The government expects to approve a housing decree on Tuesday after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen sparked protests. Junts and Podemos had blocked a deal; Junts wants tax breaks for owners, while Podemos backs expropriations and price controls. Tens of thousands marched, and the Tenants' Union camps demand an eviction ban and rent extensions.
International buyers paid an average of 2,479 euros per square meter in 2025, about 35% more than the 1,839 euros paid by Spanish buyers. Foreign residents made up 11.6% of the residential market versus 7.2% for non-residents, and spent an average of 204,365 euros. The UK, Germany and Morocco lead non-resident demand.
Starting in 2027, workers need 37 full years of contributions for 100% of the regulatory base, up from 36 years and six months. Workers with 38 years and six months or more can retire at 65; otherwise the ordinary retirement age is 67. A new formula allows workers to choose the 304 highest contribution bases within the last 308 months.
Spain's supermarket basket now costs 39.5% more than five years ago, based on OCU analysis of 101,520 prices. Ground coffee has risen 142% since 2021, size M eggs 135%, size L eggs 123% and milk chocolate 101%. Orange juice, ice cream bars and stewing beef also climbed sharply.
Petrol and diesel prices have risen for 20 and 16 consecutive days, respectively, with averages of 1.946 and 1.942 euros per litre. Catalonia has the cheapest 95-octane petrol at 1.915 euros and 72.8% of stations below 2 euros; Navarra has the cheapest diesel at 1.903 euros. Murcia, La Rioja, the Valencian Community and Aragon also have many stations below 2 euros.
Spain will introduce deposit-return systems under an EU packaging waste regulation that has been in force since August 12. Bars, restaurants and supermarkets will charge a refundable deposit of about 10 cents on bottles and cans. The EU wants a collection rate of at least 70%; Spain collected only 41.3% of single-use plastic bottles in 2023.
Spain beat England at Wembley in their first match since winning the World Cup. They led early, trailed at halftime and missed several clear chances, while England's Kane missed a penalty. It was a winning start to their title reign.
The "ley de nietos" (grandchildren law) has generated more than 2.4 million applications for Spanish nationality of origin. It stems from the 2022 Ley de Memoria Democrática as historical reparations. An opinion piece asks what link should be required for nationality, residence and voting rights.
The first warning of a planned mass crossing at Ceuta came via a WhatsApp message from the CNI on July 29. The message alerted the Delegation to a call to storm the fence and sea at 20:00 the next day; groups behind it had around 180,000 followers. Officials dismissed it as "Sus rilas".
Around 20,000 people joined the second "Marcha por la Dignidad" in Madrid to protest the government's handling of the Ceuta crisis and demand early elections. The march was organized by Sociedad Civil Española and attended by Vox leader Santiago Abascal and PP secretary general Miguel Tellado. Protesters chanted against Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and President Pedro Sánchez.
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