Supreme Court halts ley de nietos voting rights
The Supreme Court suspended voting rights for people who obtained Spanish nationality through the Democratic Memory Law's ley de nietos provision, citing electoral transparency after a sharp rise in the overseas census. The measure affects new CERA registrations and those already registered, though it makes an exception for applicants with documented family ties to exiles. The CERA shows 408,262 more registered voters as of July 1, 2026, than in the 2023 general election census. The court acted after appeals by Iustitia Europa and Vox.
ECB rate hike adds 55-75 euros monthly to variable mortgages
The ECB raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.5%, the highest since April 2025, and borrowers with variable-rate mortgages will pay roughly €55 to €75 more a month. ASUFIN expects Euribor to close September at 3.2%, making the average applied rate about 4.20% with a typical 1% spread, compared with a 2.172% reference a year earlier. A €100,000 mortgage over 25 years would rise from €483.21 to €538.94 monthly, or €668.84 more a year. The unanimous decision targets inflation driven by Middle East energy prices.
Brent oil tops $105 as European gas hits 2022 highs
Brent crude surpassed $105 a barrel on Thursday, and European gas reached its highest level since December 2022, adding to inflation pressures the same day the ECB raised rates. Brent rose by up to 4% and has climbed more than 70% this year, while US benchmark WTI passed $100. TTF European gas rose another 2.5% to exceed €82 per megawatt hour, a rise of more than 155% since the start of the war in Iran. Higher energy prices push up household costs across Spain.
Congress approves Spanish nationality law for Sahrawis
Congress approved a bill granting Spanish nationality to Sahrawis born when Western Sahara was under Spanish administration and to their descendants. The measure passed with support from government parties and their usual allies; PP and UPN abstained, and Vox cast the only vote against. It creates a new route to citizenship for this group. The law feeds into the wider debate on nationality and migration rules in Spain.
Ford offers Almussafes staff pay rises for Geely flexibility
Ford presented its final offer to the Almussafes (Valencia) workforce through 2030, combining pay increases above real CPI with up to eight mandatory production Saturdays a year. For 2027, the increase equals real CPI plus 1.5 percentage points, with a guaranteed minimum of 3% and a maximum of 5%. The offer raises the extraordinary bonus and adds new incentives. It follows Ford's deal with China's Geely to bring new models to the plant and secure its industrial future.
CNI warned Ceuta Delegation of imminent mass crossing
Declassified CNI reports and WhatsApp conversations show the Government Delegation in Ceuta was warned in advance about a mass arrival of migrants and either ignored or downplayed the alerts. At 21:00, the beach next to the autonomous city was overflowing with hundreds of people preparing to swim to Ceuta; half an hour later, the delegation's chief of staff called the CNI liaison after no contact for seven hours. The Government has opened a crisis with the CNI, accusing it of ignoring alerts for 72 hours. The row fuels political debate on migration and border management.
Spain beats Australia to reach Basketball World Cup semifinals
Spain's women's basketball team beat Australia 89-66 in the quarterfinals in Berlin and will fight for medals. A strong first half on both ends of the court proved key. Spain now faces the United States. The win lifts the national team's sporting profile at the World Cup.
Housing aid: up to 40 million euros for affordable rent
The Ministry of Housing will grant direct subsidies totaling up to €40.41 million for rehousing, affordable or social rental housing, and protected housing under a Royal Decree published in the BOE. Barcelona City Council receives up to €15,777,360 to build affordable or social rental housing, and up to €250,000 to organize the Housing Summit 2026. The Community of Madrid gets up to €8,375,000 to rehouse families in Cañada Real and fund habitability works. The subsidies bypass a public call for applications for reasons of public, social and economic interest.
Delayed retirement lump sum covers half of pension gain
A Fedea study finds workers who delay retirement and take the lump-sum payment receive about half of what they would get with a lifetime pension increase. Researchers analyzed 280 profiles combining sex, age, years of delay and pension level. In none of them was there actuarial equivalence; the lifetime increase always won. For the average retiree, every €51.20 from the lump sum could have been €100 with the lifetime supplement.
Crime among under-14s soars nearly 75%, prosecutors warn
The Fiscalía's 2025 report says crime by children under 14, who are not criminally liable, rose 74.21%. Cases archived because those investigated were under 14 totaled 7,749, up from 4,448 a year earlier. Gender violence cases among minors rose 15.20% to 1,023, the highest in five years, and crimes against sexual freedom rose 35.82%. The Fiscalía links the trend to social media abuse and disinformation targeting minors.
Kretz brothers call Madrid Europe's top investment city
Luxury real estate brokers Louis and Raphaël Kretz say Madrid has become Europe's leading city for real estate investment. They handle more than 300 properties worth over €1 million in Spain, and square metre prices in Barrio de Salamanca reach up to €35,000. The €15 million house where they were interviewed is not the most expensive they sell. Strong demand signals rising prices in Madrid's prime property market.
Uber's driverless taxis in Madrid get green light
Uber, WeRide and Avomo received Spain's first authorization for autonomous passenger robotaxis from the DGT and the Community of Madrid, with tests planned for late 2026. The permit allows autonomous passenger vehicles in delimited areas of public roads. Initial work includes mapping operating zones, validating routes and testing vehicle operability. A new mobility option in Madrid could eventually change transport costs and availability.
Imserso 2026-2027 trips: 50-euro flat rate from September 14
The Imserso senior travel program keeps its €50 flat rate for low-income pensioners for the 2026-2027 season, with applications opening Monday, September 14. Last season, 5,221 low-income pensioners benefited from the €50 discount, compared with 523 beneficiaries under the previous 50% discount. Minister Pablo Bustinduy presented the season in León. Trips cover the islands and the peninsular coast.
