Out of nearly 1.2 million regularization requests, only 609,000 have been admitted and 11,000 approved so far. Approved applicants now need police appointments for fingerprinting to obtain their TIE cards, but NGOs and unions warn of a chronic shortage of slots and illegal sales. This leaves foreign residents in legal limbo, unable to work or travel while they wait.
Spain has over 7 million homes planned on paper, yet bureaucratic and financing delays mean the country needs 750,000 more units, according to the Bank of Spain. The government’s new housing package avoids Land Law reform, as urged by the European Commission, and instead extends rent contracts, offers income tax breaks, and imposes a 21% VAT on tourist flats. Critics say these measures fail to address the root causes of the shortage that pushes up prices.
The two Iberian neighbors have played each other 42 times since the first match on December 18, 1921. Their upcoming World Cup meeting in Dallas is only their second encounter in this tournament. The historic rivalry offers a compelling spectacle for football fans.
Navarra was the only Spanish region where house prices fell in April, with sales down 3.9% and rents dropping 7% in areas with rent controls. More than 20% of the region's housing is publicly protected, and rent limits cover 21 municipalities. Last year, 870 new homes were completed, 449 with some form of protection, offering a potential model for the rest of the country.
Carlos Cuerpo, Spain's Economy Minister, stressed that housing is the government's main focus but warned there is no single solution. He expects to approve a national budget in September after three years of extensions. Proposed measures include building more affordable rental homes and reforming the taxation of tourist flats.
Temperatures are expected to hit 42 degrees Celsius in parts of Spain, with orange warnings in Andalucía, Cataluña, Madrid, and other regions. AEMET warns of health risks for the vulnerable and increased fire danger. People in affected areas should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during the extreme heat.
The Catalan government is considering tolls on key highways, including the AP-2 between Barcelona and Madrid, to cut congestion and accidents. Officials argue that charging only in Cataluña would be unfair, so the move may require national coordination. The plan could raise travel costs for frequent drivers and won't be implemented for several years.
Andalucía, Extremadura, Aragón, and Castilla y León now have joint governments between the conservative PP and far-right Vox. The pact in Andalucía includes €1.3 billion in tax cuts. The alliances aim to challenge Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and could shift regional policies on services and taxes affecting residents.
Organizers estimated a million people took part in the annual Pride march, which carried the slogan 'A las calles con orgullo! Disidencia y resistencia.' Government officials, including Ana Redondo (PSOE) and Mónica García (Sumar), attended alongside Irene Montero (Podemos). Street closures affected the city center as the event showcased Spain's inclusive values.
The number of Spanish citizens killed in the double earthquake in northern Venezuela has reached 34, with 140 still missing. Eleven people are trapped under rubble. The disaster mainly affects Spanish nationals abroad, but individuals with family ties to the region may also feel its impact.
A forest fire near the Sierra de Guara has burned 75 hectares and prompted the evacuation of roughly 30 residents from San Juan de Banzo. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) was deployed as efforts focus on containing the blaze. Residents and visitors in the area should monitor local alerts and obey evacuation orders.
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