Brent crude oil crossed the $100 per barrel threshold as the Iran conflict intensifies, threatening global supply. Around 20% of world oil transits the Strait of Hormuz, now highly militarized, while disruption at Bab el-Mandeb could cut another 7%. European gas prices have climbed above €62 per megawatt-hour. The spike risks higher inflation and prolonged elevated interest rates, directly squeezing household budgets and mortgage costs across Spain.
The government’s proposed housing decree would bring room rentals and seasonal contracts under Spain’s Urban Leases Act. Seasonal leases would be capped at 12 months and require proof of temporality, while room rentals would become habitual residences with five-year contracts—seven if the landlord is a company. Landlords would also need permission to enter rented rooms. The measure still requires approval from parliamentary factions including Podemos, PNV, and Junts. These changes would give tenants renting rooms or short-term leases stronger legal safeguards against eviction and arbitrary conditions.
Guardia Civil recovered the body of a young migrant who drowned attempting to reach Ceuta, marking the 24th such death in Ceuta waters in 2026. Irregular entries have risen, with over 100 people now waiting outside the overcrowded CETI reception center. The tragedy underscores the humanitarian pressures at Spain’s land border in North Africa, where many migrants attempt to swim or climb the border fence.
Wildfires forced 115,000 people to evacuate across 39 municipalities in Madrid, Ávila, and Castellón. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez activated Situación Operativa 3, centralizing firefighting command. Madrid officials described the blaze as 'a real monster' that generates its own atmosphere, with President Isabel Díaz Ayuso calling it 'totally unprecedented.' Over 3,000 displaced residents are in shelters, and authorities focus on protecting populated areas.
The Balearic High Court fined DUX Mansion, a luxury villa in Palma, €30,601 for renting year-round despite holding a license for only two months. Advertised at over €18,000 per week, the property was among several cases recently scrutinized for illegal tourist activity. Such enforcement aims to protect the long-term rental market in the Balearic Islands, where many struggle to find housing.
Spain’s Social Security confirmed that up to 12 months of compulsory military service or substitute social service can be counted towards the minimum contribution period for early retirement. The measure does not increase the pension amount or apply to ordinary retirement. Those who completed their 'mili' in Spain could now access retirement sooner than expected.
A new law allows more than 100,000 professionals—such as lawyers and architects—to transfer contributions from alternative mutual schemes to the Social Security system, improving future pensions. The reform excludes 47,000 already retired mutualists and applies to those who started before 2013 and were contributing by the end of 2022. Further regulation on the exact contribution exchange mechanism is pending. Self-employed professionals in these fields stand to benefit from higher retirement income.
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