Economy - Page 7
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What Really Happens After 18 Months on Medical Leave in Spain
Spanish workers on long-term medical leave are not required to return to their jobs after 18 months unless they receive an official decision from Social Security. The process, payment, and employment status all shift during this uncertain period, leaving many in limbo while authorities decide their future.
Salvador Illa Launches Six-Day Trade Mission to Vietnam and Singapore
Catalonia's president, Salvador Illa, begins a six-day visit to Vietnam and Singapore. The trip aims to boost exports, attract Asian investment, and strengthen air links. Meetings with top officials and business leaders are planned.
Retired Plumber Faces Life on €500 Pension After 50 Years of Self-Employment
David, a 75-year-old retired plumber, receives just €500 a month after more than five decades as a self-employed worker. His story highlights the financial risks many autónomos face in Spain, where long careers do not always translate into comfortable retirements.
ECB Unveils Finalists for New Euro Banknotes: Culture or Nature
The European Central Bank has revealed two competing designs for new euro banknotes. Citizens can now vote between cultural icons and natural landscapes. The final choice will shape euro bills from 2027.
Catalan Tax Agency Uncovers €333 Million in Fiscal Fraud for 2025
Catalonia’s tax authorities have exposed €333 million in fiscal fraud for 2025, marking a 13% increase. Most cases involve inheritance, wealth, and property taxes. Authorities also identified false business relocations.
What It Really Costs to Open a Specialty Café in Spain
A specialty café in Viladecans, Barcelona, required €105,000 to launch. Owner Lorena reveals how much she earned, what she spent, and why breaking even is tougher than it looks. Her story offers a rare, detailed look at the economics behind Spain’s independent coffee scene.
Ford and Geely Seal Landmark Deal to Revive Almussafes Plant
Ford’s Almussafes factory in Valencia will soon produce Geely’s best-selling electric SUV, following a joint venture that gives new life to the struggling plant. The move marks Geely’s first major manufacturing step in Europe and promises job stability for local workers.
Stellantis and CATL Launch €4.1 Billion Battery Gigafactory in Zaragoza
A major battery gigafactory backed by Stellantis and CATL is set to transform Zaragoza, with €4.1 billion invested and 4,000 new jobs promised. The plant aims to produce one million batteries annually by 2028, boosting Spain's role in electric mobility.
Carlos Slim’s Radical Plan: Three-Day Workweek, Same Pay, Later Retirement
Carlos Slim proposes a sweeping overhaul of the workweek: three days of 12-hour shifts, unchanged salaries, and retirement at 75. His vision stands in sharp contrast to Mexico’s gradual move toward a 40-hour week, sparking debate over productivity, worker health, and the future of employment.
Empty Homes Could Trigger Up to 150% IBI Hike for Multi-Property Owners
Spanish property owners with four or more homes left vacant for over two years could see their annual property tax bill soar by up to 150%. The decision to impose this surcharge rests with each local council, and strict conditions apply before any penalty is enforced.
Five Skilled Trades in Spain Now Outpay Many University Jobs
Truck drivers, electricians, welders, plumbers, and mechanics are seeing rising demand and salaries in Spain. As companies struggle to fill these roles, technical expertise and experience can now lead to higher earnings than many university graduates.
Puigdemont Considers Compensation Claim Over Amnesty Law Delay
Carles Puigdemont may seek damages from Spain due to delays in the amnesty law. The European Commission has received a formal complaint. The Tribunal de Cuentas is accused of obstructing the process.
Summer Surge: 800,000 Temporary Jobs Open Up for Young People in Spain
Spain is set to see 800,000 temporary contracts signed during the 2026 summer season, up 12% from last year. Most positions target young people, with wages for some roles reaching €1,700. The boom is driven by tourism, hospitality and retail.
Alicante Council Moves Forward With Controversial Market Ordinance Reform
Alicante’s Local Commerce Council has approved a major update to market regulations. The reform aims to balance traditional trade and hospitality, but has sparked concerns among vendors. The final decision is expected in September.
Spain to Extend Rental Contract Protections Until Mid-2028
The Spanish government plans to extend rental contract protections until June 2028. Nearly four million tenants could benefit. The decree also targets tourist rentals and includes new measures for vulnerable families.
How a British Couple Retired in Their 30s by Saving Relentlessly
Alan and Katie Donegan left their jobs at 35 and 40 after saving and investing nearly all their income for ten years. Their story highlights both the promise and the limits of the FIRE movement, as well as the personal sacrifices required to achieve early retirement.
Plus Ultra Bailout Case Shifts to Airline Executives After New Statements
The investigation into the Plus Ultra bailout now targets the airline's top executives. Prosecutors want them to testify after written claims tied Zapatero to the rescue. The case could impact oversight of public aid in Spain.
Plus Ultra Executives Confirm Key Messages in Zapatero Bailout Probe
Two Plus Ultra executives have confirmed the authenticity of messages implicating José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in the airline's €53 million bailout. The court now weighs the legal status of these communications amid ongoing scrutiny.
Government Stands by Zapatero Amid Plus Ultra Scandal Escalation
The Plus Ultra case has intensified, putting former PM Zapatero and the government under scrutiny. Key testimonies contradict his statements, while internal and public calls for explanations grow. The government maintains its support.
Catalonia’s Renewable Energy Share Drops as Imports from Aragón Surge
Catalonia is importing more electricity from Aragón than it generates from renewables. The region’s green energy share fell to 15.3% in 2025, widening the gap to its 2030 targets. Nuclear remains dominant.
PP Accuses Sánchez and Zapatero of Involvement in Plus Ultra Bailout
The PP has intensified its accusations against the government, alleging direct involvement of Sánchez and Zapatero in the €53 million Plus Ultra bailout. The case raises questions about political influence and possible legal consequences.
Barcelona Launches Compensation Office for L9 Sinkhole Victims
Barcelona authorities have opened a dedicated office for residents and businesses hit by the L9 sinkhole. Immediate advances and soft loans are now available. The move aims to address urgent needs while investigations continue.
Julio Martínez Points to Zapatero in Plus Ultra Bailout Testimony
Julio Martínez Martínez confirmed before the judge that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero guided the process leading to Plus Ultra's €53 million bailout. The businessman stated he does not know which officials were contacted.
Early Retirement in Spain: Pensions Cut by Up to 17% Despite Long Careers
Spanish workers with over 41 years of contributions can still see their pensions permanently reduced by up to 17% if they retire early. The size of the cut depends on how many months before the legal age retirement begins, with penalties lasting for life.
Sick Leave in Murcia Lasts 17 Days Longer Than National Average
Murcia's absenteeism rate has reached 7.7%, surpassing the national figure. Sick leaves in the region now last an average of 61 days, 17 days longer than across Spain. The trend is becoming a structural issue for local employers.
Workplace Absenteeism in Spain Hits Record 7.6% in 2025, Costing €59 Billion
Spain's absenteeism rate has reached a historic 7.6% in 2025, with economic losses totaling €59.1 billion. The postal sector is among the hardest hit, prompting new monitoring measures. Companies are intensifying controls to address unjustified absences.
Average Minimum Living Income in Spain Tops €500 Per Household
Spain's Minimum Living Income now reaches more than 2.6 million people in over 860,000 households, with the average monthly payment per household exceeding €500. Families with children can receive additional support, reflecting the program's growing impact.
De Beers Halts Major South African Diamond Mine Amid Industry Turmoil
De Beers will suspend diamond mining at Venetia in South Africa for two years, citing falling prices and the rapid rise of lab-grown stones. The move threatens thousands of jobs and signals deepening challenges for the global diamond industry.
Plus Ultra President Links Zapatero to Airline’s €53 Million State Bailout
The head of Plus Ultra has confirmed that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was involved in efforts to secure €53 million in public funds for the airline. The case raises questions about political influence and the use of intermediaries during Spain’s pandemic bailouts.
EU Fines AliExpress €550 Million for Failing to Stop Illegal Sales
The European Commission has imposed a €550 million fine on AliExpress. The platform failed to prevent the sale of illegal and dangerous products. This is the largest penalty under the EU’s digital services rules so far.
Plus Ultra Executives Admit Paying Commission to Secure State Bailout
Plus Ultra’s top management has confirmed to the National Court that a 1% commission was paid to intermediaries, including José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, to obtain a €53 million state bailout. The admission details the sums and the urgency behind the decision.
SEPE Clarifies: Special Social Security Agreements Don’t Unlock Over-52s Subsidy
Many nearing retirement hope that paying into a special Social Security agreement will help them qualify for Spain’s over-52s unemployment subsidy. SEPE now confirms this route alone is not enough, and explains what actually counts when applying for the benefit.
Plus Ultra President Names Zapatero in Airline Bailout Commission Case
Julio Martínez Sola, head of Plus Ultra, has told the court that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was involved in efforts to secure €53 million in public aid for the airline. The case raises questions about political influence in pandemic-era bailouts.
Zapatero Implicated in Plus Ultra Bailout by Key Associate
A written statement sent to the National Court reveals that José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero played a direct role in the Plus Ultra bailout. The document details a 1% commission agreement and outlines the ex-president’s influence in securing public funds.
Gadis Demands €1.2 Million From Unions Over June Strike Losses
Gadis is suing four unions and eight union leaders for €1.2 million, citing damages from a June strike in A Coruña. The move has sparked strong reactions from labor groups, who call the claim an attack on the right to strike.
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