National Police told a judge that Moroccan security forces planned and directed the July 30-31 crossing of about 80,000 people into Ceuta, contradicting Pedro Sánchez's version. The report says Moroccan gendarmes guided migrants in Castillejo and plainclothes agents pointed out where to cross. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said he was unaware and demanded explanations.
The Community of Madrid approved 25 million euros for 2026 to extend its Mi Primera Vivienda program, raising the maximum applicant age from 35 to 50 and the eligible property price from 390,000 to 425,000 euros. Families with minor children are included; large and single-parent families have no age limit. Public guarantees cover up to 100% financing for buyers under 40 who lack the usual 20% or 30% down payment.
Eurozone inflation hit 3.3% in August, highest in nearly three years, driven by a 14.3% energy surge. The 12-month Euribor closed August at 2.95%, rising for a second month, so variable-rate mortgage holders face higher payments. On a 150,000-euro mortgage over 25 years with a 1-point differential, an annual review adds about 68 euros to the monthly payment, or 810 euros per year. The ECB meets on September 10 to consider a rate hike.
The Spanish government's housing decree is blocked in Congress. It includes a two-year extension for rental contracts expiring before mid-2028, stricter rules for seasonal and room rentals, and 21% VAT on tourist apartments. A previous version was voted down in April by PP, Vox, UPN and Junts, with PNV abstaining. The vote was postponed to September with no majority support.
A Eurofound report ranks Spain third in the EU for the smallest gain in minimum wage purchasing power in early 2026, behind Romania and Poland. Spain's minimum wage is among the most threatened as inflation reaches 3.6%. Slovenia had the highest real increase, above 13%, followed by Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia and Cyprus. Unions demand an urgent rise in the SMI.
The government approved a 309 million euro package for Ceuta after the migration crisis, including permanent Corporate Tax and IRPF breaks extended to Melilla. Funding covers 21 million for essential services, over 90 million for security, 118 million for minors and aid, and 80 million for businesses and workers. First Vice President Carlos Cuerpo said the business aid equals 4% of Ceuta's GDP.
The government approved three new reception locations in Ceuta to house migrants from the July 30 mass entry, aiming for more than 6,000 places. They include port plots, Housing Ministry land, and the K-8 military barracks. Ceuta's president Juan Jesús Vivas rejected planned sports centers. Minister Ángel Víctor Torres said the spaces aim to minimize disruption and speed up immigration procedures.
Spain's Treasury placed 6,495 million euros in 6- and 12-month bills on September 1. Twelve-month bills yielded 2.846%, the highest since November 2024, and six-month bills were awarded at 2.641%. Total demand reached 10,466 million euros. Higher yields offer better returns on short-term savings but also reflect rising borrowing costs.
The Council of Ministers approved in the second round the draft Law on the Statute Framework for statutory health service personnel and sent it to Congress. Medical unions rejected the project and announced continued mobilizations after the summer. The statute shapes working conditions for healthcare staff and the quality of public health services.
Spain's Industry Ministry is preparing to mediate in the indefinite Airbus strike that began on August 24, warning the conflict threatens the aerospace sector's future. Secretary of State for Industry Jordi García Brustenga said 'We cannot play with the bread of the next 30 years.' The government may intervene in the coming days if there is no agreement.
The Ministry of Transport approved extending the Abono Único to regional and municipal transport systems that join voluntarily. Two personalized 30-day passes are established: one general and one for minors and young people up to 26 with legal residence. It initially integrates state road concessions, Cercanías, Rodalies de Renfe, and several Media Distancia routes. It aims to cut emissions.
Spain received 11.5 million foreign tourists in July, up 4.6%, and they spent 18,217 million euros, up 10.9%, both record figures. Average spending per visitor was 1,579 euros. In the first seven months of 2026, 58.1 million tourists arrived, and projections suggest Spain could exceed 100 million visitors for the first time in December. Strong tourism supports jobs but pressures housing and prices.
Early childhood educators in Madrid are starting the school year on an indefinite strike that began April 7, demanding better pay and conditions. Schools will operate with minimum services, reducing educational quality and personalized attention for children aged 0-3. Educators warn the adaptation period will be 'very delicate' in the coming months. Families with young children in Madrid may feel the impact.
IKEA's parent companies are investing 53.4 million euros to lower prices on 397 products in Spain by an average of 21%, part of a 1.2 billion euro European initiative. Reductions average 15% to 25% on popular items including BESTÅ, KALLAX, HEMNES, KIVIK and POÄNG. The cuts ease cost-of-living pressure on household budgets.
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