Mallorca 28 Dec 2023 – 3 Jan 2024 Issue 2008

Mallorca • Issue No. 2008 • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

THE Teatre Principal de Palma’s Christmas concerts, performed by various choirs, were a resounding success in both musicality and raising essential funds.

The Charity event raised nearly €5,000 for the Food Bank. Held on December 20 and 21, the concerts featured a mix of traditional Mallorcan and international Christmas carols, drawing families from across Mallorca.

Llorenc Galmes, President of the Council of Mallorca, expressed his deep appreciation at the event: “Thank you for this gift, you make magic with your voices,” he said, highlighting the concerts’ emotional impact.

Francesc Bonnin’s Main Theater Choir, the event’s centrepiece, delivered a standout performance of ‘La Sibyl.’

The evening culminated with all choirs jointly singing ‘Santa Nit,’ ‘Fum Fum Fum,’ and ‘Adeste Fideles.’

This event wasn’t just a festive gathering but also a testament to Mallorcan solidarity. Over the two nights, a total of €4,695 was collected for the Food Bank, underscoring the community’s commitment to helping those in need.

ILMAINEN

GRATIS

GRATIS

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VRIJ

FREI

BALEARIC JACKPOT Credit: Narek87/shutterstock.com

Charity concert

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Mallorca wins millions.

MALLORCA and Menorca have struck gold in this year’s Spanish Christmas Lottery, Famously known as ‘El Gordo’ (The Fat One).

In a remarkable stroke of luck, the islands have claimed two fifth prizes and a significant portion of the coveted ‘Gordo’. This year’s draw was historical, especially for Ciutadella in Menorca, which won part of the ‘Gordo’ for the first time in 88 years.

The grand prize this year, valued at a whopping €4,000,000 per series, was particularly noteworthy. It entered the records as the latest ‘Gordo’ to be drawn in the lottery’s history, announced at 1.16am. This surpassed the previous latest draws in 2014 and 2018.

The draw commenced with the announcement of two fifth prizes early in the morning, one of which was the number 88979. This number brought joy to various parts of the Balearic Islands, with tickets sold in multiple locations in Mallorca, including Palma and Santanyi, and in Menorca at Ciutadella and Cales Piques.

In Palma, the Estanco Homar on Calle Sindicat deserves special mention for distributing two of the fifth prizes.

The ‘Gordo’ spread its magic across different locations in Mallorca, including Palma, Calvia, Marratxi, Pollenca, and Can Picafort, boosting the total winnings for the island to an astonishing €6,378,000 million.

Meanwhile, Menorca basked in its own share of lottery fortune. Ciutadella, after an 88-year wait, witnessed a lavi-

sh outpouring of millions from the lottery. The Plaza de los Pinos became a focal point of jubilation with lottery winners and revellers.

The impact of the lottery winnings has been profound.

It infused a sense of excitement and joy across the islands, marking a historic moment in their local culture and economy.

For the residents of Mallorca and Menorca, this year’s lottery draw will be remembered as a momentous event.

GRATUITO

G GRATIS

LIVREE

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Top Choice MALLORCA’S capital, Palma, along with its Balearic neighbour Ibiza, has emerged as a top choice for Europeans seeking a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration. According to Jetcost, a leading flight and hotel search engine, Palma has captivated the hearts of many, particularly Germans who rank it as their favourite Spanish city. It also stands seventh for French tourists planning year-end travels.

British and Dutch travellers place Palma 11th in their preferences, while it holds the 12th spot for Italians and eighth for the Portuguese. Ibiza, another Balearic gem, also features prominently, attracting Germans, Britons, French, and Dutch, ranking 12th, 10th, 10th, and 10th respectively. It’s the ninth most popular choice for Italians and fifth for Portuguese holidaymakers.

Interestingly, Palma finds favour with Spaniards too, ranking 14th in a list dominated by London, Tenerife, and Paris. Jetcost’s data confirms a growing trend among Europeans to celebrate Christmas at home, and then jet off to explore new destinations for their end-of-year holidays. Flight searches for late December 2023 have surged by 20 per cent, while hotel queries have risen by 24 per cent compared to the previous year. Mallorca, with its allure and festive charm, awaits its European visitors for a spectacular year-end celebration.

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Winter Wonderland PORT ADRIANO welcomed the festive season in grand style on December 22, marking a cherished eight-year tradition. The Ice Park, renowned for its vast 300m2 100 per cent ecological synthetic ice rink, invites everyone to skate in an eco-friendly environment. Additionally, thrill-seekers can enjoy a gigantic slide, stretching 30 metres in length and three metres in height.

This year, the park continues to offer all activities free of charge, including skates for those aged four and above. Open daily until January 8, from 12.00 noon to 8.00pm (closing at 4.00pm on December 31), the Ice Park ensures a merry and inclusive experience for all.

Complementing the icy attractions, visitors can also enjoy a variety of culinary delights from local favourites like MyTrue Burguer, La Oca, and Can Olivo, all situated within the port. These eateries provide a cosy spot to unwind while the more adventurous can continue to revel in the festive activities.

Port Adriano’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices, making this ice park a guilt-free pleasure. Join us in Port Adriano for an unforgettable Christmas experience that combines fun, food, and sustainability.

THE heart of the festivities are spread across Plaza Mayor, La Rambla, Via Roma, Plaza de España, and Plaza de la Porta Pintada. Visitors can expect an array of stalls brimming with festi-

PALMA City Council has announced its commitment to the #RespiroLibre campaign, championed by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) in the Balearic Islands and the Mallorca Restoration Association - CAEB. Palma becomes the first municipality to join the pioneering campaign which focuses on voluntarily prohibiting smoking on bar and restaurant terraces.

Mayor Jaime Martinez Llabres held a meeting with Dr Jose Reyes, president of the AECC in the Balearic Islands and Alfonso Robledo, president of the Mallorca Restoration Association - CAEB. During the meeting, the mayor revealed that establishments participating in the initiative would benefit from a 5 per cent reduction in the public road usage fee.

Smoke-free Credit: Palma.es

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Palma Joins the Smoke-Free Campaign

Dr Reyes, representing the AECC in the Balearic Islands, emphasised the campaign’s potential impact: “Eliminating the decrease in tobacco consumption would imply a 30 per cent decrease in the total number of cancer diagnoses we make in Spain each year.”

From this point of view,

Palma Xmas Market ve offerings. From food to Christmas tree decorations, religious figurines, ceramics, leather goods, engravings,

jewellery, carpentry, metalwork, textiles, and art - there’s something for everyone.

Plaza Mayor transforms into a winter wonderland with nativity scenes, Christmas trees, decorative candles, artificial flowers, toys, and typical festive objects.

Meanwhile, Plaza España is a haven for the young ones, filled with carousels and thrilling rides.

But it’s not just about shopping. The town centre, especially in front of Palma’s town hall at Placa Cort, is adorned with ‘Betlems’ (Nativity scenes), drawing visitors into the Christmas story.

The fair also includes live music, theatre, storytelling, sports, guided tours, and numerous other activities, making it a comprehensive Christmas experience.

Mark your calendars!

The fair runs until Sunday, January 7, 2024. Join in the festive spirit and make this a Christmas to remember in Palma.

Credit: Lucesysombras/Shutterstock.com

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A typical marketplace nativity scene.

the AECC in the Balearic Islands has an agreement with the Balearic Islands Restoration Business Federation so that establishments that wish to do so can declare their terraces as smoke-free spaces. “We found it interesting to seek the collaboration of local entities to increase participation in this

campaign.” He appreciated the City Council’s support, noting, “It is an example of how you can work together from the Administration and the association until the expansion of the National anti-tobacco law.”

Alfonso Robledo expressed his satisfaction with Palma City Council being the first to join the RespiroLibre campaign. He hopes this initiative, particularly the reduction in the rate, will encourage more establishments to participate.

As part of the campaign, the City Council’s website will feature an information banner. This banner will provide details of participating establishments and share the Association’s prevention and healthy lifestyle messages, further promoting the campaign’s objectives.

Street aid IN a hands-on effort to understand the challenges faced by Palma’s homeless, Council leaders offer their services to the Island’s professionals.

Llorenc Galmes, President of the Council of Mallorca, and Guillermo Sanchez, Councillor of Social Welfare and President of the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs joined the Social Emergency Unit on an evening outreach to those in need.

During this critical Christmas period, the plight of those without homes becomes starkly visible. Galmes found the experience an eye-opener: “Seeing directly the situation of the most vulnerable people and exchanging opinions with the professionals. . .has allowed us to acquire a vision of reality that goes beyond what we can achieve with the papers or the technicians can explain to us.”

To date, UMES has reached out to 1,960 individuals, offering essential services like food, blankets, socio-sanitary support, and socio-educational assistance. This proactive approach by Mallorcan leaders highlights a commitment to addressing homelessness with a nuanced, empathetic strategy.

Calvia festivities ON Wednesday, December 27, at 4.00pm, the Galatzo Pavilion will transform into a festive wonderland with the launch of the Calvia Christmas Park. The event promises a line-up of movie and story characters, delighting everyone with singing and dancing.

The children’s park in Calvia will feature games, crafts, and daily musical performances at noon and 6.00pm. Next to the park, Placa Francisca Revert will host a heated tent for children, complete with library games, rockets, and a dedicated area for mothers with babies.

Opening times, following the launch, are from 10.00am to 2.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm, December 28 to 30. Entry fees are €2 for individuals and €6 for whole families, with proceeds supporting Es Capdella Sonrie y Ayuda. Annually, the park welcomes around 1,200 visitors, including children and adults alike.

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NIBS EXTRA Hiring crew

AIR NOSTRUM seeks cabin crew for its Palma base, hosting an open day on January 3. Candidates must send resumes and can attend interviews without prior invitation.

Night rail

SERVEIS FERROVIARIS DE MALLORCA (SFM) will provide special night trains on New Year’s Eve, connecting Manacor, Sa Pobla, and Palma. Enhanced January 1 services break tradition with a full holiday schedule, offering 49 trains compared to 16 the previous year.

Travel grants

THE Balearic Government has allocated €2,265,817 for travel grants to Mallorcan students studying at universities in the EU for the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible students must be Mallorca residents, enrolled in sufficient credits, and unable to pursue their studies at the University of the Balearic Islands or its affiliated centres.

Well done

LLORENC GALMES, President of the Council of Mallorca, hosted the traditional Christmas gathering with media at Teatre Principal de Palma.

Celebrating 2023 as a year of change, he praised journalists for their rigorous and independent reporting, urging continued excellence.

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A New Year’s Message for Readers: 77

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Dear reader

AS we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the dawn of 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the trials and tribulations that marked the past year. 2023 was a year of unrest, unhappiness, and pain for many around the world. In these challenging times, most of us living in adopted lands do not discriminate based on country or religion; we simply witness the pain and suffering that surrounds us.

Our collective hope for 2024 is that it brings the greatest gift humanity can offer one another: peace, free from conflict and war.

Another significant issue that has been amplified in recent times is loneliness. Many of us find ourselves in new countries, with language skills and cultural knowledge, but lacking extended family and deep friendships forged over a lifetime of occasions and happenings. In an era dominated by online interactions, from shopping to banking, cultivating meaningful friendships has become increasingly challenging, pushing loneliness to epidemic levels.

I, too, have experienced the depths of loneliness recently. My life partner, my best friend, my soul mate, Steven, fell ill, leaving me to navigate the holiday season alone.

Christmas Day, once filled with joy and celebration, became a sombre reminder of his absence. The world seemed colourless, the finest food tasted bland, and even the music I loved couldn’t lift my spirits or get my toes tapping. Loneliness enveloped me, and I gained a profound understanding of what many of my readers endure.

Yet, one of the reasons I cherish living in Spain is the strong sense of community that surrounds us all. There are numerous organisations and social groups filled with kind-hearted people who strive to combat loneliness. However we can all do more - we can can all play a part in this effort. We can visit a neighbour for a cup of tea, strike up conversations in unexpected places, and put down our phones to

Sports promotion

engage with others.

If you haven’t made a New Year’s resolution yet, let’s make one together: let’s step out of our front doors, smile at strangers - let’s make it at least five people every day, and start a conversation with one person we don’t know yet. Imagine if we all took a moment to slow down and connect - it would be marvellous.

Obviously we believe in the value of community newspapers, especially the Euro Weekly News but we respect every community newspaper that keeps us connected and informed about our surroundings, local charities, and social clubs. Even in this digital age, nothing beats the feeling of picking up your newspaper every Thursday. It’s ‘the people’s paper’ for a reason. So in this coming year let’s

transform this community into the ‘chattering, caring coast’.

A coast where people come to live as strangers within us but become friends with ease - let’s make this our mission to assist this integration with ease. Therefore in closing 2023 let’s unite in our prayers for world peace and an end to suffering. But more than that, let’s commit ourselves to eradicating the pandemic of loneliness, often exacerbated by our virtual world. Let’s become a community where caring and conversation reign, a place where we’d all love to live.

Here’s to a hopeful and joyous 2024, and a heartfelt wish for Mr E’s speedy recovery who i am missing dearly, but I now know the true value of the support given by our community during these trying times.

THANK YOU

e in the world.

we wish to se ge an ch e th be 's let d an r, ea Y ew N Happy

THE Council of Mallorca has unveiled an ambitious Sports Sponsorship Plan for 2024, which has earmarked over €600,000 to promote elite sports and instil values like teamwork, inclusion, and sustainability.

Spanning 14 clubs across eight sports, including basketball, wheelchair basketball, women’s and American football, handball, roller hockey, volleyball, and water polo, the initiative will focus on clubs at the top of their leagues.

Notable beneficiaries include Azul Marino Basket Mallorca, Fibwi Palma, Palmer Basket Mallorca, Club Esportiu Atletic Balears, Besiki Palmanova DiscaEsports, among others.

Under the banner ‘With clean sport we always win,’ the Council’s campaigns will emphasise positive values and good sportsmanship. Messages, such as ‘We are a team!’ will be showcased across various platforms.

Toni Prats, the Council’s Insular Director of Sports, highlighted the dual goal: promoting first-class sports with lesser visibility and transmitting values through Mallorcan sports figures. He remarked, ‘what better way to transmit values than to do it through Mallorcan sports protagonists?’

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New Year options MALLORCA presents a splendid array of celebratory options, both affordable and luxurious, for ushering in 2024 with friends and family.

The island’s festivities range from community gatherings to exclusive events, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

EWN briefly looks at one of the cheapest options to one of the most expensive.

The Cheapest In Palma’s Plaza Cort, a cherished tradition continues. Hundreds will gather in front of the City Hall, embracing the communal spirit. The only requirement is to bring twelve grapes. This heartwar-

ming event symbolises the unity and warmth of the local community, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly celebration.

The Expensive Option For those inclined towards a more opulent celebration, the five-star Hotel Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden in Palma offers a lavish experience.

At an eye-watering €6,000 for a table of four, it includes a private waiter, driver, and a selection of luxury products.

This epitome of luxury encapsulates the extravagant side of Mallorca’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Respectful passengers THE Mallorca Transport Consortium (CTM) has launched its ‘Move in line with civility’ campaign this week.

The Campaign aims to foster civic behaviour and harmonious coexistence on public transport. This initiative comes as an increasing number of passengers opt for the TIB network’s buses, trains, and metro services.

With the rising demand, the importance of courteous and respectful be-

haviour is more critical than ever.

The campaign highlights basic principles of communal living, emphasising respect towards drivers and fellow passengers, offering seats to those in greater need, queuing orderly for buses, and enjoying music without disturbing others.

Passengers are also encouraged to treat public transport vehicles with the same care as they would their own property.

Utilising simple yet effective messages and visuals, the campaign seeks to engage travellers through social media and graphic media across the transport network.

It is a dynamic initiative, adapting its messages to various situations that may arise throughout the year. The CTM’s effort underlines the collective responsibility to maintain a pleasant and respectful public transport environment for all.

Personalised IN an outpouring of festive warmth, over 700 senior citizens across Mallorca have received personalised Christmas cards. The Reina Sofia day centre’s residents were among the first to experience the joy of this thoughtful gesture, thanks to the ‘Cap padri sense Nadal’ campaign spearheaded by the CaixaBank Volunteer Association.

The 25 residents at the centre were overwhelmed with excitement when they opened their letters, each containing a unique message of holiday cheer. The campaign, a collaboration between the Mallorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) and CaixaBank,

Credit: conselldemllorca.cat

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Personalised Christmas cards mean a lot.

aims to uplift older individuals during the holiday season.

Caterina Massuti, director of the IMAS Queen Sofia Home said, “The fact of receiving a postcard addressed exclusively to them in particular helps them feel special and

loved during such emotional holidays as Christmas. It is important for older people to feel valued. It’s like medicine.”

This initiative has grown from sending 222 postcards in 2020 to 800 this year, reflecting the collective effort of over 100 volunteers.

Clear and crisp MARGA PROHENS, President of the Government of Mallorca, has publicly endorsed King Felipe VI’s Christmas Eve message via social media.

The King firmly defended the Spanish Constitution, emphasising its critical role

in ensuring democracy, freedom, and lawful governance in Spain.

Prohens praised the King’s words: “Clear and crisp the message from His Majesty the King for Christmas.” She highlighted his message that without adherence to the Constitution, Spain would lack democracy, freedom, and peaceful coexistence.

Prohens stated, quoted the king’s words: “Outside respect for the Constitution, there is no democracy or coexistence possible; there are no freedoms but imposition; there is no law, but arbitrariness. Outside of the Constitution, there is no Spain in

peace and freedom.”

Echoing Prohens’ sentiments, Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, leader of the Popular Party, reinforced the importance of the Constitution as the cornerstone of societal harmony and a secure future.

He resonated with the King’s message, emphasising the monarchy’s commitment to the constitutional framework.

This united stance by Prohens and Feijóo reflects a Mallorca-centric perspective, recognising the island’s integral role in the broader Spanish context, and its alignment with constitutional values and democratic principles.

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Credit: Instagram/Sandro Restaurante

MEGA STAR SPOTTED

MORGAN FREEMAN: Was spotted in a restaurant in Mallorca.

JANUARY EDITION: 1957 HOLLYWOOD A-lister Morgan Freeman surprised locals when he was spotted dining at Mallorca restaurant Sandro on Sunday, January 8.

Freeman said: “It’s the best Bolognese I’ve ever eaten in my life,” according

to the Italian restaurant’s owner Sandro Putignano.

The restaurateur told one publication: “Until they turned up I didn’t know it was going to be him. At first we were a little doubtful and we were looking for photos of him on the internet, until we were sure.

“They arrived early in the service, around 7.15pm, and left around

10pm. They were a group of five people and they were having dinner quietly, like any other client.”

The actor later posed for photos with the Sandro, which the business owner later posted to Instagram saying: “We still can’t believe it. Morgan Freeman at home, we couldn’t be more excited. We will never forget this moment, thank you!”

FEBRUARY EDITION: 1961 HOLLYWOOD stars Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana took a well-deserved break from filming in Mallorca on Tuesday, January 31. The globally-renowned actresses are on the island to film for the new series, ‘Lioness’ which will debut on Paramount+.

The film stars took to Instagram with a video shot in one of Mallorca’s many ports. In the video, Kidman and Saldana joke about their pronunciation of Mallorca, with Saldana calling Kidman’s attempt “sexy”!

Kidman posted the video on her Instagram page Writing “Game on… with my #lioness”, tagging Zoe Saldana. Fans gushed with admiration for the stars under the post writing comments like “Legend duo!” and “The internet just exploded.”

The series, which Kidman also takes a directo-

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Star sighting

Photo credit: Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana (via Instagram)

Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana joke around and embrace in a video shared to both of their Instagram accounts.

rial role in, has brought several huge names from Hollywood to the Balearic island. Fellow star Laysla de Oliveira said goodbye to the island on Monday after three weeks of filming. Legendary actor and co-star Morgan Free-

man was also spotted on the island a few weeks ago.

The stars have also been making the most of the island with the cast taking trips to local vineyards, ports, and church, in the case of James Jordan.

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MARCH EDITION: 1965 MALLORCA resident Anita Vince is organising Walk Against Cancer, a fun and healthy initiative to raise funds for Cancer Support Mallorca.

Anita had breast cancer in 2014 and as part of the healing process she decided to organise a walk over the Tramuntana mountain range with friends. Every year since the first walk in 2016, Anita and her crew have walked the GR221 to raise money for Cancer Support Mallorca.

The walks always take place over the Easter pe-

Walking against cancer

Hotel buyup scheme plan APRIL EDITION: 1970

Image by Rebecca Upton/Cancer Support Mallorca

CANCER SUPPORT: A fun and healthy initiative to raise funds for cancer in Mallorca.

riod in April, and so far they have raised over €15,000 for the charity.

After a few years off due to Covid, the ladies went island hopping last year to

walk the GR223, otherwise known as the Cami de Cavalls, in Menorca. They will be returning this year to complete this walk and as always will be looking for sponsorship as they do this.

In addition, Anita came up with the Walk Against Cancer initiative, where participants can walk the distance of the GR221 throughout April, in their own time, at their own pace, with family or friends.

In general terms people who sign up will challenge themselves to walk a

certain number of steps during the month of April, the total steps equalling the steps needed to walk the whole or part of the GR221.

There will be a registration form on the www. cancersupportmal lorca. com website. Registration costs just €10 and includes a t-shirt, cloth bag, sponsorship materials and a progress chart.

For more information, contact details and sponsorship, visit ‘Walk the GR221 for Cancer Support Mallorca’ on Facebook.

THE Balearic Islands government has announced plans to invest €16 million to buy ‘obsolete’ hotels in stressed tourist areas and turn them into public housing and green zones.

Regional President Francina Armengol met with representatives of the islands’ tourism and hotel sectors this week to outline the new measure.

The funds will come from the EU’s Next Generation scheme and the project is part of the Spanish government’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

According to Sra Armengol, the goal is to regenerate a number of “sensitive” tourist

areas throughout the Balearic Islands, as new legislation obliges the regional authorities to progressively reduce the number of hotel vacancies.

The head of the Govern explained that the measure will only affect one and two-star hotels that “do not add the extra quality we want as a tourist destination”.

It will reportedly fall to establishment owners themselves to approach the regional authorities with offers to sell their properties if they so wish.

The project is expected to take place in areas classed as “mature tourist zones” or “excessive tourist zones”, including Platja de Palma, S’Arenal de Llucmajor, Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponça, Sa Coma and Calvià, among others.

Inside the Coronation MAY EDITION: 1974 THIS first weekend in May will be full of royal celebrations as King Charles is set to be crowned alongside the Queen Consort at a grand ceremony in Westminster Abbey.

The long weekend will be filled with celebrations, from street parties to concerts, as King Charles becomes the oldest new monarch in history.

Code-named Operation Golden Orb, plans for the much-anticipated event have been released over the past few months.

Starting on May 6 at 11am, the Coronation Service will kick off a weekend full of events following their Majesties’ crowning in the Abbey in London, in a service that will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The King’s Coronation will include many of the

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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Image by Maksim Safaniuk/Shuterstock

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King Charles set to be crowned.

ceremonies that were seen in the late Queen’s service, such as anointing with consecrated oil, the delivery of the orb, the pledge to be “Defender of the Faith”, and the enthroning itself.

It is understood that the anointing will not be shown on television and is set to be hidden from the public, as it was for the late Queen’s coronation in 1953.

During the ceremony, the King will be asked if he will govern the UK and the Commonwealth with law

and justice, and if he will keep Christianity alive in the country.

He will sit in the Coronation Chair, also known as Edward’s Chair, holding the sovereign’s sceptre and rod to symbolise his power over the nation, as well as the sovereign’s orb to represent the Christian world.

After the Archbishop has anointed, blessed, and consecrated Charles, the crown of St Edward will be placed on his head, crowning him as King Charles III.

Facing the music JULY EDITION: 1982 BAR and nightclub owners in Mallorca are up in arms over the enforcement of the controversial ‘excess law’ designed to curb antisocial behaviour.

They complain that over the last two years the regional legislation has caused ‘arbitrary’ closures and an ‘unacceptable’ discrimination between establishments located within and outside the so-called ‘excess areas’ in Platja de Palma, Sant Antoni de Portmany and Magaluf.

The Calvia town is said to bear the brunt of the law, where bars, restaurants and discotheques can be shut down immediately according to the discretion of police officers.

This leads to heavy economic losses and leaves business owners at the mercy of the decisions of individual officers, they say.

Often the authorities then rule in favour of the business and allow it to be reopened, but in the meantime owners have suffered significant financial losses.

Temple disco in Magaluf.

A clear example of this was reported recently by the Euro Weekly News, when Temple disco in Magaluf was shut down after apolice patrol decreed that a go-go dancer working at the club constituted a case of ‘objectification of women’ despite the fact that the law does not specify in which cases that rule can be applied and that go-go dancers had worked there for two years without any problems.

Managers complain many owners are predicting up to 30 per cent of their profits will have to be spent on fines.

UBER: With an initial fleet of 40 vehicles.

JUNE EDITION: 1979 UBER landed in Mallorca this week with an initial fleet of 40 luxury vehicles.

The leading private transport company will operate with the logo Uber Mallorca and was due to enter service today, Thursday June 8 in

Palma, Calvia, Andratx and Llucmajor following a favourable ruling by the Supreme Court that enabled this type of company, including rivals Cabify, to work on the island.

The regional government had filed a lawsuit against the awarding of licences for private transport vehicles, known as VTCs (Vehículo de Transporte con

Conductor) in Spanish, together with the Mallorca Taxi Drivers’ Association, who are direct competitors of this kind of service and stand to lose a significant portion of business.

Finally the lawsuit was dismissed and 225 VTC licences were awarded in the Balearic Islands, with more vehicles set to dock in Mallorca over the coming weeks.

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NOVEMBER EDITION: 2000 IN the picturesque coastal towns of Spain, a momentous occasion is upon us as The Euro Weekly News marks its 2,000th edition.

This multiple award-winning publication, founded by a couple from the North of England has played a remarkable role as a promoter of Spain and an active supporter of local charities throughout its distinguished history.

The journey began back in July 11, 1985 with a vision by a Manchester couple, who, recognising the need for a publication to assist newcomers in their Spanish

“The Euro Weekly News: celebrating 2,000 editions of excellence and community” life, created ‘The Entertainer’. Priced at a mere one peseta per edition, it quickly became a beloved source of local news, views, and information, supported by local business advertisements.

Fast forward to 1996, and The Entertainer was at a crossroads. It was then that Michel and Steven Euesden entered the scene. With their energy and vision, they saw the publication’s future and took ownership. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in the newspaper’s history, as they set out to transform it into more than

Michel & Steven Euesden.

just a newspaper; they aimed to make it a vital part of the community.

Under the ownership of the Euesdens, The Entertainer underwent a remarkable transformation. It was reborn as ‘The Euro Weekly News’, reflecting a broader vision and a commitment to serving the foreign population in Spain. This multiple award-winning publication became a trusted companion, with a tapas journalism style, it delivered positive news, connected communities, and uplifted

DECEMBER EDITION: 2004 JUST imagine what might have happened if every British passport holder living anywhere in the world had been eligible to vote in the Brexit Referendum!

The then Conservative Government under the leadership of David Cameron had recognised that there was an incredible anomaly as those who had left the UK within the past 15 years and had been registered to vote in the UK whilst living there were eligible.

Those who had exceeded 15 years or had been too young to vote when they left

spirits.

Over the years, The Euro Weekly News has been a strong promoter of Spain.

It has showcased the beauty of its coastal towns, the rich culture, and the vibrant communities. Through its pages, readers have discovered the hidden gems of Spain, from its picturesque landscapes to its culinary delights.

Moreover, The Euro Weekly News has been an active supporter of local charities.

It has used its platform to raise awareness about im-

portant social causes and to mobilise community support for those in need. The publication’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of its readers goes beyond journalism; it’s a testament to the Euesdens’ dedication to community service.

In 2023, The Euro Weekly News stands more relevant than ever. The landscape of the foreign population in Spain has seen significant changes. An influx of residents from Northern European countries has reshaped the community.

While they may not speak Spanish fluently, the universal language of English binds them together, and The Euro Weekly News has become an indispensable resource, bridging language gaps and offering valuable information to this diverse readership.

This remarkable milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal

Sleigh of Santas

ANNUAL EVENT: One of the largest gatherings of Santas on the island.

the UK and whose parents weren’t registered lost the right to vote (so much for universal suffrage!).

The actual limit is arbitrary and has changed from as little as seven years to more than 15 but it was Conservative policy that the time limit should be scrapped and it supported a private mem-

bers bill to this effect.

Perhaps, David Cameron’s second biggest mistake was not pushing the law change through before the Brexit vote and it might also have saved the ongoing angst over Gibraltar.

Afterwards, nothing happened before the next elect ion and then the private

support of advertisers and sponsors who have been partners for over a quarter of a century. Their trust and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in the publication’s continued success, enabling it to deliver quality journalism and community support.

Last but certainly not least, the cherished readers deserve special recognition. Your interaction, your love for the paper, and your unwavering dedication have breathed life into its pages.

Your continued support has made The Euro Weekly News more than just a newspaper; it’s a trusted companion that enriches your lives and connects you with your community.

As The Euro Weekly News celebrates its 2,000th edition, it’s an opportune moment to express gratitude to the entire Euro Weekly community - the team, advertisers, sponsors, and readers. Your collective efforts and unwavering commitment have made The Euro Weekly News an indispensable part of life along the Spanish coastline. members bill was talked out of Parliament when it was next raised.

All these years later, it appears that the Conservatives are going to give the vote back to every British passport holder and as part of the Levelling Up campaign it has arranged with a digital company Softwire to canvas overseas residents on their opinions on how the new system should work.

They have been contacting Conservative Groups around Europe inviting to apply to take part in a review which finished on Tuesday December 19 and who knows, for the next UK General Election which could well in 2024, you may be able to vote even if you have lived in Spain for more than 15 years, or have grown up here without any right to vote.

The only drawback is that you will most likely need to either appoint a proxy to vote for you or register by post, assuming that there is sufficient time to receive the voting papers and then return them.

10 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

NORWAY I spy JOSE ASSIS GIAMMARIA from Brazil, who obtained a post as a guest researcher at Norway’s Arctic University in Tromso, finally admitted after a year in custody that he is a Russian named Mikhail Valerijevitsj Mikusjin. He is still refusing to answer questions from Norway’s PST police intelligence service.

Exams first THE Norwegian government said that the Russ celebrations, held between April 20 and May 17 when teenagers celebrate the end of secondary education, should instead start once exams are over. The government also wants to keep in check the celebrations which can result in social exclusion and bullying.

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS IRELAND Solstice magic HUNDREDS gathered in Newgrange (Co Meath) to witness the Winter Solstice at the Stone Age passage tomb built there in 3200BC. Eight people who had won the twice-yearly lottery draw were allowed inside to see the first rays of the rising sun through a small opening above the entrance.

BELGIUM Lost and found A MISLAID ring, which had belonged to Roger Drieghe who died 10 years ago, has resurfaced in a second-hand shop in Hamm. Thanks to an inscription inside it, the shop-owner traced his daughter who believes she must have inadvertently included the ring when taking in his belongings before moving house.

Long wait

NEWGRANGE: Stone Age tumulus older than the Pyramids.

Photo credit: CC/Jean Housen

GERMANY

FRANCE

OWING to a vast backlog in Belgium’s courts, lawyer Pierre-Philippe Hendrickx learnt that one of his cases concerning a tax dispute could not be heard before April 2040, Flemish broadcaster Bruzz revealed.

“This incredible backlog is the result of years of looking the other way,” Hendrickx told an interviewer.

DENMARK

Speak up

Little cheer

Tax dodger

Rain, rain

A GOVERNMENT enquiry will review Swedish as a second language in schools and analyse the needs of pupils who do not speak it or cannot speak it well. The study will also examine current teaching methods to ensure they do not impact negatively on pupils’ integration or their ability to learn Swedish.

SMALL-BUSINESS owners and retailers in Germany failed to receive the pre-Christmas boost they had hoped for, they told a survey published on December 21. They were also gloomy regarding their sales prospects in coming months and felt less optimistic than they did in November, the Munich-based Ifo Institute found.

AWARD-WINNING actress Isabelle Adjani was fined €250,000 and received a twoyear suspended sentence after a Paris court found her guilty of tax fraud. She falsely claimed to have lived in Portugal for two years, declared a €2 million gift was a loan and transferred €120,000 to an undeclared US bank account.

DENMARK experienced 907 millimetres of rain this year, overtaking the previous record of 905 millimetres registered in 1999 and 2019. Meteorologists from Denmark’s DMI meteorological institute warned that further increases in rain and snowfall could be expected in future years owing to climate change.

Cross purposes

Top woman

Wind power

A TOP German court ruled that crosses may remain prominently displayed in public buildings in Bavaria. Despite a legal challenge from a lobby group defending the separation of state and religion, the court commented that religious symbolism aside, the crosses did not violate the plaintiff’s rights.

HIGH-RANKING police chief Celine Berton was named the new head of the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) whose 5,000 counter-espionage officers fight terrorism and cybercrime. Berthon, who is 47, takes over from Nicolas Lerner and will be the first woman ever to head the DGSI.

ORSTED, Denmark’s renewable energy firm, has made “a final investment decision” to go ahead with the mammoth Hornsea 3 windfarm off the UK’s East Coast. The 75 billion Danish krone (€10.2 billion) offshore installation should be completed by 2027 and construction will create up to 5,000 jobs.

Life of crime AROUND 10,000 people are active members of criminal organisations, according to Swedish criminologists, while the number of women belonging to gangs is steadily increasing. Close to 500 women are involved, a quarter of whom occupy principal roles as they generally find it easier to avoid police scrutiny.

ITALY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

Our brand

Detour ahead

Same again

FORTY artisan chocolate-makers, plus Italy’s Ferrero, Venchi and Domori brands, hope to obtain Protected Status for their gianduiotti chocolates, but are meeting opposition. This comes from the Swiss manufacturer Lindt who in 1997 bought into the Italian firm Caffarel, which claims to have invented the gianduiotto.

PASSENGERS on an Amsterdam-Detroit flight had to spend the night in a military barracks in Goose Bay (Labrador) after their aircraft developed a mechanical failure. “It honestly felt like a hotel,” one passenger said, although another complained there was little communication from the airline as to what was happening.

WHAM’S classic Last Christmas again topped commercial radio charts over the holiday season in 2022 and was played 735 times according to figures compiled and recently released by Finland’s copyright organisation, Gramex. Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You was a close runner-up with 646 plays.

Back home

No snow

Needlecord rug

IN August 2014, a 700-year-old statue disappeared from a Pastena church and was sold on by an Italian antique dealer. When its Dutch buyer, unaware of its provenance, later sought to sell it, photos posted online were spotted by the Pastena priest who contacted the authorities, leading to its recent return.

PRE-CHRISTMAS weather forecasts had already advised the Dutch to prepare for rain and not snow. In fact, the country has had a White Christmas on only eight occasions since records began in 1901, meteorologists explained, and snow in December will be increasingly uncommon as global temperatures rise.

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI researcher, Juho Aalto, found that a European spruce growing beneath the canopy of a Finnish forest has roughly 200,000 needles.

In contrast, the cultivated trees sold at Christmas have thicker stems and around 400,000 needles, “enough to carpet the floor of an average bedroom.”

PORTUGAL

Old habits

SALTED cod sales by Portugal’s largest supermarket chains fell 20 per cent in 2023, although it is still a traditional option over the holiday season despite higher prices.

According to the Cod Industry Association (AID), half of the 55,000 tons consumed annually are sold in the last four months of the year.

Still selling ENDING golden visas and the non-habitual resident programme barely affected the housing market, especially in Lisbon where prices top European averages, said finance specialists Bloomberg. House prices there rose 5.8 per cent in November, reaching €5,426 per square metre, Europe’s second-highest after Athens.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

FINANCE €1.6 billion A nice surprise 12

euroweeklynews.com • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

STAT OF WEEK

investment in Valencia port approved by Spain’s central government will enlarge the country’s biggest container port and allow supersized cargo ships to dock there.

THE High Pay Centre calculated that the ratio of an FTSE 350 chief executive’s pay to that of their employees was 57-to-1 in 2022, slightly up on the previous year’s 56-to-1.

The ratio for FTSE 100 chief executives and their employees was 80-to-1 last year, down from 83-to-one in 2021.

Dancausa move

BANKINTER announced on December 20 that Maria Dolores Dancausa, its chief executive since 2010, would become the group’s non-executive president in March next year.

Her role as chief executive will be taken over by Gloria Ortiz, until now director general of Bankinter’s Commercial Banking division.

Sky high

A FORMER air base on Unst (population 650) in the Shetlands is the UK’s first licensed spaceport for launching and putting satellites into orbit.

Developing the SaxaVord site’s three launch pads and a hangar for rocket assembly has so far cost £30 million (€34.6 million) with plans for a hotel and visitor centre.

Cashing in

A BANK OF SPAIN survey found that 65 per cent of respondents used cash in most of their daily transactions, while 60 per cent said it was their principal method for shopping. Despite these figures, 88 per cent of the population used bank cards while 25 per cent made payments with their mobile.

Write off

FINANCIAL TIMES journalists in the US are asking for a minimum starting salary of $80,000 (€73,112), claiming their current wages were “nowhere close” to liveable.

The newspaper is offering a minimum wage of $60,000 (€54,860,) which the union representing the writers is contesting with the management.

BRITAIN’S annual inflation rate dipped in November to 3.9 per cent, down from 4.6 per cent in October.

Based on the consumer prices index (CPI), November continued the downward trend with the lowest rate in two years.

Cheaper fuel was the main reason for the fall, although last month’s food prices also rose more slowly than they did in November 2022, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) explained.

The pronounced drop did not mean prices were going down, but that they had risen more slowly, chief ONS economist Grant Fitzner

CHEAPER FUEL: Assisted better-than-expected inflation figures.

said. “Prices remain substantially above what they were before the Ukraine invasion,” he added.

Food prices increased by 0.3 per cent last month, down from 1.1 per cent in November 2022, with food price inflation now at 9.2

per cent compared with 10.1 per cent in October.

Although inflation has descended from its 11.1 per cent October 2022 peak, the Bank of England insisted the inflation rate was still too high for an interest rate reduction.

Nevertheless, City analysts predicted the steeper-than-expected fall in inflation encouraged conjecture the Bank of England could begin cutting interest rates next year, probably in May, following successive increases between December 2021 and August 2023.

Although the November figures are almost double the government’s 2 per cent inflation target, Jeremy Hunt said Rishi Sunak had “more than delivered” on his pledge to halve inflation this year. The Chancellor said lower inflation “raised the prospect of improved living standards.”

Spanish government’s Telefonica stake

SPAIN’S government will acquire a 10 per cent holding in Telefonica, the country’s principal telecommunications company.

The multinational’s privatisation process was completed 26 years ago but Spain’s State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will now sit on the board as its principal shareholder, accompanied by the BBVA bank, Caixabank, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and US investment company BlackRock.

Costing around €2 billion at current market prices, the operation is the Spanish government’s response to STC’s 9.9 per cent Telefonica stake announced in September. This was split into 4.9 per

Photo credit: CC/M Peinado

Hard times

Photo credit: Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt

BUSINESS EXTRA

TELEFONICA HEADQUARTERS: Spanish government will have a seat on its board.

cent of Telefonica shares with financial instruments providing economic exposure over a further 5 per cent of the company’s share capital.

Strategically important Telefonica is a Defence service provider and Economy minister Nadia Calvino said the government’s majority shareholding would reinforce the company’s “ownership stability.”

Following the government announcement, Telefonica shares rose 4 per cent to €3.70, their highest price since December 13.

Without revealing a specific timetable, SEPI announced it would buy the shares in a way which minimised the impact on the market price, although insiders told Reuters it would buy “small quantities of shares over a two-month period.”

Future plans Theme park plan ROLLS-ROYCE is discussing the viability of small nuclear power reactors (SMRs) with Ukraine’s biggest private power company.

The Telegraph revealed that DTEK, part of billionaire businessman Rinat Akhmetov’s industrial group, has held early talks with Rolls-Royce to sound out substituting coal-fired power stations with the SMRs. DTEK’s chief executive Maxim Timchenko said that he expected nuclear power to play an important part in the group’s future portfolio once Ukraine is rebuilt and his country can shift away from fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy.

A FORMER brickworks in Bedfordshire could one day become a theme park.

Films and theme parks company Universal confirmed that its Parks division had bought 480 acres of land in Stewartby, a model village originally built for employees of the London Brick Company. The site has planning permission for 1,000 homes.

The company, which already owns theme parks in Hollywood, Orlando, Japan, Singapore and Beijing, is known to be exploring new locations worldwide, suggesting that it is looking at the possibility of choosing the UK for its next major installation.

Stewartby, which is located halfway between Bedford and Milton Keynes, is close to Luton airport and is within easy reach of London by road.

Meanwhile, a company spokesman emphasised that Universal was “in the early stages of exploring its feasibility.”

Flying out SPAIN’S Ferrovial is said to be contemplating the sale of its 50 per cent stake in AGS, the holding company for Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports.

The remaining 50 per cent is held by the Australian financial services group, Macquarie.

At present AGS is engaged in refinancing its €930 million debt, prior to going ahead with the sale, according to Spanish media reports.

The same sources put a value of less than £1.05 billion (€1.1 billion) for 100 per cent of AGS’s capital. Together with Macquarie, Ferrovial acquired Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports, which originally belonged to BAA, in 2006.

Another acquisition DAYS after buying Amazon’s biggest logistics installation in Ireland, Amancio Ortega has bought a $113 million (€103 million) warehouse in Florida.

The Zara founder and its principal shareholder continues to invest in property via his investment company, Pontegadea, which is entirely separate from the Inditex fashion empire. It now possesses $20.08 bn (approximately €18.33 bn) in property assets.

Ortega, who has a personal fortune of €89.5 billion, initially acquired luxury tower blocks and office buildings, but has recently diversified into logistics assets in Europe and the US. The latest addition to his property portfolio is a 266,600-square metre cold storage warehouse in Hialeah (Miami-Dade county).

Deal abandoned ADOBE said the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) competition authority had behaved ‘irrationally’ by scuppering a $20 billion (€18.2 billion) takeover.

Best-known for apps like Photoshop and Acrobat, Adobe cancelled plans to acquire its rival, the website design tool Figma, in a move opposed by the European Union as well as the CMA. The deal announced a year ago was subject to an in-depth investigation in the UK and Brussels, with the CMA deciding that it would eliminate competition.

The EU also concluded that it would have “terminated all current, and prevented all future competition between Adobe and Figma.”

Matches sold FRASERS GROUP, owned by Mike Ashley, paid £52 million (€60 million) for luxury online retailer Matches (formerly Matchesfashion).

Matches was founded in 1987

by Tom and Ruth Chapman, who launched it as a boutique in Wimbledon Village.

Ashley is buying the company from the British private equity firm Apax Partners, which is divesting itself of a business that has been affected by a slowdown in the luxury sector.

Apax acquired Matches in 2017 for a rumoured £600 million, although by 2022 it was posting losses of £33.5 million (€38.7 million).

14 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.421,00..............+4,00............ +0,17%......... 703,35K

InterContinental..........................7.106,0................+6,0............. +0,09%......... 222,40K

Abrdn.......................................... 182,60................+0,90............ +0,50%...........2,37M

Intermediate Capital...................1.692,50..............+0,50............ +0,03%......... 200,17K

Admiral Group.............................2.685,0...............+12,0............ +0,45%......... 479,00K

Intertek........................................4.188,0............... -47,0.............-1,11%........... 75,59K

Anglo American...........................1.931,8................+7,8............. +0,41%...........1,05M

ITV............................................... 63,36................. -0,60.............-0,94%............4,11M

Antofagasta................................1.701,50.............. -4,00.............-0,24%.......... 371,00K

J Sainsbury................................. 299,60................+1,00............ +0,34%...........3,03M

Ashtead Group............................5.374,0............... -66,0.............-1,21%............1,26M

Johnson Matthey........................1.690,0................ -3,0..............-0,18%.......... 165,31K

Associated British Foods.............2.366,0................ -9,0..............-0,38%.......... 378,76K

Land Securities........................... 719,00................ -1,00.............-0,14%.......... 321,52K

AstraZeneca...............................10.436,0.............. -44,0.............-0,42%.......... 611,82K

Legal & General.......................... 250,10................+1,50............ +0,60%...........3,61M

Auto Trader Group Plc................ 722,20................+4,80............ +0,67%......... 749,31K Aviva........................................... 431,10................+2,30............ +0,54%...........1,54M B&M European Value Retail SA... 569,60................ -6,40.............-1,11%.......... 731,01K BAE Systems..............................1.090,00.............. -3,50.............-0,32%............1,33M Barclays...................................... 151,78................+0,36............ +0,24%..........13,07M Barratt Developments................. 565,80................+2,80............ +0,50%......... 623,58K Berkeley......................................4.774,0................+5,0............. +0,11%.......... 51,53K BHP Group Ltd...........................2.659,50.............. -5,50.............-0,21%.......... 263,82K BP............................................... 467,20................+0,95............ +0,20%..........13,03M British American Tobacco...........2.290,0................+5,5............. +0,24%...........1,39M British Land Company................. 406,00................+0,70............ +0,17%...........4,25M BT Group.................................... 127,30................+1,00............ +0,79%...........5,72M Bunzl...........................................3.201,0................ -5,0..............-0,16%.......... 214,76K Burberry Group...........................1.420,5................ -8,5..............-0,60%............1,77M Carnival.......................................1.366,5............... -10,5.............-0,76%.......... 899,38K Centrica....................................... 141,90................ -0,60.............-0,42%...........17,65M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.289,0................+2,0............. +0,09%......... 105,63K Compass....................................2.120,00..............+5,00............ +0,24%......... 704,15K CRH............................................5.326,0............... -46,0.............-0,86%.......... 307,14K Croda Intl....................................5.054,0.................0,0............... 0,00%........... 60,69K DCC.............................................5.682,0............... -84,0.............-1,46%.......... 135,97K Diageo.........................................2.841,5................ -7,5..............-0,26%............1,30M DS Smith.................................... 311,70................+1,40............ +0,45%......... 866,12K EasyJet........................................ 518,00................+0,80............ +0,16%...........1,02M Experian......................................3.185,0................ -6,0..............-0,19%.......... 241,89K Ferguson....................................14.930,0...............+5,0............. +0,03%.......... 21,45K

Lloyds Banking............................ 48,05.................+0,86............ +1,81%..........84,43M London Stock Exchange..............9.284,0...............+28,0............ +0,30%......... 159,04K Melrose Industries...................... 566,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%............1,21M Mondi.........................................1.528,00.............. -7,00.............-0,46%.......... 611,54K National Grid..............................1.061,00.............. -0,50.............-0,05%............2,10M NatWest Group........................... 216,70................ -0,40.............-0,18%...........15,80M Next............................................8.210,0...............+12,0............ +0,15%......... 123,67K Ocado.......................................... 725,00............... -32,20............-4,25%.......... 706,97K Persimmon.................................1.388,5...............+16,0............ +1,17%......... 448,49K Phoenix....................................... 522,40................ -2,60.............-0,50%............1,39M Prudential.................................... 862,00............... -11,80............-1,35%............2,63M Reckitt Benckiser........................5.442,0...............+16,0............ +0,30%......... 744,69K Relx............................................3.075,00.............. -2,00.............-0,07%............1,04M Rentokil....................................... 433,30................ -6,70.............-1,52%............2,40M Rightmove.................................. 571,60................+5,40............ +0,95%......... 861,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.839,0...............+27,0............ +0,47%...........1,12M Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 302,40................+2,60............ +0,87%...........7,84M Sage...........................................1.179,50.............. -0,50.............-0,04%.......... 749,57K Samsung Electronics DRC.........1.453,00.............+13,00........... +0,90%........... 4,98K Schroders.................................... 438,1.................. -0,9..............-0,21%.......... 305,43K Scottish Mortgage....................... 786,00................ -5,20.............-0,66%.......... 508,63K Segro.......................................... 885,40................ -9,20.............-1,03%.......... 707,31K Severn Trent...............................2.619,0............... -10,0.............-0,38%.......... 570,70K Shell............................................2.566,5................+9,5............. +0,37%...........2,72M Smith & Nephew........................1.074,00..............+3,00............ +0,28%...........1,09M Smiths Group.............................1.766,50..............+6,00............ +0,34%......... 154,62K Spirax-Sarco Engineering..........10.365,0............. -130,0............-1,24%........... 25,03K

Flutter Entertainment..................14.065,0.............. -65,0.............-0,46%.......... 158,21K

SSE............................................1.852,00..............+2,00............ +0,11%...........2,10M

Fresnillo...................................... 585,40................+4,00............ +0,69%......... 173,41K

St. James’s Place........................ 681,00................+2,20............ +0,32%......... 368,85K

Glencore...................................... 466,35................ -3,85.............-0,82%...........12,11M

Standard Chartered..................... 652,00................ -3,00.............-0,46%............1,29M

GSK plc......................................1.449,60.............. -0,40.............-0,03%............1,85M

Taylor Wimpey............................ 145,20................+1,25............ +0,87%...........7,33M

Halma..........................................2.290,0............... -26,0.............-1,12%.......... 266,24K

Tesco.......................................... 286,70................ -0,60.............-0,21%............5,95M

Hargreaves Lansdown................. 715,00................ -5,20.............-0,72%.......... 469,50K

Tui............................................... 616,50................ -3,50.............-0,57%.......... 491,57K

Hikma Pharma...........................1.773,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 168,42K

Unilever.......................................3.787,0................+8,0............. +0,21%......... 729,26K

HSBC.......................................... 627,80................+5,30............ +0,85%..........10,40M

United Utilities............................1.070,50..............+2,50............ +0,23%......... 775,44K

IAG.............................................. 157,75................ -1,70.............-1,07%............8,55M

Vodafone Group PLC.................. 69,160...............+0,160........... +0,23%..........45,33M

Imperial Brands..........................1.819,00..............+8,50............ +0,47%......... 636,73K

Whitbread...................................3.634,0................+1,0............. +0,03%......... 379,26K

Informa....................................... 773,80................+2,60............ +0,34%......... 800,14K

WPP............................................ 751,40................ -1,60.............-0,21%............1,50M

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86814

1.15155

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.1024 Japan yen (JPY)...................................156.94 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9439 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4542 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.233 currenciesdirect.com/mallorca • Tel: +34 687 906 226 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 26 December 3M.............................................. 106,33................+0,77............ +0,73%...........2,27M American Express....................... 185,57................+0,78............ +0,42%...........2,71M Amgen........................................ 284,16................+4,83............ +1,73%...........1,81M Apple........................................... 193,60................ -1,08.............-0,55%...........37,15M Boeing......................................... 260,44................ -1,58.............-0,60%............4,39M Caterpillar.................................... 290,36................+0,29............ +0,10%...........1,67M Chevron...................................... 151,05................+0,34............ +0,23%...........6,38M Cisco............................................ 50,09.................+0,39............ +0,78%..........12,90M Coca-Cola..................................... 58,32.................+0,33............ +0,57%...........9,01M Dow............................................. 55,12.................+0,15............ +0,27%...........2,32M Goldman Sachs........................... 380,65................+0,08............ +0,02%...........1,45M Home Depot................................ 348,59................ -0,38.............-0,11%............2,02M Honeywell................................... 205,64................+0,59............ +0,29%...........1,89M IBM............................................. 162,14................+1,36............ +0,85%...........2,43M Intel.............................................. 48,00.................+0,92............ +1,95%..........30,10M J&J............................................. 155,46................+0,62............ +0,40%...........3,78M JPMorgan................................... 167,40................ -0,10.............-0,06%............6,16M McDonald’s................................. 291,70................+0,31............ +0,11%...........1,70M Merck&Co................................... 107,70................+1,31............ +1,23%...........5,99M Microsoft.................................... 374,58................+1,04............ +0,28%..........17,11M Nike............................................. 108,04............... -14,49...........-11,83%..........46,28M Procter&Gamble......................... 145,28................+1,02............ +0,71%...........4,38M Salesforce Inc............................. 266,34................ -0,91.............-0,34%............2,82M The Travelers.............................. 185,80................+0,23............ +0,12%...........1,08M UnitedHealth............................... 520,31................+0,43............ +0,08%...........1,75M Verizon......................................... 37,49.................+0,06............ +0,16%..........13,06M Visa A.......................................... 258,43................ -1,11.............-0,43%............5,09M Walgreens Boots.......................... 26,22.................+0,16............ +0,61%...........9,78M Walmart...................................... 156,65................+1,85............ +1,20%...........6,45M Walt Disney.................................. 91,02................. -1,00.............-1,09%............9,35M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 26 December

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.................................+47.71%.........................6.981M Neumora Therapeutics, Inc..............................+25.09%........................ 959,003 Rocket Lab USA, Inc........................................+22.80%........................51.905M ANSYS, Inc......................................................+18.08%.........................5.243M Altair Engineering Inc.......................................+11.48%.........................1.339M TFI International Inc..........................................+8.08%......................... 949,555 Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc..........................+7.79%........................118.602M Green Thumb Industries Inc.............................+7.51%......................... 450,611 Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc...............................+7.46%..........................1.485M Immunocore Holdings plc.................................+7.33%......................... 280,239 M - Million Dollars

Most Declined NetEase, Inc..................................................... -16.07%........................21.218M Prosus N.V....................................................... -12.58%........................ 491,299 Naspers Limited............................................... -12.28%........................ 225,041 NIKE, Inc.......................................................... -11.83%........................46.666M Prosus N.V....................................................... -11.42%.........................4.163M AAR Corp......................................................... -10.20%........................ 967,644 NEXON Co., Ltd................................................ -10.09%......................... 99,827 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -9.84%.........................16.676M Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited.-8.99%........................ 272,132 Tencent Holdings Limited................................. -7.27%.......................... 75,892 Zalando SE........................................................ -7.25%.......................... 32,518

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

Star role

SPAIN’S State-Owned Industrial Holding Corporation (SEPI) will nominate Pedro Duque to take over from Jordi Hereu as president of Hispasat, although this will first need the approval of the Spanish communications satellite board. Pedro Duque, a former aeronautics engineer and an astronaut, was minister of Science and Innovation between June 2018 and July 2021.

Nepo babies

SWISS bank UBS told the international media that it had noticed an escalation this year in the number of new billionaires who have inherited their riches rather than earn them. As a result, the bank has predicted “an enormous increase” in legal battles between siblings squabbling over immense legacies bequeathed by their megarich parents.

No unity between unions

UNION bickering is endangering talks to save thousands of jobs in Port Talbot (South Wales).

The UK’s largest steel plant faces huge job losses after owners Tata announced plans to substitute both blast furnaces with an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) over the next three years.

This is cleaner and greener but also less labour-intensive and between 2,500 and 3,000 workers would find themselves out of work.

Photo credit: CC/Steve Hill

BUSINESS EXTRA

28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

PORT TALBOT: The UK’s largest steel-making plant

Changes at Mango FASHION chain Mango unveiled modifications to its corporate and shareholder structure.

In March next year, the board of the Barcelona-based company founded in 1984 by Isak Andic will have nine members instead of the present four, an official statement announced.

Mango’s chief executive Toni Ruiz becomes a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake

in the company’s capital, which at present is 100 per cent controlled by Andic.

Company sources told the Spanish media that these changes would give additional stability to long-term plans and rejected rumours that they heralded a corporate shakeup or plans to float the company.

Mango also revealed that it expects to finish 2023 with record sales topping €3 billion.

Union sources quoted by the BBC revealed a “deep rift” with Community and GMB on one side and Unite on the other.

The three unions originally suggested closing the oldest blast furnace but keeping the younger one active until 2032 while the small EAF was built, preserving 2,300 jobs and requiring fewer enforced redundancies.

Unite withdrew its support for the plan and now insists on no redundancies at all. “We will make no apology for acting like a trade union,” a spokesperson said.

Sources close to Tata indicated that they might delay closing at least one blast furnace for four or five years.

Apparently the unions have suggested that this could be acceptable if Tata were to install a new and modern steel-making works on one of its other sites in the UK.

EWN 15

Record price AN un-named bidder at a Hollywood auction paid $1.15 million (€1.05 million) for a ballerina-length evening dress worn

by Diana, Princess of Wales for a dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence during a royal tour with her then-husband Prince Charles in 1985. The velvet dress, designed by the Moroccan-British designer Jacques Azagury fetched 11 times more than expected.

Divvied up COMPANIES listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange paid investors a total of €27.4 billion in dividends between January and November, an increase of 18.8 per cent on the previous year. Once buy-backs are added to payments in cash or further shares, this increased to more than €40 billion, revealed the latest report from Spanish Stock Exchanges and Markets.

16 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Happy New Year everyone €2 Million ‘charity’ cake LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT AH well, there it goes; another one bites the bank balance. In fact this past Christmas was almost unbelievably my 84th! - the mind truly does boggle. Memories of previous yuletides do of course abound. My first were of the latter war years, when money, and just about everything else was either rationed or short.

With Dad abroad fighting for his country, it was left to Mum to fill the stocking. I still recall the large male sock, probably Grandad’s, at the foot of my bed, totally stuffed and out of shape with surprises. Vividly I remember my excitement as I delved in and discovered a wonderful Dinky toy, a number of boiled sweets, lead soldiers, a rare orange, an apple and finally a penny, which Mum would then take to the shops for a few more rationed sweet treats (and probably some help toward a packet o’ fags!). One of the best presents I do remember was a wooden truck, fas-

hioned by a German prisoner of war in a camp situated close to where we had been evacuated; no whiff of any possible danger as to their actual location did of course ever unsettle my three or four year old innocence.

In later years I always tried my utmost to be at home with the family at Christmas. Circumstances of course sometimes made this impossible.

One year, during the success of my recording career, I was booked to appear in Scotland on Boxing Day. This of course meant travelling over Christmas. Heading north on some 60s motorway or another, I decided to stop at a fairly respectable looking roadside cafeteria. Christmas dinner was actually advertised outside. On entering I discovered I was in fact the only customer (natch). I soon realised that the young male and female working behind the food counter were indeed well sozzled and the tray on which my special repast was served up left a great deal to be desired.

I was reminded of this a few years later when I found my self incarcerated for an offence I didn’t actually commit. The Christmas of ’71 found

me in the dark confines of Oxford prison. Christmas Eve all the inmates had been presented with a ‘menu’ of what we could expect the following day. It did indeed make very impressive reading. Turkey, gravy, cabbage, roasted potatoes followed by Christmas pudding and custard. I could hardly believe it. The prison fare was normally just about inedible. I needn’t have worried.

The meal, all delivered on a stamped out tin tray, was totally disgusting. The turkey was sliced so thinly that when held up it developed creases like a transparent curtain. The ‘greens’ were sodden with water, the gravy grease spilled over into the lumpy custard and it was all cold. I didn’t eat much. I also refused the boiled sweets the prison guvnor gratuitously handed out as we left the canteen. Memories memories.

Ah well. Happy New Year everyone. Let’s hope the memories infused by ‘24 contain more peace and love than ‘23. Somehow I doubt it.

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.

CHIARA FERRAGNI, well-known Italian influencer has been accused of ‘unfair commercial practices’ after it emerged that the proceeds from the ‘charity’ pandoro she promoted had never reached their destination.

Last year, Ferragni and confectionery brand Balocco launched a pandoro (a traditional Italian Christmas cake), whose packaging and marketing featured the logos of the celebrity. The cake was sold for €9 - double what they usually cost and part of the proceeds were supposed to go to a hospital.

However, according to the Italian press, no funds were ever donated. AGCM (Italy’s anti-trust authority) said Balocco and Ferragni earned almost €2 million, thanks to the fraud. As a result, the Italian courts fined the

companies Fenice and TBS, owned by Chiara Ferragni, more than €1 million, and demanded another €420,000 from Balocco for “unfair commercial practices”.

Last week Ferragni told her almost 30 million followers, “I have always been convinced that the most fortunate have the responsibility to do good. Those are the values that have always driven me and my family and that’s what we teach our children”, she said.

“I am here today to own my mistake. I apologise and announce an important gesture: I will donate €1 million to the Regina Margherita hospital, in order to support the care of sick children. I commit myself to separate my charitable activities from my commercial activities as misunderstandings can arise,” she explained.

INTERVIEW

Why Europeans move to Spain Antonio Olivares embarked on a journey that took him from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the eclectic energy of London in 1995.

LITTLE did he know that nostalgia and longing. what was initially plan“When I think of Lonned as a brief stint don,” he muses, “it’s would unfold into not just the archia 24-year chapter tecture or the diof his life. verse cityscape Yet, amid the that I miss. It’s hustle and bustthe friendships le of the city, that blossomed Antonio couldn’t over the years, help but feel a the melting pot yearning for the of cultures, and warmth of Spain, his the charm of areas Image: Antonio Olivares family and friends, and like Pimlico and GolReturned to his roots. the allure of the outdoor ders Green.” life culture he held dear.

Despite the allure of LonIn 2019, after years of fostering connec- don’s international cuisine and the artions and establishing a life in the UK, An- chitectural marvels around every corner, tonio made a bold decision.

Antonio couldn’t escape the frustrations.

Armed with a property in Alicante he “Closing times of pubs! That was a consbid farewell to the iconic London skyline tant source of irritation,” he laughs. and returned to his roots.

“Compared to the lively bars of Spain, it Choosing Alicante wasn’t just about the felt like the night ended too soon.” beaches; it was a strategic move, a geoHowever, his return to Spain hasn’t graphical sweet spot connecting him to been without its irritations. Antonio canthe heart of Spain and the rest of Europe. didly admits, “The bureaucracy and the Now, back in his homeland, Antonio re- lack of customer service can be exaspeflects on his time in London with a mix of rating.”

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23

20 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

FOLLOWING an announcement by the Prague Council in the Czech Republic that for the fourth year running they would not be hosting a firework show on New Year’s Eve and in fact were banning them in private hands in a large number of areas, we asked our readers what they thought.

It seems that the majority enjoy the sight of organised displays but can’t stand the noise as it causes so much distress to wild and domestic animals as well as some older people, so they would love to see the introduction of silent fireworks (in the same way that we can now buy crackers without the crack).

“

There are no fireworks in Siberia… there’s also a lot of empty space to stay for you people who want silence.

You are free to make your silent life out there.

Not banned but quiet ones instead.

Lynda Pawley

Yes! silent ones only, fireworks in the daytime just for the noise! Madness.

Lorraine Knott

Pirjo Korhonen

Yes everywhere.

Need to be louder so the hard of hearing can appreciate them.

Mal Stubbs

Maria van Boxtel

Yes should use silent ones.

Audrey Ryan

Never seen fireworks in Spain and I don’t wish to, they are far too dangerous.

Barbara Ball

Yes absolutely !

Please ban !!!

Stephanie Sedlmayr Pape

All fireworks should be silent ones.

Sharon Snowden

Yes definitely.

David Wardell

That be the day. I would love to see it because my cats are so scared that they run towards the toilet. I for one do not go out when it’s Las Fallas. So much noise and the worse are the adults who act like children.

Yes they are just loud bangs. Get silent ones for the animals and people can still enjoy if they want to.

Beth Sims

Izzy Paps

Silent ones only…. IN ANY COUNTRY! Yes. I say this also on behalf of all the animals who live here.

Karen Baker

Alex de Boer

No, they are stopping everything that involves fun!

Silent fireworks & only organised displays.

Maggi Taylor

Lois Bennett

Yes, I think so or if not at least silent ones....

Ban all the loud noisy fireworks, no need for them to make a noise!

Sian Foster

Carol-Anne Abbink

Yes!

Yessssss.

Anna Fulton

Thomas Kat Miauw

With out a doubt, silent ones would be better for sure !!!

Keep the fireworks but lose the bloody awful noise they make.

Jennifer Ancill

Sheilagh Armstrong-Jones

In Spain it’s all about the noise, unfortunately it will never change, our dog is petrified.

They are not fireworks in Spain they sound more like bombs.

Geoffrey Barrett

Patricia Green

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 • 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

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Feline feasting outdoors CURIOSITY often leads our feline companions outdoors, where they embark on thrilling adventures and, inevitably, explore the diverse culinary offerings Mother Nature provides. Ever wondered what your cats munch on during their outdoor escapades?

In the wild, cats are natural hunters, and their outdoor excursions often involve stalking small prey. Birds, insects, and rodents are common items on their menu, satisfying their carnivorous instincts. Additionally, cats may nibble on grass to aid their digestion or even indulge in the occasional plant for added fiber.

Despite their independent foraging, it’s crucial to ensure your outdoor explorers maintain a balanced diet. Supplement their diet with high-quality cat food to meet their nutritional needs, ensuring they receive the essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal health.

Understanding the outdoor dining habits of your furry friends allows you to provide the best care possible. So, embrace their adventurous spirit, but remember to keep a watchful eye on their nutritional intake for happy and healthy feline companions.

NATURAL HUNTERS: Often cats will stalk small prey.

1st Public Pet Cemetery EARLY next year Malaga is set to unveil Spain’s first public pet cemetery, providing a dignified resting place for beloved animals, where the care and remembrance of pets are given due importance.

The Malaga pet cemetery is scheduled to open between January and February 2024 in the Malaga Cemetery Park, San Gabriel. This pioneering project represents a substantial investment of €1,011,980, according to a news source.

Eco-Friendly And Compassionate

Constructed with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the cemetery will offer a range of facilities. These will include a citizen service building complete with a reception area, administrative offices, a veterinary office and toilets.

Additionally, a crematorium and a designated room for farewell ceremonies are included. The grounds feature a green space for ash scattering and a dedicated burial area.

Comprehensive Services For Pet Owners

In response to the growing attachment to pets in Malaga, the cemetery will provide several services. This includes animal transfer post-mortem, the organisation of farewell ceremonies, the rental of niches and columbariums, and even the deregistration of pets. A basic individual cremation for animals up to 30 kilos is priced at €170.

Meeting The Needs Of A Pet-Loving Province Malaga stands out in Andalucia for its high number of pet owners. According to the Official Colle-

ge of Veterinarians, over 350,000 pets are registered in the region, which accounts for 23 per cent of the pet population in Andalucia.

This pet cemetery comes as a response to the growing societal sensitivity towards animal care, filling a significant gap in a region that lacked such a facility.

Recognising animals as valuable family members, the facility will provide a dignified and respectful way to say goodbye, underscoring the emotional bond between pets and their owners.

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24 EWN 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024

E1: Electric Formula 1 IN June 2024, Puerto Banús will become one of only nine venues in the world to host the E1 competition, the electric Formula 1 of the sea.

Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, presented the Cívitas Puerto Banus Grand Prix at the Provincial Council of Malaga and explained the impact that the event will have on the city, highlighting, among other aspects, the more than 1.1 billion followers on social networks of the captains of the participating teams, including tennis player Rafa Nadal, Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez, footballer Didier Drogba, American football player Tom Brady, DJ Steve Aoki and artist Marc Anthony.

“This race is going to position us as a unique destination,” said the mayor who also expanded on the values of sustainability and equality implicit in this event. “It is an exclusively electric competition in which each team is made up of a man and a woman,” she said.

The Andalucian Minister of Tourism, Víctor González, said during the presentation that this is a, “pure 21st century” event, which is expected to reach 160 million people and have an enormous media and economic impact on the destination. The President of the Provincial Council, Francisco Salado, agreed that the Grand Prix, “will become another boost to the tourism-sport phenomena that we are so proud of on the Costa del Sol, we are expecting 20,000 visitors that weekend.

“Sharing the venue with destinations such as Monaco, Venice, Hong Kong, Geneva, Jeddah and Rotterdam, among others, gives us an idea of the magnitude of this sporting event which, thanks to collaboration between Marbella Town Hall, the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol and the Andalucian Regional Government, we guarantee that it will be a success,” said Salado.

euroweeklynews.com II SPORT

BBC Sports Award

THE BBC Sports Personality of the Year award appears to have become a battleground for gender in sports.

Outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan has controversially spoken out after England goalkeeper Mary Earps became the latest winner. The award makes her the third consecutive female to win, after a 14 year dominance by male athletes.

Following a string of male victors from 2007 to 2020, the trend has shifted with three consecutive female winners. Earps’ triumph comes after the success of Lionesses forward Beth Mead in 2022 and tennis sensation Emma Raducanu in 2021.

However, broadcaster Piers Morgan voiced concerns over the selection process, highlighting the overlooked male nominees.

After Earps was announced the winner, Morgan posted on Twitter/X: ‘It looks to me that terrible scourge of virtue-signalling box-ticking has crept into this once great award.

‘Piers Morgan thinks Mary Earps winning Sports Personality Of The Year is “a celebration of mediocrity.”‘

He added: ‘Trying to get my head around two of England’s women footballers winning BBC SPOTY in successive years… while male sporting superstars with great personalities like Rory McIlroy, Frankie Dettori & Ronnie O’Sullivan have never won it.’

Morgan argued: ‘Last year, Beth Mead was deserved winner because the Lionesses won the Euros, but this year they lost the World Cup Final and failed to qualify for the Olympics.

Many men have been more de-

Super Bowl will go through Madrid THIS year’s 58th Super Bowl will be played at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11, 2024 and, with the end of the NFL regular season in sight, the playoffs are just around the corner.

To become NFL champion and win a Super Bowl ring is the goal of every player at the beginning of the season. After a 17-game regular season, it’s time for the decisive moment in the playoffs. The best teams in the NFL face each other with one goal in mind: the Super Bowl Lombardi trophy.

There are a total of 32 teams in the NFL, 16 in each conference, AFC and NFC, made up of four divisions

SUPER BOWL: Playoffs are just around the corner.

of four teams each: North, South, East and West. In each conference, a total of seven teams qualify for the playoffs, with six playing in the Wildcard Round in both the AFC and NFC. Teams now look to finish as high as possible within their conference as the top-ranked team from each conference will skip a round and have a week’s rest before heading into the divisional round. The topranked teams will face the lowest-ranked teams in the first round with home-field

advantage.

As things stand the teams likely to clinch a playoff spot are: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. Also in the running are: Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs (last year’s Superbowl winners).

Once the playoffs are finished the two conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.

In Spain there is growing interest in the sport with Madrid likely to host an NFL

game in 2025. “We’re going to look at the opportunities we have to host Madrid in the future; we’re excited to bring that to fruition,” Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of the NFL told the NFL’s official website.

The possibility of Madrid hosting a regular-season NFL game for the first time is growing because the owners of the NFL’s 32 teams agreed that, starting in 2025, up to eight games a year could be played outside the United States.

The NFL has played regular-season games outside the United States since the 2005 season. Since that date, 50 regular season international games have been played; 36 in London, England; six in Toronto, Canada; five in Mexico City; two in Frankfurt and one in Munich, Germany.

According to the NFL website, in addition to Spain, France is another potential destination that has caught the league’s attention.

serving. . .’

He added: ‘No offence to Ms Earps, but shouldn’t it have been given to someone who actually won something in 2023?’

Many shared his views and voiced their thoughts on what they called the BBC’s woke agenda: However, many people disagreed and shared their opinions, one person pointed out: ‘It’s sports “personality” of the year. Maybe the general public prefer Mary’s personality!’

Despite the contention, the public overwhelmingly voted for Earps ahead of cricketer Stuart Broad, jockey Frankie Dettori, athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, tennis player Alfie Hewett and golfer Rory McIlroy.

Piers Morgan voiced concerns.

EU Court Rules IS the future of European football about to change?

In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) declared on Thursday, December 21 that UEFA’s dominion over European football violates EU competition law. The decision is expected to significantly strengthen the controversial Super League initiative.

The ruling, found that UEFA and FIFA’s practice of requiring approval for new football competitions, such as the Super League, contravenes European competition laws.

The verdict represents a substantial shift in the landscape of European football governance.

The Super League, backed by A22 Sports, argued that UEFA’s ban on the proposed competition and the penalties threatened against participating clubs contradicted Europe’s competition freedoms.

The ECJ agreed, stating, ‘The FIFA and UEFA rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions, are unlawful.’

This stance challenges the long-standing authority of FIFA and UEFA in football’s commercial and competitive arenas. The court highlighted the lack of transparency, objectivity, and proportionality in the existing regulations.

It emphasised, ‘Similarly, the rules giving FIFA and UEFA exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.’

While the ruling doesn’t explicitly endorse the Super League, it undermines FIFA and UEFA’s ‘dominant position’ in organising football competitions.