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Spain Socialists win Catalan vote as separatists lose ground

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The recent regional election in Catalonia marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Socialists, led by Salvador Illa, emerging victorious with 42 seats. This success contrasted with a drop in support for independence to 42%, down from 49% in 2017, signaling a setback for pro-independence parties.

Despite the Socialist victory, forming a government may prove challenging, as coalition negotiations are necessary. The fragmented nature of the Catalan parliament, divided by unionist-separatist allegiances and left-right divisions, is likely to prolong post-election discussions.

The amnesty law, a contentious issue benefiting nationalists and championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, played a pivotal role in securing support. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from opponents on the right, for its perceived leniency towards separatist activities.

Calls for unity among pro-independence parties have emerged, but the complexity of the political landscape suggests that negotiations will be intricate. Despite former regional president Carles Puigdemont’s suggestion for a coalition between pro-independence parties, the path to forming a government remains uncertain.

Additionally, the election saw gains for the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox, while the centrist Ciudadanos lost all representation in the parliament. A new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, also secured two seats, further diversifying the political spectrum in Catalonia.

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Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez halts public duties as wife faces inquiry

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has put his public duties on hold to contemplate whether he should continue leading the government. This decision comes after a court initiated a preliminary inquiry into allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. The allegations, raised by the anti-corruption group Manos Limpias, suggest influence peddling and corruption. However, these claims are based on online news articles, prompting doubts about their validity.

Sánchez expressed his intention to make a decision regarding his political future next Monday. He denounced what he perceives as a concerted effort to undermine him politically and personally, particularly targeting his wife. The specific accusations against Begoña Gómez relate to her connections with private companies that received government funds or contracts, including a sponsorship deal involving Globalia and a foundation she was involved with.

The situation is politically charged, with Sánchez’s coalition government relying on support from Catalan separatist parties. This support was secured in exchange for concessions such as an amnesty covering the banned Catalan referendum in 2017. The opposition, particularly the conservative Popular Party, has demanded explanations, but Sánchez maintains his belief in justice despite the mounting pressure.

The situation reflects a complex political landscape in Spain, with implications for both national and regional politics, including the upcoming European Parliament elections and Catalonia’s regional elections.

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Catalonia: State of emergency declared as region faces worst ever drought

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The Spanish region of Catalonia is grappling with its most severe drought on record, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency. With reservoirs dwindling to just 16% of their capacity, over six million residents across 200 towns, including Barcelona, will be subject to stringent water usage restrictions. Measures include bans on car washing and filling swimming pools, as well as significant reductions in water consumption for agriculture and industry.

The severity of the drought is evident in towns like Berga, where residents like Anna Casòliva Freixe, who operates a bakery, express concerns about the lack of water for both essential needs and daily activities. Catalonia, bordering southern France, is unaccustomed to such conditions, and there are considerations to bring in water by ship to Barcelona if local sources run dry, a measure previously taken in 2008.

While the Catalan government had implemented a drought strategy in 2021 to diversify water sources and reduce reliance on reservoirs, the escalating crisis necessitated the imposition of emergency measures. The government acknowledges the possibility of the drought being linked to climate change, given the region’s vulnerability to dry spells and the Mediterranean’s temperature rising 20% faster than the global average.

In Barcelona, the impact of the drought is less immediately visible than in the surrounding mountains, but measures like turning off decorative fountains and restricting watering of gardens have been in effect for a year. As the region, including Barcelona, faces water shortages, concerns arise about its status as a top tourist destination. With over 12 million visitors in 2023, tourism authorities are adapting to the water scarcity by implementing measures in hotels and urging visitors to use water judiciously. Despite preparations, many Catalans express a sense that the situation may worsen, emphasizing the need for a collective reduction in water consumption.

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Spanish fury at Pedro Sánchez’ controversial amnesty plan for power

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Protests led by right-wing groups against Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have escalated in violence, underscoring the tensions surrounding his push for a contentious amnesty law. Approximately 7,000 demonstrators converged outside the headquarters of Sánchez’s Socialist party in Madrid on Tuesday. The Prime Minister is striving to secure an investiture vote that would enable him to form a new government and avert a potential snap election.

To attain parliamentary support, Sánchez must enlist the backing of Catalan separatists. The demonstrations in Madrid, along with other cities, have grown increasingly aggressive, with 29 police officers and 10 protestors sustaining injuries during Tuesday night’s clashes. Sánchez took to social media to assert, “They will not break the Socialist Party.”

Following the failure of the conservative People’s Party (PP) leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to establish a government in September, Sánchez, who came second in the July general election, is on the verge of securing adequate parliamentary support for a coalition government with the left-wing alliance Sumar.

To gain the support of Catalan parties, Sánchez has agreed to an amnesty for several hundred Catalan politicians and activists facing legal action related to the failed secession attempt in 2017. This move has faced intense criticism, with opponents accusing Sánchez of jeopardizing Spain’s unity and manipulating the amnesty for political survival.

The opposition, particularly the far-right Vox party, has vehemently opposed the amnesty, calling for continued protests and urging the police to defy ‘illegal’ orders. Despite internal support within the Socialist Party, several senior members, including former Prime Minister Felipe González, have spoken out against the initiative, emphasizing its potential to disrupt social harmony in Spain. A division has also emerged within the judiciary, reflecting the deep political polarization over the amnesty.

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Portugal battles wildfires amid third heatwave of the year

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Amidst soaring temperatures, firefighters in Portugal are working diligently to contain wildfires that have spread across thousands of hectares. An overnight effort near Odemira involved around 800 personnel, leading to the evacuation of over 1,400 individuals. Tragically, nine firefighters have sustained injuries during the firefighting operations.

The Iberian Peninsula is expected to experience temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) this week. While three significant fires in Spain have been brought under control after scorching extensive areas, weather advisories persist across the country.

Portugal recorded its highest temperature of the year, reaching 46.4°C (116°F) in Santarém on Monday. A blaze that ignited near Odemira on Saturday was propelled southward into the Algarve’s hilly interior due to strong winds. Approximately 6,700 hectares (16,600 acres) of land have already been devastated, and numerous villages, tourist accommodations, and a camping site were evacuated. The mayor of Odemira described the situation as “critical, difficult, and complex.”

Elsewhere in Portugal, major fires prompted the closure of several sections of highways, including parts of the A1 connecting Lisbon and Porto. Firefighting efforts across both regions are being aided by sixteen waterbombing aircraft.

In response to the heightened fire risk, authorities have labeled over 120 municipalities in Portugal as being at maximum wildfire risk. Meanwhile, in Spain, fires near Cadiz, Huelva, and Catalonia consumed over 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) collectively over the weekend.

This week’s heatwave marks the third to affect the Iberian peninsula this summer. According to Ruben del Campo of Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, the heatwave results from a substantial mass of hot, dry air originating from North Africa and is projected to be more intense, widespread, and longer-lasting than the two previous ones in July.

The increasing risk of such scorching and dry conditions that fuel wildfires is attributed to climate change. Global temperatures have already risen by around 1.1°C since the onset of the industrial era, and this trend will persist unless governments worldwide take significant measures to reduce emissions.

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Spanish swimming pools in Catalonia told not to ban topless bathing

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Activists in Catalonia are celebrating a recent development where the regional government has instructed town and city halls to allow women to go topless in public swimming pools. This decision comes as a result of a 2020 Catalan equality law that guarantees the right to go topless.

Despite the law, some municipal swimming pools had prohibited women from doing so, leading to numerous complaints each summer. The Catalan government’s department of equality and feminism sent a letter to local authorities, emphasizing that preventing women from going topless constitutes discrimination and infringes upon personal freedom and body autonomy.

The letter also specified that breastfeeding and the use of full body bathing suits, including the Muslim “burkini,” should be permitted. Municipalities failing to comply with the directive can face fines of up to €500,000 (£430,000). The decision has been welcomed by activists, including the feminist group Mugrons Lliures (Free Nipples), who have campaigned for gender equality in this regard.

The issue of toplessness has garnered attention beyond swimming pools, as demonstrated by an incident at a Pride event in Murcia, where a singer performing topless was later questioned by local police.

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News

Catalonia makes masks mandatory in public

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Catalonia, the most popular autonomous region in Spain, has made face masks mandatory in public for all those aged over five.

Notably, the move has come after the region has witnessed a surge in new cases of coronavirus.

The new rule means that anyone caught without a mask faces the serious fine punishment of around €100.

One of the agricultural regions in the region Segrià has witnessed a surge in new cases in the recent past.

Anyway, the national situation is largely under control. So far, the country had recorded 252,513 cases and 28,396 deaths.

It seems that the country will come back to normal soon. Though earlier the WHO contradicted the claims in connection with the usage of masks, now it supports the idea of making masks mandatory in public.

Many countries across the world have already introduced this policy in their respective regions. There is no wrong in trying anything if it can assure some relief from the crisis.

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News

Deadly blast sends shockwaves to Spaniards

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A deadly blast happened at a chemical factory in the Spanish autonomous territory of Catalonia has sent shockwaves to the people of the country.

As per a preliminary assumption, the blast was accidental. Initially, the authorities asked the residents of the area to stay safely inside their homes. But, later, the directive has been revoked by the same authority, as they have found that no harmful gas was released during the blast.

Catalonia is a heavily industrialised region in the European country of Spain. It is an autonomous region. A movement for the independence of this region from Spain is at a crucial juncture at this stage.

The present Spanish government owes the separatist parties in the region for its existence, as these parties form an integral part of the ruling coalition.

It is not clear how this development is going to reflect in the continuing agitation aimed at the independence of the region from the control of Spain.

No region in Spain is as prosperous as Catalonia. The Spanish economy relies hugely on the region for its stability.

The disinterest of Spain to give the region what it wants is linked to the aforesaid fact. The country knows well that losing Catalonia means losing its economic stability.


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News Politics

Spain: PM Sanchez wins support of Catalan separatist party

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Paving the way for the formation of a coalition government, the biggest separatist party based in Catalonia has extended its support to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The move has end the deadlock under which Spain was brought by an inconclusive election result.

The support means Spain can no longer look the question of the independence of Catalonia with disrespect.

At this moment, it remains unclear the new coalition government will agree to conduct a formal Catalan independence referendum.

Earlier, an informal referendum conducted by the regional government in Catalonia was supported hugely by the people of the region.

It even paved the way for the emergence of a confrontation between the regional government in Catalonia and the central government.

Meanwhile, another big question that remains is whether the destiny of the punished Catalonian separatist leader will be overturned.

Several Catalonian leaders have been punished severely as the central government has chosen not to take a lenient stand in the independence issue.

Catalonia is a rich territory in Spain. Its culture is a bit different from that of the rest of the country. A considerable number of Catalonians want to be identified with Catalonia than with Spain.

Anyway, the new political development in Spain is a big boost to the Catalonian separatist movement.


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Sports

El Clasico not to take place in scheduled time

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This month’s match between fierce rivals Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is less likely to take place in the scheduled date, as the organisers fear that the match may get disturbed due to the ongoing protest in Barcelona against a Spanish court’s decision to jail certain pro-separatist leaders on the charge of sedition.

The match has been postponed as FC Barcelona has denied the suggestion of the organisers to change venue from Barcelona to Madrid.

The proposed El Clasico is very crucial, as this is the first match happen between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona since the declaration of the controversial verdict by the Spanish court against the Catalan independence leaders.

For the last few days, most regions in Catalonia, including Barcelona, have been witnessing serious protest against the verdict.

It is assumed that the Spanish government does not want to let the game take place in this turbulent time in the soil of Catalonia.


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