Costa Blanca South 18 – 24 January 2024 Issue 2011

Costa Blanca • Issue No. 2011 • 18 - 24 January 2024

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Image: alexkatkov / Shutterstock.com

CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA

TORREVIEJA eagerly awaits its annual influx of visitors from far and wide who gather to join in the fun of its famous carnival.

From January 26 to February 11, visitors can enjoy a variety of events, activities, music and parades.

To attract tourists, the schedule focuses on weekends, encouraging interested visitors to join in one of the region’s most well-known festivals.

The Festivities Department strategically invested in both online and offline advertising, targeting potential attendees in various autonomous communities, including Alicante, Valencia, Murcia, Albacete, Madrid and abroad.

Key highlights encompass the Grand Parade Competition on February 4, the 1st Parade Competition of Foreigners on February 9, and the Night Parade on February 10.

The roots of the Torrevieja Carnival trace back to the late 80s when a close-knit group of friends, known as the ‘Friends of the Carnival’, initiated small parades.

For lots of fun times.

Before this, carnival festivities primarily consisted of localised parties and gatherings, where neighbours and friends enjoyed music and dancing.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Fully charged THE joint efforts of the Environment and Infrastructure Departments, led by councillors, Noelia Grao and Víctor Valverde, have successfully restored functionality to Orihuela municipality’s charging points, resolving issues that persisted since mid-2022.

Out of the 18 originally installed charging points, a staggering ma-

jority had been non-operational for an extended period due to technical and certification issues, causing considerable inconvenience for electric vehicle users.

These charging stations, strategically placed in various locations such as the city centre, coastal areas, and districts, were vital for the community.

As of now, 16 points are fully operational, addressing the concerns raised by the community.

The remaining two points are also under attention. One was rendered unusable due to a traffic accident, and the other is scheduled for repair by the technical service in the coming weeks.

Trekking for fun

GUARDAMAR DEL SEGURA has launched a programme for older people featuring hiking and trekking routes around the area.

The initiative aims to promote exercise among the elderly while allowing them to explore and appreciate landscapes and natural areas of special interest.

The walks are scheduled to take place every Tuesday and Thursday until June 16, from 8.30am to 10.00am.

As there are limited spots available, interested individuals are encouraged to register quickly.

For more information or to register, you can contact (+34) 633 145 775 or visit the Department of Social Welfare and Equality on the first floor of Guardamar del Segura’s town hall.

Lace up your walking shoes and join in the fun of exploring the surroundings of Guardamar.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Charity burger

OVER the weekend of January 13 and 14, Alejandro and David, from @ theguzmanbrothers, donated all the profits from their hamburger food truck to pay for school supplies for those less fortunate.

Lucky town

THE first prize of the National Lottery on January 13 went to number 43422, and second prize went to 31142. The third prize was for the number 61716, and the winning ticket was bought on Calle Tomas Capdepon in Almoradi.

Green light

ELCHE has now given the green light to the demolition project for blocks 11, 12, 13, and 14 on Calle Pintor Benedito, Calle Palombar, Calle Alcana, and Calle Saoni in the San Anton neighbourhood.

Patient wait

CURRENTLY, there are 17,874 patients pending Trauma surgery in the Community, of them 6,449 in the province of Alicante. As well as 14,519 in Ophthalmology, of which 5,867 are in the province; and 12,603 from General Surgery (4,390 in the province).

Stolen fruit

A JOINT action by the Albatera Local Police and the Dolores Guardia Civil has managed to recover 600 kilos of pomegranates stolen from the Albatera countryside. Local Police were monitoring the area when they saw a suspicious vehicle containing stolen fruit from a local field.

Rubbish run

IF you are based in San Fulgencio and looking for someone to remove your larger items such as furniture, notify the council, and they will collect items and take them to the EcoPark. Make contact through WhatsApp on 693 927 778, or via san fulgenciomaslimpio.es.

Bob Marquess DOLORES concluded the year 2023 with a population of 8,196 residents, comprising 4,116 men and 4,080 women, with an average age of 41.5 years.

The town continues to experience population growth, with more people choosing to live in Dolores each year.

The origins of Dolores, along with neighbouring towns like San Fulgencio and Las Dayas, trace back to the repopulation efforts led by Cardinal Luis Antonio de Belluga y Moncada in the 18th century.

These areas were initially swampy lands, and Philip V granted the cardinal various benefits for his support during the War of the Spani-

Population Dolores Image: Comunitat Valenciana

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DOLORES: Continues to grow.

sh Succession. Several towns, including Dolores, were founded during this repopulation initiative, with a primary focus on agriculture.

Dolores has been traditionally dedicated to fruit and vegetable production, particularly artichokes, and also engages in some livestock activities.

The town hosts one of the province’s few fairs, historically the largest, held on the first Sunday in August.

Additionally, Dolores is involved in the footwear industry, influenced by nearby towns like Crevillente and Elche.

Vegan friendly

Painting contest

THE company Mommus Foods, located in the Miguel Hernández University Science Park in Elche, has collaborated with the food brand Hi Vegs! to launch two vegetable substitutes for cheese, a smoked semi-cured one and a spicy one.

These products are now available in Carrefour Spain.

The collaboration aims to reinforce the market position of both companies and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food future.

The availability of vegan products in large distribution chains, such as Carrefour Spain, is seen as crucial for expanding options for both committed vegans and those transitioning to reduce their consumption of animal products.

The collaboration aligns with the growing trend of a flexitarian diet, with around 10 million flexitarians in Spain, according to a study by Lantern.

Mommus Foods, based in Alicante, has become the first Spanish factory of vegetable cheese substitutes to industrialise its production.

Hi Vegs! is a brand founded by Dacsa Group in 2021, focusing on offering innovative solutions for conscious and responsible consumers.

VILLAMARTIN is promoting the third ‘Outdoor Painting Contest’ to encourage artistic creation inspired by the cultural and landscape heritage of historical-artistic monuments.

The contest will be held on February 17, 2024, unless there is inclement weather, in which case it will be rescheduled.

All painters, professional or amateur, national or foreign, from 18 years old can participate in the general category.

The youth category is for 14 to 17 years olds with the children’s category for up to 13 years old.

Each participant may submit only one work.

The theme is free, with an emphasis on reflecting the tourist attraction of Villamartín.

Works should focus on the monumental heritage and the natural environment, including landscapes, streets, squares, monuments, buildings, etc. Works reflecting the historical-cultural heritage inside buildings, public or private, will be accepted. The contest is open to all painting techniques, including oil, acrylic, watercolours, or mixed techniques.

Works can be painted on canvas, wood, or any rigid support.

For more information, head to the website: www.villa martin.es.

Market marvels

THE municipal markets in Alicante have achieved record-breaking results in 2023, setting their best records in history.

The Association of Merchants Dealers in Alicante Municipal Markets reported a successful year with the opening of 66 new businesses and a remarkable 15 per cent increase in sales.

The markets have played a crucial role as essential businesses during the pandemic, adapting to changing consumer habits by focusing on proximity, local products, and sustainable purchasing.

This approach has attracted a new, younger audience that values well-being,

authenticity, and a unique shopping experience.

The markets have become popular options for both shopping and gastronomic routes.

Looking ahead, future projects include the development of a plan to improve and remodel the Babel and Benalúa markets.

The renovations aim to modernise the markets with improvements to roofs, lighting, pedestrian connections, and the renewal of their internal image.

The local government has confirmed that it is committed to achieving 100 per cent occupancy of market stalls in 2024.

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STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

Green March ON Sunday, February 4, the ‘green march’ organised by the Elda y Petrer Cancer Association will once again mark World Cancer Day. The councillor for Citizen Participation, Ana Juan, explained that the march’s theme this year is ‘Against Cancer, We Are Only One.’ This solidarity march requires a prior registration fee of €5 and includes a gift package comprising a commemorative green t-shirt, a bag, and a neck gaiter.

Registration will be open from Tuesday, January 23, until February 3 at the Fi Network shop located at Calle 65 Antonino Vera.

The march begins at Plaza Castelar, with a reading at 10.45, followed by the five-kilometre route through Elda and Petrer at 11.00.

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

Even better, our news online and in print is FREE and we promise to always keep it that way.

FOR MORE NEWS STORIES euroweeklynews.com

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VIEWPOINT BILL ANDERSON SEEMS to me that we are in love with conflict. There was a time when what we fell about was politics, football, or religion, the topics discouraged in social conversation.

How simple life was in those days.

In these times, the topics that polarise us seem to be endless: all of the above, and diversity, positive discrimination, gender identity, vaccines, mask wearing, Israel or Palestine, Ukraine or Russia, climate change. I think this is enough to make the point.

What is more complex about this is that everyone seems to want to inhabit the moral high ground as if their

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

Ready for a fight?

point of view scores higher on a scale of one to 10 than that of those who hold the opposite opinion I spend a lot of time on social media; too much in fact, and not a day goes by when people don’t get shirty with each other. Everybody knows best and thinks that their opinion is a fact to be adopted by the world as a whole, and god help anyone who disagrees with them. How did we get to the point where no one listens to anyone else’s point of view anymore? There is nothing wrong in changing our perspective on something, but that doesn’t happen by digging our heels in and re-

PROVERB OF THE WEEK Shared joy is double joy; Shared sorrow is half a sorrow.

A Swedish proverb. Human beings are wired to be deeply empathetic. So when we share stories of our joys, happiness and achievement with others, it increases our joy as we see others happy around us.

fusing to listen.

The only topics I don’t hear people arguing about these days are the role of the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum. They seem to be met with universal suspicion. I wonder why?

I find the constant obsession with needing to be right, and looking for offence in everything tiresome. Having said that, shutting down one side of any debate, as has been happening on multiple media sources and on several themes recently, is not the way to reach agreement. It only adds to the irritation. I am all for free and open debate, done with respect, and with open ears and receptive minds on both

sides.

After just one week in post as editor there have been many challenges, and to be honest, it is very clear to me that apart from this editorial, where I get to say what I want, opinions are rarely a helpful contribution to any debate. To misquote the great Maggie Smith, ‘Having an opinion is like having a ‘male member’. In private you can hold it as much as you like, but when you start shoving it in other people’s faces, you had better have a dammed good explanation’.

Perhaps these days we should just stick to arguing about politics, football, or religion. All are less precarious than the alternatives.

Bill Anderson’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors. bill-anderson@euroweeklynews.com

Half marathon George Cunningham RUNNERS, make sure to mark April 14 in your calendar for the sixth edition of the Guardamar Half Marathon and 10K. This race promises to be an exciting event, featuring a scenic route along the promenade, pine forest, and the centre of the town.

Participants will complete two laps of the same circuit.

There are attractive prizes up for grabs, with a €200 reward for breaking the test record for both men and women.

Additionally, there’s a €50 prize for breaking the men’s and women’s records among local participants.

For more information or to register, email at info@maratonianos.es or call (+34) 646 174 549.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

Donation drive IN 2023, the Alicante Transfusion Centre received a great response from the residents of Pinoso.

Some 475 individuals participated in the monthly blood donation drives, among them, 425 successfully donated, and notably, 35 people made their first-time contributions.

While the majority of donations took place at the

Health Centre, two donation drives stood out, taking place in the Cultural Centre.

The May 12 marathon drew in 83 individuals, resulting in 76 successful donations, including eight from first-time donors.

Additionally, the December 29 donation drive, held in the afternoon to coincide with the Christmas holidays, saw 36 participants, with 34

successfully donating, including six first-time donors.

The most responsive dates were on May 12, August 21, and October 27.

The Department of Health and the Alicante Transfusion Centre have expressed their gratitude for the ongoing collaboration in Pinoso, encouraging the community to participate in upcoming donation appointments.

Priority patients THE Department of Health has reported a significant reduction of 52 per cent in the number of priority 1 patients awaiting surgical intervention.

Priority 1 is a category that includes those requiring surgery within 30 days due to life-threatening conditions.

The data covers the period from June to December 2023.

Overall, the waiting list for surgery in the Valencian Community has seen a decrease of 7,459 patients since June, dropping from 72,704 to 65,245 by December.

In the province of Alicante, the number of people awaiting surgery across 10 hospitals has decreased from 26,525 to 22,930, marking a reduction of 3,595 patients, which represents 36 per cent of the total for the Community.

The majority of these patients (16,706) fall under the categories of Traumatology, General Surgery, and Ophthalmology.

Despite these improvements in reducing the number of patients on the waiting list, the average wait time for surgery has increased from 79 days to 88 days

18 - 24 January 2024

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

18 - 24 January 2024

Mediterranean attitude THE Valencian Community is gearing up for the Madrid International Tourism Fair (Fitur) with the motto ‘Mediterranean Attitude’.

The regional stand, spanning over 2,000 square metres, will showcase the di-

verse tourism brands within the Valencian region.

The design will feature white and blue colours, symbolising the Mediterranean, with three main islands and attached spaces for provincial boards, mu-

nicipalities, festivals, companies, associations, and tourism products.

The investment for the Valencian presence at Fitur amounts to €1.2m, representing a 6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The stand is not only designed for Fitur but will also be used for other national and international events throughout the year.

The Valencian Community aims to highlight its diversity, sustainability, accessibility, and competitive offerings in various tourism sectors. With over 500 co-exhibitors, the Valencian stand is expected to make a significant impact at Fitur.

The regional department has organised a comprehensive agenda, including presentations, tastings, showcookings, and meetings with key stakeholders in the tourism industry.

The goal is to enhance competitiveness and business opportunities for the Valencian tourism sector in 2024.

K9 companions Image: K9 Club / Facebook

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From strength to strength.

ARE you an animal lover with a few spare hours each week?

Spanish registered animal charity, K9, needs a volunteer driver to assist with deliveries and collections for their busy charity shops.

Additionally, they are welcoming volunteers to join their friendly staff in the shop located in Almoradi.

K9’s mission is to protect animals from cruelty, star-

vation, and neglect, and to control overpopulation through neutering and spaying.

The charity’s financial support comes entirely from public donations, fundraising events, and income generated by their two shops.

For more information, send an email to k9clubin fo@gmail.com or contact Norman by WhatsApp at (+34) 661 350 963.

Established in 1993 as

Refugio de Los Animales K9, the organisation was founded by three compassionate individuals moved by the plight of abandoned animals.

Initially, rescued dogs and cats were kept in makeshift kennels on land provided by one of the founders.

The charity has since gone from strength to strength and has two charity shops, one in La Marina and the other in Almoradi.

LOCAL NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

TORREVIEJA’S Sports Tourism initiative is off to an exceptional start this year, with an influx of teams choosing the city for their sports training camps.

The Sports City is currently hosting several Athletics clubs from Norway and Finland, engaging in various training activities such as running, long jump, high jump, javelin and weightlifting.

Despite occasional windy and cold days, the visiting teams appreciate the favourable training conditions and enjoy the sunny climate that Torrevieja offers.

The continuous growth in visitor numbers for both tourism and sports reasons is not only exceeding expectations but also contributing to deseasonalising and gradually filling gaps during challenging months for the tourist market.

One notable highlight is the collaboration with the Dutch travel agency Voetbalreizen.com BV, which

Image: Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja

Sporting success ATHLETICS CLUBS: Are training in various activities.

started in mid-2023.

In January, they brought several Dutch soccer teams to Torrevieja for sports stages. Teams such as Pax, Fortuna Be Quick, and Victoria engaged in various training sessions at the Ciudad De-

portiva and participated in a triangular match.

In addition to the Dutch soccer teams, the Arnhemseboys Football Club from the Netherlands also visited Torrevieja for training sessions and a friendly match.

MEMBERS of the Neighbourhood Platform in favour of ‘El Secarral’ have submitted over 700 signatures at the town halls of Monforte del Cid and Agost, expressing support for the implementation of a photovoltaic installation.

This solar park is obtaining municipal construction licences from the municipalities of Monforte, Agost, and Elche.

The initiative aims to ensure the residents’ voices are heard, asserting their right to decide on the future of their lands.

ON January 15, the seafarers of Santa Pola took centre stage in the Valencian Community with the regional television premiere of a three-episode miniseries titled ‘The Law of the Sea’.

Directed by Alberto Ruiz Rojo, with a script by Tatiana Rodríguez and Victor Pedreira, the miniseries features Luis Tosar as Pepe Durá, Blanca Portillo as the Spanish Ambassador to Malta, and Sonia Almarcha as Pepi Irles.

Co-produced by Studio 60 and MacFly productions for À Punt and RTVE, a significant portion of the series was filmed in Santa Pola, including scenes in the port and on the high seas.

‘The Law of the Sea’ narra-

Solar park

The residents argue that the photovoltaic park will brings socio-economic benefits but is also a respectful option for the territory, environment, and local communities.

Additionally, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s industry by providing renewable, green, and clean energy.

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TV Premiere

tes the story of Pepe Durá, the skipper of the Santa Pola fishing boat ‘Francisco y Catalina’, and his crew.

On July 14, 2006, they made the decision to rescue 51 Eritrean immigrants, including a two-year-old girl and a pregnant woman, who were

adrift in the Mediterranean.

For nine days, the boat awaited the decision of European authorities without allowing the immigrants to disembark in Malta, leading to challenging situations portrayed vividly in the miniseries.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

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ALICANTE recently participated in nationwide celebrations marking the bicentenary of the creation of the National Police.

The National Police is recognised as the oldest state body among all State Secu-

rity Forces and Bodies.

The commemorative event, held on January 13, drew considerable public interest as people gathered around Plaza del Mar to witness the traditional hoisting of the Spanish flag.

With the motto ‘Committed to you’, the event mirrored celebrations in other municipalities across the province and the entire country.

It honoured the first modern police force of a national and urban nature, acknowledging its constant reinvention to adapt to technological advancements.

Manuel Lafuente Lazaro, the provincial chief commissioner, emphasised the force’s two centuries of service to the Spanish people, highlighting their essential role in consolidating democracy.

He expressed gratitude for the society’s support and the facilities provided by the Ministry of the Interior.

In his speech, he listed the force’s main challenges, expressing pride in being part of the National Police.

Regarding the flag-raising, he stated that it represents everyone and symbolises unity.

Image: ALC Alicante Airport / Facebook

Committed to you Historical best The best record.

ALICANTE-ELCHE Miguel Hernández Airport has achieved a historic milestone by closing the year 2023 with 15,747,678 registered passengers.

This figure marks a remarkable 19.2 per cent increase compared to the annual balance of 2022.

This achievement surpasses the airport’s previous best record of 15,048,240 passengers in 2019.

Breaking down the passenger numbers for 2023, a total of 15,727,404 were commercial passengers.

Within this figure, 13,521,335 passengers travelled on international flights, experiencing a significant increase of 20.4 per cent compared to 2022.

Additionally, 2,206,069 passengers travelled on domestic flights, repre-

senting a growth of 12.8 per cent.

In terms of international traffic, the United Kingdom led the way with 5,439,533 travellers, followed by the Netherlands with 1,070,976, Germany with 895,707, Belgium with 876,010, and Norway with 771,762.

In December 2023, the airport experienced another record month, exceeding one million passengers for the first time in that month.

With 1,041,546 travellers in December, there was a growth of 22.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

Additionally, the airport managed a total of 7,139 flights in December, reflecting an 18.1 per cent increase over the same month in the previous year.

ADVERTISING FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

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Spain’s digital nomad visa and tax benefits Since the UK left the EU, taking up residence in Spain requires more advance planning and paperwork, but those who receive sufficient income without having to work are generally still able to obtain residence permits and enjoy their retirement in Spain. It is, however, harder to obtain a work visa in Spain, so the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa was welcome.

While the DNV doesn’t help individuals wanting to work for a Spanish company, it is an opportunity for people who can work online and meet the work requirements. This visa may also enable you to move to Spain a few years before retirement, if you can work remotely.

Work requirements There are some restrictions on who can obtain a Digital Nomad Visa.

Besides being able to prove you can fulfil your work duties

mation from ENISA. Application requirements You need to prove a minimum level of income – €30,240 for individuals and €41,580 for couples (as at 2023). It can be a combination of earnings, investment income and savings.

By Jon Pemberton, Partner, Blevins Franks

in Spain with just a laptop, phone and internet, you must have a suitable qualification or three years’ work experience. You can work in any type of business, in many roles, and be employed, self-employed or an entrepreneur.

The company you work for must be outside Spain and established for at least one year. If self-employed, your contracts must have been agreed minimum three months before application. Entrepreneurs intending to initiate, develop or direct an economic activity need confir-

You must have qualifying medical health insurance and an authorised medical record check, plus recent UK and Spanish criminal record checks.

Various other paperwork will be submitted with your application, such as proof of residence, passport, birth and marriage certificates etc.

If you are already legally resident in Spain, you can apply locally and receive a three-year Digital Nomad Residency Permit (DNRP). This can later be renewed for three years. UK residents apply via the Spanish Consulates in the UK and receive a 12-month Digital Nomad

Visa. Once expired you can apply for a two-year DNRP and after five years permanent residency.

Tax benefits A DNV can provide tax advantages. Provided you are employed or an entrepreneur you can apply to be taxed under the more beneficial special inpatriate tax regime (the ‘Beckham regime’). The tax benefits are not automatic – once you have your DNV you need to apply for this regime – but they can be extended to cover your spouse if they meet the conditions.

With this inpatriate status, income up to €600,000 is taxed at a preferential rate of 24%.

Any excess is at 47% (normally applied on income half this amount). You also pay Spanish social security.

If you dispose of any assets outside Spain, including com-

pany shares, you do not have to pay any Spanish capital gains tax. You are also not liable to Spanish Wealth Tax on non-Spanish assets during the period.

Provided you remain nonUK resident (as determined by the Statutory Residence Test) you will not have to pay UK tax on your earnings.

Take personalised advice to establish how these rules would apply to your circumstances. Contact an immigration specialist to learn more about the Digital Nomad Visa.

For the tax elements, speak to a cross-border wealth management specialist who can confirm what tax would be due in Spain and the UK and how you can take full advantage of the rules in both countries.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins Franks news page at www.blevinsfranks.com.

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euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

TM Real Estate Group has announced the launch of its significant residential project, ‘Lagoons Village by TM,’ in Torrevieja.

The Alicante-based company plans to invest €375m in constructing 1,800 homes in the La Hoya Partial Plan area.

The project, situated between the Laguna Rosa and the Laguna Salada de la Mata de Torrevieja, will encompass 264,000 square metres and will be developed in 11 phases.

The residential complex will feature common areas with large gardens, swimming pools, jacuzzis, decorative lakes, and trails.

In addition to the residential development, TM Real Estate Group will contribute to the La Hoya Partial Plan by creating new roads, accesses, wide avenues, green areas, and a sports centre for homeowners.

The sports centre will include amenities such as a heated pool, indoor and out-

Image: TM Grupo

Lagoons Village

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT: Construction of 1,800 homes.

door gym, sports courts, spa, beauty, and physiotherapy treatment rooms.

The first development within Lagoons Village by TM is called Laguna Rosa, and the real estate company will allocate more than €63 million to this phase.

The Laguna Rosa development will consist of a variety of housing options, including apartments, bungalows, and villas, with large outdoor spaces and common areas spanning 15,200 square metres.

The project aims to strengthen Torrevieja’s position as

a reference in the residential tourism sector at a national and international level.

THE Santa Pola Sea Museum has achieved record-breaking success in 2023, welcoming over 132,000 visitors throughout the year.

The museum, located within the Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola, serves as a vital cultural and historical resource for the town, preserving and protecting its maritime heritage.

The museum is divided into several locations, including the Castle-Fortress, the archaeological site of Portus Ilicitanus, the Esteban González Museum Ship, the Museum’s warehouses, and the recently reopened

THE church at Lago Jardin, Torrevieja, reopened its doors for Sunday Mass on Sunday January 14.

The church which closed for four years had a joyous reopening in December to commemorate its centenary.

Father Seabrook expressed his delight at the expanded ministry, stating, “We’ve had a few services during the week until now, and we had a Vigil Mass at Christmas, but it’s great we have been able to expand our ministry there on a Sunday morning.

Breaking records Municipal Aquarium.

The Municipal Aquarium, celebrating its 40th anniversary, registered an impressive 45 per cent of total visits to the museum complex in just five months since its reopening on July 28.

The Aquarium has become a significant attraction, contributing to the overall success of the Sea Museum.

In total, 132,808 visitors were counted for the year, with 59,492 visiting the Aquarium and the rest exploring the Castle and Por-

Now open

“It was lovely to see our beautiful small church full!”

With another church at Calle Granados in La Siesta, Torrevieja, where Masses in English alternate between Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, Father Seabrook shared, “We can now offer Mass in English twice a month at Lago Jardín.”

To keep the community informed, Father Seabrook mentioned, “We ad-

tus Ilicitanus headquarters.

The museum hosted 44 events and participated in 110 events organised by other municipal departments and private entities at the Baluarte.

The Sea Museum organised 19 local and international exhibitions, often accompanied by participatory workshops, performances, and the creation of 21 ethnographic audiovisuals.

The museum also renewed its Q for Tourism Quality for Museums and Archaeological Sites.

vertise all our services on Facebook, our website, and our new Instagram account (@sspandptorrevieja).”

Lago Jardín Church will now host Masses in English on the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month at 11.30am.

For further details, you can reach Father Seabrook on (+34) 693 932 438 or visit the website www.c-of-e-torre vieja.com Stay connected on Facebook @angli cantorrevieja and Instagram @sspan dptorrevieja for updates.

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Airport run Animal blessings On weekends, buses from Plaza del Mar will start at 6.20am and conclude at 10.30pm, while departures from the airport will span from 7.00am to 11.10pm.

The interval between buses remains consistent at 20 minutes.

Additionally, the night schedule will see buses departing every hour, commencing from Plaza del Mar at 11.20pm until 5.20am.

The return leg begins

ELCHE’S Department of Sports has signed a collaboration deal with the Golf Federation of the Valencian Community, marking a significant step toward fostering and popularising golf and its various facets in Elche.

The joint commitment involves coordinating efforts to organise competitions and other sports events under the Federation’s umbrella. Additionally, they’re set to roll out a comprehensive training programme for golf.

The collaboration will extend to

at 12.00am and concludes at 6.00am.

These nighttime services are available daily, providing transportation options for passengers arriving at the terminal during the night hours and offering an alternative to taxi services.

Company sources have indicated that peak hours are typically between 9.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm from Monday to Saturday.

George Cunningham ON January 14, El Campello organised an animal blessing ceremony for Sant Antoni, with around 100 horses and mares, as well as numerous dogs, cats, birds, an eagle, and an owl participating.

The festivities commenced with an equestrian tour featuring horses and mares from various regions, parading through the urban centre and along the Carrer La Mar promenade.

Following the Mass, the blessing of animals and

pets took place, showcasing a diverse array, including species of horses, mares, dogs, cats, turtles, birds, rodents, and even an eagle and an owl.

El Campello marked itself as the first town in the Alicante region to celebrate Sant Antoni del Porquet with this event.

Sant Antoni del Porquet is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Valencian Community.

Saint Anthony, a third-century saint known for his ascetic life in the Egyptian desert, became popular for his association with agricultural tasks and animals, being invoked as their protector.

Represented with a staff, ascetic clothing, the Tau cross, and often depicted with a pig or wild boar at his feet, Saint Anthony is venerated for his care of animals.

Image: Ayuntamiento de El Campello

BUS company, Vectalia, has now increased its service on the route connecting Alicante with Miguel Hernandez Airport.

On weekdays (Monday to Saturday), Line C6 now boasts buses departing from Plaza del Mar to the airport every 20 minutes during the day, running from 6.30am to 10.50pm.

This modification allows for two additional buses compared to the previous schedule.

The return route from the airport operates with the same frequency, departing from 7.10am to 11.30pm.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Sporting landscape schools through targeted campaigns, ensuring that the younger generation is introduced to the charms of golf.

The initiative also includes the organisation of sporting events, meetings, and conferences, all aimed at boosting awareness and engagement in golf.

The ultimate goal is to enrich the sporting landscape of the city and encourage people of all ages to participate actively

in various golf-related activities.

This includes initiatives targeting both the youth, promoting golf as a fun starting point, and adults, emphasising grassroots and amateur levels.

Lastly, the agreement encompasses arrangement of gatherings, seminars, and conferences in Elche, focusing on sports activities associated with the Golf Federation of the Valencian Community.

SANT ANTONI: Blessing included around 100 horses.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Booming bus use Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante

14 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

CITY BUSES: Aiming to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Nora Shephard ALICANTE recorded 19,735,500 passengers on city buses in 2023, marking a 30.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

The surge in ridership can be attributed to the introduction of free bus rides for individuals up to 31 years old and the application of a universal 50 per cent discount on all passes.

Additionally, the new Vectalia MIA concession, the launch of new lines, increa-

sed frequencies, and additional vehicles contributed to the boost in bus usage.

The most popular lines were 03, 01, and 02, which accounted for over 45 per cent of the total passengers.

Notably, new routes such as line 14 saw a substantial increase from 42,483 passengers in the previous year to 502,277. Line 22, with a modified route to reach PAU 5, experienced a rise from 980,378 to 1,269,040 passengers.

A newly introduced line 28, covering the city centre, beaches, and San Juan Hospital, was used by 93,502 passengers.

The city council highlighted the positive response to new lines and the impact of discounts on season tickets.

Carlos de Juan, the councillor for Mobility, emphasised the importance of increased public transport use for environmental benefits, aiming to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

euroweeklynews.com II LOCAL NEWS

Nordic market

Image: Expo Road

16 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

TRAVEL FAIR: Considered the most popular and successful event in the tourism industry.

THE Costa Blanca Tourist Board is focusing its tourism strategy for the Nordic market on hotel and golf offers.

The promotional efforts will be showcased at the ‘Matka Nordic Travel Fair’ in Helsinki, Finland, from January 18 to 21.

The initiative aims to highlight the province’s golf and hotel accommodation products, as well as specific destinations like Guardamar del Segura, Calpe, Altea, and Alcoi.

The ‘Matka Nordic Travel Fair’ is considered the most popular and successful event in the tourism industry in northern Europe.

It provides a significant platform to showcase Alicante’s offerings and establish connections with Nordic countries, the Baltic Nora Shephard UNTIL January 26, the Villamartin Council is accepting submissions for the poster contest announcing the Villamartin Carnival 2024.

Those interested can submit their proposals to advertise the local Carnival and compete for the prize

countries, and Russia.

The fair is expected to attract over 70,000 visitors during its four days, with approximately 21,000 professionals from the travel sector and coverage from 1,200 media outlets.

The Nordic market, consisting of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, has a population of over 26 million inhabitants who make more than 38 million international trips annually.

During the 2022-2023 winter season, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport had 330 flights and nearly 60,000 seats connecting with Helsinki, representing more than a 77 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Poster perfection awarded by the jury, which includes €150 for the purchase of painting or stationery materials.

The winning poster will also be reproduced as the official image of the Villa-

Entrance enhancement

THE newly planted gardens on the party wall of the entrance road to Gran Alacant are already facing damage.

The council say that this is due to the actions of some pedestrians crossing through prohibited areas, posing a risk to road safety.

The Santa Pola Town Council is urging residents to use the existing pedestrian crossing to prevent further harm.

In a bid to enhance the entrance to Gran Alacant, the landscaping of the party wall between the entrance and exit lanes connecting the residential area with National Highway 332 is currently underway.

Creeping rosemary, a native species, has been planted along the entire strip, accompanied by a drip irrigation system for maintenance.

However, this area is not meant to be used by pedestrians.

Unfortunately, it has been observed that some residents are ignoring the designated paths, causing damage to the newly planted gardens.

The councillors for Gran Alacant, Oscar Valenzuela and Borja Merino, emphasise the importance of avoiding this area not only to allow the planted species to grow undisturbed but also for road safety reasons.

Pedestrians crossing the avenue are urged to use the designated pedestrian crossing to ensure their safety.

martin Carnival.

Participants can submit one or two works each, with free design and the main theme being ‘Villamartin and its Carnival’.

The poster should reflect the unique characteristics of the Villamartin Carnival festivities, showcasing the elements that identify the town.

The submitted works should be in a vertical and reproducible format at 50 x 70 cm, proportional to these measurements.

They must be mounted on a rigid panel or background to allow proper handling and full protection of the original, especially if it is produced on paper.

The works should not include any added labels.

Unsigned works should be delivered to the Tourist Office on weekdays until Friday January 26 by 3.00pm.

Each proposal must be accompanied by a closed envelope containing the author’s information (name, surname, address, and contact telephone number).

18 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Jessica Sweeting FOLLOWING the unexpected abdication of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, her cousin and close friend King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden sent her a telegram thanking her and wishing her all the best.

The message reads, “Dear Cousin Daisy!

“When you step down today from your high office as Queen of Denmark, I want to convey my warm thanks for the good cooperation over the years.

You now enter a changed role, but the friendship between us remains warm and constant.

“As Denmark’s Queen, you have been a guarantor of the closeness and affection that today exists between our countries and houses. For this, I want to thank you in particular.

“On this historic day, my family and I wish you all the luck and success in the future.”

Credit: Swedish Royal Household/Clement Morin

King thanks Queen

Queen Margarethe and King Carl Gustaf in Stockholm 2023.

The Queen who will be 84 in April and is handing over the Danish Crown to her 55-year-old son Frederik joined the Swedish Royal Family in September

2023 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of King Carl XVI Gustaf who is now 77.

This will be the first abdication of a Danish Monarch in over 900 years.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

HOW trustworthy are the labels on food items? Recent events in Spain have raised serious doubts regarding olive oil.

On January 15, a joint operation by the Guardia Civil, inspectors from the Junta de Andalucia, and the General Directorate of Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation unearthed a fraudulent olive oil operation.

This illegal business, discovered in an industrial warehouse in Mairena del Alcor, Sevilla, was found to be marketing counterfeit olive oils.

The investigation revealed that the products, falsely labelled as ‘Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ and ‘Mild Olive Oil’, were actually blends of various inferior oils.

Documents and products linked to com-

Credit: masa44/Shutterock.com

Widespread oil fraud

IS IT THE REAL THING?: Olive oil warning.

panies across several provinces including Malaga, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Murcia were confiscated.

During the operation, several brands were identified for marketing these fraudulent oils.

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has initiated control measures across various locations and has alerted the relevant authorities in Murcia and Andalucia for further action.

In the warehouse, 1,000-litre tanks of ve-

getable and olive oils were found, connected to a mixer and packaging system.

This set-up was used to create a blend of seed oils with a base of some type of olive oil, giving it an appearance similar to genuine extra virgin olive oil, and labelled attractively for sale at prices much lower than their true market value.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and seek verifiable sources for their olive oil purchases.

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20 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 John Smith THE Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas confirmed on January 9 that a draft law covering prevention of food waste will be placed before Parliament.

This Bill has been on the cards since 2020 but has never passed into law although on this occasion, the government is looking for support

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Spain to fight food waste from all political parties According to data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, an estimated 30 per cent of all food produced annually is simply wasted.

In the case of Spanish households, waste in 2022 was 1.17 billion kilos which equates to about 65.5 kilos per adult per year.

Rather than destroy food that is still edible (although possibly past sell by date) all

stores selling food which occupy more than 1,300 square metres will be required by law to donate this to food banks or charities.

Stores should not reject so called ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables and farmers should not simply destroy anything that doesn’t fit with normal size

and shape criteria.

All establishments which offer food for consumption on the premises will be required to offer customers the option of taking uneaten food or drink away with them in suitable containers.

Another important plank in the proposed Bill is that

where possible, if some food is not suitable to eat as it is, then manufacturers and suppliers should consider converting it to another format such as jam or soup.

At the end of the day, the order of priority for the use of food if no longer suitable for human consumption will be for animal feed, by-products in another industry or to create compost or biofuels.

Asylum seekers

SPAIN has become a beacon of hope for asylum seekers and is now the third country in the EU that receives the most requests.

On Thursday, January 11, the Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, recently revealed statistics at the Conference of Ambassadors in Madrid, and emphasised Spain’s significant role in international protection.

With over 163,000 applications in 2023, a record since 1992, Spain stands as a pivotal figure in the European Union’s asylum landscape.

“Spain has increased applications by 3,500 per cent compared to those received in 2013, just 10 years ago,” Grande-Marlaska noted.

He further stressed the country’s adherence to national, European, and international laws in handling these requests, during his address to the Spanish ambassadors.

The minister also reflected on Spain’s ‘intense, successful, and exciting’ presidency of the EU in interior matters.

“With this agreement, the European Union is provided with a new, updated legal framework with which to redesign its migration and asylum policy to address,

Credit: interior.gob.es

Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

in a more realistic way, the principle of fair distribution of responsibility and solidarity,” the minister asserted.

In tackling irregular migration, Grande-Marlaska urged ambassadors in Europe to communicate Spain’s proactive approach.

He emphasised the importance of protecting external borders and saving lives through these efforts.

The minister also addressed ambassadors in Africa, calling for intensified collaboration against human trafficking mafias.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

Voting in the UK

AS from Tuesday January 16, 2024, British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15year time limit.

Those who have previously lived in or been registered to vote in the UK now have the right to vote in UK Parliament elections. They can register online at www. gov.uk/registertovote and will need to confirm their personal information every three years.

Anyone on a UK electoral register is also considered a permissible donor to UK political parties and campaigners.

British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott said: “This law means that more British citizens living in Spain will now be eligible to vote in UK Parliamentary elections,

NEW LAW: British citizens living abroad can now vote.

which is good news.

We’re asking the British community here to help us spread the word, because it’s important that eligible people are made aware of the changes so that they can register and cast a ballot when the time comes.”

More information is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Voters living overseas can

find contact details for the relevant local council by entering the postcode of the last place they lived in the UK, using the Commission’s postcode lookup tool. UK Parliament elections covers UK parliamentary general elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. Eligibility for other types of election has not changed.

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22 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Credit: Shutterstock/1901352415

AS Britain was blasted by ice and snow this week, officials warned that the worst was yet to come.

With temperatures across the nation dipping well below zero, The Met Office and public health officials issued an amber cold weather warning in place until January 12, alerting residents that there might be an ‘observed increase in mortality across the population’.

As air ‘directly from the Arctic’ hurtled towards the UK, its citizens expected more freezing cold weather for at least a few more weeks, with experts predicting the cold case will last until mid February.

One weatherman from the north of England somberly advised residents that: “you will definitely need your big coat.”

Perhaps some thermal underwear as well?

The wheels on the bus get stuck stuck stuck?

UK to quash Post Office convictions John Smith IT appears that public opinion can have some sway over the Conservative Government as it is rushing in new legislation to quash wrongful Post Office convictions.

This was announced on January 10 and although it will only apply to those wrongly convicted in England and Wales the legislation which is expected to be enacted within a matter of weeks will pave the way for significant compensation of up to £600,000.

It is expected that hundreds of convictions will be overturned finally bringing justice to those who were wrongly accused of theft from the Royal Mail although it will come too late for those who died without restitution.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in this country’s history, with hundreds of people having their lives ruined and reputations dragged through mud.

“Too many still have wrongful convictions tied to their name, and we cannot continue to fail them.

“We must do everything we can to exonerate and compensate these innocent people, and make sure they finally get the justice they deserve.”

Credit: Kevin Hollinrake

Arctic Britain - freeze of the century

Kevin Hollinrake (in dark suit without tie) in Black Swan pub Post Office.

The government has also confirmed that it will take action to make sure the postmasters who played a crucial role in first exposing the Horizon scandal receive the compensation they deserve.

These individuals, known as the Group Litigation Order cohort, who did not receive a criminal conviction but paid out considerable sums of money because of the Horizon failures, will receive at least £75,000 in compensation in advance of any final settlement.

Minister for Postal Affairs Kevin Hollinrake commented “Postmasters have been fighting for years to get the justice they deserve, and today’s announcement will ensure wrongful convictions are overturned and swifter access to compensation.

“The Post Office Horizon Scandal is

widely described as the biggest miscarriage of justice in our history and it’s important that steps like we’ve announced today are being taken to right the wrongs of the past.

“In the coming days, the government will consider whether this blanket exoneration should apply to the small number of convictions which have been upheld by the appeal courts.

“The government recognises that this Bill may lead to the overturning of some convictions that were rightfully brought. In line with the wishes of some of the victims, the government will therefore introduce safeguards to make sure anyone who was rightly convicted, and is now trying to take advantage of compensation schemes, can be prosecuted in the future.”

24 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWSDESK

NEWS ACROSS THE REGIONS FROM THE PEOPLE’S PAPER COSTA DEL SOL

Boar blimey!

THE infamous wild boars have once again returned to the region of Almeria, or did they never really leave?

Either way, their presence seems to be causing havoc not just on the streets, but also within the community, as residents continue to disagree on how to deal with the issue and fear of the wild boars increases. Many locals are insisting that Almeria must find a way to rid itself of the boars, stating on social media that they “cause havoc” and explaining: “unfortunately we can’t live together in harmony”.

On January 12, a local school sent a petition letter to the mayor of Almeria requesting the elimination of the wild boars and arguing that “they wanted to be free children.”

However, others have shown a different view, urging that they “only attack if they feel threatened” and reminding people that “we keep building further into their habitat”.

So, what is the solution, should we just let them be?

€5 billion Ryanair plan Photo: Flickr CC / A.Currell

COSTA ALMERIA

RYANAIR: Plan to open five new bases and increase its routes.

PRESIDENT Pedro Sánchez, met with the CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, on Friday, January 12 at the Moncloa Palace to learn about the airline’s investment plan in Spain, which amounts to €5 billion over the next seven years.

Ryanair’s strategy for Spain aims to increase passenger numbers from 55 million to 77 million, increase routes from 730 to more than 1,000 by 2030, base 33 new aircraft and establish five

COSTA CALIDA

FAST fayre

IN a bid to enhance community safety, the First Response First Aid team (FAST) on Camposol, comprised of dedicated volunteers, is organising a Health and Recruitment Fayre on Saturday, January 20, from 10am to 2pm at the Camposol Clubhouse in Sector C. While FAST does not aim to replace professional ambulance services, it plays a crucial role in providing vital first-aid support during the critical time between an accident and the arrival of an ambulance.

The event promises a morning of information on various health aspects, both physical and mental, alongside fitness and well-being. Representatives from different organisations, including the Samaritans, will be available to discuss their services.

Importantly, FAST responders will be present to provide information on how individuals can contribute as volunteers, urgently needed to bolster their response team.

new bases.

During the meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, the government and the airline agreed to work on strengthening regional airports. As Moncloa explained in a press release, boosting air traffic at this type of airport will contribute to territorial development and economic activity in the area.

Sánchez highlighted the importance of Ryanair’s investment in Spain, and said that it reflects, “the stability and potential of the Spanish economy as well as the confidence of international markets and investors.”

Ryanair currently employs approximately 6,500 workers in Spain and is the leading airline in terms of passengers carried, with more than 700 routes to 29 countries from Spain.

AXARQUIA

Frigiliana’s charm

IN a recent feature, National Geographic unveiled its top picks for 2024 getaways, urging readers to explore the charming streets of Frigiliana and Casares in the Malaga Province. Frigiliana, in the Axarquia region, has long shed its hidden gem status, becoming a tourist hotspot with its steep, narrow streets, and whitewashed houses.

National Geographic’s curated list of 100 recommended villages for 2024 showcases Frigiliana and Casares as the only Malaga representatives, alongside picturesque areas like Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Ayllón in Segovia, and Buitrago de Lozoya in Madrid.

For Frigiliana, the magazine highlights its location within Axarquia, adorned with ‘luminous white villages’ surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees. The feature traces the town’s history through Phoenician, Greek, and Roman influences, with a significant impact from the Arabs.

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Officially a tourist municipality

ALFAZ is now one of the Valencian Community’s 39 Tourist Municipalities, recognised by the Generalitat’s Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism department.

Amongst other advantages the town hall is now eligible for additional financing to compensate for the demands that tourism makes on the local economy.

“This will allow us to access new subsidies which will lead to improved services,” Alfaz’s Tourism councillor Luis Morant said.

Eleven Alicante municipalities received the coveted status in 2023, with 15 going to Castellon and 13 to Valencia.

All had to comply with specific requirements regarding their tourist population, available beds in hotels, tourist apartment sand campsites as well as the importance of tourism to the local economy.

MALLORCA

National Police anniversary ON Saturday January 13, Spain’s National Police celebrated its Bicentenary with the raising of the Spanish flag in major cities across the country.

In Mallorca the event took place in Calle Mirador in the capital, Palma in the presence of the president of the Congress of Deputies, Francina Armengol, the president of the Government, Marga Prohens, and the Government delegate in the Balearic Islands, Alfonso Rodríguez, in addition to other civil, military and police authorities.

A formal review of the massed ranks of National Police officers was undertaken by all of the special guests alongside the Chief of Police in the Balearic Islands, José Luis Santafé Arnedo.

Various speeches told the story of the activities of the force, welcomed the role being played by female officers and the importance of a strong coherent force able to protect the best interests of citizens by enforcing the law.

Costa Blanca North • Costa Blanca South • Costa Almeria • Costa Calida • Axarquia • Mallorca • Costa del Sol

+34 951 386 161 • www.euroweeklynews.com

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

An unaffordable luxury?

Credit: Shutterstock/2204092191

RISING COSTS: Is food affordable?

THE rising cost of living is currently affecting people and households in many areas of the world, as life post pandemic has seen wars, drought and financial struggle.

The drought has had a knock on effect with certain foods and vegetables, in particular the nation’s favourite - olives - facing a shortage as well.

On Wednesday, January 10, the government of Spain announced that the elimination or reduction of the value added tax on certain foods

such as fruits and vegetables, pasta and cooking oils.

This may not be enough for many working people in Spain, who claim that every month they are struggling even more to buy basic items for their family to eat.

Euro Weekly News spoke to Angel Aguera, a bartender.

“Although my wage has increased over the years, our standard of living has dropped significantly,” he explained, adding that “my wife has to plan our meals for the week diligently and if an

unexpected expense arises then we have to go without, it’s very sad to say I work 50 hours a week.”

Another resident of Spain, Claire Hill told EWN: “when I first moved here six years ago I couldn’t believe how cheap everything was, but now it’s very expensive to do a food shop, some things like vegetables are much more here than in the UK now.”

However, for now it seems like many will have to cut back on items that have now become a luxury.

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26 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

IRELAND Still driving DUBLIN bus driver Yong Yue Wang, who lost his job for twice using a mobile phone while behind the wheel in less than a year, now awaits a verdict on his unfair dismissals claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Meanwhile, Wang is already back on the road and working as a taxi driver.

Worth a visit THE New York Times recommended Waterford as one of 52 places to visit in 2024, placing it in 30th position. Waterford, described as “sparkling with history and natural treasures”, was the only Irish destination on the list which included Ladakh (India), Dominica (Caribbean) and Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia).

SWEDEN

euroweeklynews.com II EUROPEAN PRESS

EUROPRESS GERMANY New party SAHRA WAGENKNECHT presented her new political party, the Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) Reason and Fairness, on January 8. The national MP, who retained her seat after abandoning the Left Party, said the BSW - a true people’s party - would run in this year’s EU and German state elections.

BELGIUM Smart people BELGIUM scored 69.12 out of 100 and was ranked seventh amongst Europe’s Top 10 smartest countries, compiled by TutorSpace and based on 17 factors relating to intelligence and development in 44 European countries. Switzerland headed the list with 81.1, followed by Denmark (77.87) and Finland (77.57).

Smoke signals

SAHRA WAGENKNECHT: Her new party avoids ‘leftist’ label.

Photo credit: CC/Ferran Cornella

FRANCE

ITALY

WHILE Belgium intensifies its anti-smoking plan with a 25 per cent price hike on the cost of cigarettes and higher vaping prices, tobacco giant Philip Morris called for better access to alternative products. “Our priority is a smoke free future,” the company’s Benelux managing director Miguel Matos declared.

DENMARK

Watch out

No change

Try it

Earliest Danes

POLICE who announced that a watch had been discovered in a central Stockholm street on New Year’s Day initially believed it was a genuine Audemars Piguet worth 500,000 krona (€44,376). Experts who saw it said it appeared to be a cheap copy, a theory backed by the fact that no-one has yet claimed it.

BRITISH residents who were previously entitled to register free of charge with Italy’s SSN health scheme can continue to do so.

They will not have to pay the new €2,000 fee that non-EU residents now pay to access the SSN, Italy’s Health minister told the English-language publication, The Local.

FRANCE’S postal service La Poste is installing changing rooms in some branches where shoppers can try on clothes bought online and return rejected purchases on the spot. Like postal services everywhere, La Poste hopes to compensate for the nosedive in letters traffic by boosting its parcels delivery division.

AN analysis of 100 skeletons spanning 7,300 years between the Mesolithic period, Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age in Denmark revealed repeated population turnovers. The authors of the study published in Nature also concluded that the present-day gene pool was already in place 3,000 years ago.

On the line

Doggy bags

Hacked off

Learning curve

SWEDEN’S Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson claimed that anybody wanting Swedish citizenship should consider what it meant to sacrifice their life for their country. Speaking at a Defence conference, Kristersson said Swedish citizenship was “not a travel document” but implied defending Sweden, its values and way of life.

ITALIAN MPs from the Forza Italia party belonging to the governing coalition, plan to put through a bill that will oblige restaurants to provide containers for diners wishing to take uneaten food home with them. “This is a common-sense measure that would help tackle food waste,” Giandiego Gatta said.

SEBASTIEN RAOULT, a 22-year-old French hacker and member of a criminal gang which sold hundreds of millions of personal details on the dark web, was jailed for three years in the US. Raoult created fake login pages for the Shiny Hunters group which were used to raid users’ private and financial data.

AFTER meeting Crown Prince Frederik during the 2000 Olympics in Australia, Mary Donaldson signed up for an eight-week programme in deportment skills. “This prepared her for the royal duties that followed,” said her then-coach Teresa Page shortly before Frederik prepared to ascend the Danish throne.

NORWAY

THE NETHERLANDS

FINLAND

PORTUGAL

Ship out

Staying dry

Home-bred

Gold standard

CRUISE ships visiting Norway consume 170 million litres of fuel annually, accounting for 3 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the problem, Norway’s parliament has introduced new legislation, requiring all cruise ships and ferries in World Heritage fjords to be emission free from 2026.

EIGHTY-FIVE PER CENT of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest ports, is seven metres below sea level but has escaped the worst of the floods affecting other parts of the country. “Rotterdam has long worked on climate adaptation, especially with regards to flood resilience,” city mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said.

WHEN answering a voting guidance questionnaire from broadcaster YLE, the Finns Party’s presidential candidate Ussi Halla-Aho said he was in favour of the requirement that the country’s president should be a native-born Finn. He also suggested that this should apply to cabinet ministers and MPs.

BUYING property in Portugal no longer includes a ‘golden visa’ for non-EU citizens after the concession caused a housing crisis, Reuters reported, adding that it is still possible to obtain residency via investment funds. The initiative has attracted €7.3 billion since 2021, principally from China, Brazil and the US.

Alarm test

Hard times

Longer wait

Coming soon

NORWAY’S Emergency Alert System was tested on the mobile telephone network on January 10, while 1,200 warning systems were activated countrywide during the run-through. Norwegian Civil Defence checks these systems twice yearly to ensure their efficiency should the country be exposed to acute danger.

HOSPITALITY sector bankruptcies doubled in 2023 with 245 companies going under between January and the end of November, compared with 134 throughout 2022, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Forty per cent of the remaining businesses said they doubted that they would survive this year.

FINLAND’S parliament approved a series of changes to benefits that will be introduced during 2024 and affect cuts to basic unemployment pay, labour market subsidies and the housing allowance. The interim period before an applicant can receive unemployment pay has also been extended from five to seven days.

THE ‘Tide of Plastic’ threatening the coast and beaches of northern Spain could reach Portugal by spring, warned Bordalo e Sa, a hydrobiologist from the University of Porto.

Dominant currents to the north were likely to bring the minute particles to Portugal once they changed direction later this year, he predicted.

Sand memories

EXPLORE the historical richness of Guardamar del Segura with guided tours of ‘Memoria de Arena’ available in English every Friday from 11.00am until March.

This guided tour takes you to the Castle, Rábita, and Fonteta archaeological sites, unveiling the secrets of Guardamar’s pine forest.

The Rábita Califal site, located in Alfonso XIII Park near the mouth of the Segura River, is an extraordinary discovery from the Andalusian Umayyad period (10th-11th century).

Declared a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC), it is the only preserved Islamic monastic

complex of its kind in almost its entirety.

Comprising 23 oratory cells with individual mihrabs organised around two main streets, this monastery served as a retreat for religious individuals, faithful practising the ribat, and pilgrims, all drawn by Islam’s spiritual demands.

The guided tour offers insights into the history and significance of these archaeological sites, providing a captivating journey into Guardamar del Segura’s past.

To learn more or register for the guided tours, visit the website www.agendaguar damar.com or head to the House of Culture in Guardamar.

Drag Queen Gala

MARK your calendars for Saturday, February 3, as the Torrevieja International Auditorium opens its doors to host the 15th Drag Queen Gala ‘Ciudad de Torrevieja’.

Drag Queens from across Spain will showcase their spectacular performances in a bid to claim the coveted Drag Queen crown for 2024.

Directed and presented by the renowned ‘La Plexy’, the official presenter of Pride Madrid, this gala is a standout event in Spain’s drag scene.

The night promises to be unforgettable with surprise guest artists of top-tier talent and a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals and notable personalities, adding an element of excitement for the audience.

The Torrevieja Carnival Cultural Association has stepped up its game this year, offering increased prizes for the winners. Tickets can be purchased via the Cultura Torrevieja website www.culturatorrevieja.com and at the municipal box office.

euroweeklynews.com II SOCIAL SCENE Nora Shephard THE Museum of Contemporary Art of Elche (MACE) has reopened its Temporary Exhibition Room after almost four years of closure.

The reopening features the exhibition ‘Daniel Coves, Figures and Fictions,’ showcasing over 40 works by the acclaimed Elche artist Daniel Coves.

The exhibition encompasses 12 years of Coves’ career, featuring figurative art that explores themes of time, image, and colour.

The artist’s works include depictions of people and nudes, often inspired by cinematic scenes.

The exhibition, which marks Daniel Coves’ first solo exhibition in Elche, will be on

Creative journey Image: Ayuntamiento de Elche

30 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

EXHIBITION: Explores themes of time, image and colour.

display until April 28, offering visitors a glimpse into the artist’s creative journey.

The artist confirmed: “This is the first time that I have exhibited in Elche and it is an honour as it is the city where my family lives and where I grew up.”

WHO says you need snow for an Après Ski Party? Join in the fun at Anouki’s Pub in Alicante on January 20, starting from 10.00pm, for a night of pure après ski vibes.

You can enjoy the best music from Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, creating a lively atmosphere that’s sure to keep you grooving all night long.

No snow is required, just throw on your favourite ski gear and let the party

In 2009 he obtained a doctorate in Fine Arts in Madrid.

His work has been exhibited in places such as the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Houston Art Fair in Houston and the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona.

Après Ski begin!

Anouki’s Bar is located at Calle Montengon 8, 03002 Alicante.

They have the tunes, the energy, and the perfect setting for an unforgettable night.

For more details, email anoukispub@ gmail.com.

FINANCE STUDENT loans funded by the taxpayer will rise to an annual £10 billion (€11.6 billion) owing to higher interest rates, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said. The loans, which graduates do not repay until they earn more than £25,000 (€29,036) a year, are written off if still outstanding after 40 years.

Repsol stake

JP MORGAN, which acquired a 5.3 per cent holding in Repsol, now has the Spanish oil company’s second-largest stake after Blackrock’s 5.47 per cent. JP Morgan’s announcement follows on from the exit of Norges Bank, which manages Norway’s sovereign fund and sold its 5 per cent holding in late 2023.

Slimmer figures

DEUTSCHE BANK economists predicted that UK price rises would experience a sharp descent from November’s 3.9 per cent. The experts saw inflation dropping ‘a little below 2 per cent in April and May’ and averaging 2.5 per cent throughout 2024 compared with their earlier 2.7 per cent forecast.

New face

FOOD DELIVERY BRANDS named Rafael Herrero as Telepizza’s new chief executive following the September 2023 resignation of his predecessor, Jacobo Caller. Herrero arrives at Telepizza from the Zena Group which owns the Foster’s Hollywood and Gino’s fast-food chains in Spain and Portugal.

Asthma deal

GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) will buy Anglo-American asthma drug maker Aiolos Bio for more than £1 billion (€1.16 billion) as it expands it respiratory diseases range. British GSK will pay around £800 million (€929 million) upfront plus £300 million (€348.4 million) once regulatory milestones are reached.

STAT OF WEEK

€253 million

is due in 2024 from Spanish companies which received financial assistance from the government’s Solvency support Fund for Strategic Enterprises (Fasee) during the pandemic.

Waiting for WASPI justice Linda Hall THE investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) into changes in the state pension age should conclude in early 2023.

This final report focuses on injustices produced by the ‘maladministration’ of changes to the state pension age. Its recommendations to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will apply to ‘everyone’ who has been affected by them, the PHSO announced.

That includes financial redress, which could see 3.6 million women who were born in the 1950s receive compensation.

Photo credit: WASPI

On loan

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024

PENSION INEQUALITY: WASPI at Downing Street with supporter MP Stephen Morgan.

The PHSO investigation began in 2018, but a legal challenge funded by thousands of women from Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) into the findings of Second Stage of the report on Injustices caused further delays after the Ombudsman agreed to

review its decision.

“We have now looked at our findings and shared our provisional views about injustice resulting from the maladministration we identified during stage one, and our thinking about remedy, with complainants, their referring MPs and the DWP,”

the PHSO said.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, the PHSO’s chief executive, explained to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) in November that the provisional Stage Two and Stage Three findings had been sent in confidence to the UK government and around 500 women who made a complaint.

The final report will be made public once feedback has been received and the PHSO has made any necessary changes. The deadline for responses was around Christmastime and the final report should be published shortly.

Grifols fights back

GRIFOLS, the Barcelona-headquartered pharmaceuticals company, intends to sue Gotham City Research.

After a negative Gotham City report wiped €2.2 billion from the company’s market value on January 9, Grifols said it would seek compensation through the courts for damage to its ‘financial and reputational’ image.

The notorious short-seller fund, remembered in Spain for provoking the 2014 collapse of telecom firm Gowex, shed doubts on Grifols’ reported debt and earnings and questioned its purpor-

Photo credit: CC/Zarateman

BUSINESS EXTRA

32

GRIFOLS: One of the pharma company’s centres in Vizcaya.

ted assets-to-debts ratio of 6 to 7.

This was closer to 10 to 13, maintained Gotham City, while querying financial links with Scranton Enterprise, the

Grifols family’s investment vehicle.

Grifols, which manufactures plasma-derived medicines, denied all the Gotham City allegations and claims, which the company insisted were ‘based on false information’.

The family company also declared its ‘full support’ for chief executive and executive chairman Thomas Glanzman.

Wealth management group Mirabaud Research, described the Gotham City report as ‘partial, shady and leading to conclusions whose only purpose is backing its short position’.

Papered over A year of growth Vogue House

PRE-TAX profits for wallpaper and fabrics company Osborne & Little nose-dived from £1.5 million (€1.7 million) to £30,000 (€34,840) in the year ending March 31, 2023.

The company co-founded by ex-Chancellor George Osborne’s father attributed the slump to double-digit inflation, higher energy costs and repeated increases in interest rates that affected the property market on which the business depends.

As a result, operating expenses grew by 14 per cent to £19.1 million (€22.2 million) although sales rose 11 per cent to £32.3 million (€37.5 million).

SPAIN’S economy is expected to continue growing in 2024 although with less vigour than in 2023.

The KPMG Global Economic Outlook predicted a 1.5 per cent increase, one percentage point below its 2023 forecast although the professional services group said it believed the country’s economic situation would gradually improve.

Inflation predictions were positive, falling from 3.6 per cent in 2023 to 3.4 per cent this year, although KPMG said its evolution depended ‘to a great extent’ on whether the government maintained or withdrew subsidies introduced to offset soaring energy and food prices.

These have been extended, although IVA on electricity has increased from 5 to 10 per cent, while the value-added tax on gas - currently 10 per cent - will rise gradually to 21 per cent over the year.

CONDE NAST has sold Vogue House in Mayfair to Eyal Ofer, a Monaco-based shipping magnate whose fortune is estimated at $23 billion (€21 billion).

The iconic seven-storey building in Hanover Square, which was built in 1958, had an initial £70 million (€81.3 million) price tag although sources close to the transaction revealed that the businessman paid £75 million (€81.1 million) for the property.

Ofer’s Global Holdings Management Group (GHMG), confirmed the sale on January 8.

Staff working on Vogue and other Conde Nast publications that include Tatler and GQ will move to the equally historic Adelphi building on the Embankment.

Tendam’s India launch

WOMEN’S SECRET, Cortefiel and Springfield owner Tendam is collaborating with Indian company Myntra to open at least 20 stores over the next three years.

Mynta already handles franchises for H&M, Puma, Nike and the Spanish fashion chain Mango, which has 80 outlets in India.

Womens’ Secret will be Tendam’s first label to launch in India, with three shops opening in Pune, Ludhiana and Bangalore in January and another in Bombay in March.

“Myntra is the ideal partner for us,” said Tendam’s Franchise director general Antonis Kyprianou. “They are aligned with our omni-channel strategy and have the capacity and expertise to fully develop it in India.”

First profit DONALD TRUMP’S golf complex in Ayrshire (Scotland) has made a profit for the first time in almost 10 years.

Trump Turnberry, an 800-acre (324-hectare) resort in Ayrshire with three golf courses and a hotel, made a £571,000 (€663,242) profit in 2022, newly-filed accounts revealed.

This was considerable progress compared with £3.7 million (€4.3 million) in losses in 2021 and is the first time Trump’s resort has been out of the red since he bought it for $60 million (€54.7 million) in 2014.

Meanwhile, the Trump International Golf Club Scotland in Aberdeen posted a loss of approximately £738,000 (€857,205) in 2022.

Pay as you go FERROVIAL moved its headquarters from Spain to the Netherlands in June with a view to being listed on the New York stock exchange.

To do so, it merged with its Dutch subsidiary, but recently admitted in forms registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that should Ferrovial decide to leave the Netherlands, it could be liable to an Exit Tax. This new law, still in its early stages, would not affect companies that move their head offices inside the European Union but would apply to those leaving it.

34 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FINANCE

LONDON - FTSE 100

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

3I Group.....................................2.277,00.............+23,00........... +1,01%......... 220,58K Admiral Group.............................2.567,0................+5,0............. +0,19%.......... 55,03K Airtel Africa................................. 128,00................ -0,40.............-0,31%.......... 425,75K Anglo American...........................1.833,2................ -1,4..............-0,08%.......... 526,07K Antofagasta................................1.597,50.............+14,00........... +0,88%.......... 92,32K Ashtead Group............................4.863,0............... -37,0.............-0,76%........... 87,87K Associated British Foods.............2.266,0...............+26,0............ +1,15%......... 197,18K AstraZeneca...............................10.814,0................0,0............... 0,00%.......... 104,19K Auto Trader Group Plc................ 697,40................+0,40............ +0,06%......... 414,76K Aviva........................................... 423,40................+3,90............ +0,92%...........3,72M B&M European Value Retail SA... 556,40................+5,00............ +0,90%...........6,75M BAE Systems..............................1.170,50.............+17,83........... +1,53%...........1,16M Barclays...................................... 146,28................+1,12............ +0,77%...........8,70M Barratt Developments................. 535,60................+5,40............ +1,01%......... 825,82K Beazley........................................ 502,00................ -0,50.............-0,10%.......... 406,57K Berkeley......................................4.758,0................+3,0............. +0,06%.......... 42,08K BP............................................... 455,65................+5,70............ +1,25%...........8,05M British American Tobacco...........2.349,9................+4,0............. +0,17%......... 376,18K BT Group.................................... 114,70................+0,35............ +0,30%...........3,99M Bunzl...........................................3.216,0...............+40,0............ +1,25%.......... 60,10K Burberry Group...........................1.162,5.............. -134,0............-9,85%............1,99M Centrica....................................... 149,80................ -2,55.............-1,67%............3,24M Coca Cola HBC AG......................2.336,0...............+15,0............ +0,64%.......... 73,33K Compass....................................2.177,00.............. -7,00.............-0,32%.......... 237,19K ConvaTec Group......................... 244,80................+2,80............ +1,15%...........6,17M Croda Intl....................................4.492,0............... -13,3.............-0,30%........... 85,66K DCC.............................................5.616,0...............+20,0............ +0,36%.......... 25,66K Dechra Pharma...........................3.864,0................+4,0............. +0,10%......... 742,09K Diageo.........................................2.774,0............... -35,0.............-1,24%.......... 845,69K Diploma.....................................3.320,00.............+30,00........... +0,90%.......... 43,09K DS Smith.................................... 293,80................+2,00............ +0,69%......... 384,32K Endeavour Mining......................1.435,00.............+27,00........... +1,90%......... 110,67K Entain.......................................... 943,40................ -0,40.............-0,04%.......... 214,61K Experian......................................3.116,0...............+15,0............ +0,48%......... 109,42K F&C Invest.................................. 940,00................ -2,00.............-0,21%........... 65,29K Flutter Entertainment..................12.700,0.............+130,0........... +1,03%......... 112,02K FRASERS.................................... 824,50................+6,00............ +0,72%.......... 83,51K Fresnillo...................................... 517,20................+5,00............ +0,97%......... 157,00K Glencore...................................... 445,05................+0,65............ +0,15%...........6,45M GSK plc......................................1.558,20..............+6,60............ +0,42%......... 700,59K HALEON...................................... 337,55................+2,15............ +0,64%......... 992,40K Halma..........................................2.176,0................+0,1............. +0,00%.......... 48,14K Hikma Pharma...........................1.904,50..............+6,50............ +0,34%......... 322,55K Howden Joinery.......................... 773,00................+5,80............ +0,76%.......... 77,41K HSBC.......................................... 610,30................+0,30............ +0,05%...........3,39M IAG.............................................. 143,60................ -4,30.............-2,89%............7,70M IMI PLC......................................1.565,00..............+1,98............ +0,13%.......... 80,49K Imperial Brands..........................1.862,50.............+27,00........... +1,45%......... 402,53K Informa....................................... 751,20............... -14,40............-1,88%.......... 488,62K InterContinental..........................7.160,0...............+12,0............ +0,17%.......... 38,43K

Company

Price(p)

Change(p)

% Chg.

Net

Intermediate Capital...................1.567,00..............+7,50............ +0,47%......... 291,38K Intertek........................................4.292,0...............+25,0............ +0,58%.......... 38,87K J Sainsbury................................. 281,10................+1,50............ +0,53%...........3,20M JD Sports Fashion....................... 110,70................+3,23............ +2,93%...........4,90M Kingfisher.................................... 216,60................ -0,90.............-0,41%.......... 353,94K Land Securities........................... 684,20................+1,20............ +0,17%......... 194,07K Legal & General.......................... 248,90................+3,59............ +1,45%...........3,44M Lloyds Banking............................ 45,33.................+0,20............ +0,44%..........19,30M London Stock Exchange..............9.118,0................ -3,2..............-0,04%........... 48,24K M&G........................................... 220,30................+1,00............ +0,46%......... 660,65K Marks & Spencer........................ 259,50................ -3,30.............-1,25%............5,79M Melrose Industries...................... 571,80...............+10,00........... +1,75%......... 798,28K Mondi.........................................1.436,39..............+4,00............ +0,28%......... 200,16K National Grid..............................1.049,00..............+6,00............ +0,57%......... 733,06K NatWest Group........................... 211,70................+2,30............ +1,09%...........7,78M Next............................................8.484,0...............+42,0............ +0,50%.......... 22,97K Ocado.......................................... 645,40............... -15,60............-2,36%.......... 359,08K Pearson....................................... 968,86...............+10,20........... +1,06%......... 190,83K Pershing Square........................3.578,00.............+12,00........... +0,34%.......... 47,74K Phoenix....................................... 509,60................+0,40............ +0,08%......... 296,37K Prudential.................................... 825,00................+1,80............ +0,22%......... 539,15K Reckitt Benckiser........................5.598,0...............+40,0............ +0,71%......... 131,39K Relx............................................3.167,00.............+38,00........... +1,20%......... 496,45K Rentokil....................................... 417,50................ -2,40.............-0,57%.......... 817,92K Rightmove.................................. 549,80...............+10,40........... +1,89%......... 577,12K Rio Tinto PLC..............................5.479,0...............+45,0............ +0,82%......... 404,32K Rolls-Royce Holdings................. 298,90................+5,90............ +1,99%...........2,90M RS PLC....................................... 754,00................ -2,20.............-0,29%.......... 140,72K Sage...........................................1.163,50.............+11,50........... +0,99%......... 260,69K Schroders.................................... 420,4..................+0,5............. +0,12%......... 217,32K Scottish Mortgage....................... 780,40................+2,80............ +0,36%......... 733,77K Segro.......................................... 869,00................ -1,00.............-0,12%.......... 216,80K Severn Trent...............................2.542,0...............+27,0............ +1,06%.......... 57,05K Shell............................................2.454,5...............+42,0............ +1,72%...........1,42M Smith & Nephew........................1.066,91..............+0,50............ +0,05%......... 153,22K Smiths Group.............................1.685,00.............+13,50........... +0,81%.......... 25,94K Smurfit Kappa.............................3.012,0...............+10,0............ +0,33%.......... 32,81K Spirax-Sarco Engineering...........9.810,0..............+117,1........... +1,20%........... 7,55K SSE............................................1.788,00............. -16,00............-0,89%.......... 360,44K St. James’s Place........................ 633,80................+1,20............ +0,19%......... 353,14K Standard Chartered..................... 614,80................+3,60............ +0,59%...........1,39M Taylor Wimpey............................ 143,99................+0,50............ +0,35%...........2,19M Tesco.......................................... 293,20................+1,10............ +0,38%...........2,62M Unilever.......................................3.817,0...............+42,0............ +1,11%......... 482,12K Unite..........................................1.008,00..............+7,00............ +0,68%.......... 69,30K United Utilities............................1.033,00..............+7,50............ +0,73%......... 174,46K Vodafone Group PLC.................. 66,850............... -0,206............-0,31%............6,94M Weir Group................................1.822,00..............+7,00............ +0,38%.......... 23,24K Whitbread...................................3.651,0...............+19,0............ +0,52%......... 144,27K WPP............................................ 728,60.................0,00.............. 0,00%.......... 793,94K

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on previous page 0.86028

1.16364

Units per € US dollar (USD)...................................1.0950 Japan yen (JPY)...................................159.04 Switzerland franc (CHF).......................0.9349 Denmark kroner (DKK)........................7.4564 Norway kroner (NOK)..........................11.279 currenciesdirect.com/la-zenia • Tel: +34 965 994 830 THE ABOVE TABLE USES THE CURRENT INTERBANK EXCHANGE RATES, WHICH AREN’T REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RATE WE OFFER

DOW JONES

Closing Prices 15 January 3M.............................................. 107,22................+0,61............ +0,56%...........2,48M American Express....................... 182,04................+0,08............ +0,04%...........2,81M Amgen........................................ 300,00................ -1,47.............-0,48%............2,02M Apple........................................... 183,62................ -0,60.............-0,32%...........45,89M Boeing......................................... 222,63................ -5,18.............-2,27%...........11,16M Caterpillar.................................... 289,41................ -1,34.............-0,46%............1,87M Chevron...................................... 144,62................+0,83............ +0,57%...........7,31M Cisco............................................ 50,04.................+0,20............ +0,40%..........14,85M Coca-Cola..................................... 59,69................. -0,38.............-0,63%...........13,45M Dow............................................. 52,74.................+0,26............ +0,49%...........3,68M Goldman Sachs........................... 374,68................ -2,35.............-0,62%............2,11M Home Depot................................ 353,27................ -0,34.............-0,10%............3,30M Honeywell................................... 199,55................ -0,73.............-0,36%............1,88M IBM............................................. 160,30................+0,92............ +0,57%...........2,21M Intel.............................................. 46,73.................+0,17............ +0,36%..........23,86M J&J............................................. 160,78................ -0,71.............-0,44%............4,79M JPMorgan................................... 168,64................ -0,67.............-0,39%...........11,26M McDonald’s................................. 290,65................+0,01............ +0,00%...........1,97M Merck&Co................................... 117,08................ -0,47.............-0,39%............5,54M Microsoft.................................... 380,38................+1,86............ +0,49%..........26,38M Nike............................................. 103,73................+2,15............ +2,07%...........8,26M Procter&Gamble......................... 149,30................+0,56............ +0,37%...........4,69M Salesforce Inc............................. 265,10................+7,26............ +2,75%...........8,85M The Travelers.............................. 191,92................+1,79............ +0,93%......... 984,65K UnitedHealth............................... 534,53................+2,00............ +0,37%...........2,62M Verizon......................................... 37,57................. -1,17.............-2,99%...........27,74M Visa A.......................................... 262,42................ -0,45.............-0,17%............3,66M Walgreens Boots.......................... 23,99................. -0,65.............-2,63%...........14,78M Walmart...................................... 160,17................ -0,20.............-0,12%............4,67M Walt Disney.................................. 88,68.................+0,16............ +0,18%...........8,48M M - Million Dollars

NASDAQ

Closing Prices 15 January

Company

Change Net / %

Volume

Most Advanced Aritzia Inc........................................................... +4.14.......................... +21.03% Oscar Health, Inc................................................ +1.50.......................... +15.53% DocuSign, Inc.................................................... +5.24........................... +9.34% Celldex Therapeutics, Inc................................... +2.54........................... +6.60% BDO Unibank, Inc............................................... +1.52........................... +6.41% Meituan.............................................................. +1.00........................... +5.45% Veeva Systems Inc............................................ +10.34.......................... +5.33% Meituan.............................................................. +0.49........................... +5.27% MakeMyTrip Limited.......................................... +2.27........................... +5.00% Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited...... +0.31........................... +4.66% M - Million Dollars

Most Declined Cytokinetics, Incorporated.................................-16.68..........................-16.41% Riot Platforms, Inc..............................................-2.46...........................-15.82% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.39...........................-14.68% Grifols, S.A..........................................................-1.29...........................-13.95% Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc............................-3.23...........................-12.60% Recursion Pharmaceuticals, Inc..........................-1.24............................-9.93% Vertex, Inc...........................................................-1.99............................-7.73% Coinbase Global, Inc..........................................-10.13...........................-6.70% Upstart Holdings, Inc..........................................-2.34............................-6.58% Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infr Capital, Inc..-1.73............................-6.45% Frontier Communications Parent, Inc..................-1.54............................-6.43% M - Million Dollars

FINANCE II euroweeklynews.com

BUSINESS EXTRA Water, water

PENNON, owner of South West Water fined for illegal sewage dumping last year, bought Sutton and East Surrey Water (SES Water), with 745,000 customers, for £380m (€441.4m). “SES Water is a fantastic growth opportunity for Pennon, demonstrating our commitment to the UK water industry,” the chief executive Susan Davy said.

Puig ponders

COSMETICS and toiletries giant Puig paid more than €160 million in dividends over the past two years to shareholders, all belonging to different branches of the Catalan family. Having recovered from the slowdown imposed by the pandemic, the multinational owner of leading brands including Carolina Herrera is currently assessing a future stock exchange listing.

18 - 24 January 2024

Greggs’ tasty sales Linda Hall

HOW people shop says a great deal about inflation and Greggs sales reflect the present situation.

UK bakery chain Greggs declared that inflationary pressures were now diminishing as it posted 2023 like-for-like sales that were 13.7 per cent up on the previous year. Total sales rose by 19.6 per cent to £1.8 billion (€2.09 billion).

In line with plans to home

Photo credit: CC/Mtaylor 848

GREGGS: Bakery chain’s sales rose 20 per cent in 2023

in on retail parks and travel hubs, the baker opened

220 new shops last year and closed 75, of which 42

Seat takes off

SEAT has just ended the second-best year in its history, with 519,200 in sales.

The 34.6 per cent increase was possible to the impact of the Cupra brand whose 230,700 sales were 50.9 per cent up on 2022. It was aided by Seat’s recovery with 288,400 models sold after a year in the doldrums owing to the microchip crisis.

Seat was especially affected by the

shortage of microchips when parent company Volkswagen prioritised its premium models with their greater profit margins. “These sales figures demonstrate that Seat has the right strategy with its two marques,” Seat’s chief executive Wayne Griffiths said.

“Despite the difficult economic context at present, we are confident about the future.”

were relocations. It proposes to open a further 160 stores throughout 2024.

Inflation has boosted retailers’ sales growth over the past two years and Greggs’ own fourth quarter growth slowed with like-for-like sales up 9.4 per cent owing to a ‘reduced contribution from price inflation’.

The slowdown in rising prices was likely to continue, Greggs’ fourth quarter report suggested, with no current plans for 2024 increases.

“As expected, inflationary pressures are reducing and with good forward cover on food, packaging and energy, we anticipate a more stable cost base in the coming year,” Greggs’ chief executive Roisin Currie said.

“Wage inflation remains, although higher rates of pay across the economy will also provide support to consumer incomes.”

EWN 35

Not so pretty ONLINE fashion company Boohoo will close the Leicester factory opened two years ago to showcase efforts to improve working conditions for employees producing its clothing. Fewer than 100 staff would be affected by the closure while some would be relocated, said a spokesperson for the Boohoo Group which owns the Debenhams, Pretty Little Thing, Oasis and Burton labels.

Alierta death CESAR ALIERTA, former Telefonica chairman and chief executive between 2000 and 2016, died aged 78 on January 10 in a Zaragoza hospital where he was admitted with respiratory problems over Christmas.

Originally from the banking and finance sectors he headed Tabacalera, the Spanish government’s tobacco monopoly between 1996 and 1999, negotiating its privatisation and merger with France’s SEITA.

36 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE/NEWS

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT I TRULY can’t make up my mind whether society reflects the media, or the media reflects society (re the recent Post Office drama). I suppose, when it comes down to it, they’re all actually in it together. I remember the 50s, when BBC radio comprised the Light and Third programmes and the Home Service. In those early days, they flatly refused to play anything with a modern ‘beat,’ and utterly scorned the new, and to their mind, utterly degenerate ‘Rock n Roll’.

The presenters wore dinner jackets and tuxes to the studio - even though they couldn’t be seen. Television was also strictly controlled. Dress codes were strongly adhered to, Elvis Presley was only filmed from the waist up, and even mild swear words were utterly taboo.

After the Epilogue, the National Anthem always preceded the ‘test’ card which followed at around midnight.

(Many families stood to attention in

their living rooms while God Save the King rang out!) Was it all a good or a bad thing? Well I’m sure we all have our own opinions about that. It was however a fairly accurate reflection of society as it was during that post war recovery period. A time when we had absorbed all the violence we could stomach, and patriotism was paramount to those who had survived the conflict.

Fast forward to the present day.

With the advent of scores of channels and wavelengths - all trying to create their own money tree - the first thing that goes completely by the board is any semblance of responsible or moral obligations. In fact, in their endeavours to attract more attention, some of the offerings of today’s media are almost beyond belief. (‘My own role in OAP’s Behaving Badly’ simply pales by comparison!)

I recently heard some radio station play a song whose lyrics comprised of nothing but the F word, chanted over and over again. Then there is the long running TV ‘dating’ programme that actually presents couples to each other stark naked. Apparently some male contestants are picked as possible

contestants merely for the size of their manhood! Cilla Black must be positively spinning! Although I never even viewed the Mallorca involvement in the show, to me the rules for the highly popular ‘Love Island’ truly do take the whole tin.

This is the ‘contestant’s code,’ insisted on by the producers of a programme that has been rated as one of the most successful reality shows ever.

Rule1. No masturbating. 2. No total nudity. 3. No sex while drunk (Presumably it’s perfectly acceptable whilst sober!) And, in an almost ludicrous effort to take the moral and hygienic high ground - rule four and five informs the contestants that there is to be, ‘no smoking’ on camera and that ‘condoms must be used at all times’!

And if all that doesn’t reflect the attitude and priorities of our modern society, nothing does. Thank you for all your letters. Although none appear to be published, I do peruse everyone.

Keep ‘em coming and always.

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.

IT seems like there’s an International Day for everything so don’t be surprised that recently January 7 was once again the International Day of Silly Walks.

Based on the famous and much loved Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks sketch featuring John Cleese, the event started in the sometimes dour Czech Republic and the capital of Silly Walks is now Brno.

The events were held in that city and Prague in 2012 and has carried on in Brno since then (except for during the pandemic) and there are now members of the Silly Walks Facebook page across Europe.

This year saw the return to Prague of a flash mob undertaking the Silly Walk but Brno had the largest gathering of Silly Walkers.

Whilst anyone was allowed to join in, it was recommended that to

Credit: Silly Walk Brno Facebook

They’re in it together International Silly Walks A scene from the 2023 event in Brno.

really get the flavour of the original that men should dress in a dark suit with a bowler hat (although most participants found it easier to obtain a top hat) and a dark brief case would be appropriate but was not obligatory.

Those who wanted to take it ‘seriously’ were advised to concentrate on their leg movements and not be silly enough to wave their arms around at the same time.

A bit of harmless fun which either amused or bemused those onlookers who were caught up in the walk.

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

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38 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II NEWS

Beaches on high alert

Credit: GoogleMaps.com

BOLONIA BEACH: Plastic pellet remnants have been reported.

THE Andalucian government is intensifying surveillance of its coastline after the reported appearance of pellet remnants on Bolonia Beach in Cadiz.

This latest development was confirmed on Thursday, January 11, and follows the events in northern Spain.

Galicia’s beaches in particular have been blighted by millions of tiny plastic pellets, triggering calls for action in the hope of avoiding an environmental disaster.

Minister Fernandez-Pacheco, the Minister of Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, specified

that, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency, efforts are underway to investigate these potential pellet deposits on Bolonia Beach.

He emphasised, “they have only appeared on the beach of Bolonia and in a very small quantity.” The Andalucian authorities are not just focusing on Cadiz but extending their watchful eye to Huelva’s coast as well.

Despite the situation’s seeming containment, no emergency plan has been triggered yet. The current strategy is to analyse the detected pellets and keep a clo-

se watch on other beaches in Cadiz and Huelva. The government remains on high alert to act if necessary.

A specialised study of the Bolonia Beach samples is being conducted, and Environmental agents are tasked with stringent coastal monitoring.

In a related development, Verdemar Ecologists in Action communicated their intention to request maritime surveillance of the ‘CSAV Toconao’ ship. This vessel is known for transporting the containers that led to the plastic pellet spill on the coast of Galicia.

NEWS II euroweeklynews.com Photo: Wikimedia CC / Simon Burchell

18 - 24 January 2024

ANCIENT GROUNDS: Seem to have negative energy attached to them.

Pompeii’s curse THE ‘curse of ancient Pompeii’ has struck a young foreign tourist, who fell ill and, anonymously, sent the director of the Archaeological Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, some small pumice artefacts that she had stolen, apologising and hoping to recover. This was accompanied by a note written in English.

“I didn’t know about the curse. I didn’t know that I shouldn’t have taken stones. Within a

year I became aware of the cancer. I am young and healthy and the doctors say it is just ‘bad luck’. Please accept my apologies and these pieces. I am sorry.”

The photo of the letter and the three pieces of pumice taken away was posted on X by Zuchtriegel, with a message: “Dear anonymous sender of this letter... the pumice stones have arrived in Pompeii.... Now good luck for your future and

‘in bocca al lupo’ (good luck), as we say in Italy.”

Among the many people affected by the curse is a Canadian tourist who had visited Pompeii in 2005 and blamed the theft for a series of misfortunes she suffered in the following years. She said that she wanted to have a piece of history that, “no one could have,” but that the relics had, “so much negative energy attached to that land of destruction.”

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40 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II HEALTH & BEAUTY

DEMENTIA: Crucial to seek a professional evaluation.

Recognising the signs DEMENTIA is a progressive condition that affects cognitive functions, and early detection is crucial for effective management.

Several signs may indicate the onset of dementia, prompting the need for further evaluation.

Memory Loss: Forgetfulness, especially of recently learned information, is a common early sign of dementia. Individuals may repeatedly ask the same questions or struggle to recall names and faces.

Difficulty in Problem-Solving: Impaired ability to solve problems, make decisions, or follow a plan can signal cognitive decline. Tasks that were once routine may become challenging.

Confusion with Time and Place: People with dementia may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may also become disoriented and forget where they are or how they got there.

Changes in Language:

Dementia can affect language skills, leading to difficulties in expressing thoughts, finding the right words, or understanding conversations.

Personality and Mood Changes: Shifts in mood, personality, or behaviour can occur. Individuals may become irritable, anxious, or exhibit uncharacteristic apathy.

If you or a loved one experience these signs, it’s crucial to seek professional evaluation.

HEALTH & BEAUTY II euroweeklynews.com

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 41

Japanese foot pads Applying your skincare JAPANESE foot pads, renowned for their detoxifying properties, have gained popularity as an alternative wellness practice.

These adhesive pads are applied to the soles of the feet before bedtime, with the belief that they draw out toxins from the body. The pads often contain natural ingredients like bamboo vinegar, tourmaline, and wood vinegar.

Proponents of Japanese foot pads claim benefits such as improved sleep, increased energy levels, and reduced body aches. While some users report positive experiences, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited.

It’s essential to approach Japanese foot pads with an open mind, recognising that individual responses may vary.

While they may provide a soothing ritual for re-

FOOT PADS: Can draw out toxins from the body.

laxation, consulting with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive approach to wellness is advisable. Embracing

diverse practices in tandem with established health routines ensures a holistic approach to overall well-being.

ACHIEVING glowing skin isn’t just about the products you use, but also the order in which you apply them. Start your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prep the skin. Next, apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH levels and enhance product absorption.

Follow with a serum containing active ingredients like antioxidants or hyaluronic acid to address specific concerns. Eye cream comes next, delicately applied to the under-eye area. Lock in moisture with a hydrating moisturiser suited to your skin type, preventing dryness and promoting a supple complexion. In the morning, finish with sunscreen to shield against harmful UV rays. In the evening, consider incorporating treatments like retinol after your serum for enhanced effectiveness.

Mastering the correct order ensures each product can penetrate the skin effectively, maximising their benefits and leaving you with a luminous,

SKINCARE: Apply products in the correct order.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM

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53

44 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II FEATURE

COMMUNITY

COMMENTS

THERE has been a lot of activity with comments from readers over the last week and some of those have been incorporated into articles which appear on the Euro Weekly News website and in various editions of the paper.

Other matters which have raised reader’s hackles have been news that squatters will be receiving greater legal protection in Spain and here are some of the observations;

“

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG, these so-called squatters have no right to enter anyone’s property and stay there. It is a criminal act and should be treated as a criminal act. No one would be squatting in my property and I can gaurantee that, bullshit law or no bullshit law, these people are criminals.

Mac

Don’t buy a property in Spain!

to prison. No ifs or buts. They didn’t pay for that house so they have no right to it.

Whatever is the world coming to?

Ali

This is an absolute joke. Anybody taking over a house or flat is a criminal and should be punished.

Renato Besomi

Wish the squatters would squat in the ministers’ houses… then they will talk differently.

Brian

Peter Dare

Wrong in so many ways.

Jessica

Squatters should be IMMEDIATELY sent

A story about rats appearing during the Three Kings Parade in Almeria which revealed the opinion of one resident who thought that it would be a shame to kill them received quite a few comments as well and the most were not in favour of letting rodents roam the streets of Spain, although they also had some supporters;

“

They will breed faster than humans can kill them!

George R Carman

George R Carman well said. The bloody world has gone mad, the last thing they need is an uncontrollable plague of rats spreading disease etc. These do gooders won’t be so happy when they get rats in their house chewing electric cables, not being able to leave a baby safely in case a rat harms it or spreads disease. Where are people’s brains. Rats have always needed to be controlled.

Karen Callander

I wonder if ‘Manuel’ is on the panel!

Colin Wheeler

Leave them alone.

Sue Peers

All creatures are entitled to a place on the planet. Why kill them?

Anne Hodgson

I hate them with a passion and would rid the world of them all if I could.

Marian McGovern

There’s black and brown rats all over Spain, although some prefer to give them cute names like palm rats, fruit rats etc etc.

And, they are all over the world... Anyone who puts poison down is killing wildlife and domestic animals too. We had a cat die in our courtyard a few years ago in the most agonising pain. I couldn’t get near her and she died within minutes. Our neighbour had a post-mortem done and it was rat poison.

Brenda Jones

You can always be certain of finding a really diverse range of stories when you read the print editions of Euro Weekly News or visit the website and readers not only have very different opinions about the pros and cons of some stories they also enjoy making their thoughts known, so please feel free to join in.

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

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

FEATURE II euroweeklynews.com INTERVIEW

An easier way of living CONTINUING our weekly interview with someone who has moved from Europe to settle in Spain it’s the turn of Tina Skotland-Jönsson.

TINA moved to Spain with joy the surroundings as she her partner after training has set up a very successas a hairdresser in ful hairdressing salon Sweden where she at El Campanario grew up, althouGolf and Country gh she is actually Club, Estepona Danish by birth. but as a newcoThe couple mer to Spanish had owned a b u r e a u c r a c y, holiday home Tina admits that on the Costa del she found it soSol but after their mewhat frustrafour children had ting, however, all grown up and mowent through evenCredit: Hair by Tina Facebook ved away, they decided tually and Hair by Tina is that the time had come to now well-established.

Tina Skotland-Jönsson make the move to Spain.

Although she speaks “There’s a much easier way of living fluent Danish, English and Swedish, Tina here in Spain, it’s relaxing and because of is taking weekly Spanish lessons and has the climate and the fact that it stays light plenty of homework when she isn’t plalonger than in Sweden, when I finish work ying padel, at the gym, dog training or croI can still make the most of the day.” cheting in her spare time.

In February the couple will have been “Once my Spanish is better, I hope to here for two years and apart from being be able to make new Spanish friends to separated from friends and family, there go with my mainly English and Swedish is nothing else in Sweden that they miss. friends, many of whom started out as cusTina has not come to Spain to just en- tomers,” she explained.

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 45

46

PETS

euroweeklynews.com • 18 - 24 January 2024 SPONSORED BY

Bell the cat

THE city authorities in Amsterdam plan to ask cat-owners to add a bell to their pet’s collar .

When outside, this would warn birds and other wildlife that they were around, explained officials keen to ensure that the city is completely animal-friendly.

Cats, the officials said, are one of the few animals allowed to roam without supervision and they kill around 18 million birds each year in the Netherlands.

The Huiskat Thuiskat foundation launched legal proceedings in 2021 to persuade the government to take action against owners who allowed their cats to roam freely outdoors.

While applauding the proposal to introduce bells, the organisation said that research has shown that these reduce a cat’s victims by only between 33 and 50 per cent.

Meanwhile, a 2019 paper by Environmental Law professors Arie Trouwborst and Han Somsen maintained that the domestic cat “poses a serious threat” to around 370 species in the Netherlands.

They also pointed out that under the EU’s Bird and Habitat Directives, member countries are legally obliged to protect wildlife, and allowing cats to roam and kill was breaking the law.

Amsterdam will also campaign to ensure all of the city’s domestic cats are chipped and registered, allowing lost animals to be reunited with their owners more quickly. This would also help to solve problems caused by the feral population, officials said, adding that feral cats would no longer be released into “ecologically vulnerable” areas after they were trapped and sterilised.

Jimbo loves playing with dog-sitters

JIMBO is a mature dog, set in his ways. He is a lot happier staying at home with dog-sitters when his owners go away being cared for in his own home. Using HouseSitMatch. com his owners find free checked pet-sitters who travel to Jimbo’s home and care for him, keeping all his routines consistent throughout their stay. And they don’t charge a penny for the pet-sitting. Read on to learn more.

The pet-sitters come for free!

If you’re planning a trip in 2024 register now to find pet-sitters in time.

Earlier is better than later. Whether your trip is short or long, get organised ahead of time. All pets benefit from staying at home, so they can follow their routines undisturbed. Join our pet and house-sitting network, and the sitters come for free!

Choose Housesitmatch.com for affordable travel, home and pet care. These are the steps to take: 1. Register as a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com

When you go away do you find free checked pet-sitters through Housesitmatch.com?

2. Choose a Standard account (£69 per year) to ensure you can help online when needed 3. Create a profile with photos of

your pet and the house 4. Post an advert for the dates when you want to go away. Sitters apply and you choose.

How does it work?

HouseSit Match can help you find suitable sitters. Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety and then build your advert saying when you are going on holiday. House-sitters see your advert, they respond and you choose the sitter who’ll care for your pets.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.9 / 5 Excellent Pure Joy - I have completed two housesits so far so early days. Both sits have been well suited to me and my dog Thoroughly enjoyable experiences with beautiful homes and well-rounded animals. I’m looking for more!

Lisa Stimpson, Pet-sitter from the UK How do you join?

Please register online via our website www.Housesitmatch.com.

Need a pet or housesitter? Get in touch. House-sitting can be a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting, and the experienced and checked sitters get free accommodation! Register as either housesitter or homeowner with a 20% discount using coupon code 20EWN – Reader exclusive offer.

To find a house pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com

Coping with loss LOSING a beloved cat is an emotionally challenging experience that many pet owners unfortunately face.

The pain of saying goodbye can be profound, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill.

Allow yourself the space to grieve. Embrace the sadness, remembering it’s a testament to the love you shared.

Share your feelings with friends or family who understand the unique bond between humans and their feline friends.

Create a memorial to celebrate your cat’s life a photo collage, a written tribute, or a special place in your home.

Consider reaching out to pet loss support groups or professionals who specialise in grief counselling.

Time is a gentle healer, and with patience, the pain will gradually fade.

Pet owners warned THE Helsinki Animal Welfare Society (HESY) recently issued a critical alert regarding the dangers of Finland’s extreme winter weather for pets.

With the Nordic region experiencing its coldest temperatures this winter, reaching lows of minus 40 degrees Celsius, the safety of pets, particularly those left outdoors for long periods or abandoned, is in danger.

Recently, the harsh weather started disrupting transportation across the region, causing significant challenges for rail traffic in the Arctic north and leading to school closures in southern Norway.

This perilous cold snap not only affects human activities but poses a lethal threat to pets. Exposed to the severe cold, animals are at risk of frostbite and potentially deadly hypothermia, especially if they are outside for prolonged periods without suitable protection.

Hypothermia can cause vital organ failure, while frostbite may lead to tissue damage and loss, particularly in extremities like ears and tails.

Different dog breeds have varying levels of cold endurance. Breeds like Huskies and Lapland Reindeer Dogs are more adapted to the cold, unlike Finnish Hounds, Dobermans, and Pugs, which are more vulnerable to the cold’s adver-

Credit: EtaKarppa/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

VULNERABLE: Finnish Hound.

se effects.

HESY stresses the importance of knowing the breed-specific needs and vulnerabilities of pets to ensure their safety.

Pet owners are advised to keep their pets indoors during severe weather and provide protective clothing and footwear to short-haired or hairless pets.

If a pet is found alone in the cold, the recommendation is to bring the animal inside to warm up before taking it to an animal shelter.

Cats are particularly prone to frostbite injuries in winter, especially those that seek shelter in unheated environments.

The situation demands increased vigilance and responsibility from pet owners to protect their pets from these dangerous conditions.

SERVICES II euroweeklynews.com AIR CONDITONING

18 - 24 January 2024

ALARMS

AIR CONDITONING

CONSTRUCTION

BLINDS

EWN 47

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

BOILERS

BUILDERS

BALUSTRADES

48 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024 DRAINS

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ELECTRICIAN

GRILLS

LOCKSMITHS

PAINTERS/DECORATORS

HOME MAINTENANCE

POOL MAINTENANCE

POOLS

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REMOVALS & STORAGE

PROP MANAGEMENT

TV SATELLITE

50 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II SERVICES WINDOW TINTING

REMOVALS/ & STORAGE

INSURANCE

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CHARITY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you.

English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls

are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

CAMPELLO CONTRA CANCER in conjunction with AECC Association Español Contra Cancer. Please support your local Cancer charity and if you wish to obtain literature or simply talk to someone.

Please contact Mina or Trisha.

Tel 650 071 278 or 610 921 413 e-mail aecc_campello@ hotmail.com (95475) CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462) CHURCH SERVICE IN ENGLISH Tel: 950 617 549 www.givinglight.com.(10006) FREEMASONRY. Are you aware that Freemasonry is thriving on the Costa Blanca?

There are various Lodges meeting up throughout the Valencia region. If you already are a Mason or simply wish to know more about Freemasonry in Spain please contact sec@ glpvalencia.com Tel 600 841 064 (95477) HELP VEGA BAJA. We are a non-profit making organisation that helps and supports anyone, without prejudice, in times of need or crisis within the Vega Baja area. Our offices are based in San Miguel at Calle Lope de Vega 46 (Tel 966 723 733), Torrevieja at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4 (Tel 965 704 282). We are online at www. helpvegabaja.com and also on Facebook. You can email the San Miguel Centre at office@ helpvegabaja.com. We also have a 24-hour Emergency helpline which is available to both members and non-members on 966 723 733 (95456) INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY, TORREVIEJA Calle Beniajan 16, Torrevieja 03185, Alicante Evangelical non-denominational church.

Sunday morning Services at

CHARITY

52

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(238593) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Why not make this year the year you volunteer? See how you can help either as a caseworker (with full training) or as a Telephone Buddy. We also visit beneficiaries who are housebound or in hospital. If you feel you could support us here in Spain, and you have a Spanish phone number then why not email us for more info tbuddyhhvisits@gmail.com.

If you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us using the details on the card, we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with

18 - 24 January 2024 signposting if we cannot help directly, just call and have a chat with Pam who will try to guide you to where you need to be. If you would like to go to a branch meeting then find your nearest one at, http:// branches.britishlegion.org. uk/branches/orihuela-costa - covering from Punta Prima to San Javier. More info can be found on branch website www.orihuelacostarbl.co.uk.

(95457) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Gran Alacant & La Marina Branch.

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We are always looking for volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to support. (95473)

THE SPIRITUALIST CENTRE, Benijofar meets at Hamilton’s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Sevrice at 11.30am. For further information: www.spiri tualistcentre-benijofar. com. Telephone 711 060 171.

Email martindroute66@ hotmail.com.

Fiscal G54713789 MOVERS AND SHAKERS We are a non-profit organisation that supports people and their families with neurological diseases such as; HUNTINGTON’S, ATAXIA, MOTOR NEURONE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and PARKINSON’S. Our MOVERS AND SHAKERS CLUB held every Friday @ 1pm – 3pm, is a chance for members to meet up socially, for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics and to exchange ideas and information. The club is held at O’Briens Bar in El Raso, Guardamar del Segura (except July and August). For more details, contact Marion Smith on 711 008 250, or email: marion.smith@amscb.org. es, or you can find us on Facebook : fb@movers and shakers www.amscb.org. es (295976)

THE PATIENCE LODGE No 2177 of the R.A.O.B Please call Secretary Dave Tonge on 688 704 091 for further information. (253807)

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MOTORING

18 - 24 January 2024

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Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

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SPAS AND JACUZZIS

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54 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

euroweeklynews.com II MOTORING

How safe are Spanish roads?

ON Thursday, December 4, at the Madrid headquarters of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, alongside department undersecretary Susana Crisostomo and General Director of Traffic Pere Navarro, revealed the

provisional statistics for road accidents in Spain during the past year.

The report showed a slight decrease in fatalities, with 1,145 lives lost in 1,048 fatal accidents - a reduction of three from 2022.

However, there were 4,495

individuals who sustained injuries requiring hospitalisation. Out of the total fatalities, 849 (74 per cent) occurred on conventional roads - an increase of 21 from the previous year.

High-capacity roads saw a decrease in deaths,

DGT’s new driving laws for 2024 IN a major announcement by the Spanish government, significant changes to driving laws have been introduced, aimed at enhancing road safety and driver training.

On Thursday, January 4 at the DGT headquarters, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska unveiled these changes as part of the 2023 road safety report.

The key change permits individuals under 17 years of age to drive when accompanied by an adult over 24 with at least five years of driving experience.

Grande-Marlaska emphasised the success of similar policies in France and Germany, highlighting their positive impact on road safety.

This initiative allows 17 to 18-year-olds to gain driving experience under supervision, a move Grande-Marlaska believes will ‘improve the training of younger drivers.’

Moreover, a significant shift in motorcycle licensing was announced. The B1 car licence will no longer cover low-displacement motorcycles or mopeds.

Instead, a mandatory course will be required for those wishing to drive motorcycles up to 125cc, addressing the distinct skills needed for different vehicle types.

The DGT plans to revise the points recovery courses, incorporating specific modules for motorcyclists focusing on safe and efficient driving.

Additionally, the use of a full-face helmet and approved gloves will become mandatory for motorcyclists on the road.

In response to ongoing concerns around impaired driving, Marlaska disclosed a 10 per cent increase in alcohol and drug controls. These changes reflect a concerted effort to improve road safety in Spain.

with 296 fatalities in 2023, 24 fewer than in 2022. The data suggests that three-quarters of road deaths still occur on conventional roads.

Vulnerable users, including motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, experienced a 9 per cent rise in fatalities, totalling 463.

Motorcyclist deaths rose by 19 per cent compared to 2022.

Notably, pedestrian deaths were almost equally distributed between highways and conventional roads.

The 45 to 54 age group saw an 11 per cent increase in mortality, with 228 deaths representing 20 per cent of the total fatalities.

Child fatalities also rose, with 22 deaths recorded among 0 to 14-year-olds. The elderly (aged 65 and over) constituted 18 per cent of fatalities, showing a 10 per cent decrease from the previous year.

Men comprised 79 per cent of the fatalities, while women accounted for the remaining 21 per cent.

MOTORING II euroweeklynews.com

ROAD TEST

By Mark Slack HERE in the UK many of our less mainstream television channels show some excellent motoring programmes. From the long running Wheeler Dealers with host Mike Brewer, through to Salvage Hunters Classic Cars presented by Drew Pritchard and Paul Cowland.

Despite such good motoring coverage there’s always a point in the viewing year when there’s a dearth of such programmes. When that happens there’s another viewing option, YouTube! A wealth of motoring awaits, from traditional approaches to more offbeat motoring related videos.

Car detailing, new cars, classic cars, road trips, must see museums and more, they’re all there to quench your motoring thirst. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are ones where the presenters know their subject,

18 - 24 January 2024

EWN 55

Armchair motoring

MOTORING PROGRAMMES: Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone.

have a calm presentational style and don’t spend their time leaping around the screen screeching

tyres and whooping every time they get a perceived cool car. Now don’t get me wrong, if that’s what

presses your pedal it’s fine, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

For me it’s the knowle-

dgeable and arguably more professional channels that attract. Harry’s Garage is fronted by Harry Metcalfe, founder of the classy UK performance car magazine EVO. Although a publisher and not a journalist in the traditional sense, he’s a calm, knowledgeable and interesting presenter. He has his own car collection but presents on an encyclopaedic range of cars and bikes that in my view make this a must-see channel.

Another very different channel is High Peak Autos, presented by Matt Goodwin who has a used car business and features videos of his purchase and preparation of cars ready for sale. It’s an incredibly honest channel where failures have equal billing with the successes, and it makes for fascinating viewing not only for

the cars but as an insight into the used car business. He’s recently ventured into new car reviews, on which I’m not so keen as in my view it dilutes his channel’s USP. There are so many channels featuring new cars High Peak Autos USP is a stand-out feature along with its professionalism. Other favourite channels include The Late Brake Show with Jonny Smith, Vermijl Car Detail, Decotamin, JayEmm on Cars and Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop.

Whatever your motoring taste there’s something there for you, whether on television or online with platforms such as YouTube. There is much said about social media and online platform being poisonous places and very negative. They can be but there’s also a lot of positive viewing experiences too.

56 EWN 18 - 24 January 2024

ANA MONCADA from Estepona has qualified Spain in ILCA6 (Women’s Laser) for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The 34th place of the athlete in the absolute general classification of the World Championships in Mar de Plata, Argentina was the key to the qualification for the Olympic Games.

This young 22-year-old sailor, born in Estepona (Malaga) is currently number 40 in the world ranking and is the reigning Spanish champion, European under-21 and 2019 youth champion.

The Spanish team’s Olympic preparation director, Xisco Gil, said: “This is a new milestone for Spanish sailing that places us as a major international power, being the European country with the highest number of classes classified so far.

“We surpassed Great Britain, Italy and the Netherlands who currently have eight places and we are getting closer to the goal of being in Paris 2024 with representation in all 10 Olympic classes,” he added.

With six months to go until the Olympic Games, only France, as host, is represented in all 10 Olympic sailing classes. They are followed by Australia, China and New Zealand with nine places, and Spain, which is the leading European country.

The next international events for the Spanish Olympic team will be the ILCA 7 Class World Championship to be held in Adelaide, Australia, between January 26 and 31, and the iQFOiL World Championship to be held in Lanzarote from January 29 to February 3.

Pioneers of women’s football THE women’s football scene in Saudi Arabia now infused with Spanish expertise, is a striking example of how the sporting culture of one nation can change for the better.

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides since September 2017, when women were allowed to drive and cinemas reopened after 35 years.

Progress continued with the launch of the first women’s league in 2021, and the national team playing its inaugural international match in 2022. This evolution represents a remarkable shift in a nation that is currently the Super Cup’s host.

The transformation of Saudi women’s football has been significantly influenced by Spanish professionals. Lluis Cortes, former coach of FC Barcelona and the Ukraine national team, took charge of the Saudi women’s team in December.

Credit: easternflamesfc/instagram.com

Spain qualifies

euroweeklynews.com II SPORTS

BASED IN DAMMAM: Eastern Flames FC.

The first division of Saudi’s local league further underscores this influence, with Ana Junyent leading Al-Riyadh as the sole female coach, and David Cabildo at the helm of the Eastern Flames, the pioneering Saudi women’s soccer team.

Based in Dammam, the Eastern Flames, also known as Shulat Alsharqia FC, signify the starting point of women’s football in the region.

“The football stadium is very initial. There is no prior training. They are starting from the bottom, with very

basic things,” said David Cabildo, outlining the nascent stage of development.

Despite the primary nature of their setup, the passion and dedication of the players is noteworthy.

“Patience is needed. But in women’s football, the players are already very eager to learn... They put a lot of passion,” Cabildo observes, highlighting the players’ enthusiasm and rapid progress.

Cabildo’s experience in Saudi Arabia reveals cultural nuances, especially in player-coach interactions

and attire. However, these differences don’t hinder the spirit and ambition within the team.

The broadcasting of all matches on television and the involvement of Saudi Telecom Company, a major stakeholder in Spain’s Telefonica since September 2023, underscores the growing popularity and support for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.

The Eastern Flames, though currently underdogs in the league, are crucial to the strategic development of Saudi women’s football.

This strategy is bolstered by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s collaboration with German Monika Staab, renowned for her role in developing Qatar’s women’s team.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to introduce a third category in women’s football, further expanding the sport’s reach and impact.

Foreign teams

AS 2024 ushers in, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has revamped its Coronavirus protocol, removing some outdated restrictions.

With the arrival of 2024, cycling was the last major sport to adapt to post-pandemic norms.

The UCI’s decision, long awaited by the public, marks a significant change.

This move aligns cycling with other sports that had already discarded pandemic-era measures.

Previously, cycling clung to a mix of confusing rules, which even baffled competitors. The UCI’s 2024 protocol upda-

SPORTS tourism has made a strong start in 2024 in Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. More than 500 sportsmen and women will arrive throughout the first month of the year in the town to train in the municipal sports facilities. Specifically, 13 football teams and three swimming teams will be the first foreign teams to train in the town’s sports facilities in the new year.

Most of the foreign visitors are football players from the Netherlands and Switzerland, who are taking advantage of the winter break in their respective competitions to travel and carry out training in milder weather.

Among the teams that have already passed through the town during the first days of January, FC Dordrecht from the Dutch 2nd division, for example, have chosen the El Pozuelo municipal stadium to prepare for their return to competition. Berkel Women, from the Dutch women’s first division, have also been training at the municipal sports facilities.

Swimming is the other sporting discipline that will be present, specifically in the indoor pool where three teams will hold training sessions, including the swimming team from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and the team from the University of Limerick in Ireland.

In 2023, sports tourism generated an economic impact in Torremolinos of more than €3 million.

In total, 3,065 athletes passed through the sports facilities of the municipality, contributing with their stay to the deseasonalisation of the town.

Credit: UCI_Cycling/X

Cycling embraces new normal in 2024

POST PANDEMIC NORMS: UCI’s 2024 ruling over Covid-19.

te includes more relaxed Covid-19 regulations, alongside the existing Concussion and High Temperature Protocols.

No longer are cyclists compelled to withdraw mid-competition upon a positive Covid-19 result.

The UCI’s initial Covid-19 Protocol, launched in June 2020, was crucial for resuming seasons amidst the pandemic.

It featured closed bubbles, regular health

checks, and mandatory masks. Over time, these measures became less relevant, causing confusion and operational challenges in events like the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

In 2023, despite the easing of restrictions in other sports, mask-wearing remained mandatory in cycling events.

David Lappartient, UCI President, stressed the importance of evolving

protocols: “The health, safety and well-being of our riders is of the utmost importance.

“That is why the UCI continually works to respond to new situations and adapt its protocols to the changing environment in which cyclists evolve.’

In its 2024 iteration, the UCI protocol no longer mandates isolation for those testing positive. However, it still recommends pandemic-era practices like mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and ventilating indoor spaces.

Responsibility for monitoring an affected cyclist’s health now solely lies with the team’s doctors, focusing on standard prevention against respiratory infectious diseases.

This change reflects the broader shift in sports towards a more nuanced approach to health and safety in the current era.