CARTAGENA is set to become the driving force of southeastern Spain’s economy with a new Industrial Plan aimed at attracting €3 billion in investments. The plan will strengthen key industries like energy, food production, shipbuilding, and defence, making Cartagena the region’s economic hub.
A major focus is turning the Valle de Escombreras into a top centre for renewable energy, especially green hydrogen. This area already generates 40 per cent of Murcia’s industrial economy, and with new projects, it will play an even bigger role in the region’s growth.
Regional Environment Minister Juan María Vázquez highlighted the importance of Cartagena’s leadership. “This plan is
HOTELS in the Region of Murcia had their best start to the year, welcoming more visitors and overnight stays than ever before. Some 184,658 travellers stayed in the region’s hotels in January and February 2025, a 7.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2024.
This growth was much higher than Spain’s national average of 1.2 per cent, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).
More Spanish tourists visited Murcia, with 144,526 domestic travellers, up 6.5 per cent from last year. The number of international visitors also increased, reaching 40,132, a 9.4 per cent rise, compared to Spain’s overall growth of 2.5 per cent.
February was a particularly strong month, with
for everyone. It will reinforce Cartagena as the economic engine of the southeast,” he said after meeting with the Cartagena Business Confederation (COEC).
To make this possible, the regional government
is calling for an expanded electricity network. Without it, new industries may struggle to grow. Meetings with business leaders will ensure the plan benefits local companies and workers. Talks will continue soon with
the Murcia Chamber of Commerce.
With billions in investment, job creation, and a focus on sustainable energy, Cartagena is set to lead Murcia, and all of southeastern Spain, into a stronger economic future.
Fuelling Murcia’s Future Record Numbers
More tourists staying in Murcia
100,792 visitors, setting a new record for that month.
Hotel prices also rose slightly, with the average dai-
ly room rate at €64.79, up 1.5 per cent from 2024.
Tourism officials say these figures show Murcia
is becoming a year-round destination, a key goal of the region’s long-term tourism strategy.
MABS Cancer Foundation continues to receive strong support from the local community. Their recent charity auction at Trevi Bar raised €300, helping fund their vital work. As well as that, Mary and Mick Pouncy donated €150 instead of receiving Golden Wedding Anniversary gifts!
These thoughtful contributions help MABS continue providing essential practical support, highlighting the community’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need. Fundraising like this ensures MABS can keep offering vital services.
Costa Calida • Issue No. 2073 • 27 March - 2 April 2025
Cartagena leads economic growth.
Award-winning cheese
QUESOS RUPERTO, a family-run cheese factory in El Mirador, San Javier has been officially recognised as an artisan business. The mayor of San Javier, José Miguel Luengo, and councillor Isabel Madrid joined Rafael Gómez, Director General for Trade and Innovation, to present the accreditation.
This recognition confirms the company’s traditional cheesemaking process and opens the door to new opportunities. With this certification, Quesos Ruperto can apply for funding to support trade fairs, upgrade equipment, and expand into digital and online sales.
Llorema Madrid, who runs the business with her family, was grateful for the re-
Award-winning artisan cheesemakers.
cognition. "This will help us grow, showcase our products, and reach more people," she said. The cheesemaking process at Quesos Ruperto is completely hands-on. Fresh milk from their own sheep is used, and every step, from moulding and ageing to cleaning and packaging, is done manually.
Mayor Luengo praised the company’s
success in just a few years. In 2023, Quesos Ruperto was ranked among Spain’s top 17 cheeses, winning two SuperGold awards at the World Cheese Awards, often called the ‘Oscars of cheese'. He also highlighted how the business has helped put San Javier on the map for top-quality food. With this new certification, Quesos Ruperto is set to grow even further.
Critical repairs
LORCA’S town hall is urgently requesting that the Spanish government take immediate action to address the serious structural issues facing the historic San Juan Church. Recent heavy rains in March have caused signi cant damage to the building, leading to concerns over its stability and safety.
The Popular Party group is set to present a motion at the next plenary session, calling for emergency intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The church, dating back to the 15th century and rebuilt in the 17th century, has long been a key cultural landmark in Lorca. However, after the recent rains, damage to the structure has become critical, with parts of the building now at risk of collapse. A te-
chnical report issued by the municipality has highlighted the dangers, leading to the closure of nearby areas for public safety.
Rosa Medina, councillor for Local Development, reiterated that the restoration of San Juan Church was a commitment made by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda in 2023. Although progress has been slow, the urgency of the current situation has made it clear that emergency measures are needed immediately to stabilise the building before full restoration work can begin.
The church is the last of the upper-town churches in Lorca to remain unrefurbished. Local o cials are hopeful that the government will act quickly to address the growing threats to its structural integrity.
Image: San Javier Town Hall
Images: Lorca Town Hall
Spanish retirement reforms
Key changes from April 2025
FROM April 1, Spain’s Social Security system will introduce significant changes affecting partial retirement, active retirement, and delayed retirement. These changes aim to improve the compatibility between pensions and employment, allowing more people to work, should they choose to, while still receiving their pension.
Partial retirement in Spain
One of the most notable reforms is to partial retirement, both with and without a replacement contract. The key up dates include:
• Early partial retirement will be available up to three years before the official retirement age.
• Employees working more than two years in advance can reduce their working hours by 20-33 per cent in the first year.
• Temporary workers can now be hired as relief workers for those on partial retirement.
• The replacement contract must now be full-time and permanent, the replacement employee must remain in the position for at least two years after the partial retiree steps down.
• Workers reaching the standard retirement age can now opt for partial retirement without a replacement contract, with working hour reductions between 25 per cent and 75 per cent (previously capped at 50 per cent).
Active retirement in Spain
Active retirement, which allows pensioners to work while receiving their pension, will undergo major changes. From April 2025:
• Pensioners will no longer be required to have completed their entire contribution career to qualify.
• Active retirement can now be combined with delayed retirement incentives, offering greater flexibility.
The percentage of pension allowed while working will gradually increase over time:
• one year of active retirement: 45 per cent of pension can
be received.
• two years: 55 per cent
• three years: 65 per cent
• After five years: 100 per cent of pension can be received.
This reform aims to encourage older workers to stay in the labour market without financial penalties while providing a smoother transition to full retirement.
Delayed retirement in Spain
The Spanish government is also modifying delayed retirement rules, which allow workers to postpone their retirement in exchange for a higher pension.
• From April 2025, workers will only need to contribute for six months in the second year of their delay to qualify for Social Security financial incentives.
• Previously, a full year of contributions was required to access these benefits.
• This adjustment aims to encourage more workers to delay retirement, giving them access to incentives sooner. https://www.sede.seg-social.gob.es
Warning to used car buyers
THE Guardia Civil has sounded the alarm on Spain’s booming second-hand car market, warning buyers to be on high alert for online deals that seem too good to be true. With prices soaring, more motorists are turning to used cars, but that bargain motor could come with a nasty surprise.
In a video on TikTok (@ guardia_civil_navarra), an officer from the Benemerita delivered a clear message: “Never make a pay-
ment before seeing the vehicle in person.” He also offered a golden rule for spotting a scam: “If the price seems suspiciously low, don’t trust it.”
The warning comes amid a rise in fraudulent listings and dodgy deals, with criminals preying on eager buyers looking for a bargain. Scammers often lure victims with unrealistically low prices, pressuring them into sending deposits before they even set eyes on the car.
To steer clear of trouble, the Guardia Civil recommends requesting a full vehicle report from Spain’s DGT. This official document provides crucial details, such as past owners-
Clocks go forward
DAYLIGHT Savings Time begins on Sunday March 30 at 2.00am. At this time, clocks will ‘spring forward’ as we welcome in the longer days and sunnier seasons of spring and summer.
British Embassy: get TIE now
FOR those of you who still have the green certificate to validate your legal residency in Spain, you will have to change it for a TIE card now or face not being able to travel.
New information from the Spanish government, supplied to the Euro Weekly News by the British Embassy in Spain, says that the soon-to-be implemented Entry Exit System (EES) of the EU will not recognise the old green certificate as a valid ID.
The EES is expected at some point in 2025. Under this new border system, all non-EU short-stay travellers will need to register their name, passport details, and data upon entering Spain or any other EU country.
British residents in Spain will need to show a valid uniform-format identity card, in this case the TIE, to be exempt from the EES system and therefore travel freely across the Schengen EU border to the UK and back, as the green certificate will no longer be accepted as proof of residency in Spain. Without a TIE, it could be that the computers flag you as having stayed too long in the EU and therefor Border officers may detain you, or expel you from the country.
More information on how to apply, including links to Spanish government websites where the applications are made, can be found on the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk.
Tax season is almost here!
hip, accident history, and any outstanding debts on the car.
Beyond checking the paperwork, experts advise buyers to consider key factors like the car’s reliability, size, fuel type, and, most importantly, their budget. Comparing different makes and models is also a smart move to ensure you’re not overpaying - or worse, being conned.
Many buyers also use second-hand car checking services like www.needcarhelp.es. These services will come and check the second-hand car you’re interested in and give you a full report of any faults or issues found. They also run a car history check and check the documents for you.
TAX season is approaching fast in Spain, and from March 19, residents can access their fiscal data online via the Agencia Tributaria portal. This early check allows you to spot mistakes or missing details before the official income tax return (IRPF) filing period begins on April 2. Reviewing your information ahead of time helps avoid last-minute corrections or potential fines. Common errors include incorrect addresses, outdated bank accounts, or missing income records. If you discover an issue after submitting, you can still amend your return before the final deadline. To check your data, visit the Agencia Tributaria website and select ‘Datos Fiscales’.
You can log in using cl@ve, electronic DNI, a digital certificate, or the reference number from last year’s return. Once inside, you’ll be able to verify and update your tax details directly. While online filing opens on April 2, those preferring in-person appointments will need to wait until May when face-to-face services become available. Spain’s tax office reminds residents that Bizum transfers under €10,000 usually don’t need to be declared, unless they are business-related. Inheritances themselves are not included in income tax returns, but any profit from the sale or rental of inherited assets must be reported. Workers with multiple employers also face additional filing obligations - if you earned more than €15,000 across various sources and over €1,500 from a second employer, you will need to file. In general, anyone earning more than €22,000 per year must submit a return, though exceptions apply. Taking time to review your data now could help you avoid complications down the line.
https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/
More connections
MURCIA is working to improve air travel connections for the 2025-2026 tourist season. The region took part in a major airline and tourism conference in Santander, where officials met with airlines to discuss new routes.
Representatives from the Murcia Tourism Institute (Itrem) spoke with airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and Volotea. The goal was to strengthen existing routes and explore new flight options.
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR has carried out maintenance work on Villananitos and La Puntica beaches to restore their shape and depth. In the month of March, workers moved 1,500 cubic metres of sand to improve the condition of these popular beaches.
Tidy tides
Murcia’s international airport (AIRM) already connects to 22 airports across seven countries, including the UK, Belgium, and Ireland. A new route to France is also set to launch soon.
Passenger numbers are tentatively rising. In early
2025, Murcia saw an 11.7 per cent increase in air travel compared to the previous year. International flights grew by 15 per cent, with more visitors arriving from the UK. The airport also recorded 684 flights in the first two months of 2025, a 30 per cent increase from 2024.
Juan Francisco Martínez, director of Itrem, said better air connections will help Murcia remain a popular tourist destination. The region hopes these efforts will attract more visitors and boost local tourism in the coming years.
The work was approved by Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and took place in winter to reduce its impact on marine life. The sand was carefully moved along the first 10 metres of the shore using a special barrier to keep the water clear. Villananitos received 1,000 cubic metres of new sand, while La Puntica got 500 cubic metres.
Experts made sure the work did not damage underwater plants. In the next few weeks, the sand will be spread evenly, and wooden walkways will be installed to make access easier.
The town hall also ca -
rries out regular beach cleaning and upkeep of public facilities like restrooms and foot showers.
Councillor Javier Cas -
tejón said these efforts will keep the beaches in great condition for Easter, making them clean and welcoming for visitors.
Table top sale
AGE CONCERN COSTA
CALIDA is on a mission to support those over 50 with valuable services like advice, befriending, hospital visits, and medical equipment hire. This charity, entirely run by unpaid volunteers, offers all its services for free. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 29! Join the fun at their Table Top Sale, where you can declutter your home or hunt for amazing bargains. With a variety of stalls featuring second-hand treasures at fantastic prices, it’s the perfect chance to find something unique.
The sale runs from 10am to 1pm at the Age Concern Social Centre garden in Camposol, Sector C. This event promises a friendly atmosphere and great finds. Plus, there will be delicious cake to enjoy while you browse!
Images: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall
Restoring beaches for Easter.
Image: Shutterstock/ Sarnia
Murcia strengthens air connections.
LOS ALCAZARES is getting a brand-new sports hall, and work is already underway! This modern facility, covering over 1,500 square metres, will be right next to the 13 de Octubre Pavilion and is expected to be ready before the end of 2025.
With a €650,000 investment, the new hall
will give local sports clubs more space to train and compete. It will be fully equipped for sports like rhythmic gymnastics, handball, and indoor football. Plus, it will help Los Alcazares attract bi-
gger sports events, bringing more visitors to town.
Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera, who recently visited the construction site, highlighted how important this project is for the community. “We’re responding to what our local sports clubs need, and
this new facility will make a big di erence,” he said. Once finished, the sports hall will offer better training conditions, more opportunities for athletes, and another great reason for sports teams to visit Los Alcazares. With this new addition, the town’s sports scene is set to grow, giving its residents more ways to get active and enjoy the game.
History after dark Active future
CARTAGENA is starting guided night tours at Cerro del Molinete, giving visitors a new way to explore its history after dark. The tours called More Than a Hill: The History of El Molinete, follows a marked path, with guides turning on lights to highlight key monuments as the tour goes on.
These tours are possible thanks to a new lighting project completed by the city. Fourteen energy-saving LED spotlights now light up important sites like the Roman temple, the old mill-chapel, and the Wall of King Charles I. The lights make it easier to see the ruins
while also protecting them, so visitors can enjoy the site without causing damage.
Mayor Noelia Arroyo said the project is about more than just adding lights, it’s about bringing history to life. “This park has pieces of Cartagena’s past from ancient times, and now people can experience it in a whole new way,” she said. This is Cartagena’s second big lighting upgrade, following a similar project at Concepción Castle in 2021. These improvements make the city’s history easier to see and enjoy, helping visitors connect with the past in a fun way.
New sports hall in Los Alcazares.
Image: Los Alcazares Town Hall
Cartagena’s past shines bright.
Image: Cartagena
Town Hall
Easter crafts
LORCA is gearing up for its 32nd annual Easter Handicraft Market, taking place from April 16 to 20. This year’s event has been expanded to include a new area in Plaza Colón, featuring a section dedicated to gourmet food, making it even bigger than before with 34 stands, five more than last year.
The market will be set up in two locations: the traditional Plaza Calderón and the newly added Plaza Colón. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of handmade products, including leather goods, jewellery, textiles, and ceramics. The new gourmet food section will offer delicious local treats like cheeses, sweets, and preserves, giving
everyone a taste of the region’s delicious food.
In addition to shopping, the market will offer a chance to enjoy Lorca’s Easter celebrations, including its famous processions. A special stand will highlight traditional artisan techniques, and visitors can even take home some of the beautiful crafts on offer.
The market celebration event is on Wednesday, April 17, at 6.30pm with a performance by the Coros y Danzas de Lorca group, adding a musical touch to the event. With so much to see and experience, the Easter Handicraft Market is a must-visit for anyone in Lorca this spring.
Mortgage boom
MURCIA saw a major increase in mortgage signings this January, with a 39.6 per cent rise compared to the same time last year. This is well above the national average, which only grew by 11.03 per cent.
A total of 1,240 mortgages were taken out in the region, though the pace has slowed slightly from the previous
month, according to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).
In January, €135.86 million was loaned for home mortgages in Murcia, a 75.7 per cent increase from last year.
Compared to December, this amount rose by 27.4 per cent.
In total, 1,598 mortgages were signed across
Artisan market
LOS ALCAZARES is hos ting a Women’s Artisan Market and live music on Saturday, March 29. These activities were originally planned for International Women’s Day but had to be rescheduled. The event will take place at Plaza Real de la Feria from 10.00am.
The market will feature handmade art, clothing, jewellery, and illustrations created by talented women. It’s a great chance to explo -
different types of properties, totalling €169.73 million. Most of these were for city centre properties, including 1,240 for homes, 11 for land plots, and 307 for other urban buildings. These figures suggest strong activity in Murcia’s housing market, though changes in the economy may impact future trends.
re unique products and support local artists.
There will also be live music, making the event even more exciting. ‘Las Chavalas’ will perform at 1.00pm, followed by ‘El Otro Paraíso’ at 2.00pm. Get ready for a fun and lively atmosphere!
If you enjoy shopping, music, and discovering local talent, this is the perfect event for you. Don’t miss out!
Discover Local crafts and food.
Image: Lorca Town Hall
Shop local, support women.
Image: Shutterstock/ Karen Dole
NEWS Travel
Priego de Cordoba - A charming Andalucian town
DOWN in the south of Spain, Priego de Cordoba is a little gem of a town, full of character and natural beauty. With its whitewashed houses, winding streets, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Subbética mountains, it’s the kind of place where life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just want to soak up the laid-back atmosphere, Priego de Cordoba is definitely worth a visit.
A town with charm and history
There’s a reason people call Priego de Cordoba the ‘pearl of Andalucia’. Its charming streets and squares
with Hispavan Campers
invite you to sit, sip a coffee, and watch the world go by. One of the best spots to do just that is Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of local life. Wander through the town, and you’ll come across stunning Baroque-style buildings like the Church of La Asunción, with its impressive design. For the best view in town, head up to Priego de Cordoba Castle, where you can take in the beauty of the countryside.
Deep-rooted traditions
This isn’t just a pretty town - it’s a place with a rich past. The National Museum of Priego de Cordoba gives you a glimpse into its history, particularly its deep connection to olive oil production - some of the best in Spain. The surrounding hills are covered in endless olive groves, and if you’re curious, you can visit a local producer to see how the oil is made and, of course, taste it for yourself.
Flavours you won’t forget
Food in Priego de Cordoba is all about simple ingredients done right. One dish to try is flamenquín - a crispy roll of ham and pork, usually served with fries. And no matter what you eat, chances are it’ll be prepared with the town’s famous olive oil, which adds a rich, smooth flavour to everything.
SUMMARY
THE Santa Lucía Nautical Club restaurant in Cartagena has served its final meal, closing its doors on Sunday, March 23, after 35 years of operation. For decades, the family-run restaurant has been a staple in the local community, offering meals with a stunning view of the marina. Now, the family behind the restaurant has decided to step away from the concession, and the club is exploring options to reissue it to new management.
Daniel González Sánchez, who has managed the restaurant alongside his family, shared an emotional farewell message on social media. Reflecting on the years spent running the restaurant, he expressed deep gratitude to the loyal customers and friends who made the
Final service
place special. Though the decision to close was made months ago, the end of their concession this March made it the right time to officially announce the closure.
Looking ahead, Daniel González is set to take on a new challenge at Rincón del Negro, a popular restaurant located in Plaza Juan XXIII. Star-
ting in April, he will bring his experience and passion for local cuisine to a new setting, while continuing his family’s tradition of serving the community. Although the closure marks the end of a beloved chapter, González’s next venture promises to continue the legacy of great food and warm hospitality.
End of an era.
Image:
Facebook Sergio Nova/ CLUB NAUTICO SANTA LUCIA.
Domingos el Português
HIDDEN in the small winding streets of Lo Pagán, Domingos el Português is a local favourite for a reason. This popular restaurant serves over 50 types of tapas daily, along with delicious home-made dishes and fresh seafood. Even though it’s tucked away, you can still catch a glimpse of the sea while you enjoy your meal.
The food here is top quality, with fresh flavours that make every bite special. Seafood lovers will be impressed by how fresh it is, you can really taste the sea. There’s also a great selection of local wines and
beer straight from the factory. The staff are friendly and fast, making sure you have a great experience. In the evening, they close off the street, filling it with tables, and creating a lively and welcoming at-
Fashion show
THE Friends of Mazarron Animals (FMA) Spring Fashion Show is back on March 29, from 12.30pm until 3.00pm bringing an afternoon of fashion, fun, and entertainment to Mazarron Country Club Clubhouse.
mosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy real Spanish tapas.
ce to go for amazing food at real Spanish taLo Pagan, San
If you’re in Lo Pagan, San Pedro del Pinatar, don’t miss out, Domingos el Português is the place to go for amazing food at great prices. Book your table now! C/ Muñoz Delgado 12, San Pedro del Pinatar, call 968 186 613 or check out their website restauranteelportugues.com
This popular event is a great chance to shop for stylish clothes at affordable prices while enjoying a great atmosphere. It’s more than just a fashion show, it’s a social gathering where guests can laugh, sing, and even dance. With DJ Tiger hosting and live music from Sean Holsgrove.
FMA is a dedicated group of volunteers working to help animals in need, and events like this play a big part in supporting their efforts. Every pur-
chase and every ticket sold helps fund their vital work. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, a fun day out, or a way to support a good cause, this event has something for everyone. So, grab some friends, enjoy the music, and be part of a great community event, all while helping animals in need. Tickets €3, contact Karen for more details on 711 036 388.
Karaoke night
LA GENTE Restaurante in El Puerto de Mazarron is hosting a special night of music and fun on Saturday April 5. The evening kicks off with dinner at 7.00pm, followed by an entertaining karaoke session with DJ Wazza at 8.00pm.
Guests can enjoy an exclusive set menu for just €24.90 per person. The menu includes a choice of delicious starters, such as salmon rolls with crab leg, a salad with caramelised pear and blue cheese, or baconwrapped asparagus with Roquefort
GET ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Mazarron Rocks Festival!
Taking place from May 30 to June 1 this three-day event promises incredible live music, great food, and an electric atmosphere.
Set in the beautiful Puerto de Mazarron, the festival offers the perfect mix of stunning coastal views and top rock
sauce.
For the main course, diners can choose between cod au gratin with peach aioli and vegetables or Iberian sirloin with mushroom and pepper sauce, served with a baked potato. A house dessert and a bottle of wine for two are also included.
With great food, lively music, and the chance to take the mic, this is set to be a fun-filled evening for all. Book your table now om 0034 722 208 856. Location: Tierno Galván 98, El Puerto de Mazarron.
Mazarron Rocks
performances. Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or just looking for a fun weekend, there’s something for everyone.
Expect a lineup of talented bands, a variety of food stalls serving delicious bites, and plenty of opportunities
to enjoy the lively festival spirit. Gather your friends, bring your energy, and experience an epic celebration of music and community. Location: Plaza de Puerto, 30860 Puerto de Mazarron. Entry: Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Don’t miss out, Mazarron Rocks Festival is set to be one of the biggest music events of the year!
Images: Facebook/ Domingos el Portu-
Authentic tapas, unforgettable flavours.
Style for a cause.
BAD weather has forced German space startup Isar Aerospace to delay its historic Spectrum rocket launch from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport.
The Munich-based company confirmed that high winds scrubbed the test flight, which aimed to mark Europe’s first ho -
Rocket delay
megrown orbital rocket launch.
“The first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to unfavourable winds … the team is working to determine a new launch window,” Isar Aerospace
said on Monday March 24. Spectrum, a two-stage rocket designed to carry satellites of up to one tonne, is part of Europe’s bid to carve out a larger share of the booming commercial space market.
Although this debut flight will carry no payload, it is critical for validating Spectrum’s systems ahead of future missions.
The delay highlights the challenges faced by European companies competing with established players like SpaceX and Russia’s Roscosmos.
Isar Aerospace has acknowledged that a failed maiden flight is a possibility but stresses that multiple launch attempts are factored into the development process.
The delay comes amid growing momentum in Europe’s space race, with Sweden, the UK, and other nations also preparing orbital launches to strengthen the region’s space capabilities.
Dog cruelty arrest
A WOMAN has been arrested in Alicante after admitting to throwing her two Yorkshire terriers off an eighth-floor balcony, reportedly because she was ‘fed up’ with walking them. The disturbing incident happened on Sunday March 23 in the Albufereta district, shocking both locals and animal welfare groups. Passers-by on Calle Sol Naciente alerted emergency services after witnessing the dogs fall.
Initially, they mistook the first impact for a toy before seeing additional objects hurled from the balcony - including a dog bed and a leash - followed by the second dog. Police were able to trace the owner using microchips implanted in the animals and located the 53-year-old woman inside her
nearby apartment. According to official reports, she confessed to police, stating she was “tired of always being the one to walk the dogs.”
Her husband, who was present at the time, corroborated her statement. The woman was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, and the deceased animals were collected by the Alicante Animal Protection Society. Residents claim this isn’t an isolated case, reporting that other objects, and allegedly turtles, were also thrown from the same apartment in recent days. Police are now investigating the wider claims. The case has sparked public outrage, with social media users calling for tougher punishments for animal abuse.
Credit : Shutterstock, Anna Vasiljeva
A Yorkshire Terrier, similar to the two dogs tragically killed in the Alicante incident.
Alcohol limits
PORTUGAL is weighing stricter drink-driving laws as Spain pushes forward with plans to cut its blood alcohol limit.
Spanish lawmakers have approved a proposal to lower the limit for all dri vers to 0.2 grams per litre, scrapping the current thres holds of 0.5 grams for most motorists and 0.3 grams for professional drivers such as lorry and bus operators.
Backed by Spain’s ruling Socialist Party, the bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle with 177 votes in favour. Vox voted against, while the Popular Party abstained. The measure will now head to the committee stage for further discussion and potential amendments, but no date has been set for when the new limit could take effect.
Spain is moving to tighten drink-driving laws and Portugal is considering similar reforms.
The draft law would also ban the sharing of police checkpoint locations on social media platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram,
targeting what authorities describe as ‘organised groups’ who undermine drink-driving controls by warning others about roadside checks. In Portugal, Joana Teixeira, president of the Portuguese Society of Alcoholism, has called Spain’s proposal a potential model for Lisbon. “Redu-
cing the limit to 0.2 grams would significantly impact driver awareness and safety,” she told local press.
Although no official bill has been introduced in Portugal, the debate is gaining momentum, with campaigners urging lawmakers to consider following Spain’s lead to improve road safety.
Credit : Shutterstock, Dan Kosmayer
MY life never prepared me for April 1, 1997, the day I first walked into the small apartment that then housed the local newspaper I had been sent to restructure and improve. It was there I met the formidable Linda Hall de González. She was sipping a glass of cava while typing at an astonishing speed. She glanced up, arched an eyebrow, and returned to her work, muttering something in Spanish that I knew wasn’t complimentary, even as an ignorant Guiri.
For the first few days, we circled each other like two shecats, testing the waters. But later that week, she realised I was serious about overhauling the paper, regardless of the hours it would take. That led to a long meal of Spanish tapas, plenty of wine, and a friendship that has endured nearly three decades. From that moment, I knew Linda was someone I could rely on - and she never let me down.
Linda came to Benidorm as a pioneering tourist, fell in love with a local artist, Andres, and never looked back. She embraced Spanish culture and language, using her journalistic talents to write for various Spanish and English publications. One of her proudest accomplishments was the invaluable book ‘Expand Your Spanish’, a must-read even today.
Always abreast of the political landscape in Spain, Linda wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions. Her insight made her a regular on local TV and radio, making her one of the most recognised foreign journalists in the region.
Beyond her career, Linda and Andres devoted themselves to their daughter, Alicia. But Linda’s love extended beyond her family; she had a passion for animals, of-
ten skipping meals to ensure that no stray cat in her vicinity went hungry.
For years, Linda worked tirelessly for Euro Weekly News. As she entered her seventh decade, she remained one of the most dedicated members of the writing team, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.
As she approached her eighth decade, she turned her focus toward the paper’s financial and European sections - topics she didn’t particularly love, but ones she mastered. Her commitment to excellence made her an indispensable pillar of Euro Weekly News
Now, on March 27, 2025, Linda is packing away her pen and retiring. Will we miss her? Absolutely. Is she one of the company’s fundamental cornerstones? Without a doubt. Will we ever find another Linda? Most definitely not.
So, instead of saying ‘adios’, we say ‘hasta luego’, knowing she’ll still be cycling the pathways of Valencia, embracing life with the same spirit. Tears will be shed, but more than anything, there will be gratitude - for who she is, what she has done, and what she has given to us all.
A Fond Farewell to Linda Hall de González: A Journalist, A Trailblazer, A Friend Thank you!
Linda Hall de González, you have written your own story on your terms - a force incredible, a woman unmatched.
Flooding and sinkhole in Jönköping
A MAJOR water main burst in central Jönköping on March 24, leading to extensive ooding, property damage, and the formation of a large sinkhole on Södra Strandgatan.
Thousands of households temporarily lost access to water as emergency services tackled the situation.
According to SVT Nyheter, the leak began just before lunchtime when one of the city’s largest water mains ruptured. “It’s one of our largest main pipes that has broken, so enormous amounts of water have owed out,” said Roger Rohdin, head of the water and sanitation department at Jönköping Municipality.
As a result, several thousand residents were left without water. The street Södra Strandgatan was closed to tra c, and Jönköping County’s pu-
blic buses had to be diverted.
Large amounts of water ooded several shops, restaurants, and homes along Södra Strandgatan. Fire crews and suction trucks worked throughout the afternoon to pump out the water from ooded interiors.
A sinkhole about 10 metres deep formed at the site, raising serious safety concerns. “It is a
heavy pipe that is broken and that is where the leak occurred and this large sinkhole appeared,” said Mikael Döbel, duty o cer at the local rescue service, speaking to Göteborgs-Posten.
The municipality conrmed that parts of Södra Strandgatan were now structurally compromised. Rohdin stated, “You can’t go there, there’s a risk of falling through.”
Buried millions
PORTUGAL’S central bank says millions of euros have been lost as a result of people burying cash or hiding it in unsafe places, with thousands of ruined banknotes flooding in each year for exchange.
Since 2014, the Bank of Portugal has replaced more than 317,000 damaged notes worth €13.8 million, many destroyed after being hidden underground.
Many in Portugal still prefer to stash cash at home, with common hiding spots including mattresses, safes, and even gardens, leading to millions in damaged notes recovered by the Bank of Portugal.
“Most notes are ruined by humidity,” explained José Luís Ferreira, who heads the bank’s cash operations. “Insects, moisture and time take a toll.” While burying money is common, other bizarre hiding spots include fireplaces, microwaves and even septic tanks. The surge is partly driven by a pandemic-era ha-
bit of hoarding cash, with 2024 seeing the highest figure in a decade: over 40,000 notes worth €1.7 million. Wildfires have also played a role. In 2018, after Portugal’s devastating 2017 fires, more than 32,000 notes were exchanged. One sawmill owner reportedly lost €40,000 when flames destroyed a safe. To qualify for a refund, over half of the note must be intact and verifiable. Ferreira warns that sophisticated forgeries sometimes sneak through, but advanced technology helps detect fakes. The Bank of Portugal continues to caution against storing cash at home, urging people to rethink old habits. “People still believe it’s safer underground,” Ferreira said, “but the risk is real.”
Overview of Jönköping.
Your VOICE
Many buyers are still drawn to the brand, despite the issues.
If you had the money, would you buy a Tesla?
TESLA is currently facing some serious challenges. Elon Musk, the man behind the brand, has been under fire recently for his lack of focus on Tesla due to his other projects and political engagements, and investors are getting frustrated.
Musk’s controversial opinions, including his support of far-right movements in Europe, have also made it harder for customers to separate the product from the man, which can be seen in the recent drop in Tesla’s stock price and in the rise of sales of bumper stickers that say, ‘I bought this before Elon went crazy’.
Despite all these issues, Tesla still has a lot of appeal. Many buyers are still drawn to the brand for its innovative cars, safety features, and the environmentally friendly appeal of driving an EV. So, with all this uncertainty around the company and its CEO, would you still consider buying a Tesla?
John Trueman voices a strong opinion, “Bankrupt him!”
Emma Monks raises concerns, noting that, apart from “the brand toxicity,” there are significant safety issues: “Tesla models are topping research studies globally (including the US) for being the faultiest cars on the market... There are any number of good, and cheaper, EVs to choose from without having to resort to a Swastikar.”
Angela Edgley, meanwhile, questions the environmental impact, saying, “No. Can’t see how using an electric car can ‘save the planet’. Plus, although difficult living in Spain, we are doing our best to boycott anything ‘US’.”
Bor Dinjo asserts, “It’s not a question of money; it’s a question of insanity - only mentally disabled would buy any EV no matter what.” Colin Wheeler adds, “I wouldn’t have an electric car as a gift!”
On the other side of the debate, Marc Ireland is a strong advocate, stating, “Yup, always. Fantastic car. Best EV around. Will buy another soon.”
David Cooke has a more political angle, writing, “Yes... Just to piss off the lefties!”
Meanwhile, Brian Clarke has his own reasons for not purchasing a Tesla: “Even if Elon wasn’t such an obnoxious character, I still wouldn’t buy one. I simply don’t like the ride...”
In conclusion, while some are still in favour of buying a Tesla, the overwhelming majority say they would not. For some the issue lies with Musk, while for others, the reluctance stems from disinterest in EVs. It seems that, despite Tesla’s innovative technology, many remain unconvinced about the brand and the shift to EVs.
Credit: Shutterstock / Tricky_Shark
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
Ikea opening
AFTER an 18-month delay, Ikea announced that its centre in London’s Oxford Street opens on May 1. The furniture and household goods retailer will occupy three floors of the former Topshop flagship store featuring showrooms and one-to-one design consultations as well as a Swedish deli with seating for 130.
In safe hands
CRITERIACAIXA named former vice-president and Economy minister Elena Salgado as its representative on the board of French company, Veolia. The Caixa Foundation’s holding company recently paid approximately €1 bn for a 5.5 per cent stake in the group which also owns Spanish water utility, Grupo Agbar.
Takeover perk
NATIONWIDE paid a surprise £50 (€59.62) bonus to 12 million members who had a savings account, current account or mortgage at end September 2024. Debbie Crosbie, the building society’s chief executive, said the payment was recognition of the successful £2.9bn (€3.4 bn) Virgin Money takeover.
Simple sums
COCA COLA’S Spanish executive vice-president Manuel Arroyo received $13.08 million (€12m) in 2024, making him second-highest paid after James Quincey, chief executive and chairman who received $28m (€25.7m). Arroyo also owns 848,310 Coca Cola shares including 650,554 stock options.
Widening scope
ASTRAZENECA is paying £773 million (€921.698 million) for EsoBiotec, a privately-held Belgian company specialising in cancer immunotherapies. This was the latest in a series of acquisitions byAstraZeneca, valued at £184 billion (€219.4 billion) and the UK’s largest listed company, which continues to expand globally.
STAT OF WEEK
€100 billion
in assets for Berlin-based online bank Trade Republic, which operates throughout Europe, received Bank of Spain authorisation to open a branch with an international bank account number (IBAN).
Santander wields the axe
Linda Hall
SANTANDER UK is closing 95 of its 444 branches, the Spanish multinational announced on March 19.
The move will affect 750 employees although the bank announced in January that it had no plans for permanent closures during 2025.
Following closures beginning in June, Santander will have 290 full-service branches with another 18 becoming ‘counter-free’ and 36 reducing their opening hours.
There will also be five Work Cafe hubs with co-working space, super-rapid internet and facilities for events that the bank is launching globally.
“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision,” a Santander spokesperson said. “We spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”
Santander UK, which posted a
THE National High Court in Madrid ruled in favour of Spanish companies claiming more than €100 million in tax breaks after investing in Hollywood productions.
38 per cent reduction in pre-tax profits of £1.33 billion (€1.6 billion) for 2024, scotched rumours in January that the bank was planning to leave Britain.
“We love the UK,” chairwoman Ana Botin declared at the time. “It’s a co-market and will remain a co-market for Santander. Full stop.”
But in a Bloomberg TV interview on March 18, Botin said the bank
was in a position to be able to “shift resources away” from lower-performing units and did not need to sell them.
Santander would prioritise the US and Latin America, she continued. “We continue to have a big business in Europe, we see a lot of potential over the next few years in Europe. But our focus will continue to be more on the Americas.”
Hollywood defeats Hacienda
Ten years ago, attracted by tax incentives, Banco Santander, Bankinter, Mediaset, MasMovil, Air Europa, and Tous Jewellers amongst others put money into Economic Interest Groups (IEAs) led by big American companies and Spanish producers. Films financed this way
included Fast and Furious VI, where Spanish bac-
On the up City float
JAMES DAUNT, managing director of Waterstones, recently raised hopes of a City listing for the UK bookshop chain.
Talking to the media, Daunt, who is the founder of Daunt books and chief executive of the US bookseller Barnes & Noble, said he believed London would be a good location for a Waterstones float. Private equity firm Elliott acquired Waterstones for an undisclosed sum in 2018 but, as Daunt pointed out, “at some point in the near future, it will look to cash in its chips.”
SPAIN’S two biggest retailers, Inditex and Mercadona, have continued to swell their earnings from investments.
By the end of 2024, when both posted record sales and profits, they had made the most of their enviable liquidity by taking advantage of high interest rates.
The Zara-owner’s cash flow was its lowest since 2011 as it stepped up investments that earned the company €442 million in 2024, an increase of 16.3 per cent on 2023. Mercadona’s investment income grew by 90 per cent to €180.5 million.
Compared with 2021 when interest rates were still negative, Inditex’s earnings from its investments were 111 times higher, while those of Mercadona had multiplied by 164.
A £225 MILLION (€268.3 million) grant could convert Grangemouth into a plant processing pine timber into biofuel, chemicals or cosmetics. Scotland’s only remaining oil refinery will be shut down this summer by owners who include Sir Jim Ratcliffe, bringing with it the loss of 500 direct jobs and 2,500 jobs in related industries.
The UK government pledged earlier that it would allocate £200 million (€238.4 million) to finding a new, low-carbon use for the plant, with the Scottish government providing another £25 million (€29.8 million).
kers reclaimed more than €63 million, and Ridley Scott’s Exodus, filmed in Tabernas (Almeria) which has asked for at least €34 million.
By 2017, Spain’s Tax Authority decided the IEAs involved were not exclusively aimed at film production and eventually barred investing companies from putting in for rebates.
Slow but sure
GALICIA-BASED fashion and accessories company Bimba y Lola, whose fiscal year concluded on February 28, posted a €234 million turnover for 2024
This returned the company to its pre-pandemic figures and was also the first time that the company outstripped its 2019 sales.
A company statement referred to a ‘positive business evolution’ both nationally and internationally but although 2024 set a record, Bimba y Lola has reported comparatively modest growth over the past three years, analysts said.
Sales grew by 2.5 per cent in 2022, dipping to 2.25 per cent in 2024, picking up to 3 per cent last year.
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES GROUP (IAG) is seeking €1 billion in financing for 26 new aeroplanes in 2025.
This will also help to meet some of the cost of 19 aircraft that the Madrid-registered group, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling, acquired last year. The new fleet includes 10 Airbus A321 XLR aircraft plus two wide-fuselage planes, all of which will cover long-haul flights.
In all, IAG will spend €11.4 billion on 171 new planes between now and 2029.
THAMES WATER avoided temporary nationalisation and may use a £3 billion (€3.6 billion) loan to keep afloat in coming months.
The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of Thames Water, dismissing a challenge by Lib Dem MP, Charlie Maynard and a group of Thames Water creditors. The company has debts of £19 billion (€22.6 billion) and said that without the loan it would run out of cash by March 24.
RIDLEY SCOTT: Spanish companies invested in 2014 film, Exodus.
Photo credit: CC/Gage Skidmore
SANTANDER UK: Plans to close 95 of bank’s 444 branches.
3I Group 3.750,00 3.759,00 3.675,00 645,09K
Group 2.946,0 2.952,0 2.915,0 164,75K Airtel Africa 160,80 161,30 159,30 852,75K
EXECUTIVES working for Inditex all benefited from the fashion chain’s good results, starting with chief executive Oscar Garcia Maceiras who received €11.2 million last year. The group’s second echelon executives also did well, earning an average annual wage of €5 million in 2024.
Big guns
DEFENCE group Babcock International joined the FTSE 100 index on March 24 following a 50 per cent increase in its share price this year. The company, which maintains Britain’s nuclear submarines, is now valued at £3.8 billion (€4.5 billion).
Merger in the offing
ACCORDING to the UK media, plans for a merger between ITV and the All3Media production company are making progress.
The transaction revealed by the Daily Mail is said to be ‘far from certain’, but if it were to go ahead, both parties would create a new company and float it on the London Stock Exchange.
Nevertheless, the first hints of a possible ITV-All3Media deal were heard in January when Reuters quoted two people ‘with
Call to arms
SIX companies will be vying for Spain’s defence and arms contracts as the government ups its spending on defence.
Airbus, Indra, Navantia, Santa Barbara, ITP Areo and Italy’s SAPA Group already account for 80 per cent of spending, ending 2023 with consolidated revenues of €13.9 billion between them.
According to the company’s calculations, this should increase annually to €4
billion as Spain commits to increasing its Nato contributions to 2 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (PIB) by 2029.
These six are the only companies capable of absorbing Spain’s defence spending, which will increase from the present €17.5 billion per year – 1.32 per cent of the PIB – to more than €36.5 billion.
knowledge of the situation.’
The merger would create one of Europe’s largest production groups, with revenues of approximately £3.176 billion (€3.8 billion) based on the companies’ 2023 figures.
Two years ago, ITV had considered buying All3Media for £1 billion (€1.9 billion) but was outbid by Emirati-backed RedBird IMI’s £1.15 billion (€1.4 billion) offer.
Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, has since been talking to the owners of London-based All3Media. Headed by former CNN president Jeff Zucker, it is behind popular series including The Traitors, Call the Midwife and Gogglebox.
Meanwhile, recent contacts have progressed ‘to a very detailed level’ the Daily Mail’s sources said.
ITV shares rose 1.1 per cent to 77.83 (€9.26) on March 17, giving the company a £2.92 billion (€3.5 billion) market capitalisation.
Changed habits
CEREAL PARTNERS UK & IRELAND, which makes Shreddies, Cookie Crisp and Nesquik, is preparing to close its Merseyside factory, involving the loss of 300 jobs, and move production to Staverton (Wiltshire). The company, which will no longer produce own-label cereals for supermarkets, blamed stiff competition and the changing eating habits of the British who now prefer protein-heavy breakfasts.
A SURVEY by the Foundation of Studies for Applied Economics (Fedea) revealed that 70 per cent of the jobs that were created in Andalucia, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid since the pandemic went to over-50s. Nationwide, Fedea also found that foreign residents or those with double nationality occupied 75 per cent of the new jobs.
CAROLYN McCALL: Reportedly discussing an ITV-All3Media deal.
Deserved a mention
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
I SUPPOSE, as a singer and scribbler, I shouldn’t get the hump when I feel I’ve received the dodgy end of the stick from those who follow in the same professions.
Over many years in ‘Show biz’, I have both seen and experienced, someone pinching an idea, or claiming to be the originator of some money-making scheme, or melody that was not truly hatched from their own creative prerogative. Andrew Lloyd Webber was the first I actually came across. Although highly talented, he was once accused of nicking large bits of his hits from classical music of the past. When I sang one of my personal compositions to a member of Wayne Fontana’s group ‘The Mindbenders’, I later discovered that a part of one of their biggest hits ‘Groovy Kind of Love ‘matched my ‘Wonderland of Love’ almost exactly! It’s all a part of the game and does in fact go on all the time. Last week however I did receive a true pang of
discontent, when I watched the TV documentary about the wonderful history of ‘Porridge’, which became one of the biggest successes in TV series history. Shortly after my release from prison, I was visited by an old friend Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart. Ed was a very successful DJ and TV artist and was also the goalie in the Showbiz Eleven, the charity team I was a member of during many a hair-raising outing on weekends. I was of course delighted to see both him and the friend who accompanied him.
Although I had never met his companion Ian, I found him pleasant enough and as one does, was soon supping the brandy and regaling them both with often extremely humourist stories of my term behind the high walls of incarceration.
One had occurred when I successfully managed to get the guvnor of a semi open, which actually sported a football pitch, to allow me to invite the Showbiz Eleven team to play the POs and inmates one Sunday afternoon! After Ed’s visit, his companion amicably enquired, that as he would be nearby the following week, could he perhaps drop in again?
To cut a long one short, he subsequently dropped in some three or four following weekends. Not being present on a couple, I essentially suspected he had designs on my lovely wife Mary. He then dropped off of our radar altogether. The following year (1974) Porridge was launched on BBC TV! The very first edition depicted the Showbiz Eleven being invited to play against Ronnie Barker and his team of inmates in Slade prison.
Some of you may even remember this truly hysterical first viewing. I actually quite understandably couldn’t quite believe it. All became totally clear however when I inspected the credits. The series had originated from the pens of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais!
Ed’s friend Ian had picked the brains of yours truly, cleverly decided that no one had ever thought of featuring prison as the setting for a situation comedy and I suppose the rest is history. I just thought the ol’ boy should have deserved a mention somewhere; or perhaps even a shuffle on. Ah well.
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.
Amazon.ie has launched
AMAZON has officially launched Amazon.ie, its dedicated Irish online store.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a reduced Amazon Prime subscription fee for Irish customers. Previously, Irish users subscribed to Amazon.co.uk, paying €11 per month. With the launch of Amazon.ie, the new Prime membership is now available for €6.99 per month or €69.90 annually. This includes access to fast and free One-Day Delivery, Prime Video, Prime Gaming, and exclusive discounts.
Amazon.ie aims to support Irish businesses, with over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already selling more than 5.5 million products on the platform, according to The Irish Independent. The company is also launching a ‘Brands of Ireland’ page featuring popular local brands.
Micheál Martin, Ireland’s Taoiseach, welcomed the launch, stating in a press release: “This expansion by Amazon will give consumers more choice and better value, as well as help small, medium, and large businesses across the country promote their own Irish and international products.”
Amazon employs around 6,500 people in Ireland. The company has invested more than €22 billion in the country since 2004, with €17 billion of that occurring since 2020.
Amazon office in Dublin.
Bolt acquires Viggo
THE move, announced on Monday March 24, builds on Bolt’s existing e-bike rental operations in Copenhagen.
The acquisition gives Bolt immediate access to Viggo’s fully electric eet of over 300 vehicles and a user base of 450,000 people across Copenhagen and Aarhus, according to Ritzau. The deal also adds more than 500 professional drivers to Bolt’s platform.
Founded in 2019, Viggo is known as Scandinavia’s rst 100 per cent electric ride-hailing company. It has a reputation for high service quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.
“Joining Bolt allows us to scale our impact, bene ting both drivers and passengers with new technology, increased
redit:
Outrage in Dublin
A STUDENT in Dublin has launched a campaign to protect the famous Molly Malone statue, amid growing outrage over tourists groping the landmark’s breasts.
demand, and continued commitment to quality,” said Kenneth Herschel, CEO of Viggo.
Bolt CEO Markus Villig commented: “We have always had a high bar for M&A [mergers and acquisitions], but we share Viggo’s mission to improve cities and were impressed by their fully electric operations.”
The company also announced a new partnership with Taxi 4x27, which will bring over 600 additional vehicles onto the Bolt platform, as reported by Silicon Canals. According to Lars Speekenbrink, Bolt’s Regional General Manager for Northern Europe:
“Our platform is designed to help partners scale e ciently, increase vehicle utilisation, and maximise earnings.”
Tilly Cripwell, a 23-yearold student and busker at Trinity College, has called out what she describes as “disgusting behaviour” by visitors, especially stag parties. Years of tourists fondling the statue’s chest have discoloured the bronze, with the breasts now visibly shinier than the rest of the sculpture.
“It triggered me so much, I just had to put a stop to it,” said Cripwell, who argues that the statue is being reduced to a joke and sends a poor message to young people.
Dublin City Council has con rmed it is reviewing a plan to raise the statue on a higher plinth and restore the original patina. The council is also urging
tourist companies to stop encouraging the practice.
Locally known as ‘the tart with the cart’, Molly Malone has stood in Dublin since 1988, symbolising the city’s working-class history. However, the tradition of rubbing the statue’s breasts for good luck - quietly endorsed by some tour guides - has drawn sharp criticism.
“Male statues are placed high up and treated with respect,” Cripwell noted. “But Molly is within reach, and people take liberties.” Some tour operators have apologised after being accused of fuelling the myth, but the controversial behaviour continues. The council is expected to present its full report on potential changes next month.
Viggo taxi.
The Molly Malone statue in Dublin, a popular tourist attraction now at the centre of a debate over visitor behaviour and preservation.
Ryanair gender case
A NON-BINARY traveller is suing Ryanair for £4,200 after the airline failed to offer a gender-neutral title during a flight booking. The passenger, who was booking a trip from Berlin to Gran Canaria in October 2021, claims the absence of an ‘Mx’ option left them without a title that reflects their identity. With only ‘Herr’, ‘Frau’, or ‘Fräulein’ available, the traveller filed a legal complaint in Germany after Ryanair refused to settle the matter privately.
Greek bears awake
SPRING has officially arrived in northern Greece as the brown bears at Arcturos Bear Sanctuary emerge from hibernation. Located in the snowy forests of Nymfeo, the sanctuary is once again open to visitors eager to watch the bears shake off the winter chill.
Among the first to venture out, Patrick and Louiza were seen rolling in the snow, while Duke happily splashed in his pool after months of dormancy. George took to the trees to scout his surroundings, while Sandy, ever the late riser, lingered in her den. Mira, meanwhile, appeared groggy, still adjusting to the new season.
The case is now heading to Berlin’s state court, where the claimant is also demanding Ryanair modernise its booking system to include gender-neutral options. In recent years, several major airlines have taken steps towards greater inclusivity. Following recommendations from the International Air
Transport Association in 2019, United Airlines became the first US airline to introduce non-binary booking options. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, and Air New Zealand have since followed suit, allowing customers to select titles like ‘Mx’ and gender markers such as ‘X’ or ‘U’. The shift has extended beyond booking forms. Airlines including Lufthansa now avoid gender-specific greetings like ‘ladies and gentlemen’, opting for inclusive alternatives such as ‘dear guests’ to ensure all passengers feel welcome.
Ryanair, however, has yet to implement similar changes, despite offering a wide array of titles ranging from ‘Mr’ to ‘Viscount’. The outcome of the legal challenge could push the budget carrier to align with industry trends.
The sanctuary, operated by Arcturos since 1992, is more than just a haven for rescued bears. It provides permanent refuge for animals that cannot be reintroduced into the wild, often due
to injury or past captivity. Beyond caring for its furry residents, Arcturos also focuses on conservation, habitat protection, and educating the public about Greece’s endangered wildlife, including wolves and lynxes.
as -10°C, with past records hitting -29°C. Around 450 wild brown bears roam Greece’s Pindos and Rhodope mountain ranges, but sightings in places like Olympus and Nafpaktia suggest their habitat is expanding.
Located in Florina, one of Greece’s coldest areas, the sanctuary often endures temperatures as low
For now, visitors to Nymfeo can witness the joy of these majestic animals welcoming spring.
One of the brown bears at Arcturos Sanctuary enjoying the first rays of spring after waking from hibernation.
Ryanair faces a lawsuit after a non-binary traveller claims the airline failed to offer a gender-neutral title during booking.
Costa del Sol Luxury marina in 2 years
MALAGA is on the verge of achieving its dream of a luxurious marina akin to Puerto Banus, as the Port Authority has given final approval to the San Andrés marina project.
The administrative step clears a major legal hurdle in the process for building the luxury nautical complex, giving a clearer date for completion and backed by the same investors behind the planned 147-metre skyscraper on the Levante dock.
The San Andrés marina is expected to take two years to complete, and it is hoped to be up and running by late 2027. It will feature over 500 berths, including spaces for superyachts up to 50 metres, and is set to transform Malaga’s urban landscape.
Led by a consortium including Qatar’s royal family-linked Al Alfia, Igy Marinas, and Ocean Capital Partners, the marina promises to be the height of luxury.
Axarquia
A young talent’s triumph
MATÍAS CAMPOS, from Alcaucin, won the inaugural final of the Desplante Juvenil competition held at The Mining Museum of La Unión, in Murcia Province. The event was part of the International Meeting of Flamenco and Spanish Dance Schools, celebrating young talent in the art form.
“Matías Campos keeps winning awards,” stated Alcaucin Town Hall on its social media. Campos is a 15-year-old young flamenco dancer, who won in 2023 Tierra de Talentos reality show. His performance is so good that, during one of his shows, the famous dancer Antonio Canales stood up and said, “He makes Andalucia stay alive.”
The final in La Union saw competitors give their all, demonstrating promising talent. The other finalists, beside Matías Campos, were Paula Cabrera (Murcia), Rubén Guerrero (Malaga), and Claudia Sánchez (Madrid).
Ultimately, Matías Campos claimed victory, captivating the audience and the jury with his strength, expressiveness, and authenticity.
Mallorca
Business optimism
ACCORDING to a study conducted by KPMG and the CEOE, seven out of 10 Spanish business owners anticipate an increase in their turnover in 2025. This optimism is more pronounced in the Balearic Islands, where eight out of 10 businesses expect to see an increase in sales this year. Furthermore, 42 per cent of executives plan to expand their workforce, surpassing the figures from 2024.
The sectors most likely to benefit include insurance, tourism, banking, and real estate, with 80 per cent of respondents rating the current situation as good or excellent. However, in the automotive sector, the percentage of optimistic business owners drops to just 20 per cent.
The Balearic Islands, Andalucia, and Aragon are the regions where the most business owners and executives expect to increase their turnover, while Galicia, Madrid, the Balearic Islands, and Aragon show the best job creation forecasts.
Costa Blanca South Broadening horizons
THE Costa Blanca is making waves as a must-visit destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
Recently, a group of Chinese journalists and influencers, with millions of social media followers, explored Elche’s rich cultural heritage.
Alicante, too, is stepping into the spotlight with a series of visits from international tour operators and journalists throughout March and April.
Italy’s Evolution Travel will also send agents to explore Alicante as a family-friendly destination. Meanwhile, travel journalists from New York will discover the city’s best experiences and share them with American audiences, a market that continues to show growing interest in Alicante.
Ten MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) specialists from the UK will tour Alicante. Their goal is to organise world-class business events and incentive trips that put Alicante on the global business tourism map.
Almeria
Food lovers delight
GARRUCHA is preparing to welcome food lovers to one of its most eagerly awaited gastronomic events, the eighth Ruta de la Tapa, running from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, April 6. The town’s restaurants and bars will offer a spectacular selection of tapas, showcasing the finest local ingredients and the creativity of the region’s chefs.
The Ruta de la Tapa has become a hallmark of Garrucha’s culinary scene, drawing locals and visitors alike to experience its rich gastronomic heritage. Participants will be able to explore the town, sampling the best culinary creations and engaging in the lively atmosphere that makes Garrucha’s food culture so special.
Visitors can take part by visiting the participating restaurants and bars in Garrucha, each of which will serve a specially prepared tapa. For €3.50, guests can enjoy a tapa accompanied by a drink, choosing from beer, wine, or a soft drink.
Diners will also have the opportunity to rate their favourite tapas.
Costa Blanca North MABS fundraising feat
The MABS Cancer Support Foundation has been raising funds to support cancer patients and their families since 1999. In 2024 their network of five shops, 335 selfless volunteers and their local communities raised €380,000. The astounding amount of money helped 525 cancer patients, with just over half of the donations, 51 per cent, being spent on nursing, 22 per cent, translation services and 11 per cent being used to fund equipment for those who desperately need it.
Representatives from the charity said that money raised would continue to be “used for various programmes aimed at improving the day-to-day life of cancer patients and their families, from providing them with means of transport to taking them to treatments etc.”
MABS help patients of all nationalities living in the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida, and has charity shops in Alfaz del Pi, Javea, Oliva, San Javier and Totana all run by volunteers.
Ryanair rules
RYANAIR will introduce stricter travel rules this winter as part of a shake-up affecting all passengers from November 5, 2025. The airline has confirmed that paper tickets will be scrapped in favour of a fully digital boarding pass system aimed at streamlining check-ins and speeding up boarding.
Ryanair passengers will face stricter baggage and check-in rules from November 2025 as the airline updates its travel policies.
missing their original booking.
The most significant change involves hand luggage. The maximum size for free cabin bags will now be capped at 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Bags exceeding this limit will incur a steeper fine of €70, up from the previous €60. Travellers requiring additional bags will now have to purchase Priority Boarding, with fees varying depending on the route and booking time. Ryanair will also introduce a €100 penalty for passengers who arrive at the check-in desk less than 40 minutes before departure.
The same fine applies to travellers attempting to catch a later flight after
Although rebooking will still be possible up to one hour after departure, passengers will face additional charges.
The airline is encouraging travellers to check luggage dimensions carefully and arrive early to avoid these fines.
Experts also advise passengers to pack essential medication in their hand luggage and review airline policies on carrying medicines. These updates mark Ryanair’s latest move to tighten its baggage rules while maintaining its reputation for low-cost fares.
Mother’s Day: A tale of two traditions
THERE’S a Mother’s Day celebration somewhere in the world nearly every month. In the UK, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, March 30. In most of Europe (including Spain) and North America it’s in May.
In Thailand and Costa Rica in August. In Argentina in October, and in Panama and Indonesia in December.
Although Mother’s Day is celebrated with equal affection in both Spain and the UK, their origins and timing differ. The British version, ‘Mothering Sunday’, dates back to the 16th century, when people returned to their ‘mother church’ during Lent. Over time, it became a day to honour mothers, fuelled by Victorian sentimentality.
Spain, however, follows a more sa-
cred tradition. Held on the first Sunday in May, it aligns with the country’s deep-rooted Catholicism, honouring the Virgin Mary as the ultimate mother. Until 1965, it was even marked on December 8 - Immaculate Conception Day.
So, while timing varies, the universal truth remains: mothers deserve celebration every day, not just once a year!
And finally, how can we begin to thank our Mothers for all their invaluable insights and advice? When I was a kid, and kicking up a foul-mouthed rumpus, she would say, “If you haven’t got anything nice to say, then why say anything at all?”
Imagine if I had listened to her then. Where would I be - novelist and columnist - now?
Nora Johnson’s 13 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl across the Lake’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.
INTERVIEW
Marianne Bahl (Denmark)
- Speaking European
“I WAS actually going to Marseille in France but then life happened and destiny wanted me to end up in Mojacar.
“And I haven’t regretted it for a moment.”
Marianne quickly fell in love with the region’s climate, cuisine, and culture. “The warm weather, Spanish food, and afternoon siestas are wonderful,” she says. But it’s the people that truly won her over: “I love the Spa niards’ laid-back attitude to life.”
Still, that same relaxed approach can sometimes test her patience. “The saying ‘If we don’t get it done today, we’ll do it tomorrow - or maybe the day after’ is charming… until it’s not!” she laughs.
Her advice for anyone thinking of making the move? “Patiencetons of it. Spanish bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and ‘frustrating’ doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
She also emphasises the importance of staying active. “Too much time and too little to do can pull you down fast. Keep yourself busy - it makes all the difference.”
Loving life in Mojácar.
A twist of fate brought Danish-born Marianne Bahl to Spain. Originally bound for Marseille, it was a detour that led her to the sun-soaked streets of Mojácar - and she hasn’t looked back since.
Credit: Marianne Bahl.
Credit : Shutterstock, kaskip
PETS
Safe climbing
Credit Shutterstock Olia Sequeira
CATS love jumping on worktops because they enjoy high places, warmth, and food smells. While this behaviour is natural, it can be unhygienic and frustrating. Training your cat to stay off the worktops requires patience, consistency, and redirection.
Cats seek elevated spots for safety, curiosity, and better views. They may also associate counters with food, making them an irresistible place to explore. How to prevent counter jumping
Provide alternatives - Set up a cat tree or shelves near the countertop so your cat has a high place to
perch.
Remove temptationsKeep food, crumbs, and water off the counter to discourage interest.
Use deterrents - Double-sided tape, aluminium foil, or motion-activated air sprays can make countertops unappealing.
Reward good behaviour - Praise and treat your cat when they use their designated climbing spots.
Never punish your cat, as this can cause fear. Instead, redirect them consistently to an appropriate area. Over time, your cat will learn that worktops are off-limits and choose their own space instead.
TIP ‘Windows to Wellness’
DOGS need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and help keep cognitive dysfunction syndrome at bay. Interaction with other dogs and play time are a couple of ways to keep dogs mentally fit.
Lupa needs dog-sitters to care for her at home
LUPA is a mature West Highland Terrier. She needs daily medication and so travelling with her owners is getting harder. So she needs dog-sitters to come to her home to care for her when her owners travel away on holiday or for work. It helps the homeowners that the dog-sitters will also care for the home and don’t charge for the house and dog-sitting.
HouseSitMatch saves you money
We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!
HouseSitMatch is safe - All members are checked
All members are checked for safety, and you choose which house-sitters come to care for your pets in your absence.
Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed
All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.
If you’re planning travel this year, join now. Get organised today:
1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch.com
2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year
3. Create a profile with photos 4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match!
How does it work?
Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.
Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5
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Unbelievably good service! HouseSitMatch take the worry away from leaving your dog. Lamia and her team helped me through the whole process of finding the right sitter for my slightly nervous dog.
HouseSitMatch’s professional approach and secure platform allowed me to have confidence in the people who applied to look after my dog. All sitters are checked and referenced before they can approach available ‘sits’, so I found it easy to select the person based on their likelihood of getting on with my pet and our home location.
How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com
Teresa, Pet owner
Need a pet or house-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!
Allergy advice
IF your pet is constantly scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin irritation, allergies may be the culprit. Just like humans,
the vet can help determine the cause through allergy testing or elimination diets. Adjust their diet : Food aller-
washing pet bedding can help reduce environmental allergens like pollen and dust. Provide relief : Medicated
tamines or allergy medications can soothe symptoms. If fleas are the issue, use proper flea
nary guidance, your pet can live
As a mature dog Lupa prefers staying at home, and needs dog-sitters.
Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies.
Cats seek elevated positions for safety.
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WE BUY Persian carpets, fur jackets and coats, pewter and silver of all kinds 90/100/800, silver-plated cutlery, jewellery and watches of all kinds, amber, coral, coins, medals, porcelain. Inheritances and household liquidations, military until 1945, photos, medals etc. Fair pricecash Tel. 688 335 497 (312158)
CASH PAID for boot fair items. Call Jane 611 299 681 (312314)
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 lifedamaging 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
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) MURCIA/MAR MENOR Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)
INSURANCE
ABBEYGATE Insurance Call 971
277 455 For your security www. abbeygateinsure.com (302721)
MASSAGE
ELEGANTE, slim Sophie. Experienced in a large variety of full body massages. Villamartin apartment or can travel to all areas. 693 357 526 (301711)
MOTORING
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. 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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Skoda Kamiq Design Edition launched
By Mark Slack ROAD TEST
ŠKODA is building on the success of its Kamiq range by adding a new trim level to the already comprehensive line-up. The new Design Edition is a trim level that has proved a popular choice in the updated Fabia range, is positioned between the existing SE Edition and SE L Edition models and takes the total number of trim options for Kamiq up to four. Created to appeal to design-conscious customers, the specification of the new Design Edition is aimed at delivering a striking look while maximising value for money.
Building on the specification of the Kamiq SE Edition, the new Design Edition is equipped with 17-inch Propus aero alloy wheels, black roof and door mirrors and privacy glass as standard. Inside, there are sports seats, cloth and microsuede uphols-
tery, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and red trim on the dashboard. Ambient lighting, black headlining and aluminium pedals complete the interior specification.
The new edition is available with two engines and three drivetrain options. The 1.0 TSI 95PS and 1.0 TSI 116PS engines feature a manual gearbox as standard with the higher output unit also available with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The CO2 outputs range from 122g/ km for the 1.0 TSI 116PS manual to 126g/km for the 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG. In terms of efficiency, the 1.0 TSI 95PS model returns 5.44L/100km (51.9mpg) in combined driving while the 1.0 TSI 116PS manual returns a very slightly more economical
(50.6mpg).
Despite a pretty comprehensive specification, prices for the new Kamiq Design Edition start from €30,858/£25,855 for the 1.0 TSI 95PS model, rising to €33,567/£28,185 OTR for the 1.0 TSI 116PS DSG model.
The popularity of SUVs filtered down to smaller models a long time ago, not all are overly large gas guzzlers as some may have you believe, and the higher driving posi-
a car. They also afford better visibility for the driver, and passengers, when on the road.
Skoda offer three all-electric SUVs and three combustion engine models, with both petrol and diesel plus all-wheel-drive options. Unlike some manufacturers they also still offer straight forward hatchbacks and estates, the latter of which are especially commodious, and plug-in hybrid options. It’s fair to say they pretty much have all bases covered!
Rain-free mirrors hack
IF you’re tired of dealing with rain obscuring your car’s side mirrors, a simple yet effective trick could be just what you need. The hack involves using toothpaste to create a hydrophobic surface on the mirrors, which helps prevent water droplets from sticking. To use this method, take a cloth and wipe any drops off your mirrors. Then, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth and rub it onto the mirror’s surface in cir-
cular motions. Make sure to cover the entire mirror and gently buff it out until the surface feels smooth and clean. Afterward, wipe away any excess toothpaste with a damp cloth, leaving a thin layer behind.
This works becau-
se the particles found in fluoride - a key component in toothpaste - create friction on the surface of the mirror, meaning the water can’t condense there. As a result, rainwater beads up and rolls off more easily, keeping your mirror clear during wet conditions. This affordable and easy-to-do trick can save you time and frustration, especially in heavy rain, ensuring that your visibility and safety are never compromised.
Camp Nou delay Ferrari disqualified
BARCELONA have confirmed that their return to the iconic Spotify Camp Nou will be postponed until next season at the earliest.
The club’s redevelopment project has faced multiple setbacks, with fans now told that the team will continue playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. Initial hopes had centred on a comeback by late 2024, then February 2025, and later Maywith whispers of an El Clasico marking the occasion.
However, Barcelona have now updated their Socios, saying that the wait will extend into the next season. The club has avoided a logistical headache after a series
Barcelona’s return to the renovated Camp Nou has been delayed until next season, forcing the club to stay longer at Estadi Olimpic.
of concerts scheduled at the Estadi Olimpic this summer were cancelled, allowing them to extend their lease at the temporary venue. Despite the stadium being a valuable short-term solution, attendance figures have fallen short compared to the sell-out crowds typically seen at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s financial struggles have compounded the frustration.
The club had been counting on the Camp Nou’s matchday revenue to help ease budget pressures. Instead, playing at the Estadi Olimpic has meant missing out on millions in potential income. Fans and officials alike now hope the 2025-26 season will finally signal the long-awaited return to their spiritual home.
1st woman IOC head
KIRSTY COVENTRY has just shattered the glass ceiling to become the rst woman to be named the head of the International Olympic Committee in its 130-year history.
The Zimbabwean swimming champ came out on top to replace Thomas Bach, taking the top job in world sport. “It’s a signal that we’re truly global and that we have evolved into an organisation that is truly open to diversity, and we’re going to continue,” she said on Thursday, March 20, in Athens.
Coventry clinched the position, leaving candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr in second place, followed by Sebastian Coe in third. She said that she would spend the next few months working with Thomas Bach to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to exchange some key ideas.
Seen as a controversial choice, Coventry has been outspoken with her views on transgender people in single-sex sports, arguing that sports should be categorised by the biological sex of an athlete and not what gender they identify as.
Reported by the Telegraph, she said she wanted to “ensure fairness in women’s sport and maintain the integrity
Kirsty Coventry speaking at IOC meeting, Thailand.
of women’s categories.” Coventry highlighted the dangers of allowing male-born athletes to compete in women’s categories.
The seven-time Olympic medallist was invited to the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission in 2012, and her election to the presidency heralds a new era for the committee, with expectations that she will bring a fresh perspective to pressing issues such as athlete rights.
FERRARI drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix that took place on March 23. This means that, unbelievably, Ferrari missed out on scoring any points towards that all-important Constructors Championship.
In the case of Lewis Hamilton, the reason for his disqualification has been cited as an issue with the rearmost-skid. A Technical Delegate’s report highlighted that when the skid wear of Hamilton’s car was checked following the end of the Chinese Grand
Prix, the rear-most skid was found to be below the minimum 9mm thickness required. In a Ferrari double-disappointment, Charles Leclerc also received a post-race disqualification when his car was found to be below the minimum weight required by the technical regulations.
More specifically, the report that followed a steward’s inquiry stated Leclerc’s SF-25 was 1kg below the minimum weight. In an added twist, the Alpine car driven by Pierre Gasly was also found to be under the required weight,
leading to disqualification for him too.
With Leclerc, and Hamilton originally finishing in P5 and P6, respectively, drivers from P7 to P10 all benefited. This meant Esteban Ocon, newcomer Kimi Antonelli, birthday boy Alex Albon, and the other newcomer, Ollie Bearman, all shifted up two positions and secured extra points for their teams.
Finally, as Pierre Gasly had originally finished in P11, both Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz also ended up taking home points by moving into the top 10.
