closer-to-the-old-dream-of-a-nationalist-international.html Sun, 22 Dec 2024 04:30:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-22/the-far-right-is-moving-closer-to-the-old-dream-of-a-nationalist-international.html Ángel Munárriz Fernández Christian groups and think tanks are weaving together a network with nodes in Washington and Budapest. Meanwhile, Madrid is gaining importance as a bridge to far-right movements in Latin America Christian groups and think tanks are weaving together a network with nodes in Washington and Budapest. Meanwhile, Madrid is gaining importance as a bridge to far-right movements in Latin America Vox Santiago Abascal Buenos Aires Javier Milei Donald Trump Marine Le Pen Giorgia Meloni Nayib Bukele Viktor Orban PP José Antonio Kast Marion Maréchal-Le Pen JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI (EFE) The far-right is moving closer to the old dream of a ‘nationalist international’ Argentine President Javier Milei waves to the crowd during the Conservative Action Political Conference (CPAC) held on December 4, 2024, in Buenos Aires. Argentine President Javier Milei waves to the crowd during the Conservative Action Political Conference (CPAC) held on December 4, 2024, in Buenos Aires. <p>It’s rare to see Santiago Abascal, the leader of the<a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-07-23/in-spain-the-lefts-resistance-thwarts-a-pp-vox-majority-and-leaves-all-possibilities-open.html"> far-right Spanish political party Vox</a>, in such an optimistic, almost euphoric mood. “The stars have aligned [...] We’re living in fortunate times,” he proclaimed from the lectern. And he ventured: “While we haven’t yet managed to become the [biggest party in Spain], we’re not so far away.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-22/the-far-right-is-moving-closer-to-the-old-dream-of-a-nationalist-international.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-10-04/hernan-cortes-remains-languish-in-a-safe-in-spain-amid-political-standoff-over-conquistadors-legacy.html Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:24:22 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-10-04/hernan-cortes-remains-languish-in-a-safe-in-spain-amid-political-standoff-over-conquistadors-legacy.html Vicente Olaya Former Extremadura regional premier Guillermo Fernández Vara announced a year ago that the relics, kept privately for decades, would be put on public display, but the current conservative administration has them stored in an archive Former Extremadura regional premier Guillermo Fernández Vara announced a year ago that the relics, kept privately for decades, would be put on public display, but the current conservative administration has them stored in an archive Hernán Cortés AMLO - Andrés Manuel López Obrador Felipe VI Extremadura María Guardiola Martín PP PSOE Guillermo Fernández Vara ESTEBAN MARTINENA Hernán Cortés’ remains languish in a safe in Spain amid political standoff over conquistador’s legacy A stone commemorates the place where Hernán Cortés was born, in Medellín, Extremadura, Spain. A stone commemorates the place where Hernán Cortés was born, in Medellín, Extremadura, Spain. <p>In the film <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark</i> (1981) the mythical Ark of the Covenant ends up in the warehouses of a U.S. military base. In the case of the relics of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2023-10-29/christian-duverger-historian-hernan-cortes-was-a-republican-who-stood-against-an-absolutist-monarchy.html">Hernán Cortes</a> that are kept in Spain (his ashes, clothes, documents and fragments of urns), these have rested in a safe at the Historical Archive of Cáceres for over a year. They are not on display to the public. They have been stored there since the former premier of the Spanish region of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernández Vara, presented them at a press conference on July 16, 2023, along with the book that recounts their transfer to Spain in 1946, <i>El Secreto</i> (The Secret). </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-10-04/hernan-cortes-remains-languish-in-a-safe-in-spain-amid-political-standoff-over-conquistadors-legacy.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5KGMCCBOMZGWDEXRKSUIVWKMAI.jpg?auth=f3d2963cf55561fe9c65a3c6e933540771201ec6f4e913d433d564c7e4c6de8a" width="750" height="450" alt="The opening of the casket containing the remains of Cortés on November 25, 1946."></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-08-25/campillo-de-ranas-the-town-in-empty-spain-where-love-became-an-industry.html Sun, 25 Aug 2024 04:05:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-08-25/campillo-de-ranas-the-town-in-empty-spain-where-love-became-an-industry.html Natalia Junquera Añón The mayor of this municipality of 60 inhabitants in Guadalajara, a reference point for the LGBTQI+ community, explains the economic boom thanks to same-sex weddings but warns of new threats: neither rights nor relationships are guaranteed forever The mayor of this municipality of 60 inhabitants in Guadalajara, a reference point for the LGBTQI+ community, explains the economic boom thanks to same-sex weddings but warns of new threats: neither rights nor relationships are guaranteed forever Guadalajara PP Mariano Rajoy Javier Maroto Ricard María Carles Madrid Andrea Comas (EL PAÍS) Campillo de Ranas, the town in ‘emptied Spain’ where love became an industry The mayor of Campillo de Ranas, Francisco Maroto, officiates the civil wedding between Diana Jiménez (left) and Regina Valenzano, on August 10. The mayor of Campillo de Ranas, Francisco Maroto, officiates the civil wedding between Diana Jiménez (left) and Regina Valenzano, on August 10. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/S3WITKCIS5HULGZYBSIFM27DQQ.JPG?auth=902e47500a17a11ff6ff56f363c3fc97d3a6d90b1549776797670e793a311853" width="3500" height="2333" alt="The mayor of Campillo de Ranas, Francisco Maroto, officiates the civil wedding between Diana Jiménez (left) and Regina Valenzano, on August 10."></img><p>Saturday, August 10. In Campillo de Ranas, a village of 60 inhabitants in the province of Guadalajara, English, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese, and Spanish are being spoken. There is a wedding at the Town Hall, where Diana Jiménez and Regina Valenzano are tying the knot. Neither of them is from the village. Diana, 34, was born in Madrid, and Regina, 30, in Bari, southern Italy. Both work in the international cooperation sector, were looking for a place to celebrate the ceremony, discovered Campillo on the internet and a video call from this beautiful village of black architecture, because of the slate used on the houses, convinced them.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2024-08-25/campillo-de-ranas-the-town-in-empty-spain-where-love-became-an-industry.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XQ5M6AVODFFGRETZILKLQIT2SM.JPG?auth=809709cbe77bc32772f36b0ebedcabcbeef66d8516358a9ff502f1ef863c28ff" width="3500" height="2334" alt="Diana Jiménez (left) and Regina Valenzano at their wedding in Campillo de Ranas. On the right, the mayor, Francisco Maroto, signs the documents of the civil ceremony."></img> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-07-18/in-spains-wealthiest-town-residents-protest-against-luxury-development-that-will-cut-down-thousands-of-trees.html Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:55:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-07-18/in-spains-wealthiest-town-residents-protest-against-luxury-development-that-will-cut-down-thousands-of-trees.html Juan José Martínez The Montegancedo project plans to erect 1,050 homes in Pozuelo de Alarcón. Protesters say nearly 300 trees have already been felled in a natural space home to diverse animal and plant species The Montegancedo project plans to erect 1,050 homes in Pozuelo de Alarcón. Protesters say nearly 300 trees have already been felled in a natural space home to diverse animal and plant species Madrid Pozuelo de Alarcón PP Cristiano Ronaldo Juan José Martínez Tala en Montegancedo Residents of Pozuelo de Alarcón point at an area where 300 trees have already been cut down, including some that were 100 years old. Residents of Pozuelo de Alarcón point at an area where 300 trees have already been cut down, including some that were 100 years old. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/H755LYCWCRFVXM5YYFAOEQALCM.jpg?auth=9852a678ccbae7559f2c58cb1f071de9a172344c4588f483cfbd5be83b1fd77a" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Residents of Pozuelo de Alarcón point at an area where 300 trees have already been cut down, including some that were 100 years old."></img><p>The harmonious silence that once enveloped La Cabaña, a natural space located within the city limits of Pozuelo de Alarcón, just outside Madrid, has been cut short by the sound of heavy machinery and the roar of chainsaws. This area has been slated to become a luxury development: the Montegancedo project will transform 70 hectares of forest into 1,050 homes, bringing nearly 4,000 new residents to an area of town where fewer than 2,000 live today. The plans initially involve <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2023-10-06/trees-are-being-cut-without-a-second-thought-what-else-will-attract-the-rain.html">cutting down a thousand trees</a> just to create the roads of this new neighborhood. Nearly 300 have already been felled since early June, including centenary holm oaks with trunks up to 40 centimeters in diameter. The damage “is irreversible,” says a neighborhood association called Salvemos Montegancedo (Let’s Save Montegancedo).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-07-18/in-spains-wealthiest-town-residents-protest-against-luxury-development-that-will-cut-down-thousands-of-trees.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/X4SJSJ2ZTVDQPAZQBPOLRJ53NE.jpg?auth=0fc5fa013403a508e52adc2b859eda5e13db906b669df5aab6af0a63c91bbb80" width="5511" height="3252" alt="Members of Salvemos Montegancedo protesting outside Pozuelo de Alarcón City Hall."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5ZH475PSCNEHTO4YAMZWSKHBRU.jpg?auth=bcea442b7d87d5145338b700a48cc1a4d890c5aabafccf0437ba6b9c285054ff" width="6000" height="4000" alt="The perimeter of Montegancedo was recently fenced off by project developers. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-11-18/tens-of-thousands-of-people-protest-in-madrid-against-amnesty-deal.html Sat, 18 Nov 2023 12:19:33 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-11-18/tens-of-thousands-of-people-protest-in-madrid-against-amnesty-deal.html EL PAÍS Protesters took to the streets of the Spanish capital to demonstrate against the agreement and the investiture of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Protesters took to the streets of the Spanish capital to demonstrate against the agreement and the investiture of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez Pedro Sánchez Alberto Núñez Feijóo PP PSOE JUANJO MARTIN (EFE) Manifestación multitudinaria contra la amnistía en la Plaza de Cibeles de Madrid Thousands of people on Saturday gathered outside Plaza de Cibeles square in Madrid to protest the highly controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists that Pedro Sánchez agreed to in return for vital support to get elected prime minister again. Thousands of people on Saturday gathered outside Plaza de Cibeles square in Madrid to protest the highly controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists that Pedro Sánchez agreed to in return for vital support to get elected prime minister again. JUANJO MARTIN (EFE) Manifestación multitudinaria contra la amnistía en la Plaza de Cibeles de Madrid Thousands of people on Saturday gathered outside Plaza de Cibeles square in Madrid to protest the highly controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists that Pedro Sánchez agreed to in return for vital support to get elected prime minister again. Thousands of people on Saturday gathered outside Plaza de Cibeles square in Madrid to protest the highly controversial amnesty deal for Catalonia’s separatists that Pedro Sánchez agreed to in return for vital support to get elected prime minister again. Diego Radamés (Europa Press) Manifestación convocada por la sociedad civil contra la amnistía Spain’s inconclusive national elections on July 23 left a highly fractured parliament. The center-right Popular Party received the most votes in the elections but failed to get enough support to form a government because of its alliances with the far-right Vox party. Spain’s inconclusive national elections on July 23 left a highly fractured parliament. The center-right Popular Party received the most votes in the elections but failed to get enough support to form a government because of its alliances with the far-right Vox party. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAÍS) mani The leader of the Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo (center) and other PP leaders took part in the demonstration in Madrid. The leader of the Popular Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo (center) and other PP leaders took part in the demonstration in Madrid. FERNANDO ALVARADO (EFE) Manifestación multitudinaria contra la amnistía en la Plaza de Cibeles de Madrid Several protesters waved banners with the image of Miguel Angel Blanco, a lawmaker assassinated by ETA in 1997. Several protesters waved banners with the image of Miguel Angel Blanco, a lawmaker assassinated by ETA in 1997. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAÍS) mani The amnesty deal that Sánchez’s Socialists signed with two key Catalan separatist parties that command 14 votes would clean the slate for hundreds of Catalan separatists in legal trouble following the northeast region’s illegal 2017 secession bid that sparked Spain’s biggest crisis in decades. The amnesty deal that Sánchez’s Socialists signed with two key Catalan separatist parties that command 14 votes would clean the slate for hundreds of Catalan separatists in legal trouble following the northeast region’s illegal 2017 secession bid that sparked Spain’s biggest crisis in decades. FERNANDO ALVARADO (EFE) Manifestación multitudinaria contra la amnistía en la Plaza de Cibeles de Madrid The amnesty law would benefit former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, who is a fugitive from Spanish law and considered public enemy No. 1 by many Spaniards. The amnesty law would benefit former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, who is a fugitive from Spanish law and considered public enemy No. 1 by many Spaniards. JAVIER SORIANO (AFP) Abascal The leader of the far-right Vox, Santiago Abascal, also took part in Saturday's protest. The leader of the far-right Vox, Santiago Abascal, also took part in Saturday's protest. SUSANA VERA (Reuters) People protest against the proposed Catalan amnesty deal in Madrid Saturday's demonstration comes after days of street protests — including one attended by U.S. conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson. Saturday's demonstration comes after days of street protests — including one attended by U.S. conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAÍS) mani (l-r) PP leaders Elías Bendodo, Cuca Gamarra, Rafael Hernando and Estebán González Pons at the demonstration on Saturday in Madrid. (l-r) PP leaders Elías Bendodo, Cuca Gamarra, Rafael Hernando and Estebán González Pons at the demonstration on Saturday in Madrid. <p><br/></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-16/pedro-sanchez-the-political-survivor-who-keeps-resisting-against-all-odds.html Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:21:45 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-16/pedro-sanchez-the-political-survivor-who-keeps-resisting-against-all-odds.html Carlos E Cué In 10 years, the Socialist leader went from complete obscurity to the prime minister’s chair for what might soon become the second-longest term in office of Spanish democracy In 10 years, the Socialist leader went from complete obscurity to the prime minister’s chair for what might soon become the second-longest term in office of Spanish democracy Pedro Sánchez PSOE Mariano Rajoy PP Samuel Sánchez (EL PAÍS) Pedro Sánchez upon his arrival at Congress, this Thursday. Pedro Sánchez arriving in Congress on Thursday. Pedro Sánchez arriving in Congress on Thursday. <img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/5OBMHLNFZVG7XD7SXXG3EUFWGU.jpg" width="2685" height="1622" alt="Pedro Sánchez arriving in Congress on Thursday."></img><p>It took him a long time to get them to take him seriously. Ten years ago, when Pedro Sánchez decided to try his luck in the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) primaries, and he began to tell his close circle about it, not even some of his close friends who are now in La Moncloa, the seat of government, thought he had a chance. Some even advised against it. No one knew him within the party, he had no organic weight, it seemed impossible that he could become general secretary.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-16/pedro-sanchez-the-political-survivor-who-keeps-resisting-against-all-odds.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2023-11-16/spain-the-investiture-of-the-amnesty.html Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:21:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2023-11-16/spain-the-investiture-of-the-amnesty.html EL PAÍS Pedro Sánchez defended his pacts, which include clemency measures for Catalan separatists, as a wall against the rise of the far right across the world Pedro Sánchez defended his pacts, which include clemency measures for Catalan separatists, as a wall against the rise of the far right across the world Pedro Sánchez Alberto Núñez Feijóo Santiago Abascal PSOE PP Vox Daniel Gonzalez (EFE) Spain: The investiture of the amnesty Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez receives applause from the Socialists after his address in parliament on Wednesday. Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez receives applause from the Socialists after his address in parliament on Wednesday. <p>Two keys issues were at the heart of the great expectation ahead of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-15/at-highly-charged-session-spains-pm-justifies-amnesty-as-only-way-to-stop-the-far-right.html" target="_blank">first day of the investiture session</a>, held this Wednesday in Spain’s Congress of Deputies. The first was the long-awaited explanation by the candidate to head the government, Pedro Sánchez, regarding the amnesty law negotiated with the Catalan independence movement. The second, how far the climate of institutional discredit being experienced these days in Spain would go inside the chamber, with the passivity, if not downright encouragement, of the right-wing opposition. The leader of the ultranationalist Vox party, Santiago Abascal, went so far as to compare Sánchez with Hitler on Wednesday, asserting that the Socialist leader is carrying out a coup d’état and requesting his partner in regional and municipal governments, the mainstream conservative Popular Party (PP), to use its majority in the Senate to lead the upper house into insubordination and refuse to process the clemency measures. He also urged the PP to encourage the illegalization of the Catalan separatist parties ERC and Junts.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/opinion/2023-11-16/spain-the-investiture-of-the-amnesty.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-13/spains-crucial-week-socialists-plan-to-file-amnesty-bill-triggering-vote-to-confirm-sanchez-as-pm.html Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:50:02 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-13/spains-crucial-week-socialists-plan-to-file-amnesty-bill-triggering-vote-to-confirm-sanchez-as-pm.html Carlos E Cué The government hopes that widespread opposition to the deal with Catalan separatists led by Carles Puigdemont will subside once details of the law are known The government hopes that widespread opposition to the deal with Catalan separatists led by Carles Puigdemont will subside once details of the law are known Pedro Sánchez Alberto Núñez Feijóo Vox PSOE PP PSOE Pedro Sánchez Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez (c), at the meeting of the PSOE's Federal Executive Committee on Monday. Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez (c), at the meeting of the PSOE's Federal Executive Committee on Monday. <p>The Spanish government’s negotiating team and its partners have finalized <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-09/spains-pm-and-catalan-separatists-close-amnesty-deal-clearing-his-way-to-power.html" target="_blank">the draft of the amnesty law</a> that will pave the way for acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to secure a new term in office following inconclusive elections in July.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-13/spains-crucial-week-socialists-plan-to-file-amnesty-bill-triggering-vote-to-confirm-sanchez-as-pm.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-11-13/hundreds-of-thousands-of-spaniards-march-against-amnesty-for-catalan-separatists.html Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:15:06 GMT https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-11-13/hundreds-of-thousands-of-spaniards-march-against-amnesty-for-catalan-separatists.html Virginia Martínez,EL PAÍS In the opposition’s largest show of force to date against the deal granting leniency to Carles Puigdemont and others, there were calls for new elections and general strike In the opposition’s largest show of force to date against the deal granting leniency to Carles Puigdemont and others, there were calls for new elections and general strike Pedro Sánchez Vox PSOE Alberto Núñez Feijóo PP Joan Mateu Parra (AP) madrid Crowds with Spanish flags pack Puerta del Sol during a protest called by Spain's Popular Party in Madrid on November 12. Crowds with Spanish flags pack Puerta del Sol during a protest called by Spain's Popular Party in Madrid on November 12. <p>Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of 52 provincial capitals of Spain on Sunday, heeding the call of the main opposition party to protest <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-11-09/spains-pm-and-catalan-separatists-close-amnesty-deal-clearing-his-way-to-power.html" target="_blank">an amnesty deal</a> between the governing Socialists (PSOE) and Catalan separatists who led the failed secession attempt of 2017.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/spain/2023-11-13/hundreds-of-thousands-of-spaniards-march-against-amnesty-for-catalan-separatists.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/AGOFLGMPCJBN7EJP56DZIDVY6I.JPG" width="4653" height="2617" alt="Former and current PP leaders at the head of the Madrid protest, including ex-PM José María Aznar (second from left), Madrid regional premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso, PP chief Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida."></img>