Axarquia 14 – 20 Dec 2023 Issue 2006

Axarquia • Issue No. 2006 • 14 - 20 December 2023

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GRATIS

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THE south of Spain experienced an unexpected meteorological shift as temperatures soared to unprecedented levels this week. Beginning on Monday, December 11, and persisting until Tuesday, this unanticipated rise in temperatures defied the usual winter chill across the Andalucia region.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasted exceptional warmth, with some areas reaching highs of 27 degrees Celsius, unusual for this time of year. Granada Province recorded a maximum of 24 degrees and a minimum of 14 degrees on Monday.

The Costa del Sol in Malaga Province witnessed the most extreme temperatures, with Tuesday’s forecast reaching a remarkable 27 degrees and a minimum of 16 degrees. Malaga City hit a maximum of 25 degrees on Monday, soaring

Image: Shutterstock/ BigDane

SIZZLING SEASON

FREI

WINTER WEATHER: Unprecedented warmth blankets southern Spain.

to 27 degrees on Tuesday before returning to a more seasonable 20 degrees by Wednesday.

In areas like Rincon de la Victoria and Velez-Malaga, temperatures surged to 28 degrees on Tuesday, while Mar-

bella and Fuengirola on the western Costa del Sol peaked at 26 degrees.

While this unexpected warm spell offers a reprieve from the typical December chill, it may exacerbate existing drought conditions in the

region. Higher temperatures can accelerate evaporation rates, leading to increased water loss from reservoirs and drying out of soil. If prolonged, such temperature anomalies could further strain water resources, posing further challenges.

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

FFREE

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In the spotlight THE Sun newspaper recently featured Nerja in an article that highlighted the beautiful town as a hidden getaway. The UK Daily emphasised several standout aspects, notably its secluded charm and affordability, coupled with reliably pleasant 20ºC weather even during the winter months. This comprehensive coverage showcased Nerja’s stunning beaches, prominently featuring the acclaimed Blue Flag Burriana beach, celebrated for its expansive sands and lively culinary scene.

The article also encapsulated the vibrant essence of Nerja’s Balcon de Europa, portraying it as the dynamic hub of the town, alive with street performances, late-night attractions, and breathtaking vistas.

By painting Nerja as a year-round destination with diverse culinary experiences ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale dining, The Sun’s coverage will likely pique the interest of travellers seeking authentic Spanish experiences.

This increased visibility is poised to attract a wider spectrum of tourists, ultimately elevating Nerja’s status as a sought-after destination, encouraging year-round visits, and contributing to the region’s tourism growth.

CHARITY CHEER

THE Joint Axarquia Animal Rescue and Royal British Legion Riogordo Pre-Christmas Dinner and Dance was a resounding success, thanks to the fantastic turnout of supporters. The event buzzed with excitement and camaraderie, making it a memorable evening.

Cathy’s ‘lucky dip’ stall, where everyone walked away a winner, raised an impressive €130, contributing significantly to the fundraising goal. Both charities extend their heartfelt thanks to Arco del Sol for their consistently delightful food and service that added to the evening’s enjoyment. Albi and Mitch entertained

the crowd, keeping the spirits high throughout the event. The Colmenar Social Club members’ hall decorations brought a festive charm to the atmosphere.

With your unwavering support, they raised a commendable total of €643, which will be equally split between two deserving charities, amounting to €321.50 each.

Looking forward, mark your calendars for the upcoming joint Burns Night on January 25, hosted at O’Neil’s Irish Bar in Puente don Manuel. Keep an eye out for ticket sales - let’s make 2024 another year of generosity and celebration!

NERJA: Very much a sough-after destination.

Celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday season.

GRATUIT G

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

Twinkling Torrox THE town hall of Torrox proudly unveiled its largest-ever Christmas lighting display recently at Plaza de la Constitución, lighting up key locations throughout the municipality. Mayor Óscar Medina hailed it as a ‘magical evening of togetherness,’ marking the start of festive celebrations, emphasising the community’s active involvement. The event began with Christmas carols performed by various choirs from the area.

Following these performances, the mayor addressed the gathering before illuminating Plaza de la Constitución and the entire town. The attendees also enjoyed churros with chocolate and roasted chestnuts.

Plaza de la Constitución showcased a Christmas-themed photo booth, complementing two other installations along Torrox Costa’s and El Morche’s promenades. Expressing satisfaction, the mayor also highlighted improvements in the lighting contract this year as they received a substantial investment benefiting Torrox.

EL REFUGIO DE LEO, an animal shelter operating since 2016 in Velez-Malaga, founded by Lourdes Peláez, faces closure due to neighbour complaints about dogs’ barking.

The shelter, situated between Velez-Malaga and Arenas, now ceases operations after a court ruling mandating its closure.

The closure stems from a lack of necessary permits. The Provincial Court upheld the decision following complaints from three neighbours about the continuous dog barking in this rural location, situated over seven kilometres from any inhabited urban area.

Despite rescuing an average of 180 animals annually, finding new homes for them, and providing educational initiatives, the shelter faces overwhelming challenges. Peláez questions the judgement’s basis solely on neighbour discomfort without considering broader implications.

While the new Animal

Shelter closure Nativity wonder Image: Shutterstock/ Alin_Kris

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Animal shelter faces closure due to legal dispute.

Welfare Law emphasises municipal support for shelters, Peláez criticises the local government’s lack of assistance. She remains determined to fight against what she perceives as unjust treatment and negligence towards animals, emphasising Spain’s lag in ani-

mal welfare and urging improved support from local authorities.

The closure of El Refugio de Leo raises concerns not only about animal welfare but also about discrepancies in rural regulations and community support for shelters in Velez-Malaga.

THE grand inauguration and blessing of La Herradura’s Municipal Nativity Scene took place recently. Set within the civic centre’s exhibition hall, this enchanting display, created by Francisco Sánchez Camacho with support from local collaborators, the Deputy Mayor’s Office, and La Herradura’s Brotherhood, is now open to the public.

This year’s scene not only portrays biblical landscapes but also features iconic settings like Marina del Este marina, the Alhambra, and even a Sierra Nevada ski slope. Visitors can explore this masterpiece, blessed by Parish Priest Néstor Robledo, from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 10pm.

Before the blessing ceremony, Deputy Mayor Daniel Barbero awarded winners of the Children’s Christmas Card Contest. Olivia from 1st grade and Anaís de Haro Quinquis from 4th grade at Las Gaviotas Public School received accolades, plaques, and sets of edited cards, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

The event kicked off La Herradura’s Christmas programme, and finished with carols.

Blood drive THE Regional Blood Transfusion Centre will conduct a new blood collection drive in Almuñecar on December 21. Scheduled from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm at the Plaza Mayor building (Carbonell) in Almuñecar, the event aims to encourage blood donation.

Jessica Vallejo Hernández, in charge of the Health Centre, confirmed the visit of the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre on December 21. The donation drive welcomes individuals over 18 years old in good health. Supported by the Almuñecar Donor Association and in collaboration with the local municipality, this initiative emphasises the importance of community participation in maintaining a stable blood supply for medical treatments. Donating blood is a noble act that saves lives. You are invited to join on December 21 at Plaza Mayor (Carbonell) to contribute to this vital cause!

LOCAL NEWS

NIBS EXTRA Fun run JOIN the 14th San Silvestre Fun Run 2023 in Velez Mala­ ga on December 30! Regis­ tration is open until Decem­ ber 27, with a t­shirt guaranteed for those signed up by December 17. Visit www.atletismovelez.es to sign up. Let’s make the year­ end memorable, and come along in fancy dress.

Xmas market ENJOY a relaxing morning at Los Jardines del Trapiche where the Trapiche Market takes place every Tuesday from 9.30am until 1.30pm until December 19 and then again from January 9. Experi­ ence a festive morning with music, mince pies, mulled wine, raffles, and more.

Light show JOIN AAR and the Royal British Legion on Wednes­ day, December 27 to see the spectacular Christmas Lights show in Malaga. Pick­ups start at El Cruce at 5pm fol­ lowed by Torre del Mar and Benajarafe. The price is just €7.50 and includes a raffle ticket. Call 657 293 663.

Nutcracker ON December 25 the classic International Ballet The Nutcracker directed by An­ drey Sharaev takes place in the Centro Cultural Nerja at 6pm. Tickets are €30 and can be purchased online at www.mientrada.net.

Art exhibit UNTIL December 30 you can experience the exhibition ‘José Cabrera and His Guests’. Featuring an array of talented artists from the ‘Arte Sur’ collective, including Kitty Santagelo, and more.

Open Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 1.30pm, and from 6pm to 9.30pm. Visit La Galería (Calle Vélez 2).

Walking tour THE town hall of Velez Mala­ ga has organised a historical and theatricalised walking tour in English on December 16 at 10 am. WhatsApp 628 665 670. The price is €13.

euroweeklynews.com NINE out of 10 avocado and mango farms are facing loss­ es due to severe drought conditions. The production has plummeted by a stagger­ ing 80 per cent, significantly impacting the livelihoods of farmers.

Numerous other farmers are witnessing devastating effects. Their mango produc­ tion has decreased from 300,000 to 70,000 kilos due to the drought. Avocados, which are about to enter their season, fare even worse ­ scarce, undersized, and hanging from trees with nearly withered leaves. This situation is unprecedented for them.

The water scarcity issue has become the focal point of discussions in streets and bars, fostering pessimism and despair among the com­

14 - 20 December 2023

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Harvest hit 60

YOUR EWN HAS

Image: Shutterstock/ Fotangel

MANGO: Relentless drought poses a grave challenge.

munity. Short­term implica­ tions include water restric­ tions affecting most of the 230,000 inhabitants, while the long­term effects fore­

cast a significant social prob­ lem impacting the economy and employment.

The agriculture in Axar­ quia is the backbone of the

Nordic interest DURING the December bank holi­ day five­day weekend, Almuñecar and La Herradura’s tourism offices welcomed nearly 1,000 tourists seeking information on the munici­ pality’s attractions, dining, shop­ ping, and landmarks. Deputy Mayor Daniel Barbero revealed that Swedish tourists led the internation­ al influx, closely trailed by the Dutch and Belgians. Among domestic trav­ ellers, Andalucians, Murcians, Va­ lencians, Castilla y León, and Castilla­ La Mancha residents topped the list.

Hotel occupancy, estimated by the Hoteliers Association, was around 75­80 per cent. Nordic tourists predominantly occupy ho­ NERJA embraced the festive spirit as it lit up the Christmas lights at the Balcón de Eu­ ropa and unveiled a spectac­ ular 30­metre­tall Christmas tree. The atmosphere was vi­ brant, with a large crowd in attendance, serenaded by traditional carols performed by the Frigiliana Pastoral group.

The towering Christmas tree has become a major at­ traction for locals and tourists alike, and many cap­ tured the moment through their mobile phones to cher­ ish the festive spectacle.

Apart from the grand Christ­

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tels, while tourist apartments also witness increased visits. Despite ini­ tial rain, the week evolved into a sun­filled delight, inviting visitors to explore the local cultural sites, shop­ ping areas, eateries, and beaches.

The charm of the Medieval Mar­ ket and weekly markets charmed the crowds, fostering a lively atmo­ sphere. The bank holiday weekend exhibited a blend of international and domestic tourists, showcasing the attraction of Almuñecar and La Herradura’s cultural, historical, and recreational offerings.

Visitors eagerly embrace the vi­ brant experiences these Spanish destinations offer.

Festive flowers THE Municipality of Almuñecar has begun its annual tradition of distributing poinsettias to businesses in the Sexitano Open Shopping Centre area to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Lucia González, head of the Commerce Depart­ ment, highlighted the initiative’s purpose: to adorn shop entrances and streets, creating a vibrant atmo­ sphere throughout the commercial area. In a change from previous years, the distribution is being carried out door­to­door. Lucia González personally began the distribution in the town centre recently, accom­ panied by municipal Parks and Gardens employees.

Meanwhile, in La Herradura, the distribution was conducted by Deputy Mayor Daniel Barbero.

In recent weeks, the Christmas spirit has already been apparent in Almuñecar and La Herradura, with roundabouts and flower beds adorned in festive col­ ors, adding to the holiday vibe in the town centres.

Shining brightly mas tree, eight ‘almond tree’ structures were set up on the Balcón de Europa, along with beautifully crafted lamp­shaped illuminations adorning its central area.

The festive lighting will gradually extend to other ar­ eas of Nerja and Maro, adding a touch of holiday cheer throughout the town.

The Nerja Town Council al­ so announced a Christmas school during the Christmas holidays. Aiming to assist working parents or legal

region, where tourism re­ mains predominantly sea­ sonal.

This area accounts for 90 per cent of the national mango production and 70 per cent of avocados, mainly exported to Europe.

There used to be ample water for irrigation and con­ sumption, but now the fore­ casted rain never arrives.

The Andalucian government, with regional reservoirs at a mere 19 per cent capacity, is requesting water from the Alqueva dam in Portugal, which currently holds more water than all of Andalucia’s reservoirs combined.

guardians who struggle to balance professional com­ mitments with their chil­ dren’s school holidays.

Scheduled from Decem­ ber 26 to 29 and January 2 to 5, the Christmas School for Equality welcomes children aged three to 16 from the municipality to enjoy various activities at San Miguel School. Registration is re­ quired, for more informa­ tion, contact 952 548 452 / 664 174 58 or email: cim@ nerja.es.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

First art THE caves of Rincon de la Victoria continue to capti­ vate the international sci­ entific community. The re­ search project on Cave Art, known as First Art, once again draws an inter­ national team of 12 re­ searchers from six differ­ ent countries, sponsored

by National Geographic.

This marks the team’s second scientific visit, aim­ ing to enhance data collec­ tion and deepen under­ standing regarding the origins of these paintings, as highlighted by Rincon de la Victoria’s mayor, Francisco Salado “We’re thrilled and proud that El Cantal caves continue to spark such significant in­ terest.” Earlier this year in February, researchers con­ ducted initial samplings in Rincon de la Victoria.

The results traced Cave Art in these natural cavi­ ties of the Bay of Malaga back tens of thousands of years, prompting this fol­ low­up visit to cross­verify and expand supplemen­ tary information.

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

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always keep it that way.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

AXARQUIA is gearing up to shine across social media and digital platforms with a specialised event - a ‘blogger fam trip’ (familiarisation trip). Spearheaded by Jorge Martín, President of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquía, along with Jesús Pérez Atencia, Vice President of Tourism, and Álvaro Hurtado, President of the Association for the Touristic Promotion of Axarquía (APTA), this fam trip is taking place until Friday December 15.

Highlighting diverse facets of the region, Martín emphasised, “This tourism initiative targets a different promotional approach, catering to a population segment seeking travel options primarily through social media.” This promotional venture, hosted by the Association of Andalucian Bloggers, involves seven specialised bloggers covering rural, family, gastronomic, and cultural tourism.

Hurtado echoed the necessity of showcasing the

region year-round through social media and travel blogs. Describing Axarquia as an ideal destination blending rural, sun-soaked beaches, gastronomy, and nature. The bloggers, known online as ‘Un Mundo Alrededor’ and ‘Pasas de la Axarquia,’ will experience the region’s richness and share their real-time experiences. The itinerary includes activities like the ‘Comares zip line,’ known for being Spain’s longest at 436 metres.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

“Don’t complain about lack of wind - learn to sail.”

This is an old Swedish saying. The essence of this proverb came from ambitious farmers who had been growing grapes in the cool Scandinavian climate for a few decades: “don’t complain about the lack of sun, learn to grow grapes”.

THE Nerja Atletismo (athletics club) announced the loss of Celia Bellicourt, a 22-year-old sprinter and jumper whose life was cut short in a devastating quad accident in Arenas del Rey, Granada on Thursday, December 7. Reports say the vehicle carrying her and another companion veered off a ravine. The news of Celia’s passing has had a profound effect on the community not only in Nerja where she trained but in Almuñecar her hometown.

The Nerja athletics club shared the following statement on their social media accounts: ‘One of our own has left us, Celia Bellicourt.

Today we find ourselves utterly devastated, unable to contain our sorrow and feeling of helplessness after receiving this tragic news; our athlete has bid farewell to us too soon.

We will always remember you for that magnificent smile, your energy filled with positivity, and kind words for everyone. Today, the Nerja Athletics Club has lost one of its own. Rest in peace, dear Celia. - There are no goodbyes, wherever you are, you will be in our hearts.’

Image: Nerja Atletismo

Bloggers unite Tragic loss

HONOURING CELIA: A tribute to a remarkable athlete.

On Friday morning December 8, they held a minute’s silence in the Parque Verano Azul de Nerja for Celia. May she rest in peace.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

Giving back THE Torrox Town Council, in collaboration with Cáritas Parroquial and supported by the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and Virgen del Carmen Brotherhoods, has launched a Christmas solidarity drive. They aim to collect school supplies, books, and educational toys until January 3.

Ana Pérez, the councillor overseeing this project, urged citizen involvement to ensure underprivileged children experience the best possible Christmas. The campaign poster was unveiled on December 12 at Torrox’s Plaza de la Constitución. Those willing to contribute can drop off new items at the Welfare Department’s offices in the Almedina building, the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación parish church in Torrox, or the Santiago Apóstol (el Mayor) parish church in El Morche.

Pérez expressed gratitude for Cáritas and the brotherhoods, hoping the Christmas spirit inspires generosity, enabling children and families in need to cherish the joy of gifts on Three Kings’ Day.

A 52-YEAR-OLD mountaineer from Malaga tragically lost his life over the weekend after a fall from approximately 70 metres on an icy slope in the Granada municipality of Dílar.

According to Emergencias 112, the incident occurred around 5.15pm on Sunday, December 10 when the emergency centre received a call reporting the fall of a clim-

Fatal fall

Image: Shutterstock/ paco parra

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UNFORESEEN TRAGEDY: Reflecting on the harrowing accident.

Holiday magic

ALMUÑECAR is all set to sparkle this festive season with a dazzling array of events and performances, promising an unforgettable Christmas experience. From December 14 to January 7, the town will be alive with the spirit of the holidays, offering an abundance of activities for locals and visitors alike.

The Christmas Amusement Park opens its doors from December 14 to January 7, inviting everyone to enjoy thrilling attractions. Delight in the harmonious melodies of the Russian Music Academy Elena Farkhutdinova at the Casa de la Cultura on December 14, offering a musical treat for just €5.

Throughout December, the town resonates with music, from traditional Cuban tunes to the rhythmic beats of Flamenco Zambomba performances at various locations. Experience the magic of orchestral sounds with the Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra and the Almuñecar town Choir.

As the New Year approaches, the celebration continues with vibrant parades, enchanting concerts, and the grand Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (Three Kings parade) procession on January 5. Join Almuñecar for a joyous and spirited celebration of the holiday season!

ber from a significant height at Tajos de La Virgen, a challenging area in the Granada Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Authorities from the Guardia Civil mentioned that the accident took place when the victim, a 52-year-old man from Malaga, slipped down an icy slope of the peak, which stands at an altitude of 3,000 metres.

Upon learning about the accident, medical personnel and eight specialists from the Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (Greim) rushed to the scene due to the intervention’s complexity. The officers confirmed the climber’s death upon reaching the location.

Sources added that slope maintenance machinery from the Sierra Nevada resort was necessary for the body’s evacuation. Following this, a judicial protocol was activated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Churros and carols

ONCE again, La Herradura rallied for the ‘Solidarity Snack for the Parade,’ drawing hundreds of people, both young and old. Everyone enjoyed churros and chocolate while the air filled with festive carols and musical vibes courtesy of La Herradura’s Pastor and DJ Spyry.

The revamped Plaza de la Independencia, decked out with tables and chairs, gradually filled with attendees of all ages. Kids had a blast on bouncy castles. Various businesses from the La Herradura Merchants and Artisans Association joined in with a Christmas Market, showcasing their wares. The Las Gaviotas School’s Parents Association also presented sweets and treats for the gathering.

This event, organised by the Deputy Mayor’s Office and the Friends of La Herradura Association, featured performances by the La Herradura Choir and a standout contribution from Churrería de La Herradura owners, Juan Salado and Carmen Medina, alongside local groups like the Siglo XXI women’s association, Los Berengueles, and volunteers.

In essence, it was an afternoon of community bonding, marking the first time Plaza de la Independencia hosted such activities, kicking off the Christmas celebrations.

Water worries MALAGA’S Provincial Council and the Andalucian Government are teaming up to combat the pressing water scarcity crisis in the region.

President Francisco Salado and Councillor Carmen Crespo signed a collaborative protocol focusing on urgent water security measures.

This protocol aims to enhance coordination, accelerate project implementation, and support municipalities technically, administratively, and financially.

The primary objective is maximising water usage efficiency and promptly increasing available resources should the rainfall shortage persist. Salado stressed the need for united efforts among all administrations to address Malaga’s water crisis.

Key strategies outlined include improving municipal networks and utilising untapped resources like saline wells, recycled water, and seawater.

Immediate actions target issues like saline water presence in sewer networks and seawater intrusion, necessitating urgent solutions such as desalination stations in affected areas. Moreover, the agreement prioritises treating brackish water in specific locations and optimising wastewater treatment plants. A joint oversight committee will evaluate these goals, allocating works based on funding anticipated when the Drought Decree is established in January.

This commitment, effective until 2026, highlights the Provincial Council’s dedication to optimising water resources while urging collaborative action from local and national authorities to address this critical issue.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

THE nation has a new King of the Jungle! In an epic showdown of grit, charm, and perhaps a touch of bug-induced insanity, the spotlight of ‘I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’ 2023 shone upon none other than Made In Chelsea heartthrob, Sam Thompson.

Defeating Brexit pioneer Nigel Farage and retired boxer Tony Bellew in a testosterone-charged final, Thompson emerged victorious.

Thompson, barely able to contain his astonishment and gushed to hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, “I didn’t even think I was going to be invited on this show, let alone win it. I don’t know what to say.” Ah, the humble winner, truly a man of the people.

Thompson’s jungle escapades weren’t all about conquering creepy crawlies and facing trials;

Image: Instagram/ samthompsonuk

King of the jungle

WINNER: From Reality TV Star to jungle royalty.

he also shed light on his struggles with ADHD. In a rare, sober moment by the creek, he opened up about his diagnosis, talking about the challenges he faced. “If I’d known as a kid, not much would have changed, but how you feel about yourself probably changes,” he confessed, providing a glimpse into the unseen battles of the reality TV star.

His revelation struck a chord with many, highlighting the importance of understanding and ac-

cepting oneself. It was a moment of vulnerability amidst the chaos of Bushtucker Trials and celebrity gossip.

Let’s not forget Thompson’s rise to fame on ‘Made in Chelsea’ and his forays into reality TV with appearances on ‘The Celebrity Circle’ and ‘Celebs Go Dating.’ Oh, and did we mention he hosts a podcast titled ‘Staying Relevant’? Well, he certainly stayed relevant by being crowned the King of the Jungle!

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Settled at 60 AT what age are we the most happy? Of course, the answer to this question is subjective, as every human life has its own unique set of ups and downs that together form the people we are. However, results of an 80-year-long Harvard University study suggest that the pinnacle of human happiness and satisfaction arrives, on average, around the age of 60.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, whose results have been published in a book called The Good Life, is the longest scientific study of happiness and well-being in history. Beginning in 1938, the study has spanned multiple generations, tracking the lives of the children of the individual study’s participants for a holistic understanding of human happiness.

The study’s original cohort included 700 men from the United States. Now, researchers have begun to study the original cohort’s offs-

RESTAURANTE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

pring, which are estimated to number around 2,000.

By 60, the study found, people tend to come to terms with the limits of their lives and the reality of their mortality in a way that can be

comforting. By this age, most people have reached a point in their lives where they are no longer weighed down by undesirable obligations, such as toxic relationships or friendships.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

No show snow Credit: Ralph pixexid.com

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NO SNOW: Santa enjoys the warm weather.

IF like Bing Crosby you are Dreaming of a White Christmas this year, Spain is really not the place to be.

For those of us who hail from the northern parts of Europe it may come as some surprise that there are plenty of children in southern Spain who have never seen a snow flake, let alone a field of snow except on TV and in pictures.

A random review of the long term weather forecast around the most populous parts of Spain makes it clear that Christmas Day is going to be sunny almost everywhe-

re and it’s not a question of whether it will be pleasant but rather how warm it will be.

Midday temperatures seem likely to be in the range of 11° to 19° and the following examples show how the weather is going to be in a selection of Spanish cities or communities: 11° Madrid and Sierra Nevada 14° Bilbao 15° Almeria, Barcelona, Benidorm, Granada 16° Alicante, Mallorca, Nerja

17° Costa del Sol, Sevilla 19° Gran Canaria, Murcia There are 33 ski resorts in Spain, many in the Pyrenees and those are where you have the greatest chance of catching the white stuff, but as can see in the list above, Andalucia’s own ski resort in the Sierra Nevada expects to hit 11° on Christmas Day. It’s not like surfing on Bondi Beach but this Christmas promises to be comfortable and dry which suits many people who would rather see snow on their Christmas cards than on the ground.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

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THE festive period is a time where cases of drink drinking show a significant rise, so much so that the Local Police annually increase their stop checks on the roads. Christmas parties and end of year celebrations lead to many making the irresponsible decision to choose convenience over the safety of themselves and others.

As most of us know, driving a vehicle whilst being under the influence of alcohol or any other substance is illegal.

The Penal Code in Spain states that a blood alcohol level between 0.50mg/l and 60mg/l incurs a penalty of €1,000 and a deduction of six points from the driver’s licence.

Levels over 60mg/l may lead to imprisonment for three to six

months, one year of community service, and a licence suspension ranging from one to four years.

However, something that many are not aware of, are the complications with getting your driving licence back after your ban has ended.

You won’t be able to regain your licence until you sit a road awareness and re-education course, which will last 24 hours in total.

You will also have to take your driving theory test again before your licence can be reissued.

This can be done in English, but as Manilva resident Matt Trigel explained to Euro Weekly News, “the theory exam is in English but to be honest some of the questions didn’t make any sense as the translation is poor sometimes.” Another resident,

Michelle Vaugn also said that, “the whole process is expensive and not very easy at all.”

In addition to the theory exam, an extra complication is the amount of appointments you need to attend and paperwork that must be completed. It can be a long wait to get one, and if all the official paperwork, which is in Spanish, is not completed correctly, then another appointment, and subsequently a long wait, will have to be made.

So perhaps this information will not only inform but also deter you this holiday season, as it may not just be the time without the ability to drive that will be a problem, if not also the tedious period of official appointments that will follow!

ADVANCED bookings for international flights in December have surged to 8.1 million, marking a remarkable increase of one million compared to the previous year.

The data, unveiled by Turespaña, reveals a substantial year-on-year growth of 14.2 per cent for December 2023, with the UK, Germany, and Italy spearheading the surge.

Poland, Czechia, and the USA emerge as the fastest-growing destinations compared to the same period last year.

According to the report, the total number of seats booked for international flights to Spain this December is 8.1 million, a significant uptick from the 7.1 million offered in December 2022.

Jordi Hereu, the Minister for Industry, Trade, and Tourism, expressed optimism about these extraordinary forecasts.

He highlighted the consolidation and growth of European markets, along with a notable increase in demand from distant markets like the United States.

December showcases outstanding performances in terms of seat bookings, with Poland experiencing a remarkable 90.7 per cent increase, Czechia with a 46.2 per cent surge, and the United States showing a robust 27.3 per cent yearon-year growth.

Austria also contributes to this positi-

Image: carm.es

Stop and think! Skyward soars INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: Bookings have surged.

ve trend, witnessing a 26.4 per cent increase in seats on scheduled flights this December.

The Minister for Tourism anticipates an excellent month for tourism, contributing to a strong last quarter and underscoring the industry’s ongoing growth.

This positive trajectory aligns with efforts to desasonalise tourist flows, with indications suggesting that this trend will persist into 2024.

In terms of the percentage of seats booked by country, the UK leads with 19.3 per cent of the total, followed by Germany at 12.6 per cent and Italy at 9.7 per cent.

These figures affirm Spain’s appeal as a preferred destination, reflecting the resilience and vitality of the tourism sector.

s a m st Chri

SPECIAL

‘Tis the season to be jolly! and it is widely agreed that it most probably was not the birthday of our saviour (maybe) Jesus Christ.

However, with all the doom and gloom going on in the world, who doesn’t welcome a little bit of festive cheer?

Although this holiday may not be easy for all of us, Christmas is a time to look at

Credit: Commons/serooskerke2011

FA La La La La, La La La La! Oh it really does feel like Christmas now doesn’t it!

Most of the light displays now adorn our town centres, the office has planned the Christmas party, complete with festive jumpers, the kids have all been given their nativity parts (tea towels at the ready) and the local shopping centres, are now playing Christmas songs on repeat. Cute.

The modern day Christmas admittedly has little to do with its ancient ancestors,

It’s Christmas!

the good things in our life, be thankful for family, friends, and cinnamon scented candles, which top tip ... are less than €2 in Mercadona!

If you know someone who you feel may be struggling, lend a helping hand, or bring them over for a cuppa.

This time of year is about spreading that holiday happiness and of course, sharing

what we do have with others less fortunate.

Christmas can also be seen as a time to celebrate life, and its ever changing cycles, and whether your Christmas Day feels great, or a bit glum, put a festive jumper on, pull a cracker, and join in arms with the people you’re blessed to have close to you this year.

NERJA OSTEOPATH Mark Shurey D.O.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and healthy & happy New Year Nerja and surrounding areas

618994590

We would like to wish all our clients a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year Maddie Hjort 0034-686722349 Mail@MaddieHjort.Com

www.sunsetandaluciarealestate.com L o

r

ADVERTISING FEATURE

.....................

FINANCE BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (BAT) has taken a £25 billion (€29.1 billion) hit and will write down the value of some US brands as more people stop smoking. Camel, Pall Mall and others acquired in BAT’s 2017 Reynolds £40 billion (€46.6 billion) takeover are now worth considerably less than originally expected.

SAF for Zara

REPSOL is supplying sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for Atlas Air which it will use on all flights from Zaragoza Airport for its customer, Inditex. New York-headquartered Atlas Air is also establishing an industry milestone as it is the first cargo airline to use SAF regularly on flights to and from Spain.

Jobs saved

OMNIPLEX, which owns 38 cinemas in Ireland, will pay more than £22 million (€25.6 million) for five sites belonging to the collapsed Empire operator which went into administration in July last year. The expansion of Ireland’s largest cinema chain onto the UK mainland for the first time will also save 150 jobs.

Mine deal

CANADIAN Denarius Metals Corp is paying €25 million for a 50 per cent holding in the Aguablanca copper-nickel mine in Monesterio (Extremadura).

The installation which belongs to Rio Narcea Recursos is located 88 kilometres away from Denarius’s own Lomero Project in Los Cerros del Andevalo (Huelva).

Not here

THE Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) told Marks & Spencer and Morrisons to “improve compliance” after they blocked rivals from opening up near their own stores “on multiple occasions” between 2011 and 2020.

“Competition between supermarkets must work well to help people get the best deals,” the CMA said.

STAT OF WEEK

€21.5 billion

in net profits expected for 2023 by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) after three years of losses owing to the impact of the pandemic on airlines.

Another Saudi investment

Linda Hall SAUDI ARABIA is continuing to increase its high-profile investment presence in the UK. The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired a 49 per cent holding in Rocco Forte Hotels, putting a £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) value on the luxury chain which owns Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel and Brown’s in London.

Millionaire hotel tycoon Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi, retain a 51 per cent stake in the company where they remain in their present posts as executive chairman and deputy chair-

Photo credit: CC/Orderinchaos

Up in smoke

euroweeklynews.com • 14 - 20 December 2023

BROWN’S HOTEL: Part of the Rocco Forte hotel empire.

man.

Forte has four other sisters who are selling their shares, while Italy’s sovereign wealth fund, CDP Equity, is selling its 23 per cent stake to PIF, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Rocco Forte Hotels was founded in 1996

Linda Hall TELEFONICA is set on acquiring all the shares in its German subsidiary which is currently worth approximately €5 billion.

The Spanish multinational has launched a public tender to buy up the remainder of the holding that it does not already own in Telefonica Deutschland, offering €2.35 per share. The acceptance period began on December 5 and continues until January 17 next year.

This is 37.6 per cent above the share price at close of business the day before the offer was announced in November but below this year’s high of €3.15 reached in early 2023.

Dia selling

SUPERMARKET chain Dia is selling its perfume and cosmetic stores, Clarel, to Colombian investment company Grupo Trinity.

According to a statement from Dia, Trinity is paying up to €42.2 million for Clarel’s 1,000 shops in Spain and three distribution centres. Nevertheless, this would have a negative impact of €9.4 million on its account its next financial year, Dia added.

The Trinity sale follows a cancelled deal last December, when private equity group, C2 Capital Partners, an affiliate of Gaw Capital Partners in Portugal, offered €60 million for Clarel. The transaction was cancelled last August when C2 Capital Partners failed to meet agreed conditions.

and owns 14 hotels, the majority of which are located in Italy, including three in Rome and three in Sicily. As the company expects to double in size over the next five years, Forte described PIF as “an excellent partner” for the future, implying that these plans would inclu-

Telefonica wants control Photo: Flickr/Rodolfo Bontempi

BUSINESS EXTRA

12

TELEFONICA DEUTSCHLAND: Headquartered in Munich.

Information in the brochure published on December 5, when

de expansion into the Middle East. Meanwhile Saudi Araabia is also looking to attract more tourism to the Gulf state.

Referring to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund and the hotel chain, Forte said the two had established “extremely good relations” during their negotiations.

“They share the same vision for the brand and the future strategy of the group with the same ambition to take a longterm view,” Forte said.

PIF’s other UK assets include Newcastle United and the second-largest holding in Aston Martin.

the German authorities officially approved the deal, revealed that Telefonica now possesses an additional 9.4 per cent stake, reducing to 18 per cent the outstanding number of shares.

The Spanish multinational spent €57 million on buying up 30.7 million Telefonica Deutschland shares over two days followed the announcement last August that the German subsidiary had lost its contract to provide 5G coverage for telecoms company 1&1 to Vodafone.

Telefonica’s Chief Financial officer Laura Abasola also stressed that the company has no plans to de-list Telefonica Deutschland.

Treading water

Taking a toll

THAMES WATER, burdened with £14 billion (€16.3 billion) debts, is to face a parliamentary committee yet again.

The Environment Food and Rural Affairs committee will recall the company’s chief executive Cathryn Ross amid auditors’ warnings that parent company Kemble Water Holdings could be short of cash by April.

When the company was questioned last summer, MPs learnt that the situation would be alleviated by a £500 million (€583.2 million) injection from shareholders. Instead, the Financial Times reported on December 2 that Thames Water received a £515 million (€600.6 million) convertible loan charging 8 per cent interest to be paid each March, according to Kemble Water Holdings’ accounts.

“This leads us to question the accuracy of evidence provided by Thames Water in July,” said the cross-party committee’s chairman Sir Robert Goodwill.

SPANISH infrastructure multinational Abertis is buying the Autovia del Camino from Swiss investment bank UBS. The Camino motorway, which links Pamplona and Logroño, has a toll concession ending in December 2030.

Announcing the sale while omitting mention of the sums involved, Abertis said the operation consolidated the company’s new growth phase that commenced with the acquisition of new toll roads in the US and Puerto Rico.

In 2022 the Autovia del Camino enjoyed a “solid traffic performance” Abertis added, with a 4.2 per cent increase at year-end, as well as €49.5 million in revenues and an EBITDA of €45 million.

Qatar’s exit

QATAR INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (QIA), Barclays second-largest shareholder, intends to sell approximately 362 million of its shares.

The £510 million (€594.8 million) transaction, where QIA will shed around 45 per cent of its shares, will reduce QIA’s 5 per cent stake to around 2.4 per cent.

In 2008 Qatar helped Barclays to avoid a state rescue with a £4 billion (€4.67 billion) bailout and originally held one billion Barclays’ shares, whose price in the meantime has fallen by half.

The sale comes at a bad time for Barclays chief executive CS Venkatakrishnan (Venkat) who is trying to boost the bank’s performance.

Back to the office

NATIONWIDE told its 13,000 employees that they must work at least twice a week from the office.

From next April, the “work anywhere” policy introduced by its former chief executive during the pandemic will no longer be acceptable, said Nationwide’s current boss, Debbie Crosbie.

The building society has followed the lead of companies like HSBC, BT and BlackRock which announced to staff this year that they were phasing out work-from-home. Employees would now be expected to return to the office for several days each week to increase productivity, they learnt.

Renewables ENDESA is progressing with its plans to sell up to 49 per cent of its renewables portfolio consisting principally of solar power plants.

According to the financial daily Cinco Dias, the energy company is currently considering four separate offers in the region of €1 billion as it seeks to strengthen its position in sustainable energy.

Cinco Dias also revealed that Endesa has engaged both Banco Santander and Intesa Sanpaolo to sound out potential partners although when approached by the media, the company declined to comment.

14 EWN 14 - 20 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.....................................2.350,00..............+6,00............ +0,26%......... 117,52K

InterContinental..........................6.848,0...............+18,0............ +0,26%.......... 81,70K

Abrdn.......................................... 179,70................+0,70............ +0,39%...........1,03M

Intermediate Capital...................1.633,50.............+15,50........... +0,96%......... 115,66K

Admiral Group.............................2.769,0............... -31,0.............-1,11%........... 41,84K

Intertek........................................4.015,0............... -37,0.............-0,91%........... 11,76K

Anglo American...........................1.826,7...............+24,0............ +1,33%...........3,17M

ITV............................................... 61,52.................+0,66............ +1,08%...........1,89M

Antofagasta................................1.541,50.............+27,50........... +1,82%......... 273,21K

J Sainsbury................................. 296,13................+1,50............ +0,51%...........1,60M

Ashtead Group............................5.040,6................+6,0............. +0,12%.......... 52,16K

Johnson Matthey........................1.623,5................ -3,5..............-0,21%........... 25,94K

Associated British Foods.............2.439,0...............+17,0............ +0,70%.......... 94,78K

Land Securities........................... 642,80................ -1,00.............-0,15%.......... 167,64K

AstraZeneca...............................10.074,0.............. -48,0.............-0,47%.......... 207,67K

Legal & General.......................... 238,20................ -2,70.............-1,12%............2,49M

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 738,80................+0,80............ +0,11%......... 317,05K Aviva........................................... 426,10................ -3,00.............-0,70%.......... 581,10K B&M European Value Retail SA... 608,00................ -1,00.............-0,16%.......... 326,99K BAE Systems..............................1.042,91..............+0,50............ +0,05%......... 676,10K Barclays...................................... 142,13................ -1,14.............-0,80%...........23,99M Barratt Developments................. 540,80................+4,20............ +0,78%......... 777,00K Berkeley......................................4.683,0............... -57,0.............-1,20%.......... 114,44K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.456,00............. -37,00............-1,48%.......... 180,32K BP............................................... 465,30................ -2,95.............-0,63%............2,74M British American Tobacco...........2.266,0............... -51,0.............-2,20%............1,16M British Land Company................. 381,40................+5,30............ +1,41%......... 586,97K BT Group.................................... 133,25................+1,15............ +0,87%..........25,21M Bunzl...........................................3.067,0............... -12,0.............-0,39%........... 34,61K Burberry Group...........................1.495,0............... -23,5.............-1,55%.......... 110,24K Carnival.......................................1.287,2................+0,5............. +0,04%......... 166,09K Centrica....................................... 143,50................ -5,95.............-3,98%............4,79M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.267,0................ -7,0..............-0,31%........... 41,11K Compass....................................2.051,00............. -11,00............-0,53%.......... 245,38K CRH............................................5.154,0...............+18,0............ +0,35%......... 160,32K Croda Intl....................................4.723,0............... -44,0.............-0,92%........... 23,46K DCC.............................................5.558,0...............+38,0............ +0,69%........... 8,15K Diageo.........................................2.808,0............... -21,0.............-0,74%.......... 500,21K DS Smith.................................... 300,32................ -2,80.............-0,92%.......... 775,55K EasyJet........................................ 479,70................ -1,50.............-0,31%.......... 383,15K Experian......................................3.078,0................ -3,0..............-0,10%.......... 133,93K Ferguson....................................14.350,0..............+50,0............ +0,35%........... 5,37K

Lloyds Banking............................ 45,58................. -0,72.............-1,56%...........24,87M London Stock Exchange..............9.102,4................+6,0............. +0,07%......... 130,67K Melrose Industries...................... 563,40................+4,00............ +0,71%......... 407,97K Mondi.........................................1.459,50.............. -3,50.............-0,24%.......... 190,21K National Grid..............................1.061,50..............+1,50............ +0,14%...........1,78M NatWest Group........................... 217,00................ -3,50.............-1,59%............3,15M Next............................................8.010,0...............+12,0............ +0,15%.......... 16,30K Ocado.......................................... 630,40................+3,00............ +0,48%......... 334,94K Persimmon.................................1.306,5................ -3,0..............-0,23%........... 83,52K Phoenix....................................... 494,50................ -3,10.............-0,62%.......... 508,68K Prudential.................................... 886,69................ -3,00.............-0,34%.......... 601,35K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.340,0............... -56,0.............-1,04%.......... 120,59K Relx............................................3.106,29.............. -2,00.............-0,06%.......... 280,02K Rentokil....................................... 414,90................ -4,20.............-1,00%.......... 675,11K Rightmove.................................. 577,20................ -3,40.............-0,59%.......... 616,42K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.479,0.............. -104,0............-1,86%.......... 291,87K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 295,30................+6,00............ +2,07%...........5,45M Sage...........................................1.180,50..............+6,00............ +0,51%......... 223,25K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.376,00.............. -6,00.............-0,43%............ 2,58K Schroders.................................... 421,9..................+0,5............. +0,12%......... 126,80K Scottish Mortgage....................... 741,52................ -2,40.............-0,32%.......... 548,16K Segro.......................................... 829,80................ -2,00.............-0,24%.......... 159,59K Severn Trent...............................2.669,0............... -45,0.............-1,66%........... 88,82K Shell............................................2.507,0............... -13,5.............-0,54%.......... 785,33K Smith & Nephew........................1.043,00.............. -5,50.............-0,53%.......... 121,76K Smiths Group.............................1.670,50.............. -4,50.............-0,27%........... 51,31K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.470,0................ -8,0..............-0,08%........... 13,23K

Flutter Entertainment..................13.195,0..............+40,0............ +0,30%.......... 33,67K

SSE............................................1.851,00............. -31,50............-1,67%.......... 300,43K

Fresnillo...................................... 578,80................ -1,60.............-0,28%.......... 107,31K

St. James’s Place........................ 690,60................ -9,00.............-1,29%.......... 190,38K

Glencore...................................... 443,35............... -14,05............-3,07%............7,42M

Standard Chartered..................... 647,40............... -12,60............-1,91%.......... 681,91K

GSK plc......................................1.433,60.............. -0,80.............-0,06%.......... 399,28K

Taylor Wimpey............................ 137,10................ -0,45.............-0,33%............1,67M

Halma..........................................2.195,2............... -10,0.............-0,45%........... 49,12K

Tesco.......................................... 288,45................+0,60............ +0,21%...........1,66M

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 752,00................+3,60............ +0,48%......... 194,61K

Tui............................................... 619,00................ -5,50.............-0,88%.......... 241,99K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.732,50............. -19,00............-1,08%........... 62,57K

Unilever.......................................3.743,5............... -44,0.............-1,16%.......... 585,09K

HSBC.......................................... 611,50................ -7,70.............-1,24%............3,35M

United Utilities............................1.095,27............. -14,00............-1,26%.......... 312,79K

IAG.............................................. 155,68................ -2,70.............-1,71%............2,61M

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 68,804............... -0,430............-0,62%...........10,31M

Imperial Brands..........................1.806,00............. -14,00............-0,77%.......... 379,83K

Whitbread...................................3.337,2................ -6,0..............-0,18%........... 57,88K

Informa....................................... 776,60................+2,20............ +0,28%......... 279,02K

WPP............................................ 717,60................ -5,00.............-0,69%.......... 285,60K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.85593

1.16756

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0763 Japan yen (JPY)...................................157.41 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9476 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4560 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.778 currenciesdirect.com/marbella • Tel: +34 952 906 581 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.............................................. 103,32................+0,04............ +0,04%...........3,05M American Express....................... 168,40................ -0,22.............-0,13%............1,86M Amgen........................................ 269,12................ -2,19.............-0,81%............2,51M Apple........................................... 195,71................+1,44............ +0,74%..........49,77M Boeing......................................... 244,45................+7,12............ +3,00%...........6,89M Caterpillar.................................... 259,43................+2,02............ +0,78%...........2,10M Chevron...................................... 144,32................+1,90............ +1,33%...........9,06M Cisco............................................ 48,38.................+0,12............ +0,25%..........14,97M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,60................. -0,14.............-0,24%............9,98M Dow............................................. 50,91................. -0,16.............-0,30%............3,57M Goldman Sachs........................... 350,89................+6,27............ +1,82%...........2,08M Home Depot................................ 326,35................+0,18............ +0,06%...........2,63M Honeywell................................... 194,61................ -3,18.............-1,61%............4,38M IBM............................................. 161,94................+1,72............ +1,07%...........3,75M Intel.............................................. 42,70.................+0,55............ +1,30%..........34,88M J&J............................................. 154,36................ -1,04.............-0,67%............5,90M JPMorgan................................... 158,55................+1,76............ +1,12%...........6,80M McDonald’s................................. 285,53................ -1,26.............-0,44%............3,18M Merck&Co................................... 103,74................ -0,14.............-0,13%............7,20M Microsoft.................................... 374,23................+3,28............ +0,88%..........18,55M Nike............................................. 115,90................+1,09............ +0,95%...........5,89M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,14................ -1,36.............-0,93%............4,77M Salesforce Inc............................. 250,73................+1,88............ +0,76%...........4,39M The Travelers.............................. 181,22................ -0,69.............-0,38%.......... 568,09K UnitedHealth............................... 549,93................+1,66............ +0,30%...........1,91M Verizon......................................... 38,24................. -0,41.............-1,05%...........18,10M Visa A.......................................... 255,69................ -0,13.............-0,05%............3,42M Walgreens Boots.......................... 23,16.................+0,25............ +1,09%..........17,24M Walmart...................................... 150,82................ -1,64.............-1,08%...........11,07M Walt Disney.................................. 92,82.................+0,77............ +0,84%...........6,54M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 4 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced NWTN Inc........................................................+17.85%......................... 37,026 Paramount Global............................................+12.11%........................49.773M Axos Financial, Inc...........................................+11.81%.........................2.259M Paramount Global............................................+10.90%........................ 112,152 SiTime Corporation...........................................+9.87%......................... 237,513 Upstart Holdings, Inc........................................+9.01%.........................13.751M C3.ai, Inc...........................................................+8.65%.........................16.088M InterContinental Hotels Group PLC...................+8.47%.......................... 80,831 Hut 8 Corp........................................................+8.47%..........................6.155M Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc..........................+8.19%.........................53.071M Mondi plc..........................................................+8.15%.......................... 17,615 Most Declined Anglo American plc.......................................... -19.06%.........................1.646M HashiCorp, Inc................................................. -16.43%........................17.561M RH.................................................................... -14.00%.........................3.732M Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc......................... -11.58%.........................1.004M Beam Therapeutics Inc...................................... -8.17%...........................1.78M CRISPR Therapeutics AG.................................. -8.08%..........................17.23M Sunrun Inc........................................................ -7.07%.........................16.528M MINISO Group Holding Limited........................ -6.90%............................3.6M National Beverage Corp..................................... -5.57%......................... 238,026 XPeng Inc......................................................... -5.31%.........................14.219M GameStop Corp................................................. -4.95%.........................10.401M

M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

No grudges

AIRPORTS operator Aena called on Iberia to be “bighearted” and instead of hindering the handover to other companies to accept that it lost ground handling licences at Spanish airports because rivals presented better offers. Iberia retains Madrid-Barajas but has lost Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Ibiza and Bilbao.

Don’t go yet

THE UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plans to ban High Street banks from closing unless residents have access to free-to-use cash machines. When proposing to close, banks will have two months to report to the FCA with details of facilities for cash withdrawals as well as deposit services for businesses and current accounts.

TUI could leave London

TUI, Europe’s largest travel operator, is deliberating whether to delist from the London stock exchange.

On publishing its full-year results on December 6, the Hanover-based company revealed that shareholders were “concerned” regarding the current dual listing on the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges.

They queried whether this was “optimal and advantageous” in view of a “notable” shift in share ownership from the UK

Photo credit: Tui AG/Christian Wyrwa

BUSINESS EXTRA

14 - 20 December 2023

TUI: Chief executive Sebastian Ebel announced a record year.

to Germany over the last four years.

Leaving London could lead to reduced costs, cen-

Iberdrola-Masdar alliance

ABU DHABI’S Masdar bought a 46 per cent stake in Iberdrola’s East Anglia 3 offshore windfarm, the largest in the UK. Masdar, controlled by the Gulf state and chaired by Dr Sultan al-Jaber, president of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, announced the €15 billion deal during the climate talks.

“By combining our renewables experience and financial strength we can deli-

ver secure, competitive and clean energy more quickly,” said Ignacio Galan, Iberdrola’s executive chairman on Tuesday, December 5.

It was the UAE’s second agreement of this kind following Masdar’s acquisition on December 1 of 49 per cent of German-owned RWE’s £11 billion (€12.8 billion) Dogger Bank South project in the North Sea.

tralisation of liquidity and “potential benefits to European Union airline ownership and control requirements” the 2023 annual statement pointed out.

An end to pandemic restrictions coupled with higher prices, gave TUI a record turnover as the company headed by Sebastian Ebel saw underlying earnings before interest and tax soaring by 139 per cent to €977 million in the 12 months ending September.

Revenue rose to a record €20.7 billion following a strong summer season, as fourth-quarter sales increased by 11 per cent to €8.5 billion.

“2023 was a good year for TUI,” Ebel said. “Hotels and cruises are growth areas and highly profitable. Other segments, like the tour operator business, are undergoing transformation in order to also return to very good profitability.”

EWN 15

New role

THE Coca Cola Company announced that Spanish national Manuel Arroyo takes over as executive vice-president on January 1 although he would also retain the post of global chief marketing officer which he has occupied for the last four years. Arroyo, who first joined the company in Madrid in 1995, was initially responsible for the group’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cellnex sells

THE Somerset Capital Management co-founded by the Tory MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is preparing to wind down following the departure of its most important client, wealth management company St James’s Place. Rees-Mogg’s business has lost around £2 billion (€2.3 billion) in assets, leaving it with approximately £1 billion, a sum generally regarded as too small for an effective hedge fund.

16 EWN 14 - 20 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Cheap goods and communism LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT IN my opinion the Chinese are the most dangerous race on the planet.

Subjects who live under the iron boot of communism are like ants or bees following the orders of the Queen. On their own they are weak and vulnerable; working together for a common cause, they are virtually unstoppable.

Over the years, this ancient race of people with their inscrutable and patient leaders, has slowly but surely managed to infiltrate the West with far more success and subtlety than the terrorists who have impregnated our society. From the innocuous Chinese restaurants and emporiums of cheap goods, to the high financiers of Wall Street and the city of London, they are everywhere.

Most of their companies in the West are state owned enterprises, including the multi supply stores, whose staff are trained in China and schooled in the language of whatever country they are designated to take up their employment. These stores are

only allowed to buy their stock from China and are totally autonomous.

By selling a complete cross section of cheap goods, their purpose is to undermine and disrupt local businesses. Beijing’s 1997 takeover in Hong Kong and the announcement that they would be instructing schools to teach children from the age of six that they must always show allegiance to the state, was blatant brainwashing and of course ensures that their future generations will not become westernised, a result enjoyed by many of the youngsters who were raised under British rule.

Their technology, particularly in the cyber world, is second to none and the Chinese Communist parties, who lie with monotonous predictability, were almost certainly the source of a number of huge cyber-attacks on the West.

They are a nuclear power that can send rockets into space. Whether intentionally or accidently, China was undoubtedly responsible for the Covid pandemic that severely damaged a multitude of economies and spread fear all over the planet.

At present they are too astute to be actual warmongers, but I still be-

lieve, in the not too distant future, they will begin to flex their military muscles and endeavour to ‘take back’ Taiwan. Whatever the future holds, I think China is the biggest threat to Western democracy the world has ever seen. Can they be stopped? Somehow I doubt it, there are after all over 1.4 billion of them! If they join forces with Putin’s Mafia, I think we can stick our heads between our legs and bid adieu to our posteriors.

Ah well, aint life grand? Delighted to see that ‘I’m a Celebrity’ viewers voted out that awful Nellie individual. No doubt, by the time you read this she will be (unless advised otherwise!) blaming racism as one of the main reasons for her unpopularity. Ridiculous; she was merely a young, spoiled brat of low intellect, no matter what her origins.

Did you know that the ol’ Leaper has, in the distant past, twice been short listed for that show?

Lost out both times I’m afraid.

No need to display the reasons, it certainly wasn’t racism.

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.

Winner has it all EUROMILLIONS: One of the largest jackpots in history.

THE winner of one of the largest EuroMillions jackpots in history is somewhere in Austria, lottery officials have said, while the second-highest prize, a mere £1,191,020, may have as many as five winners.

National Lottery officials told a national newspaper on December 8 that three of those winners are located in the UK. The remaining two could be in any of the participating countries, which include Ireland, Spain, France, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, or Switzerland. To win the second prize, players must match all five numbers and one Lucky Star. Tic-

kets must be purchased before 7.30pm, and players can still take home cash even if they don’t win the top prizes.

Such a jackpot is life changing, especially when you consider that hit songwriters Ed Sheeran and Rod Stewart have net fortunes of just £200 million, less than last weekend’s lucky winner. With £201 million in your pocket the possibilities are endless.

Maybe it’s 500 Rolls Royce Phantoms that tickles your fancy. Or perhaps you’d rather bag a handful of Caribbean islands instead. With such a fortune you could spend lavishly and still have some cash left to invest.

INTERVIEW

Make sure you keep active ANOTHER of our ongoing conversations with Europeans who have chosen to settle in Spain, and this time it’s the turn of Lily van Tongeren who moved to the Costa del Sol in 2012 from The Netherlands.

Explaining her decision, “This is not a hobby, it’s Lily said “I was attraca passion that makes ted by the weather me want to do all and lifestyle after that I can to proa number of hotect and care for liday visits and abandoned anithere was a famals, especially mily reason as the very young well. and those that “I just love it are sick. here, especially “When I come in Marbella which home from worhas an international king with them, I Credit: Facebook population and whilst love to escape into a Lily van Tongeren. the lifestyle is relaxed, you good book and I suppose have to be able to ‘go with the reading is my main hobby.” flow’ as there are some ups and downs.”

One piece of advice which she belieLily acknowledges that there are some ves is very important for anyone who problems with bureaucracy but thinks moves here, especially if they are penthat the same everywhere in Europe as sioners, is that they should ensure that each country has its own ways of doing they keep active and maybe volunteer to things which may seem strange to new- work with a charity as she did. comers, so she tries to navigate as best “That way they will meet other peoshe can. ple, form new acquaintances and also Many will know that Lily is one of the not be tempted to spend too much time guiding lights behind the Triple A animal in local bars, which has been a problem charity in Marbella and she says of this for some people.”

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

EWN 17

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20 EWN 14 - 20 December 2023

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

THE news that those who ride electric scooters are going to be required to comply with a number of new regulations here in Spain with effect from January 22, 2024 this has found favour with a number of our readers as well as some questions.

The article appeared in a number of regional editions of issue 2005 or can be viewed on the Euro Weekly News website.

“

They have no tax to pay. l have had two near accidents with them, the younger ones have no idea about road safety, no clue at all. They are banned in a lot of countries… they are dangerous to themselves and drivers who have done road safety and know the rules and regulations of the road… THEY DO NOT… please get these off the road…

Mary Hollamby

I live in Spain, as a driver of a car, these seem to come out of the blue, often with insufficient lighting. That said, they look like fun, my son wants one! No way. But what is the alternative? A moped, possibly worse?

From a drivers’ point of viewing (literally) the electric scooter wins. But young people use them on pedestrian areas, THIS is VERY dangerous, as they are silent and very fast.

I don’t know the future, it’s just one more thing to look out for. As for my son, he will wait one year more and drive with protection ie air bags.

Lorraine, Denia

The worst thing about it, people are using on pavements, parks etc. Kids are nowhere safe anymore.

Yoy

What about public insurance and form of tax with the hire company?

Mr Jackson

I am 83 years old and own a four wheel mobility scooter which I need to get about for visits to my doctor and pharmacy, how will these new regulations affect me please ?

Chris Dixon

A regular reader sent a long and very interesting comment following an article published on our website which suggested that the bilingual education system in some Spanish schools could harm learning; Quote: “Can Spanish teachers speak good English?

Related to this is the fact many teachers lack English proficiency themselves, meaning that they often fail to convey the subtleties necessary for effective instruction.”

This is a HUGE problem, because no, the vast majority can’t but also insist that they can! I’ve even known British kids contradicted and told they are using the wrong vocabulary.

Last year I had a class of B1 students who kept saying “I’m agree”, among (many) other mistakes. When I corrected them they told me that their high school teacher insists on it! I suggested they tell her that their Academy English teacher, who teaches all levels including C2, that to agree is a verb and so just as you can’t be run, sit, or read, you cannot be agree.

I’ve also seen ‘to attend to the school…’ in course books, instead of attending a school.

When I explain that the caretaker and cleaners attend TO the school; they are looking after it / maintaining it, whereas enrolled students attend their schools.

One major issue is la escuela oficial de idiomas, is deeply flawed, yet its qualifications are given prescience over Cambridge English qualifications, which are the most highly regarded certificates the world over.

Known for their rigorous standards, and continuous professional development, it isn’t easy to achieve the highest levels required to even contemplate becoming an English teacher, and so very many Spanish-English teachers (and officials) opt for the easy route…. They just NEED a certificate for their job!

While Spain continues to operate in a prejudiced way, favouring its home-grown language school exams, and making it obligatory to sit and pass “oposiciones’ in SPANISH, no decent, fully qualified English teacher can get hired in a state school, unless they have been raised inside the Spanish education system. There is no equality, not a chance of a school appointing the ‘best teacher for the job’, it is completely out of their hands, some faceless bureaucrat holds the power for any position in a civil position.

Concha

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.

22

euroweeklynews.com • 14 - 20 December 2023

PETS

SPONSORED BY

No puppies for presents this Christmas

A DOG is man’s best friend.

A quote that is old but true, as anybody who has had the honour of living alongside one of these caring creatures knows.

Is there anything cuter than a puppy? Perhaps a puppy with a big red bow, smiling up at a child on Christmas morning. Perfect for photos, and the child will surely be elated, however, what about what comes next?

A law has recently been passed in Spain that makes pet insurance compulsory for dog owners, the minimum cost of which is €20 per month

CUTE PUPPIES: They are for life, not a gift at Christ

mas.

but can be significantly more depending on the breed.

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The puppy will also need its injections, which usually total around €150, as well as a microchip and passport, if you wish to travel with your new companion. All in all, you should expect to spend between €220 and €800 in the first few weeks of owning a dog, and this expenditure is before the life of owning an animal has even begun. The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) discovered that people in Spain spend an average of €1,131 per year on

a dog, a figure that many do not take into account before making the commitment to taking one home.

Unfortunately, far too often this financial and physical responsibility becomes too much for new dog owners, especially when reality sets in and six months down the line the adorable puppy has chewed the new sofa (yes they will), takes time and effort to house train, and has perhaps doubled or even tripled in size. When the cute-

ness fades and the inconvenience of caring for an animal becomes apparent, many decide that having a dog “is not for them”, and swiftly rehome their once loved friend.

Of course though, a one year old dog is not as easy to find a family for, hence why dog shelters in Spain and all over Europe are currently overflowing with many discarded Christmas ‘gifts’.

These poor animals, who once thought they had found their forever family, now sit

alone wondering what went wrong, and the responsibility of caring for them lies with generous volunteers and donors, but they can only do so much. For this reason, animal shelters are desperately urging people to carefully consider the decision when adding a furry friend to the family.

They may look very cute on Christmas morning, but they are living, breathing, sentient beings, just like you and I. They are not a gift, not a perfect posed picture accessory, they are a friend for life, and they will have their flaws!

For anyone who is feeling the desire to add the magic of a dog into their lives, perhaps consider fostering for a while, to understand the reality of caring for one. Fortunately, many shelters, after witnessing a common pattern, now do not allow dog adoptions around Christmas time, due to this tragic trend.

A dog is a man’s best friend, and life is never the same after living with one, but they are for life, not a gift for Christmas.

Catkin likes her pet-sitters for company CATKIN’S owners have been using HouseSitMatch as a source of free checked pet-sitters to care for their animals when they travel away from home. Catkin is one of three pets, the only cat among two dogs. She tolerates them perfectly, but loves her live-in pet-sitters.

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time. Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch. com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These

Meet Catkin who likes nothing more than relaxing in the comfort of her home.

are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com 2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with

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HouseSitMatch can help you find suitable sitters.

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euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

World Cup 1982 ANDALUCIA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Get your boots on and join up!

APART from a couple of Axarfusion Cup matches, there are no more league or cup games until the New Year; time to receive visitors or even travel abroad to see family.

However, training still goes on, accompanied by typically festive gatherings. The camaraderie within walking football clubs is fantastic but is even better at this time of year, highlighting one of the great reasons to join in the fun. This football family, for that’s what it is, also keeps in touch with its local communities and much charitable work is undertaken by club individuals or clubs themselves at various times of the year, for the benefit of those in need.

Another great reason to play walking football is the benefit to one’s health. Walking football, it may be, but it can still be played at a fast pace. An extended training session or a 40 or 50 minute game certainly gets the heart

Image: Team Spain Walking Football

THE year 1982 was a very special one for Spanish football as Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

It was also a very special year for football minnows Northern Ireland as their team qualified for the finals for just the second time in their history.

A teacher of English originally from Northern Ireland but by then with property in Spain, Tony Matthews was appointed as interpreter and liaison officer by the Spanish Royal Organising Committee.

As Northern Ireland and Spain were both in the same play-off group, he asked if he could be assigned to the Northern Ireland squad and to his delight, this was approved.

After all of these years and now living in Madrid with a holiday property in Los Alcazares, Tony has been persuaded to write his story of the events covering those few weeks and he reveals secrets of the players, the situation in Spain still under the rule of Franco, his encounters with some of the greats of world football and much more.

The book, titled ‘Yer Man Will Look After Our Language’ is being sold to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Unit Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast and can be obtained online from Amazon at https://www.amazon.es/YER-WILL-LOOK-AF TER-LANGUAGE/dp/B0C6C4FFHT in Spain.

It will be noticed that this Tony bills himself on the book cover as the other Tony Matthews as he is aware of the tremendous number of books on the subject of football produced by our former columnist Tony Matthews.

WALKING FOOTBALL: Come along to a training session.

and muscles working but also provides the opportunity to put into practice those footballing skills learned a while ago which perhaps had been neglected over the years! If you think it’s a game for old crocks, think again!

Come and watch a game in the New Year and you’ll almost certainly be surprised at how skilful and exciting a sport it can be.

Currently, there are nine clubs making up the two age groups of our league, the Over 50s and Over 60s, some with a team in each category and those who haven’t

RIDING high after last summer’s World Nations success, Team Spain Walking Football team have secured a collaboration with the town hall at Pilar De la Horadada in the municipality of Alicante.

Mark Kavanagh, part of the Team Spain’s management had a successful meeting with Pedro Quesada, sporting technical director and José Antonio Martinez, sports councillor in which the town’s football stadium was officially announced as the new home for Team Spain to hold International matches and host tournaments.

This represents a mas-

Image: Team Spain Walking Football

New national stadium deal

Mark Kavanagh (centre) with José Antonio Martinez and Pedro Quesada.

sive breakthrough for the sport with the collaboration and partnership at local government level and can only enhance its growing popularity within both the Spanish and expatriate communities.

Team Spain have wasted no time in utilising their new home with the announcement of a major International tournament next September when they will host England,

France, Italy and The Basque Country among others between December 26 28.

The event will be contested in three categories Men’s over 50, over 60 and Ladies over 40 which marks another stride forward in announcing a further two representative sides playing under the Team Spain umbrella. Mark Coleman, Team Spain manager, explained the need for

expansion; “We have had huge interest from other countries since the World Cup with invitations to play in Europe, Thailand and even Australia, but in several age categories.

Currently we are underrepresented and so we need to address that in line with the games expansion and popularity among different age groups and genders.”

He added, “The Ladies will be playing in their first International tournament in Marrakesh in March with all groups represented together for the first time later in the year, in Nantes, France in July.”

Any players wishing to take up Walking Football and looking to find a club or are currently playing and looking to represent Team Spain can contact Mark Kavanagh (Alicante Area) mkavanagh@live. co.uk or Mark Coleman (Malaga Area) chame leon1965@icloud.com.

aspiring to do the same in the near future. The League itself grows each year with more clubs getting on board.

Most clubs have their own Facebook pages, some their own websites and the League reflects this with its own Facebook pages and a website soon to be unveiled.

Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring details of our league clubs so that you can identify your most local one and find out more about it, including training days and times. This week, we look at clubs representing Competa, Torrox and Malaga:

Boca Seniors Competa and Competa Chicas Teams: mixed 50+ and 60+ and Competa Chicas ladies team Facebook: Competa Walking Football Contact e.mail: competachicas@gmail.com Ground Address: Campo de Futbol A Mullor Bernabeu, Av. Juan Pablo II, 21, 29754, Competa.

Torrox Tornadoes Teams: 50+ and 60+ Facebook: Torrox Tornadoes Walking Football Club Contact Tel No: 711 006 992 Ground Address: San Roque Stadium, Torrox Pueblo.

Malaga WFC Teams: 50+ and 60+ Facebook: Malaga Walking Football Club Contact e.mail: Bryan.Rich mond@crownagents.co.uk Ground Address: El Canadon, Av. Los Perales, 19, 29651, Las Lagunas de Mijas.

€1 Million record

A HUGE financial carrot has been dangled in front of the world’s marathon elite by the patron of the Valencian Marathon.

In a bold move, Juan Roig, president of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation and patron of the Valencia Marathon, announced the extraordinary €1 million reward for breaking the marathon world record in Valencia in 2024.

This year marked the 43rd edition and was held on Sunday, December 3, with Roig making the announcement following its conclusion. “We want to announce that we will give the person who breaks the world record €1 million, if they do it in Valencia, of course.

“One of our great wishes and dreams is for the world record to be achieved here and we are willing to work for it,” Roig stated to the gathered media, according to a Spanish news outlet.

Valencia’s marathon is renowned for its ultra-fast course and typically favourable December weather, making it a prime location for record attempts.

These conditions are not only conducive to worldclass performances but also attract a wide range of athletes seeking Olympic qualifying times, set at two hours, eight minutes, 10 seconds for men and two hours, 26 minutes, 50 seconds for women.

This year’s event saw Ethiopian Sisay Lema clinch victory with a time of two hours, one minute, and 48 seconds, making him the fourth fastest athlete of all-time rankings at the distance.

Notably, Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei, a three-time 10,000-metre world champion making his marathon debut, clocked in at 2:08:59.

In the women’s race, Ethiopian Worknesh Degefa led with a time of two hours, 15 minutes, 51 seconds.