Transport Minister Óscar Puente will stay after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected his resignation offer following the October 28 Urda rail crash. At least 69 people died. Puente says evidence points to a failure at Adif's control centre in Atocha, Madrid.
Annual inflation held at 4.9% in October, its third month above 4%, according to the flash estimate from INE (national statistics institute). Core inflation stayed at 3.1%. Lower vehicle fuel prices helped, but gas, liquid fuels, and smaller falls in package holiday prices offset that relief.
October's average Euribor eased to 3,239% from 3,247% in September. Kelisto calculates that variable-rate borrowers with annual reviews in November face average rises of €100 a month, or 11%. Six-monthly reviews add €46 a month, or 5%.
The government has issued two replacement housing decrees, but parliament's standing committee must still validate them after Congress rejected earlier measures. A survey of more than 600 agencies recorded 1,523 blocked contract signings amid uncertainty over rental rules before the November 29 general election.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente says the government is considering closing the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line during renovation works planned from 2027. A closure could shorten five years of work to 24 or 12 months. He expects opposition if the government chooses to halt Spain's most used high-speed line.
Spain's economy grew 0.6% in the third quarter, slightly slower than in spring, and 2.7% year on year. Household consumption drove most of the growth, while public spending also rose. Persistent inflation could weaken spending towards the end of the year.
A study in Cell analysed 243 ancient genomes from 31 archaeological sites to trace migration into Roman-era Iberia. It found that arrivals from North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean changed the population's genetic makeup. Trade and political links helped people move and settle across the region.
Police have arrested at least 10 people, including four minors, linked to the Blocus movement, which calls for riots and looting. Social media posts urge disturbances on October 31, including in Bilbao and Málaga. Catalan police see copying rather than a coordinated organisation.
A €2 handling fee per shipment of small non-EU parcels takes effect on November 1, to fund customs checks. It adds to the €3 duty per item category on parcels under €150, in force since July 1. In principle, importers pay the charges, but consumer groups warn platforms may pass the new fee on to shoppers.
EU rules applying from July 10, 2027 would cap business cash payments at €10,000. Spain already has a stricter €1,000 limit, with a €10,000 allowance for non-residents acting privately. Payments between individuals and bank deposits are exempt from the EU cap; covered firms must identify customers paying €3,000 or more in cash.
Crypto platform Binance has temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals after reporting a security incident with an estimated impact of $6.3 billion. It says partners helped freeze about $3 billion in affected assets. Binance says it will cover all losses through its user protection fund and its own resources.
Average rents in Catalonia rose 60% between 2015 and 2024, against a 30.46% rise in average gross pay, a UGT union report finds. Rent now takes 45.21% of median net pay, up from 39.35% in 2015. That exceeds the 30% threshold seen as excessive.
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