⚠️ Spain tightens probation periods and demands algorithm transparency
The cabinet approved a decree curbing abusive probation-period dismissals and requiring companies to inform workers when algorithms affect employment decisions. Probation periods beyond the Workers' Statute default of six months now need clearer justification of conditions and causes. Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz said 75% of companies reviewed by labour authorities commit irregularities in this area. Dismissals during probation topped one million last year, up 51% from 2019.
Record margins and near-$100 oil fuel Spain's wage battle
Spanish business margins reached €97 billion in the second quarter, with a 12.8% margin on sales versus the 10.5% average from 2009 to 2021. The energy sector is posting record profits as Brent oil nears $100 and the European TTF gas benchmark trades above €75 per MWh, up 138% since the Iran war began. Inflation has climbed back above 4%, driven by fuel prices. Unions want the minimum wage (SMI) to rise by more than 5% and pay increases of up to 7% in collective bargaining agreements.
Rent surge spreads to Spain's cheapest regions
Average rents in Spain rose 8.6% year-on-year in August, with the sharpest increases now in cheaper regions: Castilla y León (24%), Aragón (18.7%), Castilla-La Mancha (17.6%) and Galicia (17.3%). The national average reached €14.9 per m², about €1,190 for an 80 m² flat. Madrid, at €21.8/m², and Baleares, at €19/m², remain the most expensive, with annual increases below 3%.
Top court fast-tracks vote eligibility for 2.3 million 'grandchildren'
The Supreme Court suspended new voter registrations under the 'ley de nietos' at the request of Vox and Iustitia Europa. The precautionary measure affects CERA electoral registrations for up to 2.3 million people who obtained nationality through the law. The court aims to rule within about three months, before the May municipal and regional elections and the general election due by July. The government and the Prosecutor's Office opposed the suspension.
EU eyes limits on second-home purchases in stressed areas
The European Commission's upcoming housing plan would allow authorities to restrict purchases of non-primary residences in high-pressure areas. The optional measure was requested by the Alliance of Mayors for Housing. Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera coordinated the work. The proposal requires approval by the Council and the European Parliament, and the European People's Party has said it will oppose it.
Teresa Perales takes silver in European para swimming
Aragonese swimmer Teresa Perales, aged 50, won silver in the 100m backstroke S2 at the European Para Swimming Championships in Turkey with a time of 2:34.28, behind Italy's Angela Procida. She added a silver to the bronze she had won in the 50m breaststroke SB2 on Monday, bringing her continental medal tally to 45. Tasy Dmytriv won Spain's first gold, sharing the 200m freestyle S9 title with Poland's Oliwia Jablonska in 2:34.50.
Spain records worst-ever PISA results in reading, math and science
Spanish 15-year-olds posted their worst-ever PISA results in reading, math and science in the 2025 edition. Spain scored 451 in reading, 23 points below its 2022 score of 474, and 457 in math, 16 points below its 2022 score of 473. The OECD did not include Catalonia's data because of a high student exclusion rate. The results leave students about half a school year behind the OECD average in reading.
Casa 47 opens with first affordable rental homes
Spain has launched the public housing portal Casa 47 with 800 affordable rental properties. A further 1,500 will be added soon, mainly in the Valencian Community and also in Galicia, Asturias, Navarra and Catalonia. Tenants pay no more than 30% of their income, with initial contracts of 14 years extendable to 75 years. The homes remain permanently protected and cannot be removed from the public housing stock.
Treasury yields nearly 2.8% on nine-month letras
Spain's Treasury raised €2.415 billion in short-term debt. Nine-month bill yields reached 2.783%, the highest since October 2024, while three-month bills paid 2.464%. Total demand hit €6.866 billion, 2.8 times the amount awarded. The yield on Spain's 10-year bond reached 3.832%, its highest level since November 2023.
Ceuta leader tells EU: city is 'a pressure cooker'
The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, asked the EU for a stronger border presence and special status for the city after the arrival of 80,000 people, which he called an unprecedented invasion. He accused Morocco of seeking to asphyxiate, harass and dismantle the city, and criticised the Spanish government for not being up to the task. The Council of Ministers announced on Tuesday that police reports related to the episode will be declassified.
Italian bid for olive oil giant Deoleo alarms Spanish sector
Italian group Coricelli has positioned itself as the favourite to buy Spanish olive oil group Deoleo, owner of Carbonell, Koipe, Hojiblanca and Bertolli, with a €500 million offer. Dcoop director general Rafael Sánchez de Puerta asked the Spanish government to get involved, saying Deoleo should remain a Spanish and Andalusian company. He described the process as complicated and said it needs close monitoring.
