Costa Calida 14 – 20 Dec 2023 Issue 2006

Costa Calida • Issue No. 2006 • 14 - 20 December 2023

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AN incredible stroke of luck has blessed a resident from the small town of Casillas in Murcia. This fortunate local, who purchased their ticket at the store on Calle Del Pino Bajo A, is now celebrating a substantial win of €1.5 million in the EuroMillions draw.

Although the EuroMillions jackpot stood at a whopping €240 million, our Casillas resident missed it by just one star. However, they still clinched an impressive prize of €1,584,039.19 as the sole winner in Spain with five matching numbers plus one star.

Additionally, two other tickets in Spain scored thirdtier prizes (five correct numbers) in Palmanova (Balearic Islands) and Moaña (Pontevedra), netting approximately €25,000 each. The luckiest million euros found its way to Asturias.

Luck favoured several across Europe, yet it’s undoubtedly our Casillas neighbour who is now celebrating an incredible windfall just before Christmas!

Shutterstock/Lena Constantin

Image: Murcia Image:town Cartagena.es hall

ACE-ING CHRISTMAS Lucky local

Carlos Alcaraz ignites Murcia’s holiday spirit.

MOVE over, Santa! Murcia’s Plaza Circular just got served a tennis-tastic, tree-lighting extravaganza courtesy of none other than the sensational Carlos Alcaraz. The streets were packed waiting for local tennis superstar and singing sensation Ruth Lorenzo to kick off the celebrations.

The whole event kicked off with Drilo’s Gang - delighting the children with some festive tunes, setting the stage for Ruth Lorenzo from Las Torres de Cotillas in Murcia, to hit it out of the park dressed in a Santa cape. The audience danced and sang along to her tunes. Ruth, who represented Spain in Eurovision 2014, captivated the crowd with performances of ‘Tú’ and ‘Loveaholic’, showcasing why she’s one of the internationally acclaimed artists.

At 7.15pm on December 9, Carlos Alcaraz took hold of an illuminated racket and launched a ball at the 32-metre Christmas Tree structure turning on the lights, and got the party

started. A 10-minute firework show followed accompanied by Christmas music. The tennis star left a message for the people of Murcia, writing on a television camera lens: ‘Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Long live the Region

of Murcia.’

This Christmas tree now stands as the Christmas hub of Murcia, hosting many daily activities like concerts and workshops.

Life changing amounts are won on the lottery every week.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

Image: Cartagena.es

Cartagena sparkles Protect the nest CARTAGENA SHINES: Embracing the magic of Christmas.

CARTAGENA heralded the onset of Christmas festivities on Tuesday, December 5, as the port city unveiled its long-awaited holiday decorations in an event at the town hall square. It was a vibrant celebration of colour and fantasy featuring beloved children’s characters and a musical performance on a stage set up beside the Consistorial Palace.

Mayor Noelia Arroyo had the honour of pressing the button to switch on over 1,800,000 light points for

this Christmas.

“This moment represents a lively, dynamic, and participative Cartagena, the Cartagena we work for every day, from here, from this Consistorial Palace. Christmas expands this year to more corners, squares in the centre, neighbourhoods, and districts. And there, we want to see all of you. If anyone asks you what to do these days, tell them: ‘Choose Cartagena at Christmas’,” remarked the Cartagena mayor.

Before the lights came on around 6.30pm, the municipal Nativity Scene was unveiled in Plaza San Francisco. The event featured a performance by the all-female a capella choir, Sonrisas Harmony.

Other Christmas monuments have been installed across the municipality, including luminous curtains, and double arches with stars. Another highlighted zone is Plaza Juan XXIII which features a giant snowman.

THE Region of Murcia has imposed a ban on motor vehicle access within the Hondares Ravine in Moratalla to support the reproduction of the golden eagle. Effective from December, the order remains in force until July 15, 2024, coinciding with the breeding season. The Regional Ministry of Environment, Universities, Research, and Mar Menor issued the directive aimed at safeguarding the breeding pairs of this protected species.

Similar actions have been implemented in other natural spaces like Sierra Espuña for the booted eagle, where specific trails are restricted during nesting periods, and Calblanque for the Eurasian eagle-owl, with controlled THE Sonrisas Harmony A Cappella Chorus delivered a magical performance for the Christmas Lights switching on ceremony in Cartagena at the Belen, Plaza de San Francisco.

The chorus was thrilled by the overwhelming response from the large, enthusiastic crowd. Sharing the spirit of Christmas with the people of Cartagena was an immense honour for the group.

Then, on Saturday, December 9, Boochies hosted

climbing activities. Measures in protected areas like Monte Arabí and Cabo Tiñoso are also taken for the conservation of significant raptor species.

Hondares Ravine’s reserve area falls within the Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) Sierra de Moratalla, part of the Natura 2000 Network. This zone meets the criteria for SPA designation due to the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), and red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the focus of this restriction, is also crucial here due to its protected status and population risk in this mountain range.

Festive cheer

a delightful ‘Traditional German Cake and Mulled Wine’ afternoon, graced by the Sonrisas Harmony A Cappella Chorus. The restaurant’s generosity in providing space for this festive event added to the warmth of the occasion.

Amidst savouring delectable cakes and mulled wine, the chorus serenaded attendees with enchanting Christmas melodies, further

enhancing the holiday atmosphere. Proceeds from the event will aid the San Jose Orphanage in Elche.

To catch the Sonrisas Harmony A Cappella Chorus before Christmas, join them around the Christmas Tree at the Dos Mares shopping centre in San Javier on December 16. Stay updated on their upcoming events via sonrisasharmony.es, or their social media channels.

Sweet support MABS Mazarron is set to raise funds through a delectable cake and pastry stall on Friday, December 15, at Bolnuevo Hair and Beauty Salon. This charitable event invites everyone to enjoy de­ licious treats while support­ ing MABS’ noble cause.

Christmas fair PREPARE for a delightful evening on December 16 at Parque Aduana in San Pedro del Pinatar! The Great Ukrainian Christmas Fair and Concert, ‘Christmas Fairy Tale’, promises a festive time. From 5pm, enjoy a Christmas Market, followed

by Christmas Carols.

Free activities JOIN the festive spirit in Los Alcazares this Christmas!

From December 23 to Jan­ uary 5, the Tourism Depart­ ment offers free gastronom­ ic, children’s, cultural, and leisure activities. See losal cazares.es for more info.

Festive bikers ON December 16, the Santa Motorcycle Route will rev through Los Alcazares. Bring a toy or non­perishable food to donate. Gather at Plaza Manuel Floreal Menárguez at 4.30pm to kick off the ride at 5.00pm.

Heat peaks THE Spanish Meteorological State Agency (Aemet) re­ ported that the Murcia Re­ gion reached 28 degrees on Monday, December 11, the country’s highest. In specific areas, Lorca reached 28 de­ grees, while Murcia City recorded 27 degrees and Cartagena 22 degrees.

Hiker strain A 55-YEAR-OLD hiker was rescued by helicopter on Sunday, December 10 after spraining her ankle near Fuente Caputa, in Mula. Un­ able to reach her location by vehicle, emergency services called for a helicopter rescue.

After locating her, they safely transported her to hospital for treatment.

THE Tourism councillor led the way for a memorable event on December 9: the very first beach wedding at Cala Cortina Beach!

This magical moment be­ came possible thanks to a new set of rules governing how we enjoy our beautiful beaches in Cartagena. A local Cartagena couple became the stars of the show, exchanging their vows amidst the breath­ taking backdrop of this iconic beach.

If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding here, you’ve got to plan ahead! Applica­ tions for these special cere­

14 - 20 December 2023

Wedding shores Images: Cartagena.es

CARTAGENA: Love found its perfect shore.

monies need to be in five months beforehand, getting

Farm festivities GET ready to jingle all the way to Hugo’s Home Farm for a Christmas bash unlike any other. Nestled in the sunny Murcia region, this farm isn’t just your regular rescue centre ­ it’s a haven for all sorts of animals, from horses and ponies to alpacas, chickens, and even peacocks!

Run by Helping Coco Horse Rescue, this place is all about rescuing and reha­ bilitating animals who’ve had a rough life. But guess what? They’re throwing a Christmas party, and you’re invited! Pic­ ture this: a bouncy castle, pony rides, and the chance to take a selfie with the coolest alpacas around. Plus, there’s a Santa post box ­ because who doesn’t love sending a wish to the North Pole?

Mark your calendars for December 16, 17, and 30, and January 3, 6, and 7.

Oh, and here’s the best part ­ it’s totally free to come! Donations are super wel­ come, though. Swing by between 11am to 2pm, no need to RSVP, and soak up the festive vibes while supporting these amazing animals.

It’s a Christmas party you won’t want to miss!

the official thumbs­up from the Coastal Demarcation.

This new ordinance isn’t just about saying ‘I do’ with waves crashing nearby ­ it’s about boosting tourism, cre­ ating jobs, and bringing fresh life to the beaches of Cartage­ na.

And it’s official: since July 2022, they can now host events at 16 beaches across La Manga, Mar Menor, La Azohía, and Cala Cortina ­ all thanks to collaboration from the tourism council.

Seasonal magic HUNDREDS gathered at Plaza de la Constitución in San Pedro del Pinatar for the lighting ceremony, the inaugu­ ration of the Nativity Scene, and the opening of the Christmas Fair, sig­ nalling the beginning of a month filled with Christmas activities. Mayor Án­ gela Gaona and councillor of Celebra­ tions, Javier Castejón, officially kicked off the festivities. The opening was ac­ companied by performances from Ballet Kebanna and the JMJ Parish Choir.

At Plaza de la Constitución, where the Nativity Scene is located, the Christmas Fair is underway until Jan­ uary 6. This year, around 20 local es­ tablishments have stalls. Shoppers making purchases during this festive season will receive a complimentary ride on the Christmas Train and vouch­ ers redeemable at participating stores.

The San Pedro del Pinatar Cultural Casino is also hosting an exhibition ti­ tled ‘San Pedro del Pinatar from a Cliks Perspective’ from December 8 to

Images: sa npedrodelp inatar.es

NIBS EXTRA

euroweeklynews.com

Images: Cartagena.es

LOCAL NEWS

Capturing th San Pedro e Christmas Spir it in del Pinata r.

January 8.

This impressive display, spanning over 20 square metres, recreates the town using Playmobil figures and pieces. The exhibition is open from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8pm, at the San Pedro del Pinatar Cultural Casino.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Planting hope FORTY botanical trea­ sures, from Albardín to Cy­ press de Cartagena, are poised to rejuvenate the landscape of Mar Menor’s basin. This initiative aims to shield the lagoon from heavy metal erosion, and sedimentation, and offer a renewed lease of life to biodiversity. A collabora­ tion between the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) and the local community targets the restoration of six ravines in the area. Starting in 2024, 15,000 plants will re­ populate Las Matildes, El Beal, Ponce, Carrasquilla, Miranda, and El Albujón.

This reforestation ef­ fort, a part of Miteco’s hy­ drological and forest restoration projects, in­ tends to mitigate heavy metal pollution and com­ bat flood­related issues.

Seeds were collected months ago, focusing on native species crucial for Mar Menor’s recovery.

Forty species native to the area will be cultivated.

Direct to Belgium

The Euro Weekly News

FERNANDO LÓPEZ MIRAS, the President of the Murcia Region, unveiled plans to rein­ state air links between Murcia and Belgium through Corvera Airport (RMU), specifically targeting Antwerp and Bruges, commenc­ ing from March next year. Describing it as ‘great news for the Region,’ he emphasised its role in fostering growth, economic pros­ perity, and job creation.

His announcement came following a meeting in Brussels with Spain’s Ambas­ sador to Belgium, Alberto Antón Cortés, where they discussed various matters vital to Murcia. Among these was the 2024 Ju­ bilee Year of Caravaca de la Cruz, an event

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

poised to elevate Murcia as a prominent destination for religious tourism.

López Miras highlighted Murcia’s im­ mense tourism potential, stressing the need to bolster infrastructures and connections.

As a testament to this commitment, he highlighted the forthcoming air route linking Murcia with Madrid, set to commence op­ erations on December 1.

This initiative not only promises en­ hanced travel options but also positions Murcia favourably for economic growth and tourism development, affirming the government’s dedication to advancing the region’s connectivity and prosperity.

always keep it that way.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

IN a landmark achievement, regional tourist accommodations welcomed over a million and a half visitors for the January to October period. These travellers generated a staggering 4,831,991 overnight stays, marking the highest figure recorded during the initial 10 months of the year.

Both hotel and non-hotel accommodations in

Image: Shutterstock/ Wirestock

Travel highs Regional accommodations witness unprecedented growth.

the region experienced a historic influx of visi-

tors in October, with record-breaking numbers

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!

in campsites and increases across all lodging types. This data, sourced from the National Institute of Statistics’ Collective Accommodation Occupancy Survey, reflects an impressive 5.3 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Correspondingly, overnight stays increased by 5.4 per cent, also setting a record for this interval.

Moreover, the survey indicates that non-hotel accommodations in the region hit historic highs in October, recording 27,386 visitors, marking an 8.6 per cent increase from 2022 (+6.1 per cent nationwide). This repre-

sents the highest number for an October month in the region.

The outstanding performance of non-hotel accommodations in October is highlighted by historic figures in camping, alongside noticeable growth in apartments

and rural lodgings. Regarding rural tourism accommodations, the year-on-year increase in October overnight stays (18 per cent up to 5,038) ranked as the third-highest among regions, surpassed only by Andalucía and La Rioja.

Worthy cause COME join the vibrant festivities at Camposol where Age Concern presents an assortment of thrilling Christmas events. Engage in the festive cheer and participate in these forthcoming activities designed to spread happiness while contributing to a noble cause. Age Concern is committed to assisting the local community by allocating all proceeds towards vital needs like medical appointments and nurturing programmes

that foster companionship.

To secure your tickets for these eagerly awaited events, visit the Social Centre situated at Avenida de Los Covachos, Camposol C Sector, any weekday from 10am to 1pm. Alternatively, get in touch with Age Concern via phone on 634 317 537 or through email at ageconcerncostacalida@ gmail.com. You can also connect with them through their Facebook page - Age Concern Costa Calida.

For individuals in the Port vicinity, tickets are available every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm at Nico’s Bar, conveniently positioned next to the Market Tavern, thanks to Pat’s assistance.

The lineup boasts a diverse array of captivating events including the Benidorm Coach Trip on Market Day, the thrilling Great Christmas Cupcake Bake-off during the Christmas Fayre, delightful sessions of Christmas Carols complemented by mulled wine and mince pies, the enchanting Jingle Bell Ball, a heartwarming Christmas lunch, and the exhilarating New Year’s swim day.

Age Concern relies on the community’s backing to ensure the success and remembrance of these events!

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

Export growth THE Murcia region continues to shine as a leading community in furniture export growth, achieving a remarkable 10.8 per cent increase from January to September 2023 compared to the same period last year. This growth surpasses the national average by nearly seven points, standing at 4 per cent. The data, disclosed in a report by the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Exporters of Spain (Anieme), positions Murcia as the second fastest-growing community, following only Galicia.

The Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Business, in collaboration with the Institute of Development (Info), has undertaken several initiatives supporting the sector. These include direct trade missions to Peru and Colombia involving seven regional companies. Additionally, the reverse mission during the Yecla Furniture Fair attracted 14 companies from Italy, Benelux, Germany, and Morocco to explore the regional product offerings firsthand.

Total furniture exports from the region reached €103 million, up from €93 million in the same period the previous year. The primary export destinations are France, Italy, Portugal, and the UK.

Seahorse conservation in Mar Menor THE Regional Department of Environment and the Hippocampus Association are collaborating on a study to analyse the current status and census of long-snouted and short-snouted seahorses, as well as pipefish species in Mar Menor.

The regional government is actively promoting the study and monitoring of seahorse populations in Mar Menor, along with other unique fish species, aiming to enhance understanding and ensure the recovery and greater protection of the marine biodiversity in the area.

This involves regular underwater dives with volunteers (at least 15 outings with a minimum of six divers), and recording the location of individuals along with biological data. Moreover, immediate alerts will be raised regarding potential incidents or threats that could significantly impact these species or their habitats.

Seahorses are among the most unique creatuCRUZ AZUL, founded by Lyn Baines and Sue Thomason during Spain’s challenging times in a pet care crisis, commemorates its remarkable 10th year in 2023. This initiative emerged amidst a period where economic difficulties led to countless pets being abandoned due to unaffordable veterinary expenses. The primary goal of Cruz Azul was to advocate responsible pet ownership while ensuring no animal suffered due to financial constraints. Their approach involves

Image: carm.es

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DIVING FOR DATA: Collaborative efforts in seahorse conservation.

res inhabiting Mar Menor, having been notably abundant along its coastline half a century ago.

Since 2011, continuous citizen science-driven samplings and periodic monitoring of seahor-

se populations have been conducted to gather data for species management, and conservation actions, including their potential inclusion in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species.

Animal advocates comprehensive care - vaccination, microchipping, and sterilisation - aiming to curb uncontrolled breeding and foster responsible guardianship.

Notably, Cruz Azul actively manages feline colonies, providing guidance, and cat traps, and promoting the benefits of these colonies in maintaining territorial balance and con-

trolling vermin populations through natural reduction with sterilisation.

Recently, the organisation received an unexpected donation of €1,000 from Worshipful Brother George Noden of the Luz de Murcia Lodge. President Lyn Baines expressed deep gratitude for this contribution, “It means so much to us and the animals,” said

Lyn. “The only way we raise money for them usually is through our popular donation centre in San Javier. We must thank George and the Lodge Members for their generosity.”

Luz de Murcia Lodge, an integral part of the Masonic Province of Murcia, has a longstanding commitment to charitable actions. Their extensive philanthropic efforts span from aiding cancer associations to disaster relief support and now extending to Cruz Azul’s noble cause.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

Credit: Ralph pixexid.com

No show snow

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.

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euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

14 - 20 December 2023

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

Image: carm.es

Skyward soars INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: Bookings have surged.

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 year-onyear growth.

Austria also contributes to

this positive 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.

Winner has it all 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. Tickets 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.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Donating DJ

RENOWNED English-Norwegian DJ and music prodigy Alan Olav Walker, celebrated not only for his chart-topping hits but also for his philanthropic heart, recently made headlines with a substantial donation of NOK 500,000 (about €50,000) towards a noble cause.

Walker’s act of generosity was directed at Mads Hansen’s fundraiser, an initiative aimed at ensuring a brighter Christmas for families in need across Norway.

Mads Hansen, a prominent presenter in Norway, initiated the Splice fundraiser to bring joy and warmth to children from financially struggling families during the holiday season. Walker’s gracious contribution epitomises his commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

The fundraiser’s mission resonates deeply with Walker, who firmly believes that every child deserves the magic of Christmas, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. As of the latest update, the fundraiser has successfully amassed over NOK 1.8 million (about €180,000) from a collective effort involving more than 4,600 donors.

All proceeds are channelled to Straight Forward Experiences, an organisation committed to orchestrating delightful Christmas experiences for families struggling to make ends meet.

Alan Olav Walker, a renowned Engli-

RENOWNED DJ: Raising funds.

sh-Norwegian DJ, remixer, and record producer, originally hails from Northampton, England. He gained global recognition with his sensational 2015 single ‘Faded,’ achieving platinum certification in an impressive 14 countries. Notably, three of his singles, namely ‘Faded,’ ‘Alone’ (2016), and ‘The Spectre’ (2017), have each garnered over a billion views on YouTube.

Walker’s musical skills extend beyond these hits, his YouTube channel became Norway’s most subscribed in early 2017, reaching six million subscribers, and as of July 2023, stands at a staggering 44.6 million subscribers. Notably, it also holds the record for the most views among Norwegian creators, accumulating over 13 billion views.

14 - 20 December 2023

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SPECIAL

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

Credit: Commons/serooskerke2011

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

It’s Christmas!

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, and it is widely agreed that it most probably was not the birthday of our saviour (maybe) Jesus Christ.

La Flor de Pascua: The Festive Flower IF you take a look around Almeria, or any Spanish town during Christmas time, one sight you are sure to see is the bright bloom of La Flor de Pascua, The Pascua Flower.

Known in English as the Poinsettia, a quarter of all these plants are cultivated in Almeria, where the warm climate allows them to be grown under plastic, without the use of additional heating. But how and when was this tradition born in Spain?

The history of this plant at Christmas actually dates back to Mexico, where it is known as ‘Christmas Eve’, and the reason the Pascua flower was linked to Christmas is its natural flowering time, which coincides perfectly with the festive season. This Pascua tends to flower during the month of December. and then take on its bright red leaf colours just in time for Christmas. Its dazzling display amidst the darkness of winter makes it a perfect gift and ornament to brighten homes and chur-

ches during the festive period.

It has also acquired a strong symbolism due to the religious roots of Christmas, as its intense red colour is associated with the blood of Christ, and the star shape that its leaves resemble is reminiscent of the Star of Bethlehem.

La Flor de Pascua rooted itself in Spanish culture around 30 years ago, when cuttings arrived in the country from Africa, and many farmers in Almeria swapped tomatoes and peppers for the ornamental plants.

Now the province produces around 2.5 million poinsettias every year.

The tradition of planting, displaying and giving La Flor de Pascua at Christmas unites people of all nationalities and backgrounds.

It is a universal gesture of love and appreciation that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. When you gift this plant, you are sharing the spirit of Christmas.

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 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.

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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/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.............................................. 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.

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.

Botulism charges BORDEAUX: 16 people affected by botulism last September.

THE manager of the Bordeaux restaurant whose home-preserved sardines caused a client’s death has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

As well as a 32-year-old Greek woman who died from botulism last September, 15 people, most of them from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Ireland, Canada and the US, were also affected after eating at the Tchin Tchin wine bar.

Most were in their 30s or 40s and were visiting during the week when Bordeaux was hosting World Cup rugby matches.

A statement from Bordeaux’s public prosecutor, Frederique Porterie, said that investigators had

Photo credit: CC/Bert Kaufmann

16 EWN 14 - 20 December 2023

identified “various infringements of the hygiene regulations” at the restaurant “especially relating to homemade preserves.”

The manager, who has not been named, has been charged with “involuntary manslaughter, injuring and endangering the lives of others, failing to assist a person in danger, and selling contaminated or toxic food.”

If found guilty he could face a prison term of between two and five years and a fine of up to €600,000.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness which is caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nervous system and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

THE European Union is on the verge of implementing new fiscal rules, demanding more stringent adjustments from Spain, Italy, and France due to their elevated levels of deficit and public debt.

According to a report from a national news outlet, the new EU rules are set to be approved ‘in the coming days,’ these rules will retain the existing thresholds of 3 per cent for the deficit and 60 per cent for the debt. Spain, with a deficit of 4.1 per cent and a public debt ratio of 107.5 per cent, is particularly impacted.

The year 2024 will mark a significant shift from the era of free public spending, with Brussels initiating a sanctioning file against Spain for excessive deficit next spring For countries exceeding the deficit limit, an annual structural adjustment equivalent to 0.5 per cent of

Credit: Per Bengtsson/shutterstock.com

Spain facing reforms

Depicting Spanish economy.

GDP is required, translating to €6.6 billion for Spain.

Efforts by Nadia Calviño, president of Ecofin, to relax these measures were vetoed by Germany and other economising nations.

Despite attempts by French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, to introduce a flexibility margin, Germany’s firm stance has remained unaltered.

A three-year transitional period (2025-2027) has been agreed upon, allowing some leniency in adjustments, considering the varying impacts of inte-

rest rate rises.

Additionally, countries with a debt ratio exceeding 90 per cent, like Spain, are required to decrease their debt by one point of GDP annually. Even upon reducing the deficit to 3 per cent, Spain must maintain a fiscal policy with a safety margin of 1.5 points below 3 per cent.

Spain must now incorporate these changes into its medium-term adjustment plan for submission to Brussels by April next year, aligning with the EU’s fiscal expectations.

“MY husband and I have been used as a scapegoat by the government for their own failings on personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement.”

This is a statement made

by Baroness Mone when promoting a new documentary on YouTube which has been financed by the very company being sued by the UK government for £122 million.

In May 2020 PPE Medpro was sat up on the Isle of Man and both Baroness Mone and her second husband Doug Barrowman were understood to have some sort of involvement with the company.

Just one month later it won its first contract to supply 210 million facemasks at a cost of £88.5 million and two weeks later a further contract for 25 million surgical gowns at a cost of £122 million, all without going through a tender process because of the Covid-19 emergency regula-

Credit: Lady Michelle Mone X (Twitter)

Blaming the Baroness

Baroness Mone and husband Doug Barrowman.

tions.

An investigation has been opened into the potential criminal offences in relation to the procurement of PPE contracts by Britain’s National Crime Agency and the government announced in December 2022 that it would sue PPE Medpro for £122 million plus costs as the gowns supplied “did

not comply with the specification in the contract” and could not be used although PPE Medpro refutes this.

Now she and her husband have taken a stance to support the contents of the documentary.

Time will no doubt tell what exactly happened and indeed who the owners of PPE Medpro may be.

EWN 17

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23

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.

FEATURE/NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

14 - 20 December 2023

EWN 21

Stop and think! Make sure you keep active INTERVIEW

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!

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!

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, of this “This is not a hoLily said “I was attracbby, it’s a passion that ted by the weather makes me want to and lifestyle after do all that I can to a number of hoprotect and care liday visits and for abandoned there was a faanimals, espemily reason as cially the very well. young and tho“I just love it se that are sick. here, especially “When I come in Marbella which home from worhas an internatioking with them, I Credit: Facebook nal population and love to escape into a Lily van Tongeren. whilst the lifestyle is regood book and I suppolaxed, you have to be able to se reading is my main ho‘go with the flow’ as there are some bby.” ups and downs.”

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

22

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 14 - 20 December 2023 SPONSORED BY

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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 but can be significantly more depending on the breed.

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

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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 cuteness 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.

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euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

World Cup 1982

New national stadium deal

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

ted 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 con-

Homecoming Image: X/Pedro Acosta

PEDRO ACOSTA, the hometown hero, was given a warm welcome on Saturday, December 9 in Mazarron, as he kicked off his well-deserved vacation after clinching the Moto2 championship. Mazarron locals celebrated the ‘Shark’ in a grand gesture befitting his remarkable achievement, marking another unprecedented milestone with his second world title.

The festivities honouring Acosta lasted the entire day. At 11 in the morning, the official reception took place at the town Hhall, where Ginés Campillo the mayor of Mazarron extended greetings to the rider.

Acosta signed the honour book and greeted locals and fans from the building’s balcony adorned

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 massive 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 was-

PEDRO ACOSTA: Revving success, hometown pride.

with a banner celebrating his Moto2 triumph. Following the formalities, Pedro Acosta the ‘Shark’ mixed with his fans outside the town hall, exchanging greetings, signing autographs, and taking photos with everyone present, setting the stage for the evening’s grand celebration.

From 4.00pm, a motorcycle gathering at the La Media Leua Sports Complex continued the fun. Organized by the Mazarron Town Hall and the rider’s fan club, the event proceeded to Mazarron Port’s seaside promenade, inaugurating the Champion Pedro Acosta Plaza at the former Plaza de las Comunidades Autónomas.

Acosta left his mark on a stone, as he did two years ago after claiming the Moto3 championship, commemorating his legacy once more.

tested 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.

Playoff pressure REAL MURCIA’s woes continued in a nail-biting match at home against Antequera, as they struggled to build their game and conceded crucial goals. The home team, playing at home in the Estadio Enrique Roca in front of 9,112 spectators, faced an uphill battle that resulted in their fourth home defeat this season.

The match saw Antequera taking the lead with Loren Burón’s goal in the 24th minute, putting the hosts under pressure. Real Murcia managed to equalise through Carrillo in the 56th minute, but their hopes were short-lived as Luismi Redondo swiftly netted another for Antequera just two minutes later.

Despite the arrival of Pablo Alfaro, the squad’s performance hasn’t notably improved. There are evident flaws in the team even after investing over €3 million in players who seem unable to cope with the demands of the competitive Primera Federación.

With the playoff dreams fading before the holiday break, Real Murcia faces a dire situation. The top four spots seem out of reach, while several other contenders are in a better position for the coveted fifth spot.

Home matches have become a nightmare, yielding only eight points, and the team is bleeding crucial opportunities.

Image: Real Murcia CF SAD

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.

Image: Team Spain Walking Football

24 EWN 14 - 20 December 2023

REAL MURCIA: Struggling to find footing.