Government raises home purchase guarantee income limit to €63,000
The government increased income limits for public loan guarantees for first-time home buyers, raising the limit to 63,000 euros in seven expensive provinces including Madrid and Barcelona. The program, managed by ICO, sets limits at 7.5 times IPREM in the priciest areas, while the general limit stays at 37,800 euros. Higher thresholds may help more young people and families access mortgages, though the program reached only 21% of expected beneficiaries in its first two years.
Urban land price rises 8.7%, hits 14-year high
The average urban land price rose to 187.8 euros per square meter in Q1 2026, an 8.7% year-on-year increase and the highest since 2012. Quarterly growth reached 9.8%, with Galicia and Navarra seeing the biggest rises, while the Basque Country and La Rioja recorded declines. The price is still well below the 2007 peak of 285 euros, but the trend signals mounting housing cost pressures.
Retail sales surge 33% but salaries remain near €20,400
CCOO is demanding a 7% wage increase for 2027 and 4% minimum annual raises from 2028 for retail workers, whose average gross salary of 20,400 euros is 26% below the national average. Sector sales grew 33% from 2019 to 2024, exceeding 127 billion euros, while staff pay accounts for just 9% of business costs versus a 12% national norm. One in four retail workers has a part-time contract, double the national rate.
Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal
Lamine Yamal, 18, scored his first World Cup goal for Spain in a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, breaking a 299-minute goal drought for the team. The goal came 10 minutes in, assisted by Oyarzabal, in Yamal's first start of the tournament. The win marks a strong showing for Spain in the competition.
Tourist apartments drop 11%, sharpest falls in four key regions
The number of tourist apartments offered on digital platforms fell 10.7% year-on-year to 341,001 in May 2026, with Valencia, Catalonia, Andalusia and Madrid accounting for nearly 70% of the drop. The decline from a peak of 403,267 in August 2024 could free up housing for long-term rentals, though the current figure remains above August 2022 levels. Comunitat Valenciana alone lost 11,922 apartments.
Big banks launch early retirement plans affecting thousands of jobs
Banco Santander is negotiating early retirement programs that could affect 2,000 to 3,000 workers, while Sabadell and Unicaja run similar processes. The moves come as Santander has been trimming its branch network and retiring staff since 2025. The restructuring may impact many bank employees.
Government proposes new teacher-child ratios for nurseries
The Education Ministry has proposed capping groups at 4 children under 1 year, 6 children aged 1-2, and 8 children aged 2-3, for early childhood education from 2027/2028. The plan also reduces maximum class sizes in later stages, from 25 to 20 in Infantil and from 35 to 30 in Bachillerato. Lower ratios aim to improve care quality, benefiting families with young children.
Government expands benefit for care of seriously ill children
The CUME benefit for parents caring for minors with serious illnesses now covers additional pathologies and extends maximum leave from 4 to 8 months. The reform includes an open clause allowing doctors to tailor support to specific cases. The change provides greater financial security for affected families.
Basque municipalities to set language rules for public jobs
The Basque Parliament approved a PNV-backed plan allowing each municipality to require Basque language skills for public employment, with the support of EH Bildu's abstention. Opposed by PSOE, PP, Sumar and Vox, the measure has been described as a 'linguistic Lizarra'. For non-Basque speakers, the move could restrict access to local government jobs.
Madrid Metro and Cercanías face heat complaints over broken AC
Passengers on Madrid Metro Line 1 and Cercanías are reporting dangerously high temperatures and no working air conditioning, prompting the operator to increase summer maintenance. The company says it disables automatic door opening to preserve cool air and has installed platform cooling in 20 stations on Lines 1 and 5. The conditions affect daily commuters in the capital.
France confirms first Ebola case in returning doctor
A French humanitarian worker who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola, marking the country's first case. The patient is in stable condition under strict isolation, and authorities are tracing contacts who must quarantine for 21 days. While the case raises international health concerns, the risk for Spain remains low.
Trump calls Spain 'a real disaster' over defense spending
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain at a NATO meeting for refusing to support military action against Iran and for not increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP. NATO Secretary General Rutte stressed the need to counter Iran's nuclear program, but Spain, along with Italy and others, resisted. The diplomatic spat could strain bilateral ties but has limited direct effect on most residents.
Police: Zapatero received €200,000 for Bolivia mediation
Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero allegedly received 200,000 euros between 2024 and 2025 to mediate with Bolivia's government on behalf of Peruvian firm Grupo Gloria. The company faces legal cases in Peru, according to a National Police report. The allegations may stir political controversy but have little immediate impact on most residents.
Begoña Gómez hands passport to court in corruption probe
Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, surrendered her passport at a Madrid court after a judge ordered her not to leave Spain ahead of a possible trial for influence peddling and corruption charges. Accompanied by her lawyer, she entered through a garage for security; her defense has appealed the measures. The case is a major political story but unlikely to directly affect most residents.
Spanish activist among 10 freed after Libya detention
Spanish activist Alicia Armesto was released along with nine others after being held for a month by the Libyan National Army while trying to reach Gaza. Detained since May 24, Armesto is now returning to Madrid via Istanbul. The Spanish Foreign Ministry welcomed her release.
