Bezos back again Unity in motion
JEFF BEZOS’ superyacht Koru has returned to Palma once again, strengthening Mallorca’s reputation as a premier hub in the international yachting world. Currently moored at Club de Mar, the presence of the 127-metre vessel highlights why the Balearic capital consistently attracts the global elite and some of the most impressive yachts afloat.
Koru has become a familiar visitor to Mallorca over the past two years. With world-class marina facilities, expert engineering services and a thriving refit sector, Palma is well equipped to host vessels of this scale throughout the season. Built by the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco, construction on Koru began in 2021, with delivery taking place in April 2023. The yacht’s three towering masts and sleek navy hull make it instantly recognisable along Palma’s waterfront. As one of the largest sailing yachts in existence,
it regularly draws the attention of nautical enthusiasts, residents and visitors.
The vessel’s name is inspired by the Maori symbol ‘koru’, representing the spiral of an unfurling fern. This emblem is closely associated with themes of growth, renewal and new beginnings, giving the yacht a meaningful cultural identity beyond its engineering achievements.
Financially, Koru stands out as one of the most notable private yacht projects of recent years. Its construction is widely reported to have cost around €433 million, with estimated annual maintenance exceeding €26 million.
Upon launch, it ranked as the second-largest sailing yacht in the world, positioned just behind Sailing Yacht A. Repeated visits from vessels of this calibre continue to elevate Mallorca’s standing as a
leading Mediterranean destination for luxury yachting, benefiting the island’s economy and reinforcing its international appeal - particularly among expats who choose to make Spain their home.
MORE than 1,000 people took part in Palma’s seventh annual March for Equality - Nordic Walking Ciutat de Palma, a free, non-competitive event promoting equality for women in sport and everyday life. Organised by the Municipal Sports Institute (IME) under the Palmadona programme, drawing locals and expats alike.
Olympic medallist Maria Vasco - the rst Spanish athlete to win an Olympic medal in the 20km walk - opened the event with a traditional ribbon cutting. Acting as ambassador, she emphasised the value of inclusive community sport. Palma’s second deputy mayor and councillor for Equality, Lourdes Roca, IME manager Miguel Ángel Bennàsar and Nordic walking organisations also attended. Participants could choose from three scenic routes suited to di erent tness levels: a 3.5km walk to Molinar beach, a 7km route to Sant Joan de Déu, or a 10.5km stretch nishing on Platja de Palma.
Refreshment stations o ered water and fruit from MercaPalma, while participants received a gym bag and reusable water bottle. EMT Palma provided free public transport, a perk appreciated by the community.
Mallorca • No. 2108 • 27 Nov - 3 Dec 2025 FREE FREE FREI GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS
A prime design.
Spain’s new digital invoice system: What Verifactu really means
A new era for invoicing
SPAIN has entered a new phase of digital record-keeping with the introduction of Verifactu, the national framework designed to bring invoice reporting in line with the strict requirements of Royal Decree 1007/2023. At the centre of this shift is the Spanish Tax Agency’s new free invoicing application, a tool that promises simple compliance and real-time submission of billing records. The official user manual explains how the system works and what it expects from businesses and self-employed workers.
How the system works
The Verifactu system is built on a direct connection between the user and the Tax Agency. Users must access the application through the Agency’s online headquarters and identify themselves with Cl@ve Móvil, an electronic certificate or an electronic DNI. Once inside, they enter the required invoice details into the form. When the data is complete, the system generates an electronic invoice including a QR code that the recipient can verify through the Agency’s website or mobile app. At the same time, the billing record is automatically sent to the authorities, ensuring immediate compliance with Verifactu’s reporting obligations.
Upcoming
changes and what they mean
The changes introduced by Verifactu are intended to tighten consistency in how sales are recorded. One of the most significant shifts described in the manual is that every invoice must include a full recipient. The application does not generate simplified invoices or tickets. This is a notable change for businesses accustomed to issuing quick sales slips for low-value transactions. The requirement aims to produce detailed and traceable records.
Another major change is the system’s closed structure. Invoices created within the application can only be managed within the same platform. Users cannot export the records to another billing programme or continue their numbering sequence in external software. This ensures integrity and prevents data gaps or inconsistencies but also limits flexibility.
Who must use Verifactu’s free application
The application is intended for self-em-
ployed workers, small professional activities and companies that produce a low annual volume of invoices or whose operations are simple. It is presented as an accessible and straightforward solution rather than a mandatory tool for all. The document highlights that users with more complex needs may find external Verifactu-compliant software more suitable and are encouraged to consult their accountant or software provider. Users who already operate their own compliant billing software do not need to use it.
Key facts every user should know
The manual sets out several important points. The application is web-based, requires no installation and supports Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox when updated. It also stores user data, client lists, products and invoice series to speed up invoice creation. The issuing process follows three steps: completing the form, signing, and confirming the submission. Recurring errors, such as attempting to issue an invoice without a recipient, are flagged in the guidance, and help channels including chat assistance and email support are available for users who need technical or administrative advice.
Foreign business owners fear 2026 shake-up
THE Christmas lights may sparkle all along the Mediterranean coastline, but behind the cheerful glow of shopfronts, beach bars and bustling winter markets, a very different conversation is happening - one filled not with celebration, but with anxiety. From Gibraltar to Valencia, the commerce sector is buzzing with a single, uneasy topic: VeriFactu , the invoicing reform that becomes compulsory in 2026.
And for the huge foreign-business community that keeps the costas alive, the mood is not cautious - it is frightened.
For months now, the talk in British pubs in Benalmadena, Dutch estate agencies in Denia, Scandinavian clinics in Marbella and German-run bakeries in Torrox has been the same: What will this new system mean for us?
After years of surviving blow after blow, many feel this may be the one change they simply cannot absorb.
Spain’s Anti-Fraud Law and its accompanying regulations - Law 11/2021, Royal Decree 1007/2023 , and the recent 2025 update - require companies to switch to certified, tamper-proof invoicing software by January 2026, and autonomos by July 2026. The government presents the reform as modernisation: invoices will be traceable, secure, properly numbered, and able to be transmitted to Hacienda if the business chooses. But for those who lived through the brutal Covid shutdowns, the cost of Brexit paperwork, skyrocketing energy bills, and the slow return of tourism, this new requirement feels like a heavy stone added to an already overloaded cart.
One British bar owner in Fuengirola summed it up during an interview this week:
“We survived Covid. We survived losing half our staff. We survived paying back loans. But we cannot survive one more disruption.”
And it is the fear of disruption - not technology itself - that echoes from town to town.
Foreign business owners are not anti-digital. Many were using card machines, online accounting, e-bookings and cloud software long before some of their Spanish neighbours. The issue is far more personal: Spanish bureaucracy is intimidating, unforgiving, and - for those who rely on gestorias
and translations
- deeply stressful. The new rules, with their talk of security codes, inalterable records and potential fines of up to €50,000 , have left many feeling exposed and unprepared.
A Dutch esta te agent in Denia told us:
“It’s not the sof tware that scares us. It’s the language, the deadlines, the fines, and the feeling that nobody is explaining anything clearly.”
A Scandinavian clinic owner in Marbella put it even more sharply:
“Spain keeps modernising on paper, but on the ground it feels like chaos. Small businesses are tired. We need breathing space, not more rules.”
Studies cited in national media show that 62 per cent of SMEs and autonomos feel unprepared, and only 35 per cent currently use proper billing software. When you consider that the Costas rely heavily on small independent shops, foreign-run service businesses, and seasonal cashflow, you understand why this reform is hitting harder here than almost anywhere else.
The coastal economy is built on a delicate balance: tourist spending, expat investment, and a patchwork of multilingual, multicultural entrepreneurs. These are people who create jobs, renovate properties, rent offices, hire staff, pay local taxes and keep entire neighbourhoods buzzing all year. If they feel overwhelmed, the consequences ripple far beyond their shop doors.
The debate that has erupted all along the seafronts is the same everywhere:
Is this progress - or punishment?
Supporters argue that VeriFactu will clean up invoicing, reduce fraud, and protect honest businesses. They see it as alignment with other European systems, and a safeguard against under-the-table activity that harms both
the economy and those who play by the rules.
Critics, however, say the timing is devastating. After the trauma of Covid - when many businesses emptied their savings, took on debts, or closed permanently - the coast has been running on resilience, not profit. Prices for electricity, ingredients, rent and insurance have all soared. Tourism returned, but not evenly. Profit margins have shrunk. Staff shortages continue. And now, says a German restaurant owner in Almuñecar, “They are asking us to update software, buy new tills, train staff, learn new systems… after we just rebuilt our lives.”
Spain’s main self-employed association, ATA , has already urged the government to delay enforcement until 2027, warning that the current pace is unrealistic and harmful to the smallest businesses. Many coastal gestorias are echoing that call, saying clients are confused, scared and overwhelmed.
And confusion is everywhere.
The Tax Agency’s early communications triggered what the Council of Administrative Gestores described as “unnecessary panic,” leaving many under the false impression that everyone must comply immediately, inclu -
ding those who only issue handwritten invoices or use very basic tools. Some software ads have added to the fear, insisting that “all businesses must switch now,” when in reality many are exempt until they move to digital invoicing.
This lack of clear, multilingual guidance hits the costas hardest.
A Spanish business owner can sit with a gestor, ask questions, and leave with clarity. A British, Swedish or Belgian owner relying on translations often leaves with more confusion.
So what does this editorial argue?
Simply this:
The principle behind VeriFactu may be valid - but the execution must be kinder, clearer and more realistic. After everything the coastal commerce sector has endured, the government must recognise that business owners - especially foreign ones - are stretched to their limits. They need time. They need clarity. They need multilingual support. They need reassurance, not fear.
Because for every restaurant in Mojacar, every bar in Duquesa, every real estate office in Javea, every shop in Torremolinos run by expat families… this coast is not just where they work. It is where they built their future.
Mallorca photofest announced
MALLORCA PhotoFest
2026 - the new international photography festival created by Art Palma Contemporani (APC) - was formally presented on Tuesday November 25, marking the return of a major visual-arts event to the island. The festival will run from April 25 to August 30 and is designed to continue the legacy of Palma Photo, which took place between 2001 and 2015.
The presentation was held at the La Bibi + Reus City gallery in Palma and attended by representatives from Mallorca’s cultural institutions. Among
them were the first deputy mayor and councillor for Culture, Javier Bonet; APC president, Fran Reus; fes-
tival director, Xavier Fiol; and curator, Montserrat Torras.
APC highlighted the festival’s aim to strengthen collaboration between the island’s galleries and cultural bodies, a shared approach that has become an increasingly important part of Palma’s cultural strategy, including its bid for European Capital of Culture 2031.
The 2026 edition will feature exhibitions dedicated to two internationally re-
Road safety upgrade starts
THE Palma City Council, through its Department of Infrastructure, Accessibility and Industrial Parks, has begun work to improve the asphalt along the Carrer Militar. The project comes in response to the evident deterioration of the existing road surface and aims to renew the pavement to enhance both safety and comfort for everyday users.
cognised photographers. Joan Fontcuberta, twice awarded Spain’s National Photography and National Essay Prizes and recipient of the Hasselblad Award, will present a project developed in collaboration with the Toni Catany Foundation and art theorist Iván de la Nuez.
Palma City Council is also supporting an exhibition by acclaimed photojournalist Donna Ferrato, curated by Mallorcan photographer Tomeu Coll.
The intervention covers a total surface area of nearly 6,000 square metres and represents an investment of €59,667. This budget will finance the milling of the worn asphalt, the application of new pavement layers, and all necessary adjustments to ensure the road meets current standards for durability and usability. According to the department, the improvements are expected to significantly extend the lifespan of this key route and reduce the need for frequent maintenance in the coming years.
During the execution of the works, temporary traffic changes will be implemented to facilitate the smooth progress of the project. From 8.00am to 5.00pm, the outbound lane from Ses Cadenes will remain closed, with vehicles redirected via Avenida América toward Las Maravillas. The inbound lane will stay open throughout the day, ensuring continued access for residents and businesses. After 5.00pm, normal traffic flow in both directions will be restored, minimising disruption for drivers.
Credit: Ajuntament de Palma
Coming April 2026.
Nativity scene opens
PALMA has officially welcomed the Christmas season with the inauguration of its much-loved Cort Nativity scene, now open in the City Hall lobby until January 5, 2026. A cherished island tradition, it offers residents and expatriates the chance to enjoy one of the city’s most emblematic festive displays.
The exhibition was unveiled on Friday November 21 with mayor Jaime Martínez Llabrés and councillor Lourdes Roca, joined by members of the Betlemistes de Mallorca Association, who create and assemble the display each year.
This year’s scene features a detailed depiction of the Nativity of Jesus set among vignettes of Mallorcan daily life, blending Biblical themes with recognisable elements of local culture.
Urban and rural landscapes sit side by side, including reproductions
of buildings in Plaça de Cort such as the City Hall façade and the Consell de Mallorca headquarters.
Visitors can also search for two playful hidden figures: the friar and the Drac de na Coca, both iconic in Palma’s folklore.
More than 200 handcrafted clay figures, painted by Mallorcan artist Margalida Bover
under the artistic direction of Catalina Rullan, bring the display to life.
New this year is a small stream with fish, adding movement to the layout.
The Nativity can be visited Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 20.30 and weekends from 10.00 to 20.00, alongside the Royal Mailbox where children can post letters to the Three Wise Men.
December deals and discounts
PALMA is gearing up for a lively December as the Palma Per Tú campaign brings a host of advantages for residents across the Balearic Islands. Running from December 9 to 23, the initiative unites the city council with key private-sector partners to boost activity in the capital during the quieter winter weeks. With discounts of up to 20 per cent on urban hotel stays, plus offers in dining, shopping, leisure, and more.
Created to counter the pre-Christmas slowdown, Palma Per Tú marks the first time hotels, retailers, hospitality venues, transport providers, and municipal services have joined forces under one coordinated programme. Balearic Islanders can enjoy a 20 per cent discount on participating hotels by booking directly and
using the code APALMA25, inspiring residents to explore Palma as weekend visitors or urban adventurers.
Beyond hotel savings, the initiative includes special gastronomic promotions at El Corte Inglés and increased visibility through its retail channels. Local trade associations Afedeco and Pimeco will distribute 2-for-1 attraction vouchers and coupons for a hot drink with an ensaimada at the new Sa Feixina Christmas market. Together, these incentives aim to enliven the city centre, support local businesses, and encourage the community - locals and expatriates alike - to rediscover Palma’s festive winter charm.
All offers, participating businesses, and the full calendar of promotion are available on palmapertu.com.
A cherished Christmas highlight.
Credit: Ajuntament de Palma
Don’t miss out.
Portugal’s English gap
PORTUGAL has ranked among the strongest English-speaking nations for the second year running, placing sixth out of 123 regions in the latest EF English Proficiency Index. The country now outperforms long-time leaders such as Sweden, Belgium and Denmark - a result that surprises many Portuguese.
However, experts warn that while Portugal excels in reading and understanding English, many lack confidence in speaking and writing. New AI-powered testing shows one of Europe’s largest skill gaps, with a difference of around 130 points between passive and active communication.
The rise in overall proficiency is largely driven by 18-20-year-olds, who have rebounded from pandemic-related education disruptions. This younger cohort has boosted the national average
and narrowed the gender gap, with men and women now performing almost equally. Yet adults over 21 are falling behind, particularly in spoken English, raising concerns for those seeking international careers where language skills are essential.
Regionally, northern cities are leading: Coimbra tops the rankings, followed by Braga, Aveiro and Guimarães, while Lisbon has dropped to ninth. Analysts credit the rise to northern universities and
FRANCE has launched a national preparedness guide to help residents stay safe and self-sufficient during major crises - from blackouts and cyberattacks to fires, pandemics and extreme weather. The handbook, titled Tous responsables (‘All Responsible’), was released on November 20 and advises that households should be able to cope independently for up to 72 hours if essential services fail. Authorities stress it is about building a culture of resilience, not causing alarm,
strong digital-economy growth outside the capital.
The study concludes that English is a vital survival skill in a technology- and AI-driven world. Portugal’s high ranking strengthens its appeal to international workers and digital careers, but bridging the gap between passive understanding and confident use remains crucial for residents and newcomers alike seeking professional and social opportunities.
Balkan art trafficking bust
ON November 19, 35 arrests were made in Bulgaria, in connection with a trafficking investigation that saw invaluable antiques looted across several Balkan countries. This operation was a coordinated effort, led by Bulgarian authorities and supported by a Europol operational taskforce.
While Spain was not involved, Spanish and Bulgarian authorities have successfully worked together previously in matters of cultural goods trafficking. A reported 13 arrests were made in 2018 across Bulgaria and Spain, and more than 30,000 artefacts recovered from a trafficking network.
It seems as though the theft of priceless artefacts across Europe is rising at an alarming rate. Only last month, four thieves broke into
Resilience in France
after events such as Covid-19, heatwaves, wildfires and global supply disruptions exposed society’s dependence on electricity, communications and logistics.
The guide recommends a home emergency kit with three days’ worth of water, non-perishable food, essential medi-
cation, cash, a torch with spare batteries and a portable radio. Households should also account for babies, elderly relatives, disabled people and pets. Its advice is structured around three actions: Prepare (before a crisis), Protect (follow alerts) and Engage (help others if possible). Much guidance focuses on when
the Louvre in broad daylight - ladder truck and all - absconding with priceless jewels. Spain has its own issues of trafficking. In 2022, 1,100 antiques were seized in a European-wide operation. Thousands more have been recovered in similar operations since. As a cultural epicentre, Spain could very well be a target for international looters. The Prado Museum in Madrid boasts an exquisite collection of 7,600 paintings from famed artists such as Francisco de Goya, El Greco and more, while the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is home to the works of celebrated Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Surely Spanish authorities are on high alert to ensure their cultural goods are not next.
staying indoors is safest and where to find verified alerts if networks fail.
Authorities say the guide is reassurance, not alarm. With rising climate risks, energy pressures and digital dependence, being able to manage alone for three days is practical preparedness.
Neighbours in Spain can follow similar measures through regional authorities and Civil Protection guidance, ensuring basic supplies and awareness of local alerts for safety.
Trafficking network dismantled.
Colourful cubes form the word ‘English’.
Credit : Tar Pichet, Shutterstock
La Rosa: Iconic tapas spot RESTAURANT REVIEW
THERE are ‘popular’ restaurants, and then there’s La Rosa – a Palma institution so reliably buzzy it feels alive the second you walk in. This is the place locals swear by, the spot expats whisper about, and the tapas bar visitors regret not booking sooner. The only real challenge? Getting a table. Online reservations vanish fast, and the walk-in queue outside is practically part of the décor.
Inside, La Rosa nails that effortless blend of style and tradition. Hanging garlic, dried peppers, and jamón set the tone. It feels like a classic tapas bar that has always existed - only sharper, sleeker, and with a modern edge.
From the bar, every dish impresses. Cold, briny oys-
ters, smoky sardines, and an exceptional gilda lead the charge. Standout starters include the Tudela lettuce hearts with tomato tartare and anchovy - simple, refined perfection. The caramelised artichoke flower with cured pancetta is tender and rich, while the lamb popcorn with mayokimchi is addictive.
Then come the signatures: broken eggs with oxtail stew, decadent garlic prawns with Iberian ham, and a silky beef rib croquette. The Iberian pork shoulder with truffled parmentier and pista-chios takes things to another level - refined yet unmistakably Spanish.
Carrer de la Rosa, 5, Centre, Palma / 971 778 929
Sa Pobla’s rice festival
SA POBLA will once again honour one of Mallorca’s most emblematic crops as the 10th Fira de l’Arròs Pobler returns on November 29-30. Free to attend, the fair has become a key autumn event, drawing residents, expatriates and visitors eager to explore the traditions of this agricultural town.
Rooted in Sa Pobla’s long history of rice cultivation, this year’s edition pays special tribute to the marjaleresthe women who worked the marshlands and played a vital role in the local rice economy. Their stories will be shared through a dedicated exhibition featuring photographs, press excerpts and historic tools. Across the main weekend, the town becomes a vibrant showcase of gastronomy, heritage
and community life, with traditional dishes such as arròs brut pobler, exhibitions linked to memory and identity, and performances from xeremiers, gegants, glosadors and folk groups.
Local restaurants will join the ‘Menja bé a sa Pobla’ campaign, offering menus and creative rice-based dishes.
On Saturday, activities begin with a guided walk through the Parc Natural de s’Albufera before the
fairground opens in Plaça Major with around 20 exhibitors offering regional produce and crafts. The celebrations continue on Sunday with family activities, parades, exhibitions, pony rides and the popular charity tasting of arròs brut pobler. Throughout the fortnight, Sa Pobla also hosts guided visits, talks, concerts, exhibitions and special menus celebrating its deep connection to rice culture.
Celebrate new wine
MARIA DEL CAMI becomes the heart of Mallorca’s wine scene on Saturday November 29 with the beloved Festa del Vi Novell - a full day celebrating local wine, historic cellars and Mallorcan tradition.
The festivities begin at 9.15am in Plaça de la Vila with the guided Ruta Vitícola, a tour of cellars spanning the 16th to 21st centuries. Registration is via viuelnostrepatrimoni@gmail.com , costing €5 for the route or €20 including a traditional burballes lunch.
Let’s raise a glass.
to 15.00 (€40, reservations at bode gasangel.com ).
From 10.00 to 13.00, local wineries open their doors for special visits, including 7103 Petit Celler, Angel Wineries, Jaume de Puntiró, Ramanyà, Sebastià Pastor, Microceller Son Crespí and Bodegues Macià Batle. Music and gastronomy follow. Bodegues 7103 hosts live music from NegreYourDJ from 12.00 to 14.00. At Bodegues Angel, chef Kike Martí serves a Paella del Vi Novell from 13.00
At 14.00, Plaça Nova welcomes the much-loved Burballes del Vi Novell, prepared by Ca’n Beia. Tickets are €15 and include a clay plate, burballes and dessert, with complimentary win.
The afternoon continues with a traditional Glosada at 16.00, before the Gran Festa del Vi Novell at 19.00, featuring wine stands, food stalls and live music late into the night.
The Festa del Vi Novell remains a cherished celebration - a day where wineries, families and visitors come together to welcome the new vintage.
SANTA
Best tapas in town.
Credit: Ajuntament
de Sa
Pobla
Free to attend.
FINANCE
BUSINESS EXTRA
M&S pricing
M&S shoppers are stunned by a £195 Tom Kerridge Beef Wellington, described as a Christmas “showstopper” serving six. Reddit users called the price “ridiculous” and “insane,” though some argued rising meat costs justify it. M&S says the 2kg dish is nearly sold out.
PEM entry?
THE UK is asking businesses whether it should join the Pan-Euro Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, which could make trading with Europe, the Middle East and Africa easier and cheaper. Firms have four weeks to share views.
Sánchez claims
SPAIN’S Prime Minister Sánchez told Parliament that 55 per cent of self-employed workers now pay 26 per cent less in Social Security contributions than in 2018, adding that sole-proprietor incomes have risen 31 per cent since then and self-employed affiliations by 5.4 per cent.
Life sciences
THE UK government has announced more than £74 million in combined public and industry backing for innovative life sciences projects, supporting advances from AI-driven medicines manufacturing to recycling nuclear material for cancer therapies, as part of efforts to strengthen the industry.
Fashion milestone
SPANISH fashion design revenue exceeded €1 billion for the first time, according to Acme’s annual industry report. Despite slower growth and a 2.9 per cent drop in production, digital sales rose 8.6 per cent and international turnover reached record levels.
STAT OF WEEK
Fastest-growing major economy
UK savings
IT outages
Spain’s economy.
The Bank of England.
3I Group 3.331,00 3.341,36 3.291,00 143,11K
Group 3.132,0 3.147,6 3.126,0 25,61K Airtel Africa 301,60 307,60 299,40 326,55K Anglo American 2.737,0 2.781,0 2.655,0 572,34K Antofagasta 2.633,00 2.649,00 2.596,88 79,83K Ashtead Group 4.758,0 4.774,0 4.724,0 41,01K Associated British Foods 2.111,0 2.125,0 2.109,8 23,17K
13.920,0 13.932,0 13.834,0 85,16K Auto Trader Group Plc 658,00 662,60 656,00 131,58K Aviva 637,00 640,60 636,80 406,41K
B&M European Value Retail SA 165,53 168,35 165,53 422,46K BAE Systems 1.695,00 1.709,00 1.689,00 425,31K
400,40 401,65 397,70 2,52M Barratt Redrow 384,00 388,50 382,00 693,68K
Beazley 855,50 866,00 855,50 33,47K
Berkeley 3.792,0 3.830,0 3.752,0 16,91K
BP 453,25 455,02 450,05 1,57M
British American Tobacco 4.234,0 4.280,0 4.227,8 322,63K BT Group 176,26 177,35 175,65 514,11K
HBC
2.130,0 2.140,0 2.125,0 18,36K
162,30 163,95 161,65 1,83M
3.690,0 3.705,0 3.664,2 62,83K
2.457,00 2.469,00 2.446,00 63,69K
Group 237,00
BUSINESS
EXTRA
Milkshake deal
SPANISH food group
Idilia has acquired UK milkshake brand Shaken Udder from founders Jodie and Andy Howie and investor LDC for an undisclosed sum. Former managing director Rob Reames has been appointed as CEO and all staff retained.
Wine fraud
PORTUGAL’S ASAE has dismantled an illicit Douro wine bottling operation near the Spanish border, seizing 1,326 bottles and 12,000 fake DOC labels. Authorities warn the fraud threatened cross-border trade integrity and risked financial losses for legitimate Spanish and Portuguese producers.
Grid investment warning
SPAIN has been urged to accelerate investment in its electricity grid or risk higher energy costs, slower renewable rollout and greater instability, according to a new analysis by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). Delays could affect households across the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, the Balearics, and the Canary Islands, where many expats rely on a stable supply and rgy Economics and Financiincreasingly on rooftop solar.
IEEFA says Spain’s aim
Pan Global
PAN GLOBAL RESOURCES has confirmed a wide zone of near-surface gold mineralisation at its Cañada Honda target in southern Spain. New continuous channel sampling from a historic mine drift returned 26 metres at 1.14 g/t gold, including two six-metre intervals grading 1.64 g/t and 2.52 g/t.
of generating 81 per cent of electricity from renewables
The results extend mineralisation 150 metres up-dip from previous drilling and lie within a three-kilometre gravimetric and EM anomaly. CEO Tim Moody said the findings highlight the potential for a much larger copper-gold system. The data will guide Phase 2 drilling planned for 2026.
by 2030 requires a much stronger grid, noting that renewable growth is outpacing transmission capacity in several regions. Between 2021 and 2024, REE invested €2.9 billion, well below the €6.96 billion planned. The government has now proposed €13.6 billion for 2025–2030 to close the gap.
The islands face the highest risk due to isolated grids and reliance on submarine cables. IEEFA highlights the importance of new storage and interconnections, including the Salto de Chira plant in Gran Canaria.
Spain’s regulator has proposed lifting the allowed return on grid investments from 5.58 per cent to 6.58 per cent to encourage upgrades. IEEFA says REE’s 2026–2030 strategy must significantly scale up investment to keep Spain on track for its 2030 goals.
Solaria soars
SOLARIA’S shares jumped 15.7 per cent after unveiling €2.5 billion in planned investments and new agreements with Repsol and Merlin for hydrogen and data-centre power supply. The firm will also form a battery joint venture with Stoneshield Capital. Solaria reported record profits and said it expects to exceed its €250m EBITDA target by 2028.
Imperial profits
IMPERIAL BRANDS says rising demand for oral nicotine, vapes and other alternatives is helping it grow. The company reported a 4.6 per cent rise in profits, as more smokers switch to products like its Zone nicotine pouches and Blu vapes, popular in the UK, Spain and France.
Electricity in Spain.
A better perspective
LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT
I REALLY do wish people would stop asking me why, as a resident of Spain, I should be writing and giving my opinions on events and situation that arise in the UK? Well, the simple answer to that is, it’s what I do. I am still a very patriotic and staunch supporter of my birth country and, although I don’t actually reside there, I do visit on a fairly regular basis. Because of my profession, I also often nd myself travelling there quite extensively.
Another more important advantage of being on the outside, looking in as it were, is that you can get a far broader and often more unbiased perspective of a situation - one that can often elude those who live in the con nes of the same environment day in and day out. This brings me neatly into this week’s gripe.
Yet another atrocity committed by a ‘home grown’ terrorist has brought tragedy to a peaceful place of worship. Yet another prisoner on early re-
lease has been allowed to walk freely among innocent citizens and maim and injure. No doubt there was plenty of high ving in a number of the British prisons holding a seething cauldron of fanatics who also can’t wait to get out and carve their own bloody path to Shangri la. And what ideas do the authorities come up with to combat the problem?
Well, quite frankly not a lot. Adding 25 per cent to a sentence already cut in half, in the forlorn hope that it will give the luvvies more time to de-radicalise these people, simply doesn’t hack it.
In the rst place, it merely postpones the release of fanatics who will have become even more disgruntled and secondly; de-radicalisation is simply not an option. This twisted ideology is the very reason for their existence. It is all powerful. Many actually want to die for it.
Dogma of this nature cannot be somehow conveniently exorcised. Even the peace-loving Christians went to the lions rather than surrender their religion. What the authorities need to do is get tough. First of all they must relieve these perpetrators of all their
human rights. The introduction of a mandatory full 10-year sentences for any terrorist related o ence, including the accessing or passing of terrorist propaganda or its ideology in any form. Whole life sentences for all violent terrorist actions.
Stopping all bene ts and, as a deterrent, possible deportations of all the perpetrators close family members (‘He was such a lovely boy’). The constructions of high security prisons, preferably on some uninhabited island, with solitary con nement, a minimum of association and communication and access to only limited privileges that have to be earned. And most important of all, chipping. The obligatory insertion of a device that cannot only track, but record all conversations between inmates.
This should also remain for life should they ever be released. Inhumane? Tell that to the families of all the innocent loved ones who have been slaughtered by these scourges on our society.
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.
Chocolate Scrooge
SPANISH Christmas tables face a bitter blow this year as the nation’s beloved Suchard chocolate turrón becomes both smaller and far more expensive. A study by retailer FITstore shows the classic 260g bar, which cost €2.99 in 2020, now weighs just 230g and sells for €4.99 - an 88 per cent price rise and an 11.5 per cent weight cut in only ve years.
Shoppers rst noticed a 30g reduction in 2023 while the price stayed at €3.99, e ectively a hidden 13 per cent increase. This year’s further shrinkage and €1 jump have sparked widespread anger, with many accusing manufacturers of ‘Grinch-like’ behaviour that dents both festive spirit and household budgets.
Makers blame rocketing cocoa costs after poor harvests in West Africa, which produces 70 per cent of the world’s supply, alongside higher energy, packaging and transport bills. Rather than raise prices openly, rms have turned to ‘shrink ation’ - quietly reducing portion sizes to protect pro ts.
Britain is su ering a similar ‘Shrinkmas’. Quality Street tubs have shed more than a quarter of their weight in two decades, falling from around 720g in the mid2000s to 550g today, while prices climb to £7 or more.
As cocoa prices remain at record highs, the season of goodwill risks becoming the season of less-for-more.
In Spain, It’s not Christmas until you’ve bought this.
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OFFERING a level of experti se and personal attention that has made it one of the leading optical and audiology chains in Spain. Founded in 1955 and now with more than 300 stores nationwide - alongside its sister brand Mais Optica in Portugalthe company continues to set the benchmark for quality, service, and innovation.
At General Optica, customers will find an extensive range of products designed to meet every need: prescription glasses, contact lenses, premium sunglasses, and stateof-the-art hearing aids. Whether you’re looking for everyday comfort, fashionable designer frames, or advanced corrective solutions, their specialists provide guidance tailored to your personal requirements.
What truly sets General Optica apart is its comprehensive approach to visual and auditory health. The brand offers professional eye examinations, complete hearing tests, and specialised services such as tonometry, retinography, orthokeratology, and visual therapy. Every consultation is designed to ensure precise diagnosis and the best possible recommendations, combining medical expertise with a warm, personalised experience.
Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in a series of guarantees that give complete peace of mind: a breakage insuran-
ce for prescription glas a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a three-year manufacturing warranty, a free replacement of children’s lenses if their prescription changes within the first year, and a 45-day trial period for frames or sunglasses. These benefits make caring for your eyesight and hearing not only simple, but reassuring.
General Optica also stands out for its accessibility, offering options for all budgets and running frequent promotions to make high-quality care affordable for everyone. This blend of value, service, and professional excellence has made the brand a trusted partner for families across Spain.
If you’re in Mallorca, you can enjoy all of this at their conveniently located store in Avenida Rei Jaume I, Local 14, Santa Ponsa, where a dedicated team is ready to help you see and hear the world more clearly.
General Optica is more than just an optician - it is your long-term partner in visual and auditory wellbeing, committed to delivering personalised solutions with cutting-edge technology and genuine care.
Costa del Sol Life-changing win
A
TICKET sold in Estepona has won an ONCE ‘Sueldazo’ prize worth €2,000 a month for 10 years - €240,000 in total - in the Weekend Draw.
The winning coupon was sold by Francisco Jiménez, an ONCE street vendor since 2000. Originally from Caceres and living in the Costa del Sol town for only two years, Jiménez discovered the news on his day off. “Now that’s a proper good morning!” he laughed, adding he could not wait to congratulate the winner in person.
The ONCE Weekend Sueldazo offers one top prize of €300,000 plus €5,000 monthly for 20 years, and four secondary prizes of €2,000 a month for 10 years.
ONCE - the National Organisation of Spanish Blind People, founded in 1938 - employs more than 21,000 vendors, most of whom are blind or severely visually impaired. ONCE operates a strictly regulated, responsible-gaming model that bans sales to minors and credit purchases.
Axarquia
Luxury marina
THE €35 million transformation of Motril Port into Marina Motril will inject major economic vitality into the Costa Tropical. The privately funded project, presented at the fourth International Congress on Nautical and Cruise Tourism, will directly create more than 250 jobs and hundreds more indirectly.
Covering 109,000 m², the new marina will feature nearly 500 berths and the largest dry-dock in southern Mediterranean Spain. Construction itself will generate immediate employment, while the finished facility will sustain permanent positions in nautical services, hospitality, restaurants, retail, leisure, and tourism.
By attracting yachts, superyachts, and cruise visitors from across the western Mediterranean, Marina Motril will drive year-round spending in local businesses. Water sports, cultural events, and educational programmes in partnership with the University of Granada will further extend the tourism season and add high-value opportunities.
Costa Blanca North Netflix returns
JAVEA has once again captured the national spotlight, this time thanks to the second season of Respira, a Spanish medical drama often described as Spain’s answer to Grey’s Anatomy. The town first drew attention during the series’ debut season, when exterior shots showcased its bustling port, dramatic coastal cliffs, and charming streets. The new season continues to highlight Javea’s stunning scenery while delving into the high-pressure lives of doctors working in an overstretched hospital.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Respira is Spain’s most-watched series, attracting viewers with its gripping storylines and powerful performances. The cast features Blanca Suárez and singer Pablo Alborán, who makes his acting debut this season, generating even more national and international interest. While much of the action unfolds within hospital walls, the exterior scenes filmed in Javea provide a striking visual contrast.
Costa Blanca South
A Costa Blanca Christmas
AS winter approaches, the towns and cities of the Costa Blanca South are gearing up to sparkle with festive lights, bustling markets, and family-friendly activities for this year’s holiday season.
Torrevieja has already kicked off the celebrations with its official Christmas lights ceremony. Over 500 decorative elements now brighten 70 streets, plazas, and residential areas. A 22-metre natural Christmas tree at the port, adorned with 20,000 LED bulbs, offers the perfect backdrop for festive photos. Children can also meet Santa Claus in the central square.
In Santa Pola, festivities begin on December 5 with the opening of the Christmas market and the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
Orihuela’s Christmas market runs from December 5-25 ifeaturing artisan stalls, workshops, and live entertainment. A window-dressing competition throughout December adds even more holiday charm to the town’s storefronts.
Almeria
A fairy-tale Christmas
THERE’S magic brewing in Mojacar as the town prepares for a day that feels lifted straight from the pages of a storybook.
On Saturday November 29, residents and visitors alike are invited to usher in the Christmas holidays with a fun-filled celebration of all things Disney. For one enchanting day, Mojacar Pueblo will be transformed into a patchwork of Fantasy & Fun zones, each beautifully decorated with scenes and characters from much-loved Disney classics. Take your chances on the pirate ship in Plaza Nueva, channel your inner royalty at the Disney Castle in Plaza Frontón, or venture into the savannah at Cueva Marquita la Prosa. Be sure to check the full event map at mojacar.es so you don’t miss anything. Children can join Christmas-themed craft workshops, making their own ornaments or painting their favourite Disney characters - though adults may well find themselves joining in the fun too. The day will end with a flourish at 7pm during the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Costa Calida Star-studded lights
MURCIA is preparing to usher in the festive season with an unmistakable touch of Hollywood glamour, as American actor Richard Gere is set to switch on the city’s Great Christmas Tree in Plaza Circular. The star - famed for iconic films such as An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman and Days of Heaven - will take centre stage during one of the region’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Gere will be in Spain with his family to attend the presentation of a documentary in Madrid connected to the Hogar Sí Foundation, a cause he has championed since 2015. Seizing the opportunity, Murcia City Council extended an invitation for him to lead the city’s official Christmas illumination ceremony - a gesture that has delighted locals and expatriates alike.
For residents and the sizable expatriate community across the Region of Murcia, the presence of a global A-lister brings an added sparkle to an event already regarded as a highlight of the Christmas calendar.
Boxes: better than catnip
CATS are kind of like toddlers. You spend all that money on toys and stuffed animals, only for them to spend more time playing in the box. But why do they do this?
According to Gabriella Smith, a doctorial candidate at Vienna’s University of Veterinary Medicine, it’s a form of comfort. She went on to explain that the side pressure the cat feels from squeezing into a box is comforting, especially in stressful situations.
In fact, cats are so predisposed to the desire to sit in a box, that they’ll even sit inside square shapes created by optical illusions. Researchers asked cat owners to set up different shapes around their home. Some made a square out of tape, some created optical illusions, and in every instance the cat sat in the middle of the make-shift box.
Researches are yet to fully understand this odd phenomenon but one thing they do know is this feline instinct isn’t limited to the tabbies and calicos, it spreads across the whole feline species. Zookeepers have observed pumas, lions and tigers sitting and playing with boxes too.
Nell is looking for a pet- sitter - cuddles are a must
IF you own a pet like Nell you’ll know how important it is to find the right sitter when you go away. In particular, Nell prefers a devoted sitter, because what could be more important than giving her undivided attention when she asks.
Cuddles are a must, catering a necessity and routine park perambulations by invitation only. As a house-sitter you will be in house entertainment for as long as she needs you. In exchange, Nell will offer you her appreciation and her home for the assignment duration.
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HouseSitMatch: Where humans behave and pets reap rewards
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Love is not enough
ANIMAL welfare charities across Spain are warning of a sharp rise in pet abandonment as the cost of living continues to strain households. Shelters report being at or beyond capacity, and an estimated 285,000–300,000 dogs and cats enter Spanish shelters each year, according to a study by Fundación Affi nity. Organisations say they are struggling to cope with the steady fl ow of animals, many of them surrendered for fi nancial reasons or found abandoned.
Rising pet-related expenses are a major factor. The cost of pet food has increased signifi cantly in recent years, while veterinary care has become more expensive. Routine treatments such as vaccinations, fl ea and tick prevention, and dental care place a growing fi nancial burden on families already stretched by infl ation. Basic consultations can exceed €40–€60, and more complex care can be prohibitively costly.
Spain’s long-standing issue of animal abandonment also wor-
sens the situation. Working dogs, especially galgos and podencos, are often abandoned at the end of the hunting season, adding to shelter overcrowding and placing further pressure on rescue teams. Animal welfare groups emphasise education on lifetime pet costs, along with neutering,
microchipping, and accessible veterinary support for low-income owners. They argue that tackling the crisis requires shared responsibility among pet owners, charities, veterinarians, and policymakers to ensure vulnerable animals receive the protection they need.
The cat’s in the box, not the bag.
Do you have a soft spot for silver foxes?
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Ciutat de Palma Trophy brings world sailing talent to Mallorca
Trofeo Ciutat de Palma returns to the Bay of Palma from December 3 to 7, carrying on its tradition as one of Europe’s premier winter regattas. The event is organised by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and this year registration has attracted sailors from more than 21 countries, bringing international talent to Mallorca’s shores.
Competitors will race across multiple dinghy classes including Optimist, Laser, Europa, 420 and Beneteau, with the Optimist fleet once again the main attraction. Organisers expect more than 400 boats in the Optimist class alone, marking this among the largest and most competitive editions of the Trophy in recent years.
The schedule opens on Wednesday De-
cember 3 with registration and equipment checks. Qualifying races will take place on December 4 and 5, with finals planned for the weekend and the prize giving scheduled for Sunday December 7.
This edition is also notable for the arrival of the bank ABANCA as the main sponsor, underlining the regatta’s growing prestige and support for grassroots sailing.
With youth sailors from around the world gathering in Palma, the Ciutat de Palma Trophy promises intense competition, a vibrant atmosphere at the marina and a celebration of the island’s sailing tradition. For many participants this regatta represents a key stepping stone toward future international success.
A YEAR has passed since Rafael Nadal announced the end of his professional tennis career and Mallorca continues to feel his impact both on and off the court. The Manacor native retired as one of the greatest players in history, having won 22 Grand Slam titles and forged a legacy built on determination, humility and devotion to his sport. Today that legacy continues, not through competition on the international circuit, but through his growing commitment to sport in his home community.
Although no longer competing on the ATP Tour, Nadal remains active in fitness and training and maintains a strict athletic routine. His attention now focuses on developing young sporting talent in Mallorca through the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. The high performance centre hosts international tournaments, offers education programmes and attracts young athletes from all over the world, turning Mallorca
One year on
into a year-round hub for competitive sport.
The academy has expanded its tennis facilities and broadened its reach into other sports, strengthening Nadal’s long term vision for Mallorca as a destination for elite training and sporting tourism.
Local businesses benefit from international athletes, coaches and families who stay in the region for months at a time. Nadal has also encouraged co-
llaboration with schools and local clubs, helping young Mallorcans access quality training and inspiring them to pursue active lifestyles.
One year after his farewell to the professional circuit, Nadal remains a champion for his island. His achievements continue to influence Mallorca not through trophies, but through opportunity, investment and the future of sport.
Mallorca focused on survival
REAL MALLORCA continue their battle in LaLiga EA SPORTS while club officials and players discuss the bonus structure for the season. According to the local press, talks between the squad and management began recently and both sides hope to reach an agreement within the next few weeks.
The negotiations come after a slight improvement in results and a more competitive style of play following a difficult start to the campaign.
The report states that discussions are still at an
early stage and an agreement remains some distance away. The club has proposed a system based on the league table at the end of the season. The incentives range from survival targets to the theoretical possibility of winning the championship. It was noted that this last condition is seen as symbolic, similar to the surprise Leicester City title in England, and included only to formalise every scenario.
Mallorca currently compete in Spanish football’s top division and play their home matches at the Es-
tadi Mallorca Son Moix. Their aim remains clear. The team must avoid relegation in order to maintain television revenue and sponsorship value.
This financial stability is essential for smaller LaLiga clubs that operate with more limited resources than their rivals.
The outcome of the negotiations will not influence immediate results on the pitch, but securing clarity on future incentives could help keep the squad united as Mallorca continue their fight to remain in the top flight.
Rafa Nadal supporting young athletes.
THE
Sailors from around the world will take part.
/Villegas Photo