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Dutch Crown Princess Amalia lived in Spain after threats – reports

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Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, reportedly spent over a year in Spain due to serious security threats against her. Dutch media sources, citing information from the public broadcaster NOS, revealed that she opted to study in Madrid for enhanced safety and greater freedom of movement. This decision came after threats emerged in autumn 2022, prompting her relocation from her student accommodation in Amsterdam back to her home.

During this period of heightened security concerns, both Princess Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte faced increased protective measures due to kidnapping threats originating from organized crime in the Netherlands. Queen Máxima expressed her daughter’s inability to enjoy a typical student life during this time, emphasizing the limitations imposed on her activities, including her confinement to their residence.

Despite the challenges, Princess Amalia resumed her studies upon returning to Amsterdam. Fluent in Spanish, a language she acquired through her mother’s Argentinean heritage, she found Madrid to be a comfortable environment for her studies. Reports suggest that she may have already relocated to Madrid by February 2023, as she was seen there alongside her mother and friends.

Princess Amalia’s longing for normalcy was palpable during a state visit to the Caribbean in February 2023, where she expressed missing the ordinary experiences of a student. Despite her time abroad, she was reported to have returned to Amsterdam as early as February to continue her studies in Politics, Psychology, Law, and Economics. These revelations about her stay in Spain come ahead of a state visit to the Netherlands by Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, where Princess Amalia is expected to make her first appearance in a domestic royal visit.

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Vinicius Jr: Racist abuse means Brazil winger feels ‘less like playing’

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Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr expressed feeling increasingly reluctant to continue playing football due to the persistent racist abuse he has endured. Despite facing ten reported incidents of racism in La Liga last season, the 23-year-old remains determined not to let racism drive him away from Real Madrid or Spain. Vinicius emphasized his commitment to staying in Spain to defy the racists and asserted that leaving would only serve their agenda. He acknowledged the difficulty of moving past the abuse and stated his dwindling enthusiasm for playing the sport.

Vinicius’s resolve to remain in Spain was reinforced as Brazil prepared to face Spain in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu, coinciding with an anti-racism campaign titled ‘One skin’. Real Madrid recently filed a complaint against a referee for allegedly omitting racist abuse directed at Vinicius from his match report, though Osasuna denied such claims.

The winger has faced numerous instances of racism in recent seasons, including chants from Atletico Madrid fans and fines and stadium bans for offenders involved in racially motivated incidents. This season alone, reports of racist abuse have surfaced during matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Valencia.

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Valencia fire: Nine bodies found as Spanish police search gutted flats

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Firefighters and forensic experts in Spain have reported the recovery of nine bodies from the wreckage of a 14-floor apartment complex in Valencia after a fire ravaged it. Initially, authorities stated that 10 people had perished, but later revised the number, indicating one person was missing.

The rapid spread of the flames, believed to have originated on the fourth floor of one of the blocks, was attributed to both the cladding affixed to the exterior of the building and strong winds. The fire engulfed the structure within minutes, hindering firefighters’ efforts to reach beyond the 12th floor due to the swift combustion facilitated by the cladding.

Investigations highlighted the cladding, which was permitted under building regulations at the time of construction in 2008 but has since been prohibited, as a potential cause for the fire’s rapid escalation. Despite its ban, there was no initiative to remove the hazardous cladding, contrasting with measures taken in the UK after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Amidst the devastation, acts of bravery emerged, including the efforts of a caretaker named Julián, who courageously attempted to evacuate residents as the fire spread. Individuals recounted harrowing experiences of escaping the inferno, with some sustaining injuries. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other officials pledged support for the affected families and communities.

Efforts to aid those displaced by the fire are underway, with initiatives to provide housing and essential supplies. The local community has rallied to offer assistance, with donations pouring in for the survivors. In a gesture of respect for the victims, a La Liga match scheduled for Saturday has been postponed. Valencia FC expressed condolences for the tragedy that befell the city.

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Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov who defected to Ukraine ‘shot dead’ in Spain

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The body discovered in Spain, suspected to be that of Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine in the previous year, was found near Alicante. Despite Spanish authorities withholding public confirmation of his identity, Ukrainian intelligence has acknowledged his demise. The victim was located with documents aligning with Kuzminov’s nationality, albeit bearing a different name, indicating potential use of a false identity.

Kuzminov’s defection unfolded in August when he flew a helicopter into Ukrainian territory, a maneuver termed “Operation Synytsia.” He declared opposition to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine as his primary motivation for switching allegiance. Despite offers of protection and incentives to remain in Ukraine, Kuzminov opted to relocate to Spain.

While Russian authorities have refrained from official commentary, Sergei Naryshkin of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service denounced Kuzminov as a traitor and criminal. Following Kuzminov’s defection, a Russian intelligence officer hinted at his potential demise before facing trial.

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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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Olive oil price skyrockets as Spanish drought bites

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Francisco José García de Zúñiga, a farmer in Jaén, Spain, is facing a challenging harvest season due to consecutive years of drought in 2022 and 2023. Jaén is a crucial region for olive oil production, with Spain being the world’s largest producer, contributing to 70% of European Union consumption and 45% globally.

The persistent lack of rain in olive-producing areas like Jaén has led to a significant impact on both the quantity and price of olive oil. Mr García de Zúñiga emphasizes that Spain’s challenges affect global production, adhering to the basic law of supply and demand. As Spain produces less oil, global supply decreases, and if demand remains constant, prices rise.

In Spain, olive oil prices have surged by over 70% this year, following a substantial increase in 2022. Factors contributing to this surge include rising costs of fuel, electricity, and fertilizers over the past two years, but the primary factor is the extended period of drought. The Nuestra Señora del Pilar cooperative, one of the world’s largest olive oil factories, experienced a severely low olive harvest in the 2022-23 season.

Cristóbal Gallego Martínez, the cooperative’s president, highlights the impact of climate change on traditional agricultural assumptions. Dry periods are lasting longer, and the usual cycle of poor and good harvests is disrupted. He calls for government measures, such as investing in irrigation systems, to address the changing climate patterns.

The rise in olive oil prices is not limited to Spain, as it has been observed across Europe. Some neighboring countries have seen a less sharp increase, leading to Spaniards crossing borders to purchase slightly cheaper oil. The UK and Ireland, for instance, have lower prices due to having bought oil at a lower cost several months ago.

Despite the economic considerations, experts warn against opting for cheaper alternatives, as olive oil is a vital component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. Lower-cost alternatives, such as sunflower oil, might lead to a loss in nutritional value. Fernando López-Segura, from Córdoba’s Reina Sofía hospital, underscores the cardiovascular benefits of consuming [virgin extra] olive oil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its place in the Mediterranean diet. However, current consumption trends are influenced not only by health considerations but also by the unpredictable patterns of rainfall.

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Davis Cup final 2023: Italy beat Australia to win first title for 47 years

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Italy clinched their first Davis Cup title in 47 years as Jannik Sinner dominated Alex de Minaur, securing a 2-0 victory over Australia in Malaga, Spain. Matteo Arnaldi set the tone with a tense 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin in the opening singles, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. Sinner, in exceptional form, then cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 triumph against De Minaur, sealing the historic victory.

The win marked Italy’s second Davis Cup triumph, the previous one dating back to 1976. Sinner’s outstanding week, including a crucial win against Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, underscored his late-season brilliance. Italy’s path to victory also featured Matteo Berrettini’s positive contribution.

Sinner, ranked fourth globally, showcased his dominance by breaking De Minaur early and maintaining control throughout. The victory was not only a result of individual brilliance but also a collective effort, with Arnaldi playing a crucial role in securing the initial lead.

The Australian team, aiming for their 29th Davis Cup title, faced disappointment after back-to-back final losses, having been defeated by Canada the previous year. Italy’s triumph was a testament to their resilience, overcoming challenges and celebrating the win with jubilation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated the team for their talent and commitment, acknowledging the historic achievement. The week in Malaga was marked by a fabulous atmosphere, reigniting debates about the competition format while affirming the success of the event organized by Malaga and the International Tennis Federation.

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ATP Finals 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Jannik Sinner to win title

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Novak Djokovic secured his record seventh ATP Finals title with a commanding victory over Jannik Sinner, avenging his earlier loss in the group stage. The 36-year-old Serbian’s 6-3, 6-3 win in Turin, Italy, marked another milestone in a remarkable season where he set records in rankings and titles. Djokovic expressed that it was one of the best seasons of his life, especially significant to crown it against the hometown hero, Jannik.

Before the singles final, British success was celebrated in the doubles as Joe Salisbury and his American partner Rajeev Ram retained their title. They claimed victory in straight sets against Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

In the singles final, Djokovic took control early with a break and dominated, dropping only two points on his serve in the flawless opening set. Despite Sinner’s efforts, Djokovic secured another break in the second set, sealing his victory with a double fault from Sinner on the first match point. This win marked Djokovic’s seventh ATP Finals title, surpassing Roger Federer’s six.

Djokovic reflected on his tactical adjustments from the group stage and described the week as phenomenal. He acknowledged the need to step up his game against younger challengers like Sinner and attributed his success to a brilliant performance, winning an impressive 91% of first-serve points.

Djokovic’s victory in the ATP Finals added to his list of achievements in a record-setting year. He surpassed Federer for titles won at the ATP Finals, secured the year-end men’s world number one position for a record eighth time, and spent a record 400 weeks at the top of the singles rankings. This year, Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam singles titles, overtaking Rafael Nadal’s men’s tally and tying Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. The victory in Turin set the stage for Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major at the upcoming Australian Open in January. Despite the tour season ending, Djokovic continued his playing season at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain, where he led Serbia in the quarter-final against Great Britain.

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Spain’s Pedro Sánchez wins new term as PM after amnesty deal

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Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez has successfully navigated weeks of negotiations to secure a parliamentary vote, allowing him to serve another term as Spain’s prime minister. Despite the Popular Party winning elections in July, their leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, failed to form a majority. Sánchez, however, clinched a four-seat majority in the 350-seat chamber, solidifying his position.

One key aspect of Sánchez’s success was the sealing of an amnesty deal for Catalans involved in a failed bid to secede from Spain. This move was pivotal in gaining support from two Catalan pro-independence parties, even though it has stirred controversy. Critics argue that Sánchez’s proposed amnesty for politicians and activists may reignite secessionist sentiments, posing a threat to Spain’s territorial unity.

The amnesty deal, covering actions dating back to 2012, has been a point of contention, with many in Spain’s judiciary criticizing the proposal. Despite opposition, Sánchez defended the move, stating that it would help “heal wounds” and promote reconciliation. However, the main judges’ association condemned it as the “beginning of the end of democracy.”

Sánchez’s reliance on Catalan pro-independence parties has sparked protests across Spain, with tens of thousands expressing their discontent. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of prioritizing personal interests over the country’s, emphasizing the potential risks to Spain’s unity. The political atmosphere became tense, with incidents such as protesters booing MPs and right-wing Catholic organizations displaying anti-Sánchez messages, further highlighting the divisions.

Despite the controversies, Sánchez rejected claims that his government is dependent on parties seeking to break up Spain. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, signaling the official continuation of his leadership. However, the fragility of his new government is evident, as tensions persist and some coalition partners, like Podemos, express dissatisfaction with their role in the administration.

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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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