Costa Calida 7 – 13 December 2023 Issue 2005

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2005 • 7 - 13 December 2023

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THE Cartagena Town Hall is once again gearing up for its annual toy collection campaign, kicking off today, December 7 with the theme ‘This Christmas, Gift a Smile,’ as announced by Cristina Mora, the councillor for Social Services. The primary objective remains ensuring that no child in Cartagena goes without a gift this festive season.

From December 7 to 23, businesses, organisations, and individuals can contribute their gifts at the Palacio de Deportes. “Together, let’s ensure that children in Cartagena smile during these festivities because a small gesture creates immense joy,” remarked Mora. “In the previous campaign, 1,586 children aged between 0 and 12 received around 3,200 toys. Due to high inflation affecting our country, many families struggle to meet basic needs, and many can’t afford to provide their little ones with a gift.”

Cartagena Town Hall urged everyone to donate new toys suitable for children aged 0 to 12, promoting imaginative play. The gifts will be delivered from December 18 to 22.

Image: Cartagena.es

Image: Lorca Town Hall

CHRISTMAS MAGIC Gift a Smile

RADIANT LORCA: Where Christmas dreams come true.

LORCA is aglow with the spirit of Christmas once more.

The city’s streets shimmer with the traditional lights that officially lit up on Saturday night December 2, captivating a bustling Plaza de España, filled like never before with approximately 6,500 people, as per the Local Police estimates.

This year, the extraordinary Christmas lighting cost €153,000, featuring a standout towering 20-metre-high luminous tree adorned with 55,000 LED bulbs, placed in Plaza de España, facing the town hall. The square hosted the ‘Floating Christmas’ spectacle, staged 10 metres high, featuring lights, music, aerial dance, and even a piano suspended in mid-air.

Mayor Fulgencio Gil, accompanied by a girl affected by Rett syndrome, had the honour of flipping the switch, illuminating the city centre with 124 luminous arches, 87 across neighbourhoods, and 52 in the outskirts.

The Local Development Department adorned various city corners with 30 luminous trees crafted by students from vocational training schools. The Barto-

lomé Pérez Casas choir and Alfonso X el Sabio school choir performed during the lighting ceremony.

Lorca is also enjoying its inaugural Christmas mar-

ket on Calle Corredera, the central pedestrian avenue adorned with 20 stalls offering traditional Christmas sweets, artisan nativity scenes, and tree decorations.

Celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season.

EWN

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7 - 13 December 2023

Market time CARTAGENA’s town hall has exciting news for this holiday season! A delightful Christmas craft market will grace the port esplanade from December 15 to January 5.

The market promises a festive array of delights, showcasing traditional Nativity scenes, yummy Christmas sweets, homemade culinary treats, and a myriad of gift-focused products and handmade items.

Whether you seek charming gifts or simply wish to soak up the seasonal cheer, this much-anticipated market is the place to be.

Open to all throughout this festive season, it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays.

Make sure not to miss out on this enchanting Cartagena tradition this holiday season!

Panto mayhem Liquid gold ADAPT Theatre group once again brought the Spanish and expat communities together with the joy of Panto. This year’s bilingual show ‘Ali Baba and the Four and ½ Thieves’ took place in the Casa del Cultura in San Pedro del Pinatar. This multi-cultural group lit up the stage with its magical mischief from Thursday, November 30 to Sunday, December 3.

The audience was packed with people of all ages and all nationalities and the children shouted out ‘It’s behind you’ in English and Spanish. The wonderful actors belted out their lines in both languages all while singing and dancing.

The script was well put together with slapstick comedy for the kids mixed with more subtle adult humour here and there.

As always, the ‘here’s something we prepared earlier’ video footage was

Image: Catherine McGeer

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Panto Magic kicks off the festive season.

a hit with Ali Baba and crew popping up on the streets and beaches of San Pedro del Pinatar.

ADAPT Theatre Group supports AFEMAR a charity that cares for people with mental health problems in the Mar Menor region and all funds raised from this event will be donated to them.

THE world’s most expensive extra virgin olive oil is made right here in the Region of Murcia. Nestled between Lorca and Caravaca de la Cruz, an extraordinary organic extra virgin olive oil of natural origin, derived from acebuchina (wild olive), is meticulously crafted. Produced by retired Guardia Civil Colonel, Tomás Navarro, near the San José Church in Coy’s highlands, this liquid gold fetches approximately €50 per litre. This unique oil, extracted from acebuchina, an olive variant smaller and less fleshy than conventional olives, yields a mere six litres per hundred kilograms compared to the 25 litres from regular olives. Despite being economically unviable, its rarity makes it unparalleled globally. Acebuchina, nearly five times more concentrated than olives, boasts 18 per cent more polyphenols. Scientifically proven to stimulate the immune system and deter the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments. This elixir stands as a testament to health and exclusivity in the world of organic extra virgin olive oils and it is located right on your doorstep. The brand is called Oleum Deos.

IN the heart of Camposol lies a crucial charity organisation known as FAST. This charity operates round the clock, offering immediate emergency casualty care to both residents and visitors. Their English-speaking volunteer team serves as a vital support system during critical moments.

Beyond their life-saving endeavours, FAST engages the community through various fundraising and engaging events.

From witnessing the enchanting Christmas

FAST festivities lights in Murcia City on December 9 to attending the vibrant Three Kings parade in Cartagena on January 5, and exploring the cultural sights of Aguilas on January 13, the charity arranges activities that blend enjoyment with support for their cause.

For more details visit the FAST stall located in Camposol Sector B, outside The Diner.

LOCAL NEWS

NIBS EXTRA Holiday fun THE Espacio Mediterráneo Shopping Centre has some fun lined up for Christmas with special parades ar­ ranged like the Alice in Won­ derland parade and the Pa­ rade of the Stars. They have also arranged workshops for children like a Christmas Stocking activity and a snow­ man craft session.

Tin artistry A UNIQUE tin art exhibit launched at Casa de la Cul­ tura’s Art Space in San Pedro del Pinatar. Showcasing intri­ cate tin­crafted pieces by Mari Carmen Giménez, the exhibition runs until January 4. Notably, 20 per cent of art­ work sales proceeds will sup­ port the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).

Rock Imperium PREPARE for an electrifying experience as five power­ house bands join the Rock Imperium Festival lineup, promising an epic event.

Night Demon, Cirith Ungol, Igorrr, Richie Kotzen, and Napalm Death will grace the stage, each a genre­ defining sensation. No­ tably, Cirith Ungol’s debut in Spain marks a rare and fi­ nal performance.

Rural access THE Lorca Town Council en­ hances connectivity with ru­ ral areas by extending bus services to Purias which be­ gan on Saturday, December 2. Four departure times from Plaza del Óvalo are set: 9.30am, 2.45pm, 5.30pm, and 7.45pm. This expansion aims to create better access to essential services.

Magical market EXPERIENCE the joy of Christmas at the traditional Christmas market! Discover artisanal goods and live performances. From Fri­ day, December 15, from 5pm to 9pm, and on Satur­ day, December 16, and Sunday, December 17, from 10am to 9pm at Plaza de la Constitución in Al­ hama de Murcia.

euroweeklynews.com Grace Meredith MORATTALLA is now part of the Film Commission Region of Murcia, unveiling its histori­ cal riches and diverse land­ scapes to filmmakers. Joining this initiative enables the town to offer its cultural her­ itage and scenic beauty as po­ tential settings for audiovisual productions.

With a dozen picturesque locations already integrated into the regional Film Com­ mission’s catalogue, including Campo de San Juan, Bajil, Cañada de la Cruz, Castillo de Moratalla, Cerro de San Jorge, Cuevas de Zaen, Estrecho de

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Spotlight Image: carm.es

MORATALLA: Where heritage meets the lens.

Bolvonegro, and lavender fields, Moratalla promises an

Tourism budget THE Regional Government has announced a sub­ stantial 19 per cent increase in investment in tourism promotion, allocating €8 million for ac­ commodation renovations. The initiative aims to bolster the tourism sector. Within the Tourism budget, the Institute of Tourism for the Murcia Re­ gion will receive over €12.5 million earmarked for Tourism Promotion—a crucial aspect anticipated to leverage regional potential for growth and job creation.

This budget will support the 2024 Caravaca de la Cruz Jubilee Year, with over €2 million dedicated to welcoming around one million visitors. Further strategies include ways to support year­round trav­ el to the region. Over €3 million will drive cultural tourism projects like the 'Festivals Murcia Region: More Music' campaign, promoting gastronomy, and fostering sports tourism, hosting more than 100 national and international events.

The General Directorate of Tourism Competi­ tiveness and Quality, with a budget of €5,943,070 (a 62.77 per cent increase from the previous year),

array of visually captivating cinematic backdrops.

Yuletide fun JOIN in the festive celebrations at Camposol with an array of exciting Christmas events brought to you by Age Concern.

Embrace the holiday spirit and be a part of these upcoming ac­ tivities that promise to spread joy and support a worthy cause.

Age Concern is dedicated to aiding the local community by directing all funds raised to­ wards crucial necessities such as medical visits and fostering companionship programmes.

To secure your tickets for these anticipated events, drop by the Social Centre on Avenida de Los Covachos, Camposol C Sector, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm. Alternatively, contact Age Concern via phone on 634 317 537 or through email at ageconcerncostacali da@gmail.com. You can also

Festive period SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR kicked off the festive lineup of events on Tues­ day December 5 with the Christmas lighting ceremony and the opening of the nativity scene. This year the town hall presented an extensive pro­ gramme of events for all the family over the holiday season.

Staples like the Santa Claus parade and the Three Kings parade will be ac­ companied by a host of workshops, events, and activities.

Check out the town hall website sanpedrodelpinatar.es for the entire

Manuel Cebrián, Director General of the Institute of Cul­ tural Industries and Arts, com­ mended Moratalla’s unique appeal, citing its rich heritage and natural beauty. The mu­ nicipality’s geographical diver­ sity, comprising dense forests, mountains up to 2,000 me­ tres high, and fertile river val­ leys, coupled with its historical architecture, offers a com­ pelling canvas for filmmakers.

programme which includes a Playmo­ bil exhibition, Christmas decoration workshops, greetings cards work­ shops, traditional games, concerts, musicals, and much more.

This year there will also be a Christ­ mas train for the little ones. Vouchers for this will be distributed by local businesses. The majority of the events will take place on Plaza de la Constitu­ ción making the centre of San Pedro del Pinatar a hub of activity over the festive period, encouraging everyone to shop locally this Christmas.

reach out via their Facebook page ­ Age Concern Costa Cali­ da.

For those in the Port area, tickets are available every Sat­ urday morning between 11am and 1pm at Nico’s Bar, conve­ niently located next door to the Market Tavern, courtesy of Pat. The lineup includes a variety of engaging events such as the Benidorm Coach Trip on Mar­ ket Day, the Great Christmas Cupcake Bake­off at the Christ­ mas Fayre, delightful sessions of Christmas Carols comple­ mented by mulled wine and mince pies, the Jingle Bell Ball, a heartwarming Christmas lunch, and the exciting New Year’s swim day.

Age Concern is relying on the community’s support to make these events both memorable and successful!

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Postal past THE iconic image of the Roman Theatre of Carta­ gena has taken flight across Europe, gracing postal stamps as of this week. The design and production was entrust­ ed to Sermoga. This cus­ tomised stamp of Carta­ gena will be readily available for tourists and visitors to purchase at Cartagena Puerto de Cul­ turas museums’ shops.

Visitors can promptly drop their letters or post­ cards into the mailboxes within these museums for direct dispatch to their intended recipients.

Moreover, the stamp will be accessible for pur­ chase at other affiliated and authorised estab­ lishments, including bookstores, souvenir shops, campsites, bazaars, museums, and newsstands, not only within the Murcia region but also across various parts of Spain.

The Euro Weekly News publishes more content both online at euroweeklynews.com and in its papers than any other English news publication in Spain.

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to

always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

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Market update GREAT news from Cartagena’s Markets Department!

The famous Ribera de San Javier weekly market, known as the Cenit market, which usually takes place on Wednesdays, is now approved to open on Saturdays throughout December – specifically on 9, 16, 23, and 30. They’ll stick to their usual morning hours.

This decision was made back in May by the majority of the Municipal Board for Street Vendors during their regular meetup. Why the change? Well, it came

as a response to a request put forth by the Cartagena Association of Market Vendors.

Also, during the Constitution and Immaculate Conception holiday period, mark your calendars! Ribera de San Javier’s market was up and running on Wednesday, December 6. Don’t forget about the markets at Urbanización Mediterráneo, El Algar, Llano del Beal, and Pozo Estrecho on Friday, December 8 if those locations suit you better.

Salt oasis

REVIVING the Marchamalo Salt Flats is one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the Region in recent years. The social awareness driving the restoration of the Mar Menor has, in a way, influenced other projects previously less prominent.

Among them is the rejuvenation of the Marchamalo salt flats and their salt production. The initial phase nears completion, pending minor details, and ANSE, the leading association behind the project, anticipates a public opening by next spring.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

This proverb is from Japan and teaches us that perseverance is one of the most important virtues. Whatever happens - keep on keeping on!

Following the completion of this first phase - revamping auxiliary buildings (old salt flats), repairing the feeding channel, and constructing four small ponds - the aim is to continue the salt flats’ restoration process. The project is planned for completion in 2025.

The second phase involves dredging the remaining salt ponds and optimising the salt production process, alongside additional activities like oyster farming, already underway at the Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar.

For this initial phase, ANSE, via its foundation, has invested over €70,000 for the concession of approximately 10 hectares of salt flat area.

Plans also include constructing an observation tower, a brine pool, and mud baths.

Image: Facebook/Sonrisas Harmony

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Sonrisas harmony creating Christmas vibes.

Festive harmony GET into the festive spirit with Sonrisas Harmony A Cappella Chorus who have many events coming up.

Today, December 7 at 7pm, they will perform in a magical setting in the courtyard of the Hotel Balneario La Encarnacion in Los Alcázares for Carols by Candlelight.

Get your tickets early for this one as seating is limited.

For an authentic German Christmas visit Booches in Los Alcázares on Saturday, December 9 from 2pm until 5pm. From 3.30pm Sonrisas Harmony will be performing and Booches will be serving mulled wine, coffee, and a selection of festive cakes. Finally, on December 16, they will be singing around the Christmas Tree in the Dos Mares shopping centre.

1.4 billion The number of insects per person.

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Mysterious contrails

THE skies of Murcia once again caused a stir on social media recently.

Anyone with a camera phone snapped pictures of unusual contrails that zigzagged all over the skies of the region. Many speculated about their origins, especially after the British Eurofighter typhoon jet shook the windows along the Costa Calida and the Costa Blanca recently when it broke the sound barrier. A few theories have been put forward to explain the contrails.

According to real-time flight tracking on Flightradar24.com a Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft was in the skies at that time. The flight path raised eyebrows as the plane executed some unusual manoeuvres and some wondered if the plane had technical issues while others shared theories of deliberate ‘aggressive’ manoeuvres.

Flightradar24.com also displayed an F-18 aircraft in the air and the Royal Airforce Eurofighter Typhoon SHARK032 which is based in Albacete for training purposes. Locals put forward their ideas about the presence of the aircraft which ranged from ‘chemtrail’ theories to a possible protection mission.

S-81 Submarine Image: carm.es

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Cartagena’s milestone S-81 submarine delivery.

THE recent delivery of the S-81 submarine to the Spanish Navy marks a historic milestone for Cartagena and the entire Region of Murcia. President Fernando López Miras emphasised that this achievement highlights Cartagena’s technological and industrial capabilities, signifying a significant day for the Armada and Spain’s shipbuilding sector.

López Miras hailed the completion of this cutting-edge submersible, constructed at the Navan-

tia shipyard in Cartagena, as a source of immense pride for the region. He highlighted how this event not only celebrates Cartagena but also stands as a pivotal moment for Spain’s naval construction, acknowledging the city as a major industrial powerhouse.

The President highlighted the global significance of this achievement, stating, “We can proudly say that Cartagena has built one of the most advanced submarines globally, sure to attract interest and ad-

miration from numerous navies currently renewing their fleets.”

Additionally, López Miras emphasised the potential of Cartagena’s connection with the defence, aiming to bolster the regional economy by fostering companies in this sector. The Regional Government’s commitment to establishing a defence-focused business accelerator aims to leverage the area’s strengths, with an emphasis on innovation, investment attraction, and job creation.

Transport boost

THE Ministry of Development and Infrastructure presented its budget proposal for 2024. The budget, totalling €235,700,229, reflects a notable 12.3 per cent increase compared to the current fiscal year.

Notably, the General Directorates of Roads and Mobility and Transportation will witness an 84.15 per cent increase in their budgets. This increase aims to enhance investments in Murcia’s regional roads.

Improving road safety is a top priority, targeting the elimination of accident-prone areas. Approximately €70.38 million will be allocated to Road Management, with €37.06 million dedicated to road preservation, €27.58 million for enhancements and network planning, and €5.73 million for the Road Safety program.

The budget will ensure the maintenance of existing roads and honour commitments to projects like the Northwest Motorway and the RM-1 Motorway project (Zeneta-A7 section). Key initiatives highlighted include the €12.4 million railway link to the Logistics Activity Zone (ZAL) in Murcia, the €9.9 million Intermodal Transport Station, and a €6.7 million secure truck parking— funded through the European Connecting Europe Mechanism.

The region’s continued commitment to funding the arrival of the high-speed AVE train and the underground network in Murcia, amounting to €150 million, impacts the investment capacity.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

PILARMONICS Chorus has been spreading festive cheer throughout the region. Get into the festive spirit as the choir continues their Christmas appearances around Murcia and the Costa Calida where they will be singing their collection of Seasonal songs in English, Spanish, and German.

On December 13 the chorus will be having some Festive fun with the students of the Language School in San Javier.

On December 14 the Liverpool Pub in San Pedro del Pinatar, is once again welcoming Pilarmonics at 7pm. This is a great opportunity for everyone to join in and sing with the Chorus. Another annual fun event that everyone loves. At 11am on December 15, you will find them at the Golf Club in Hacienda Riquelme, Sucina where they will be joining the Residents for their coffee morning Finally, on December 16, Pilarmonics concludes its Christmas festivities when once again they will be singing around Murcia City to bring some joy to the shoppers.

Who knows, together you might be able to make the first Festive Flash Mob!

Tree-mendous cheer THE festive season in Murcia continues in full force with the highly anticipated unveiling of the grand Christmas tree at Circular Plaza on December 9. The tree lighting ceremony promises ‘a unique spectacle with big surprises,’ according to the town hall.

One of those surprises has been announced; as Carlos Alcaraz was unveiled as the celebrity who will turn on the Christmas tree lights in Murcia City.

The Municipal Nativity Scene opened on December 2 at the Episcopal Palace and is always worth a visit. Mayor Ballesta emphasised the campaign’s focus this year is on traditional Christmas values, intertwining the past with the future, celebrating family, reunions, and the enchantment of children, grandparents, and parents.

The town hall has also provided ‘photo spots’

Image: Pilarmonics Chorus

Carol singing

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FESTIVE FUN: Yule love it!

across Murcia, inviting everyone to contribute to the festivities. People can share what ‘Rekindles’ the spirit of Christmas for them and their families.

The best photos will be displayed on city billboards and digital platforms. More than 100,00 festive plants and flowers will be planted throughout the streets, squares, and gardens of Murcia and the surrounding areas.

Electric bus

MURCIA’s inaugural Tranvibus or BTR (Bus-Tram) surprised passengers boarding from the Alameda de Colón stop en route to the La Arrixaca Hospital as the new 100 per cent electric 18-metre-long vehicle took its first trip through Murcia’s streets. Pedestrians were impressed by its striking design.

Carrying just over 100 passengers, the Tranvibus stops at the same locations as a standard bus with the overall travel time cut by 10 to 15 minutes due to the new bus lanes. The regular ticket costs €1.85, reduced to 46 cents with a pass. However, it will be free from December 1 until January 7 to encourage its use.

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Michelin Stars THE gastronomic scene in the Murcia region maintains its prestige as La Cabaña Buenavista, Magoga, and AlmaMater revalidate their Michelin Stars, contributing to a total of four stars for the region. Although one star fewer than in 2022, following the departure of chef Nazario Cano from Odiseo.

Retaining the highest gastronomic accolades are La Cabaña Buenavista (led by Pablo González-Conejero) with two stars, Magoga (helmed by María Gómez), and AlmaMater (under Juan Guillamón), which secured its position in 2023 after last year’s debut.

The recent Michelin Guide 2024 gala welcomed two new three-star restaurants: Disfrutar in Barcelona and Noor in Córdoba. The count of three-star restaurants in Spain now totals 15. Among the 32 two-star establishments, Venta Moncalvillo in Daroca de Rioja, Logroño, led by Ignacio Echapresto, marks the sole addition alongside La Cabaña Buenavista in El Palmar, Murcia.

Furthermore, the one-star category boasts 225 restaurants, including Murcia’s own María Gómez of Magoga and Juan Guillamón of AlmaMater. Notably, 31 Spanish restaurants earned their inaugural Michelin Star this year.

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Joyful jingles SPANGLES Ladies Harmony Chorus is gearing up to make this Christmas season truly remarkable with their sensational event, ‘Christmas with the Stars.’ Embrace the holiday spirit with a harmonious blend of Motown classics by Barrington and the enchanting tunes of Barbra Streisand performed by the talented Margaret MacDonald.

Save the dates for more magical performances: Today December 7, from 3pm to 5pm, witness the magic at Centro Municipal Las Claras del Mar Menor, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares. Then, on December 10 from 2pm to 2.30pm, join the festivities at Peaky Blinders Bar, Edificio Estrella N° 1, Urb. Estrella de Mar, Cartagena, Spain. And finally, on December 14 from 11am to 2pm, be enchanted at Unica Garden Centre, San Javier.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular musical celebration. For more information see their website spangles chorus.com.

Cave art exhibit Catherine McGeer UNTIL January 28, the Archaeological Museum of Murcia will host an exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Mediterranean cave art’s designation as a World Heritage site.

Curated by the Autonomous Community, this display vividly illustrates the discoveries, research history, and public stewardship of this significant heritage using photos, reconstructions, artifacts, and innovative technologies like 3D and immersive experiences.

Visitors can explore landscapes, cave dwellings, and ancient depictions, offering insights into prehistoric societies and their diverse expressions throughout different eras. This tribute honours the 25 years since the recognition of

Image: carm.es

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WORLD HERITAGE SITE: Explore prehistoric cave art.

Mediterranean cave art as a World Heritage site, a milestone achieved through collaborative efforts among Andalucia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Murcia, and Valencia.

Director-General José Francisco Lajara highlights, ‘Graphic expressions reflect our ancestors’ ways of life,

shaping our collective cultural heritage.’ The exhibition educates on discoveries, research narratives, and preservation projects, helping visitors to witness these ancient artworks firsthand while emphasising the collective responsibility to preserve this legacy for future generations.

Job growth THE unemployment rate in Murcia’s hospitality industry hit an all-time low in October, marking a significant milestone. Official records show a decrease of 615 unemployed individuals compared to last year and a remarkable drop of 2,544 individuals compared to October 2019.

This positive trend is reflected in the sharp rise in workers covered by Social Security in the hospitality and travel sectors, reaching a record high of 45,224 in October, signalling substantial employment stability and growth.

At the end of October, Murcia’s unemployment figures in hospitality stood at an impressive 9,629, marking a 6 per cent decrease from the previous year. These numbers are not only encouraging but also surpass pre-pandemic levels, showcasing a decline in unemployment by 2,544 compared to October 2019.

The region’s overall economy experienced a 5.2 per cent decrease in unemployment, with 4,690 fewer unemployed individuals, among whom 13.1 per cent belonged to the hospitality sector. This consistent growth in the tourism sector has resulted in 31 consecutive months of positive year-over-year growth rates. This substantial improvement in employment numbers not only signifies a strengthening economy but also highlights the resilience and growth potential of Murcia’s hospitality and tourism industry.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Heat’s impact ACCORDING to fishermen in the Mar Menor region, this has been the worst year at sea in their lifetime. November slipped by without the anticipated rush of golden bream that typically graces the market during the onset of winter.

Yet, with no temperature drop or fish in sight, the spirits of fishermen remain low.

They note that the golden breams are still undersized due to past anoxic events wiping out an entire generation of marine life. Now, they eagerly await the growth of a new school.

Eels, usually more promising during this season, are also scarce at the campaign’s start.

However, seasoned fishermen trust that when temperatures fall - typically around mid-January - the eels will fill their nets. Sunday December 3

marked the arrival of the first eels at the Cofradía’s pools, with a pre-sold annual batch of 25,000 kilos to a Valencian company.

The eel fishing season

continues until January 15, after which a month-and-a-half ban takes effect. Any remaining quota can be harvested throughout March.

Winter challenges WINTER vegetable farming in Campo de Cartagena faces challenges due to reduced rainfall, restrictions on well usage, and costly desalinated water. Farmers witness a 30 per cent decrease in cultivated land, leading to substantial job losses. Local farmers will sow 20 per cent less this winter, impacting lettuce and potato harvests. Anticipating a harvest of around 170,000 tons of potatoes, farmers fear meeting European market demands.

The agriculture sector contributes over €1 billion to the region’s GDP, employing 41,500 individuals directly. High water costs (32 cents per cubic meter) from desalination plants hinder profitability. Adaptations in production methods - two yields instead of the usual three or four - are underway.

This decline results in 15 to 20 per cent fewer seasonal job opportunities, affecting field laborers and warehouse workers. Presently, 496 individuals are unemployed in Cartagena’s agricultural sector, a number likely to rise due to decreased production. Farmers feel targeted by continuous inspections following measures to protect the Mar Menor basin, imposed by authorities.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Shane McGowan: One of Ireland’s most iconic singers.

songs beautifully captured the Irish experience, especially the experience of being Irish abroad: Shane MacGowan, Fairytale of New York singer, dies aged 65.”

Ireland’s President Higgins issued a statement in tribute: “Shane will be remembered as one of music’s greatest lyricists. So many of his songs would be perfectly crafted poems, if that would not have deprived us of the opportunity to hear him sing them.

“It was a great honour for me, as President of Ireland, to present Shane with a li-

fetime achievement award in the National Concert Hall in January 2018 as we marked his 60th birthday.

“A richly deserved honour,” he concluded before offering his deepest condolences to Shane’s family.

Shane’s sister, Siobhan simply quoted the lyrics from one of Pogues many memorable songs: ‘So I walked as day was dawning, as small birds sang and leaves were falling, where we once watched the row boats landing on the Broad Majestic Shannon’.

THE Euro Weekly News has teamed up with Age in Spain to uncover some of the great things happening around the country.

We want to find those unsung heroes who deserve to be thanked for what they’re doing. Dinner for two, a certificate for framing, and congratulations from the UK Ambassador to Spain await the winner.

Has someone done you a good turn? Nominating them for the Good Neighbour Award is a great way to say thank you.

The outright winner last year was Lucia Miguel Bores from Carrion de los Condes, in Spain’s meseta. The language school she founded has become a portal for newcomers to Spain, not only to learn language skills - but through which people get help to deal with the challenges of life in a new country.

Grateful students nomina-

Credit: Holger Kraft/Pixabay

THE legendary Pogues frontman has died, with tributes from politicians, fellow celebrities and fans pouring in.

On Thursday, November 30, the world lost Shane McGowan, one of Ireland’s most iconic singers, following a long-fought battle against viral encephalitis.

Shane, aged 65, was released from hospital only last week, but his wife Victoria Mary Clarke posted a message on Instagram to confirm on Thursday afternoon he had sadly passed away and paid her own heartfelt respects: “I am blessed beyond words to have met him and to have loved him and to have been so endlessly and unconditionally loved by him and to have had so many years of life and love and joy and fun and laughter and so many adventures.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar posted: “Sorry to hear that Shane McGowan has passed. He was an amazing musician and artist. His

CC - Marcus Lynam

Shane McGowan passes Good neighbour 2023

Does someone help you with the shopping?

ted Lucia for the award.

There was a special commendation for Kay Rowbottom in Mojacar who, during lockdown, set up an online support group for women who felt isolated or vulnerable.

Also, Kay Frances SturdygirlsRus, beginning as a local group for Spanish women and incomers, it now has more than 1,500 members throughout the world.

With her late husband, Peter, Pat Love from the Loja area of Granada won special commendation for

starting a group for English-speaking migrants to Spain. Pat co-ordinated with UK Consular services in Granada and Malaga to help newcomers find their feet in their adopted country.

It takes two minutes to nominate someone (that person must live in Spain) and everyone nominated will receive congratulations from Age in Spain.

Go to www.ageinspain. org/goodneighbouraward to say thank you to that special person who’s helped you.

FINANCE CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement included options to sell the state’s 38.6 per cent holding NatWest which was bailed out during the 2008 financial crisis. The government will explore the possibility of offering the shares to the public, unlike previous sales which were limited to financial institutions.

Home-grown

ZARA, owned by Inditex, and Banco Santander were again the only Spanish companies present in Best Global Brands 2023, which lists the 100 most valuable global brands. Zara moved up four places to be ranked in 43rd position, while Santander, ranked 77th, once more retained its title as the Eurozone’s leading bank.

Jobs cut

CAPITA, the London-based outsourcing specialist which collects the BBC’s television licence fees, intends to dismiss up to 900 staff in a move that will enable it to save an annual £60 million (€68.8 million). The move comes while Capita is recovering from a £25 million (€28.7 million) Russian ransomware attack in March.

Cap fits

BRUSSELS announced that the Spanish government can continue to cap energy bills for a further six months until June 2024.

Although this was due to be phased out at the end of 2023 Madrid argued that despite the easing of the energy crisis over the past year, commodity prices were still ‘highly uncertain’.

VAT trap

MARK WAINWRIGHT, director and co-owner of luxury jeweller Boodles, condemned the government’s decision to end VAT-free shopping in 2021 as a ‘spectacular own goal’. It was unhelpful for retailers and had hit tourist spending on luxury items, hotel stays and eating out as well as luxury items, Wainwright told the Times.

STAT OF WEEK

€9 billion

investment in Endesa by principal shareholder, Italy-based Enel, which foresees a 10 per increase in Spain’s demand for electricity over the next three years.

Ferrovial leaves Heathrow

SPANISH multinational Ferrovial is selling its 25 per stake in Heathrow airport for £2.4 billion (€2.7 billion).

Ten per cent will go to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund run by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and 15 per cent to the French private equity firm Ardian.

The sale must first obtain regulatory clearance and it is also dependent on the rights of other shareholders in FGP Topco, Heathrow’s parent company. These include the Qatar Investment Authority and the Australian Retirement Trust.

Ferrovial began trim-

Photo credit: CC/Orderinchaos

Special offer

euroweeklynews.com • 7 - 13 December 2023

HEATHROW AIRPORT: Ferrovial sells its 25 per cent stake.

ming down its 56 per cent stake in Heathrow in 2012 and has held an unchanging 25 per cent since 2013.

Heathrow is currently running at a loss but the shortfall began to contract this year as passenger numbers returned to 2019

IBERDROLA, Europe’s biggest electricity company and the second-largest globally, intends to invest £12 billion (€13.9 billion) in the UK between 2024 and 2028.

The company’s executive chairman Ignacio Sanchez Galan explained Iberdrola’s plans to the British PM, Rishi Sunak, and Defence secretary Grant Shapps during the recent UK Global Investment Summit.

Galan stressed that thanks to the UK’s stable and predictable regulatory frameworks Iberdrola was “more committed than ever” to continuing to invest in its networks and renewables.

The company had invested approximately £30 billion (€34.7 billion) over

Chipping in

AMERICAN companies are interested in opening semi-conductor factories in Spain, revealed Mark Gitenstein, the US ambassador to the EU. Gitenstein said during a recent visit to Madrid that there was growing interest thanks to the Spanish government’s €12.25 billion PERTE chip programme.

“I know of at least two American companies considering Spain for this type of venture,” the ambassador said.

Semi-conductor giant Broadcom announced plans to build an electronic chip plant here last July, suggesting that another manufacturer is also eyeing Spain for future investment.

levels, following the pandemic restrictions which at one stage grounded practically all air traffic worldwide.

The airport received 59.4 million passengers between January 1 and September 30, a 34.4 per cent increase on the same

Iberdrola’s UK projects Photo credit: hbpl.co.uk

BUSINESS EXTRA

12

UK COMMITMENT: Rishi Sunak, Grant Shapps and Ignacio Galan.

the past 15 years in the UK’s electricity grid and renewable generation capa-

nine months in 2022.

Ferrovial, which has a 50 per cent holding in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports and owns 49 per cent of Terminal One at New York City’s JFK, remains ‘fully committed’ to carry on investing in its airport interests, Luke Bugeja, Ferrovial Airports’ chief executive said.

When markets opened on November 29, Ferrovial shares rose 2.5 per cent while Banco Sabadell analysts were quoted in the media as saying that the company would now invest in projects “with more attractive returns than Heathrow.”

city, he added.

Meanwhile, ScottishPower was the UK’s first utility to generate 100 per cent green electricity.

Around two-thirds of Iberdrola’s 2024-28 investments will focus on transmission and distribution electricity networks, with projects including the £2.7 billion (€3.1 billion) Eastern Green Link 1 undersea transmission cable, which received the go-ahead in November this year.

Construction is due to begin in early 2024 and, once completed, will transport enough clean, green, renewable energy to supply up to two million homes while increasing the resilience of the UK’s transmission grid, Galan announced.

Float for buoyant Puig

Metro rescue

CATALAN fragrance, cosmetics and fashion company Puig is planning a stock exchange float for early 2024.

Amongst other brands, Puig owns Charlotte Tilbury, Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier, Nina Ricci and Penhaligon’s.

Initial market valuations put a figure of around €10 billion on a future listing but sources quoted in the financial daily Cinco Dias emphasised that the company’s plans are still at an early stage.

JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and STJ Advisors as well as the Linklaters and Cuatrecasas law firms were all named as consultants in the operation.

Puig reported revenues of €3.6 billion last year and €400 million in profits, which was well ahead of its three-year plan announced in 2022 that foresaw a turnover of €3 billion by 2023 and €4.5 billion in 2025.

METRO BANK shareholders have approved a £925 million (€1.07 billion) rescue deal.

A refinancing proposal received ‘very strong support’ as more than 90 per cent of Metro shareholders voted for ‘all resolutions’, the bank revealed on November 27.

Metro announced last month that it had negotiated a £925 million package consisting of £325 million (€376 million) in new capital plus £600 million (€694 million) of debt.

The bank’s largest shareholder, Spaldy Investments owned by Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski Bacal, increased its stake from 9 per cent to 53 per cent by contributing £102 million (€118 million) of the new capital.

Slow to grow

BANK OF ENGLAND governor Andrew Bailey voiced concerns regarding the UK’s future growth prospects at the end of last month.

Days after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reduced its growth predictions for the next two years, Bailey told a Newcastle newspaper that the “supply side” of the economy had slowed.

“If you look at what I call the potential growth rates of the economy, there’s no doubt it’s lower than it has been in much of my working life,” he said.

Asked about interest rates, the Bank of England government answered that they were unlikely to be cut “for the foreseeable future.”

Telefonica redundancies BETWEEN 2,500 and 3,000 of Telefonica’s 17,000 employees are to be made redundant.

The company, which has not yet announced specific numbers, discussed the redundancies with union leaders on November 27, the Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) confirmed after a meeting to negotiate the collective bargaining agreement.

This was an unexpected move on Telefonica’s part, following last October’s rumours of early retirement and ‘incentivised departures’ for 5,000 staff members.

Negotiating tables to discuss the collective bargaining agreement and the redundancies would be set up in early December, with an official statement regarding the number of workers affected.

Dividend promise A GROUP of MPs asked ministers to investigate a deal that would give control of the Telegraph to a United Arab Emirates-backed consortium.

The call from MPs, who included the former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith, asked ministers to use national security legislation to investigate the Barclay family’s proposed deal with RedBird IMI. The Abu Dhabi-backed joint venture is preparing to deliver a letter to the UK’s Culture secretary, giving her 48 hours’ notice that the Barclays’ £1.16 billion (€1.34 billion) debt with Lloyds Bank is ready for repayment.

14 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 4 December

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group

2.257,00

+9,00

+0,40%

56,80K

InterContinental

6.336,0

+32,0

+0,51%

6,08K

Abrdn

166,70

+2,55

+1,55%

104,24K

Intermediate Capital

1.591,92

+6,00

+0,38%

6,28K

Admiral Group

2.695,7

-9,0

-0,33%

18,31K

Intertek

4.049,0

+15,0

+0,37%

7,77K

Anglo American

2.256,5

-54,5

-2,36%

296,76K

ITV

60,94

+1,02

+1,71%

1,05M

Antofagasta

1.480,50

-15,00

-1,00%

53,20K

J Sainsbury

284,60

+0,10

+0,04%

57,90K

Ashtead Group

4.903,0

+1,0

+0,02%

21,93K

Johnson Matthey

1.560,5

-11,5

-0,73%

12,16K

Associated British Foods

2.396,0

+9,0

+0,38%

53,30K

Land Securities

638,60

+5,00

+0,79%

125,49K

AstraZeneca

10.198,0

0,0

0,00%

32,28K

Legal & General

228,00

+0,50

+0,22%

431,06K

Auto Trader Group Plc

724,40

+3,00

+0,42%

13,69K

Lloyds Banking

44,95

+0,46

+1,03%

11,31M

Aviva

418,20

-1,60

-0,38%

204,54K

London Stock Exchange

8.984,1

-10,0

-0,11%

8,39K

B&M European Value Retail SA 593,60

+4,60

+0,78%

81,56K

Melrose Industries

540,40

+6,60

+1,24%

126,73K

BAE Systems

1.050,91

-8,50

-0,80%

252,27K

Mondi

1.438,50

-4,50

-0,31%

73,90K

Barclays

142,82

+0,46

+0,32%

1,70M

National Grid

1.034,00

+1,00

+0,10%

134,71K

Barratt Developments

522,40

+2,60

+0,50%

138,26K

NatWest Group

213,60

+2,40

+1,14%

792,32K

Berkeley

4.739,0

+27,0

+0,57%

3,36K

Next

8.082,0

+40,0

+0,50%

11,57K

BHP Group Ltd

2.443,00

-31,50

-1,27%

42,83K

Ocado

614,48

+19,80

+3,33%

141,23K

BP

468,35

-10,05

-2,10%

2,28M

Persimmon

1.287,0

+4,5

+0,35%

24,65K

British American Tobacco

2.520,0

+12,0

+0,48%

98,47K

Phoenix

471,62

+1,70

+0,36%

69,61K

British Land Company

363,20

+2,30

+0,64%

52,82K

Prudential

868,00

-0,80

-0,09%

147,77K

BT Group

124,20

+0,55

+0,45%

744,56K

Reckitt Benckiser

5.424,0

+8,0

+0,15%

34,80K

Bunzl

2.984,9

-11,0

-0,37%

2,89K

Relx

3.040,00

-10,00

-0,33%

135,18K

Burberry Group

1.511,0

+12,5

+0,83%

87,25K

Rentokil

431,00

+2,90

+0,68%

170,62K

Carnival

1.110,9

+30,0

+2,77%

22,34K

Rightmove

560,20

+8,00

+1,45%

59,28K

Centrica

151,75

-0,80

-0,52%

410,42K

Rio Tinto PLC

5.454,0

-145,0

-2,59%

165,92K

Coca Cola HBC AG

2.220,0

+1,0

+0,04%

48,84K

Rolls-Royce Holdings

286,75

+10,00

+3,61%

4,23M

Compass

2.035,00

+9,00

+0,44%

84,92K

Sage

1.153,00

+4,00

+0,35%

76,84K

CRH

5.058,0

+18,0

+0,36%

30,58K

Samsung Electronics DRC

1.385,00

+7,00

+0,51%

0,69K

Croda Intl

4.501,7

+23,0

+0,51%

5,19K

Schroders

407,3

+0,9

+0,22%

154,93K

DCC

5.500,0

+14,0

+0,26%

3,20K

Scottish Mortgage

721,90

+2,40

+0,33%

115,69K

Diageo

2.816,0

0,0

0,00%

112,99K

Segro

827,80

+4,40

+0,53%

88,14K

DS Smith

302,84

+6,50

+2,19%

593,14K

Severn Trent

2.607,5

-9,0

-0,34%

67,25K

EasyJet

478,00

+5,80

+1,23%

477,22K

Shell

2.524,5

-43,5

-1,69%

568,43K

Experian

2.928,0

+4,0

+0,14%

30,23K

Smith & Nephew

1.038,73

+2,50

+0,24%

86,02K

Ferguson

13.320,0

-235,0

-1,73%

10,02K

Smiths Group

1.652,50

-7,00

-0,42%

23,88K

Flutter Entertainment

12.240,0

-355,0

-2,82%

71,72K

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

9.298,0

+20,0

+0,22%

3,01K

Fresnillo

588,47

-3,80

-0,64%

46,20K

SSE

1.852,00

+7,00

+0,38%

74,73K

Glencore

447,05

-10,65

-2,33%

1,73M

St. James’s Place

665,80

+7,60

+1,16%

63,43K

GSK plc

1.454,20

+18,20

+1,27%

167,13K

Standard Chartered

653,40

+0,80

+0,12%

161,60K

Halma

2.144,0

+11,0

+0,52%

71,57K

Taylor Wimpey

132,05

+0,90

+0,69%

465,78K

Hargreaves Lansdown

716,00

+3,80

+0,53%

30,23K

Tesco

281,01

+1,40

+0,50%

509,02K

Hikma Pharma

1.749,50

-8,50

-0,48%

13,03K

Tui

501,50

+12,00

+2,46%

63,04K

HSBC

603,40

-0,70

-0,12%

880,74K

Unilever

3.791,5

+11,0

+0,29%

114,15K

IAG

158,88

+2,38

+1,52%

926,60K

United Utilities

1.081,00

-11,00

-1,01%

472,37K

Imperial Brands

1.876,50

+18,00

+0,97%

75,28K

Vodafone Group PLC

71,56

-0,11

-0,15%

2,72M

Informa

763,00

+6,00

+0,79%

66,63K

Whitbread

3.194,0

+12,0

+0,38%

14,47K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85804

1.16541

US dollar (USD) Japan yen (JPY) Switzerland franc (CHF) Denmark kroner (DKK) Norway kroner (NOK)

Units per € 1.0817 159.71 0.9493 7.4557 11.651

currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 4 December 3M 99,85 American Express 173,75 Amgen 272,45 Apple 191,24 Boeing 233,85 Caterpillar 256,76 Chevron 144,81 Cisco 48,47 Coca-Cola 58,63 Dow 52,30 Goldman Sachs 348,59 Home Depot 319,68 Honeywell 197,78 IBM 160,57 Intel 43,74 J&J 158,38 JPMorgan 156,93 McDonald’s 285,92 Merck&Co 103,44 Microsoft 374,51 Nike 113,48 Procter&Gamble 152,67 Salesforce Inc 259,99 The Travelers 182,01 UnitedHealth 547,01 Verizon 38,57 Visa A 257,05 Walgreens Boots 20,79 Walmart 154,35 Walt Disney 92,55

+0,78 +2,98 +2,81 +1,29 +2,22 +6,04 +1,21 +0,09 +0,19 +0,55 +7,05 +6,19 +1,86 +2,01 -0,96 +3,72 +0,85 +4,08 +0,96 -4,40 +3,58 -0,85 +8,09 +1,39 -4,08 +0,24 +0,37 +0,85 -1,34 -0,14

+0,79% +1,75% +1,04% +0,68% +0,96% +2,41% +0,84% +0,19% +0,33% +1,06% +2,06% +1,97% +0,95% +1,27% -2,15% +2,41% +0,54% +1,45% +0,94% -1,16% +3,26% -0,55% +3,21% +0,77% -0,74% +0,63% +0,14% +4,26% -0,86% -0,15%

2,70M 2,91M 2,02M 40,06M 6,44M 3,03M 11,09M 18,00M 13,74M 3,32M 1,88M 3,23M 2,81M 4,78M 39,51M 8,59M 8,49M 2,90M 6,52M 29,21M 7,69M 5,29M 14,23M 1,16M 3,31M 17,89M 3,78M 12,12M 11,20M 9,96M

M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 4 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Elastic N.V. UiPath Inc. Samsara Inc. Upstart Holdings, Inc. Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Vornado Realty Trust Carvana Co. HashiCorp, Inc. Lyft, Inc. Enovix Corporation

+37.13% +26.72% +25.60% +20.96% +14.45% +14.31% +13.68% +12.39% +12.14% +12.02% +11.92%

12.197M 53.009M 16.514M 17.616M 57.061M 5.431M 5.428M 12.032M 4.504M 32.276M 5.271M

Most Declined Incannex Healthcare Inc. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. VinFast Auto Ltd. Central Puerto S.A. Pacific Gas and Electric Company Marvell Technology, Inc. XPeng Inc. Dell Technologies Inc. Pfizer Inc. LifeStance Health Group, Inc. BOC Aviation Limited

-34.54% -7.27% -7.22% -6.56% -6.22% -5.26% -5.24% -5.19% -5.12% -4.66% -4.34%

159,078 8.582M 5.529M 836,350 42,995 25.376M 12.614M 14.19M 103.187M 1.485M 95,570

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com ASK THE EXPERT PETER LOVEDAY Peter Loveday Contact me at euroweekly@currenciesdirect.com Contact me at

• Euro EUR/GBP: Down from £0.87 to £0.86 EUR/USD: Up from $1.05 to $1.09 The euro closed October on the back foot as the European Central Bank (ECB) ended 15 months of consecutive interest rate hikes by leaving its monetary policy unchanged at its latest policy meeting.

Weak Eurozone data and a cooling of inflation placed further pressure on the euro, before the single currency bounced back as we entered November, underpinned by its strong negative correlation with the US dollar.

Further support came from the release of stronger-than-expected German factory orders, while risk-off flows also buoyed EUR exchange rates. The euro then faced resistance in the middle of the month. While Germany reported a stronger-than-expected rebound in economic sentiment, demand for the safe-haven currency was stymied by a sharp upswing in market risk appetite.

7 - 13 December 2023

EWN 15

USD/EUR: Down from €0.94 to US DOLLAR NOSEDIVES ON DISAPPOINTING €0.91 The US dollar has fallen off a cliff over the past four weeks, with the DATA, POUND BOLSTERED BY HAWKISH BOE currency sliding to new multi-month EUR exchange rates then struggled to find support in the second half of November, partly due to a warning from the ECB regarding the risks posed by weak growth and high interest rates to the Eurozone’s financial stability. Looking ahead, the immediate focus for EUR investors is likely to be the latest Eurozone consumer price index. Another cooling of inflation could push the ECB to begin discussing interest rate cuts when it holds it final policy meeting.

• Pound GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.14 GBP/USD: Up from $1.21 to $1.25 The pound traded in a wide range over the last month in response to mixed data and uncertainty over Bank of England (BoE) monetary policy.

After stumbling at the end of October amid UK recession fears, Sterling was rocked by the BoE’s latest interest rate decision. While the BoE left rates on hold, a surprisingly hawkish split within the Monetary Policy Committee, infused volatility into GBP exchange rates.

CURRENCY OUTLOOK: The pound could end the year on a high.

Dovish comments from BoE Chief Economist Huw Pill, then pulled the pound lower again as he hinted at possible rate cuts by the bank by the end of 2024.

Movement in Sterling then grew even more volatile in light of some mixed UK data releases. While GBP exchange rates were supported by surprisingly positive GDP and employment data. Cooler-than-expected inflation and an unexpected contraction in retail sales countered these releases.

The pound then rocked towards

the end of November. After initially finding support from some hawkish BoE commentary, Sterling sentiment faltered amid an underwhelming response to UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement.

The BoE is scheduled to hold one more policy meeting before the end of 2023.

If the bank continues to strike a broadly hawkish tone this could see the pound end the year on a high.

• US Dollar USD/GBP: Down from $0.82 to $0.79

lows against the pound and the euro.

The collapse of USD comes as some high-impact US data missed the mark, which triggered a sharp pullback in Federal Reserve rate hike bets.

This was initially linked to the latest US non-farm payrolls data, after October’s figures printed well below expectations and shone a spotlight on the slowing US labour market. An even sharper USD selloff was then witnessed following the publication of the latest US CPI figures.

With both headline and core inflation cooling more than expected last month. This not only cemented expectations the Fed has reached the end of its hiking cycle, but also began to stoke rate cut speculation.

Looking ahead, the Fed is set to hold this year’s final policy meeting in December. No policy changes are expected next month, but the US central bank is likely to give a rough outline of its policy plans for 2024.

Could hints of a rate cut see the US dollar test new lows?

VISIT US AT OUR SPANISH OFFICES IN COSTA DEL SOL, COSTA ALMERIA, NORTH COSTA BLANCA AND SOUTH COSTA BLANCA. TELEPHONE UK +44 (0) 207 847 9400 SPAIN +34 950 478 914 • EMAIL EUROWEEKLY@CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM • WWW.CURRENCIESDIRECT.COM.

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT IS there such a thing as a diversity biscuit? If so the deluge of TV commercial, Christmas-tide presentations truly does take the full tin. A whole conglomeration of adverts has been sanitised by political correctness, dissected with diversity, mugged by multi-culturist and treated to a positive blizzard of ‘snow- flaking’ that is utterly mind boggling. Mixed marriages and relationships abound.

Bunches of people in cars, restaurants and crowd locations, all contain the ‘correct’ number of white and ethnic minorities. Happy families, of carefully selected denominations, gather around tables groaning with Christmas fare; and all is well with the world on the birthday of Our Lord. Unfortunately, this so-called ‘merry’ conception is in no way a true reflection of the main bulk of British society. The great cities and communities of the UK are more segregated than ever. Whole boroughs are dedicated to one particular race or religion. Growing numbers of British citizens don’t even celebrate Christmas. Diversity

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Mind boggling is not working. Last December, on a short UK visit, I telephoned the Salvation Army, enquiring as to why I had noticed their Christmas Carol street appearances seemed to be missing in certain (often unlikely) shopping areas; they informed me that they were very careful to now only present the Christian Army Bands where they would be acknowledged! Until we face up to the truth, we will NEVER find the Shangri-La of existence so desperately depicted by these sadly delusional ostriches who are in utter denial of the true state of affairs and seem to worm their way into every nook and cranny of our beleaguered social existence. It did strike me that the gatherings of those responsible for these ads must produce some of the most racial riddled confusing mish mash of problems imaginable.

Terrified of being declared non-PC, the selection committees, or casting agents, are no longer torn between those who may have more talent and be better qualified for the gig, but more importantly are judged by their ethnic background

and appearance. The young Lady causing all the dissent on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ (something she most certainly is not!) is a prime example. Thousands of letters and comments on social media are voicing their dissatisfaction over her inclusion and attitude. The whole thing has become utterly ridiculous. Nothing more than a pathetic attempt to fool the viewing public that good old diversity is truly working and we are all living the paradise of good will and human understanding.

Well I’m sorry, I maintain that truth in these matters, however hard it is to bear, is the only real pathway to the peaceful resolution most of us truly do crave. And for those who would rather not hear the truth, I leave you with an ominous reflection of the great George Orwell, who wrote. ‘The further society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it’! And ain’t that the truth.

Keep the Faith.

Love Leapy. leapylee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Bank telephone scam

TAKE HEED: Don’t discuss personal matters.

A SOCIAL media alert from a resident in Spain about a recent phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank set off alarm bells.

In this case, the call display made it actually appear that it had come from a bank and the person calling said that they had detected an attempt to withdraw money from a cash machine using the individual’s details.

The whole point of the exercise was to obtain confidential information which will allow them to access your account and of course if you have given this voluntarily there is a chance that your bank will decline to refund any money stolen, so take heed.

A British based organi-

Image: Atlantic Wreck Divers / Facebook

16 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

sation UK Finance confirms that individuals may receive an automated call claiming a suspicious transaction has occurred on their account.

The consumer is then invited to press a number on their phone to go through to a supposed agent who is in fact a fraudster.

The fact is that no bank will ever contact you asking for your online banking password, your four digit pin number or insist you transfer money to a new account to avoid fraud.

The best advice is to simply refuse to discuss personal matters with anyone who might call you unexpectedly and hang up.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 December 2023

SPAIN has become home to many nationalities from around the world, but there is one municipality that has an overwhelming number of foreigners, where nine out of every 10 inhabitants come from another country.

Have you ever wondered which Spanish village has the most international population? And where are they from? The answer lies in Torre del Burgo, a small but remarkable municipality in Guadalajara.

In the second quarter of 2023, as revealed by the Continuous Population Statistics conducted by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics, the Spanish population reached a record 48,345,223. This significant growth is attributed largely to the influx of foreign nationals, impacting not just Torre del Burgo, but the entire country.

Spain has witnessed a widespread increase in its foreign population, with significant rises in regions such as the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, and

Credit: Emilio J. Rodriguez Posada

Most international village

INTERNATIONAL: Torre del Burgo, in Guadalajara.

the Community of Madrid.

As of July 1, 2023, out of Spain’s total population, 42,009,804 are Spanish nationals, and 6,335,419 are foreign residents. This surge is reshaping the demographic landscape of the country.

In most provincial capitals, foreign nationals make up less than 12 per cent of the population. However, cities like Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona exceed this average, with Almeria leading at 28 per cent. Towns such as Partaloa, Arboleas, and Bedar have even more foreign than national residents.

Torre del Burgo, spanning 4.91 square kilometres and primarily driven by agricultu-

re, stands out with an astonishing 87.13 per cent foreign population, which translates to 413 out of its 474 inhabitants.

Predominantly from Bulgaria, but also including Polish, Romanian, and Moroccan nationals, the village’s unique demographic composition offers a glimpse into a diverse cultural landscape.

In this unique setting, a Bulgarian greeting, ‘Zdravey, kak si?’ might be more common than the traditional Spanish ‘Hola, ¿como estas?’.

This reflects the profound impact of the foreign population on the local culture and social interactions in Torre del Burgo.

A RECENT study published

by Idealista has unveiled intriguing trends in the Spanish property market.

According to the study, the supply of homes for sale in Spain has experienced a 4 per cent decrease during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, indicating shifts in the country’s real estate landscape.

The majority of Spanish provincial capitals have witnessed a decline in the availability of homes for sale, with notable reductions in Cuenca (-34 per cent) and Avila (-30 per cent).

Other cities experiencing significant decreases include Huelva, Santander, Valencia, Toledo, Soria, and Tarragona.

However, nine provincial capitals have bucked this trend, with increases in housing supply.

Notable cities include Cordoba and Pamplona (10 per cent increase), followed

Image: ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

Spain’s housing market sizzles: Supply shrinks by 4% in a year

HOUSING STOCK: There has been a distinct decline.

by Huesca (9 per cent), San Sebastian (8 per cent), Zaragoza (5 per cent), Cadiz (5 per cent), and Badajoz (3 per cent).

Vitoria has maintained a stable housing stock over the past year.

With varied dynamics among the major markets, several cities have witnessed a reduction in housing supply, such as Alicante (-15 per cent), Palma (-11 per cent), Barcelona (-10 per cent), Malaga (-3 per cent), and Madrid (-1 per cent).

Conversely, Bilbao and Se-

villa have experienced slight increases of 2 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively.

At the provincial level, the situation mirrors the dynamics observed in provincial capitals.

Cuenca tops the list with an 18 per cent reduction in housing supply, followed by Santa Cruz de Tenerife (-17 per cent), A Coruña (-16 per cent), and Avila (-15 per cent).

Notable decreases are also observed in Soria, Lugo, Cantabria, Segovia, Valencia, Teruel, Zamora, and Huelva (-13 per cent in each case).

EWN 17

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20 EWN 7 - 13 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

THIS past week, food has caught the imagination of readers of Euro Weekly News and the two hot topics were the launch of the new M&S Spanish Chorizo Paella Croquetas and the love that readers seem to have for Spanish Christmas favourite Roscón de Reyes.

Some of the comments on the croquetas veered back to Jamie Oliver and his proposed use of chorizo in paella and the outcry from Spanish food writers decrying it and a selection follows;

“

Oh yes they are right up my street!!

Samantha Idle

Firstly there is no potato in a croquette. It’s just a bechamel, thick and creamy. All M&S are doing is making a chorizo croqueta (not uncommon these days in modern bars) more cheaply by padding it out with rice. I won’t be rushing to try it.

Liz Kirkham Looks good to me.

Teresa Tracy Ramsey

Well. The jury is out here. Not sure of the combination, but I love paella and I love croquetas.

But it does feel a bit disrespectful. Still Fusion food is a thing.

Roisin Maire Stephenson

It’s really a simple wording mistake by them.

Don’t write Spanish on them. They don’t make that flavour here, so it’s not Spanish. Maybe it’s Spanish ingredients.

Gordon O’Keeffe

Hand made in Spain? Where in Spain would they make this rubbish.

Doug Haynes

Sounds good to me.

Sue Peers

What a load of crap! That is not Spanish cuisine just another abuse of traditional food from another country that’s full of crap! Why don’t they promote healthy food? And the benefits of the Mediterranean diet!

Christina Ford

Don’t worry Spain, it shall not pass my lips!

Stevie Rayner

As an ex M&S man, now living in Mojacar, I think they look brilliant.

Gerry Diamond

I’ve never heard of, or seen or tasted this concocted dish in Spain. But if people buy it and like it, then good luck to them. What’s the Spanish equivalent of Delhi Belly?

Kevin Barber

Chorizo Paella what is that?? Can’t beat a proper Paella, I will not forsake my home country’s national dish Kathy Hyett

Paella can have anything in it, it is a working man’s dish, made with whatever is to hand.

Sometimes just vegetables, just fish, in the hills they use squirrel, up until about 25 years ago they sold skinned rats in some carniceros, for paella. Rabbit is also very common... there is more than one recipe.

Alex Murdoch

What on earth is a chorizo paella anyway. A complete mystery here in Mallorca. No doubt the same in Spain. Ridiculous!

Charmaine Mockett

Let’s be honest, most Spanish food is not that great. I truly believe it too highly overrated and I genuinely mean that. So I will try the M&S dish because it cannot be worse than I get in some local restaurants around the Orihuela Costa.

Mike George

Thirty plus years in Spain, eaten with numerous Spanish families and never had paella that includes chorizo. First time I saw paella con chorizo was the food mishandler, Jamie Oliver. No.

Alan

Turning to the Christmas delicacy, readers seemed to be in almost complete agreement; I loved both Christmas, and the cake.

Heath Savage

I’m definitely the grinch, I hate Christmas

Nigel Springall

Love it. Always go to our Spanish neighbours.

Hopefully I get the king. Not the bean! Lol.

Sheila Hounslow

Comments should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: euroweeklynews.com Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers.

No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

7 - 13 December 2023

EWN 21

INTERVIEW

Catch up with Jesse Meester

WHAT does one do when they see a famous face casually walking across the street from them? Shout their name loudly at them of course (as if they didn’t already know it) and take a selfie to post on Instagram to prove it to your friends!

THAT was the story of how this a good ‘tapear’. Next question, Euro Weekly News reporter do you prefer swimming in the first met actor Jesse Meespool or the sea? ter, who is originally from I am a sea kind of guy. The the Netherlands. He exsalt is great for the skin too. plained at the time that Even now, in the winter, it’s he had recently moved to an unmatched feeling of Credit: Jesse Meester the sunshine coast and purfreedom in swimming in the Jesse in Estepona. chased a property in Estepovast sea. Like a wild merman na. One year later EWN caught with no limits! Cute. So aside from up with Jesse again to see how the the all year round swimming weather, move from Amsterdam to Marbella is unfol- what is the main difference between the Neding for him. therlands and Spain? Climate, culture, pace Hello again Jesse! So, what attracted you of life, and even the architecture are starkly specifically to the Costa Del Sol? different.

Marbella is quite unique in its fusion of The Netherlands might be more known luxury and culture. Its stunning coastline, for its bicycle-friendly cities (oh boy I miss vibrant lifestyle, golf courses and historical that), while Spain has a deeply ingrained laidcharm make it the place to be. Now Malaga back culture with a love for fiestas and leisujust turned out to be the best city to live in, in rely siestas - haha. Got to love the siestas! So the world that is, did you know?

Jesse, lastly, but definitely not least(ly), Dutch We did see that actually! So, what is your girls or Spanish girls? opinion on Spanish food?

Well, both are wonderful in their own Spanish cuisine is amazing! From paella to ways. Dutch girls might be more straighttapas, the rich flavours and fresh ingredients forward and open, while Spanish girls are make dining an absolute delight. I love eating known for their passion and warmth. Beauty light in the evening with just a few tapas. truly lies in the eye of the beholder, doesn’t Yes, we agree with you there, EWN loves it?

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euroweeklynews.com • 7 - 13 December 2023 SPONSORED BY

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Rafa returns Credit : Shutterstock/ Leonard Zhukovsky

FANS of Rafael Nadal won’t have to wait for too long to see him in action as the Spanish tennis star gears up for his comeback.

On Friday, December 1, Rafa Nadal took to the social media platform Twitter/X to announce his return to professional competition: ‘Hello everyone, after a year out of competition, the time has come to return.

It will be in Brisbane and it will be in the first week of January. I’ll see you there.’

The event marks his first official match after a year out of competition due to injury.

Following a hip surgery on June 2, just a day before his 37th birthday, Nadal has been absent

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

RAFAEL NADAL: Gearing up for his comeback.

from the professional scene. The surgery coincided with the Roland Garros tournament, a contest he has dominated 14 times.

Since October last year, Nadal has been in regular training, preparing for his return. His announcement ends months of speculation about his comeback.

Nadal’s participation in the upcoming Australian Open, scheduled from January 14 to 28, 2024, is also confirmed. This major event will be a critical test for Nadal, who currently ranks 663 in the ATP. This ranking means he won’t be among the 32 seeds, potentially setting up an early clash

with long-time rival Novak Djokovic, who has expressed excitement about Nadal’s return.

Nadal’s schedule also highlights the French Open and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, hosted at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4. These events remain significant goals for the 22time major champion.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane tournament, returning after a hiatus since 2019, will see the participation of top players like Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov, and Andy Murray.

Rafael Nadal’s return to the tennis courts is a highly anticipated event for fans and fellow players alike. His journey to recovery and the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming tournaments should prove to be a highlight for all tennis fans.

Winter Olympics THE French Alps and Salt Lake City in the US were confirmed respectively on Wednesday, November 29, as the sole candidates for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Games.

Karl Stoss, the head of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) future host commission, said Olympic chiefs would now move into ‘targeted dialogue’ with the two candidates.

‘The IOC will now start more detailed discussions with the Preferred Hosts, led by their National Olympic Committees (NOCs), with the aim of awarding both editions at the 142nd IOC Session in July in Paris,’ the IOC said in a statement.

Wednesday’s decision was announced at the expense of Sweden and Switzerland, the two other candidates. Salt Lake City was the only candidate to launch a bid to host the 2034 Games.

Last month, the IOC said that it was aiming to make a double award by picking the 2030 and 2034 hosts together in July when about 100 members meet in Paris on the eve of the 2024 Summer Games. That plan could now change to avoid a conflict for IOC members to have to vote for a French bid in its capital city.

France has hosted the Winter Games on three previous occasions. Chamonix was the location in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992. Salt Lake City previously hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The French bid for the 2030 Games is based around the resorts of Meribel, Courchevel and Val d’Isere for alpine skiing while La Clusaz would host the Nordic events. Skating events would take place in the Mediterranean city of Nice, which would also act as the Olympic Village.