Electric Revolution
MALLORCA expects Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, to improve connectivity between Palma Airport and his luxurious Son Bunyola estate in Banyalbufar by introducing a state-ofthe-art electric aerotaxi service. This innovative service will offer quick, emission-free travel, with a planned launch in London before expanding to the island.
The fully electric aerotaxi has capacity for one pilot and up to four passengers. It uses six tiltrotors, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 320 km/h, while taking off and landing with considerably less noise than traditional helicopters.
Branson, owner of the Son Bunyola estate and the Son Bunyola Ho -
tel in Banyalbufar, has expressed his interest in reviving supersonic commercial flights, with Mallorca as the ideal destination. His vision includes blending luxury with sustainability, offering eco-friendly
and exclusive transportation options.
This project is the result of a collaboration between the Californian company Joby Aviation and Delta Air Lines, which holds a stake in Virgin Atlantic.
The partnership aims to bring electric aerotaxi technology to the European market, starting with Mallorca, offering residents and visitors an innovative and environmentally friendly transport alternative.
Business optimism in Baleares
Job creation and turnover growth forecasted
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 even 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.
This outlook reflects the strong health of the business sector in the Balearic Islands, as well as confidence in the region’s ability to adapt and grow.
Alcudia leads innovation
ALCUDIA is set to become the first town in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands to introduce electric vehicles to regulate the use of horse-drawn carriages. The project will require an initial investment of at least €10,000 per electric vehicle, and the vehicles are expected to start operating on Alcudia’s roads this season.
Councillor Azahara Machado explained that the model of electric vehicle to be used in Alcudia has already been approved by the Spanish government. “Palma and Muro are closely watching how the transition unfolds in Alcudia to follow suit themselves. The Valencian company that manufactures them will debut its model in Alcudia,” Machado stated.
The Spanish Ministry of Transport approved these vehicles in 2023. In Europe, Brussels led the way in replacing horse-drawn carriages with electric models last summer.
The tourism sector is likely to benefit.
Pexels, by Giuliano Maderner.
Jobaviation website.
Joby Virgin Atlantic.
PACMA action in Malaga to demand the replacement of horse-drawn carriages with electric vehicles.
Younger vehicle fleet Egg price surge
THE Balearic Islands maintain a younger vehicle fleet than the national average, with an average age of 14.2 years, according to a report by the consultancy firm Ideauto for the dealers’ association Faconauto. Although this figure represents a slight increase compared to the previous year, the Balearic Islands remain below the national average of 14.5 years.
According to the report, the average age of the vehicle fleet has increased in all autonomous communities in 2024, except in Madrid, where it remained at 11.5 years - the same figure recorded the previous year.
Furthermore, compared to other autonomous communities, the Balearic Islands have a lower average vehicle age than regions such as Casti-
lla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Galicia, and the Canary Islands, which have average ages exceeding 12 years.
This data is relevant in the context of growing concern over the ageing of Spain’s vehicle fleet. According to an analysis, the average age of the Spanish vehicle fleet stands at 14 years per vehicle, highlighting the need to renew vehicles to reduce emissions and improve road safety.
THE egg shortage in the United States, caused by bird flu outbreaks, has raised concerns in the Balearic Islands, particularly in Mallorca, due to the potential impact on local prices. Bartolomé Servera, president of the Balearic Association of Food and Beverage Distributors, warned that if Spanish egg exports to the US go ahead, prices could rise significantly, reaching as much as €1 per egg. This concern stems from high US demand and its willingness to pay elevated prices to mitigate the shortage. Moreover, since the beginning of the year, egg prices in Mallorca have already seen a significant increase of between 30 per cent and 50 per cent compared to the previous year. For example, a dozen medium-sized eggs have risen from between €2.07 and €2.10 to €2.60, while large eggs have reached €2.80. The Balearic Association of Food and Beverage Retailers and the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) have urged the
authorities to monitor these increases to prevent unjustified speculation and ensure that products remain accessible at reasonable prices.
These statements reflect the growing concern in the Balearic Islands about the possible impact on the local egg market due to increasing international demand and current market dynamics.
Mallorca Live Festival triumphs
Honoured by Iberian Festival Awards
The information on the average age of the vehicle fleet in the Balearic Islands is based on data provided by the Balearic Institute of Statistics (Ibestat), which reflects the evolution of the Islands’ vehicle fleet in recent years.
MALLORCA LIVE FESTIVAL, the most signi cant music and cultural event in the Balearic Islands, has been honoured with the Contribution to Sustainability award at the prestigious Iberian Festival Awards held in Almancil, Portugal. The festival was a nalist
in ve categories, including Best Major Festival and Best Live Performance by Aitana, but it was its commitment to sustainability that secured the win.
The recognition highlights the festival’s ongoing e orts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a greener event. In collaboration with its sustainability sponsor, Endesa, the festival introduced a hybrid battery system on Stage 3 - Endesa to cut energy consumption and planted the nal of 23 trees at Casa Esment to o set the festival’s 2023 carbon footprint.
Additionally, more than 22,000 transfers were organised from Palma and
Part Forana as part of a mobility plan to reduce tra c and emissions. More than 60 recycling points and cup collection stations were installed to encourage waste reduction in partnership with the Cleanwave Foundation. The upcoming eighth edition of Mallorca Live Festival will take place on June 12, 13, and 14 at the Mallorca Live venue in Calvia, featuring a stellar lineup including Massive Attack, Iggy Pop, Suede, Nathy Peluso, Bad Gyal, Judeline, Rigoberta Bandini, Antònia Font, and Dorian. Massive Attack, known for their environmental activism, will headline the festival’s second day.
Credits:
Pexels, picture by Rodolfo Clix
Concern is growing over the ageing of Spain’s vehicle fleet.
Aerial image of the main stage at last year’s festival.
Mallorca Live Festival website.
Pexels, Kelly.
Egg prices have seen a significant increase.
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/
Easter 2025 €1 sale at Shop 356
SHOP 356, located on Ave Joan Miro, San Agustin, Palma, recently kicked off an exciting €1 sale on Monday, March 24, offering a variety of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, bags, scarves, and addition to the sale, an important meeting took place recently with British Ambassador Alex Ellis, who met with local charities in the south of the island. On February 25, the meeting was held
During the gathering, they shared insights into the work their charity does and how they raise funds. The event also saw the participation of the Mallorcan Consul and Vice Consul, providing a valuable opportunity for
While a lunch at the Calanova Cancer Shop was initially planned, it was postponed, but is expected to take place on a
Following the €1 sale, spring clothing for men, women, and children will be available in the shop, offering a fresh selection of items for the
Additionally, just a few doors down from Shop 356, shoppers can find additional stores stocked with baby gear, furniture, books, CDs, vinyl records, and more.
Official presentation of the programme for this year.
THE Consell de Mallorca has announced an exciting cultural programme for Easter 2025, to take place from March 17 until April 13. This extensive programme will feature over 20 activities aimed at celebrating and promoting the island’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Antònia Roca, the councillor for Culture and Heritage, stressed that the programme o ers a wonderful opportunity for citizens to connect with the cultural and religious signi cance of Easter.
It also aims to foster both the preservation and understanding of local traditions. She further emphasised that all activities are free of charge and open to the public.
The events will be held at various loca-
tions across the island, including La Misericòrdia and several other municipalities. The programme’s primary goal is to bring the cultural and religious heritage of Mallorca closer to its residents and visitors, featuring a mix of traditional, artistic, and musical experiences.
In addition, Roca highlighted the diversity of the o erings, saying, “The island’s heritage and culture will be promoted by o ering a wide range of cultural experiences for all tastes and di erent disciplines - culture for everyone.”
For more information on the full schedule and speci c locations, visitors are encouraged to consult the o cial Consell de Mallorca website or visit local tourist o ces.
Raising funds for charity on the island.
Pexels by Anna Tarazevich.
Sale of 44.9% of Rafa Nadal Centre
ASPEMIR, the holding company that manages Rafael Nadal’s business investments, has announced the sale of 44.9 per cent of Centre Esportiu Manacor, better known as the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, to the investment group GPF. The academy is one of the most prestigious high-performance training centres associated with the Spanish tennis star.
The family-owned company, where Nadal’s mother, Ana María Parera, serves as the sole administrator, increased its net assets by 44 per cent, rising from €237 million in 2022 to €341.4 million in 2023. Additionally, in February 2024, Aspemir increased its stake in the private investment firm Mabel Capital Global to 50 per cent.
Aspemir also reported a capital reduction operation through the return of contributions from Centre Esportiu Manacor, which reduced its investment in the academy by €10.76 million.
ADEMA University School has recently inaugurated its new campus in Coll d’en Rabassa, which houses the University Research Centre for Medical Sciences of Mallorca. This centre aims to strengthen ADEMA’s commitment to innovation, development and research (R&D&I) in the field of Health Sciences.
With an infrastructure of approximately 4,000 square metres, the centre is designed for knowledge generation, advanced training and technological transfer.
Surprising lights in the sky
ON the night of Monday, March 24, an unusual phenomenon surprised observers in Mallorca and across other regions of Europe. The blue spiral, particularly visible near Arta, caused astonishment among those who witnessed it.
The phenomenon, described as a ‘whirlpool of lights floating in the sky’ for around 30 seconds, was captured by several onlookers, as reported by The Sun.
Meteorological experts have since explained the origin of the spiral. The event occurred after the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket separated,
launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The release of fuel gases created a swirling cloud that reflected sunlight, leading to the formation of the visible spiral.
Simon King, a meteorological expert, clarified on the BBC that the phe-
ADEMA opens new campus
Diego González, president of ADEMA, highlighted the importance of university research for advancing knowledge and creating innovative solutions in the field of health. The centre will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and facilitate the transfer of knowledge to society and industry.
Moreover, this new campus is part of a broader project by ADEMA to expand its educational offer in Mallorca. The institu-
tion plans to introduce high-demand and high-impact university degrees such as Medicine, Biomedicine and Medical Engineering, which will be added to the existing programmes in Dentistry, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Fine Arts.
Through these initiatives, ADEMA aims to establish itself as a key institution for education and research in Health Sciences in the Balearic Islands.
nomenon was caused by the frozen fuel expelled by the Falcon 9. When released into the atmosphere and frozen, the fuel forms a glowing cloud, which, when spinning, reflects sunlight and creates the spiral seen in the sky.
The Starlink system, which consists of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, communicates with each other using laser links, forming a network in space that connects with ground stations on Earth. This system, along with the release of frozen fuel, was behind the stunning display witnessed across Mallorca.
Whirlpool of lights.
Credit: Facebook, Marshall Jack Harper
Aerial view of the high-performance sports centre.
Credit: Rafa Nadal Sports Centre
Inauguration of the University Research Centre for Medical Sciences of Mallorca.
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.
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. 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.
A Yorkshire Terrier, similar to the two dogs tragically killed in the Alicante incident.
Ryanair faces a lawsuit after a non-binary traveller claims the airline failed to offer a gender-neutral title during booking.
MAMBO: The chic bistro
WE have the pleasure of interviewing Gabriel Conti, founder of Restaurante Mambo alongside his wife Elena Gil. Their vision was to create a chic bistro with a concept of refined tapas, bringing the atmosphere of major cities like New York, London, and Paris to Palma. “Our refined tapas selection brings the best gourmet options to Palma - the kind you won’t find just anywhere,” Gabriel explains.
Mambo is an ode to nature and a tribute to ancestors, where tradition and innovation merge. Gabriel’s serene yet vibrant style is reflected in every dish, transforming the dining experience into a sensory journey. In 2022, Gabriel launched the restaurant to create an experience that elevates the spirit through taste.
In 2024-2025, Mambo was included in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Gabriel shared his thoughts: “Being recommended in the most important culinary guide in the world is like touching the sky with both hands. It’s a reward for all the hard work.”
Born into a Basque-Italian family, Gabriel grew up surrounded by a passion for food and cooking. His love for flavours led him to train professionally in Florianópolis, where he disco-
vered that cooking could be a journey for the soul.
Pg. de Mallorca, 3, Ponent, 07011 Palma, Illes Balears · 682 013 909 · mambopalma.es
DA ME: A modern twist
DA ME is not just another restaurant or bar; it’s a place where four friends came together with big dreams and a shared passion for offering something truly unique. With a desire to create an environment that’s fresh, dynamic, and full of good vibes, DA ME in vites guests to experience not only exceptional food and drinks, but a whole new way of connecting with people, flavours, and moments.
creative force behind their communication and social media, brings you closer to their world through engaging content and workshops, aimed at creating real connections with the DA ME community.
Whether you’re here for a quick coffee, a relaxing aperitif, or a night out with friends, DA ME will make each moment memorable.
At the heart of DA ME is a strong sense of community, where every detail is crafted to make you feel right at home. Enrico, the expert bartender, will delight you with his mastery of Italian coffee and surprise you with an innovative
cocktail menu designed to elevate your experience. Fabio and Nicolas, always greeting guests with a smile, ensure that you feel like part of the family, guiding you through the DA ME experience with warmth and hospitality. Meanwhile, Alessia, the
Fresh, innovative, and always welcoming, DA ME is redefining hospitality with a modern twist, inviting everyone to discover what makes it so special.
Carrer de Pou, 31, Ponent, 07013 Palma, Illes Balears www.damepalma.com | info@damepalma.com |
Reopening of Esblank
ON Friday March 28, Esblank, the visual arts advisory centre, reopens its doors, marking an exciting new phase in its journey. Since its ope ning in September 2023, Esblank has made a significant impact with over 10 exhibition projects, providing guidance to more than 10 international, national, and local artists. The centre has also collaborated with foundations, independent art agents, and cultural businesses, contributing to the flourishing of the contemporary art scene.
Esblank’s reopening signals the start of its 2025-2026 exhibition programme, and this time, it takes a special moment to honour Mallorca, the island that inspired the project. The centre will present an individual exhibition by Mallorcan artist Guiem Auli. Titled El retorn de les oronelles (The Return of the Swallows), Auli’s exhibition evokes nostalgia, a connection to the land, and the simple joys of childhood. The artwork captures the magic of observing swallows returning to Mallorca, heralding the arrival of summer - the warmth of the sun, the sea, and the quiet moments.
tors to experience the emotions of these fleeting moments and reminisce about childhood memories. The reopening also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Esblank. True to its motto, from another point of view, Esblank continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art while celebrating its roots in Mallorca.
Through Auli’s work, Esblank invites visi-
C. de Manacor, 77, Llevant, 07005 Palma, Illes Balears www.esblank.com
Gabriel Conti Gabriel Conti, founder.
Guiem Auli’s works in his studio in Esporles.
Gabriel Conti.
Images of the restaurant’s interior and some of its dishes.
Facebook DAME.
Marianne Bahl (Denmark)
- Speaking European INTERVIEW
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
“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.”
Your VOICE
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.”
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.”
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.
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’.”
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’.
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.”
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.”
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.
Loving life in Mojácar.
looked back since.
Credit: Marianne Bahl.
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 public 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.”
A Fond Farewell to Linda Hall de González: A Journalist, A Trailblazer, A Friend
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.
Linda Hall de González, you have written your own story on your terms - a force incredible, a woman unmatched.
Overview of Jönköping.
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.
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
American 2.289,5 2.305,5 2.265,5 1,03M
1.843,50 1.885,50 1.816,50 398,7K
Group 4.364,0 4.375,0 4.312,0 236,67K
British Foods 1.918,5 1.925,0 1.900,5 549,68K
791,66K
295,35 301,85 294,20 14,23M
Redrow 422,08 428,00 420,40 1,08M
Beazley 865,50 866,00 854,50 551,54K Berkeley 3.644,0 3.654,0 3.616,0 107,77K BP 447,60 448,95 445,10 11,99M
1,12M
163,57 164,45 161,30 5,2M
2.976,0 2.980,0 2.942,0 256,94K
Entertainment 18.490,0 18.580,0 18.330,0 29,19K
642,50 647,50 636,50 71,25K
928,50 929,50 915,50 193,84K
Inditex pays
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.
• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •
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.
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.
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 Calida
Record numbers
HOTELS in the Region of Murcia had their best start to the year, welcoming more visitors and overnight stays than ever before. In January and February 2025, 184,658 travellers stayed in the region’s hotels, 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 100,792 visitors, setting a new record for that month. Hotel prices also rose slightly, with the average daily 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.
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.
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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
Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies.
Cats seek elevated positions for safety.
As a mature dog Lupa prefers staying at home, and needs dog-sitters.
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Camp Nou delay
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.
Ferrari disqualified
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
1st
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.
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
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.
Hamilton and Leclerc, Bahrain 2024.
Credit: Shutterstock: Jay Hirano
Kirsty Coventry speaking at IOC meeting, Thailand.
Credit: KC, Instagram
Credit : Shutterstock, Yuri Turkov