14:08
Spain celebrates Las Luminarias festival
Spain celebrates the annual Las Luminarias festival with horses leaping through flames.
Barcelona protesters demand affordable rents as Spain juggles tourism impact
Reuters
BARCELONA (Reuters) - About 22,000 people protested in Barcelona on Saturday, in the latest demonstration to demand lower housing rental prices and better living conditions.
Housing has become a major issue in Spain as it struggles to balance promoting tourism, a key driver of its economy, and concerns over high rents due to gentrification and landlords shifting to more lucrative, short-term tourist rentals.
The price of rentals signed in the second quarter of 2024 in Barcelona was almost 70% higher than in the same period of 2014, data from the Catalan Housing Agency shows.
"We are spending half our wages in rent ... This must stop!," said Carme, 28, a spokeswoman for a tenants union.
Smaller protests were held across Catalonia, and in Burgos, Asturias in north Spain and Jerez de la Frontera in the south.
The government announced a crackdown on short-term and seasonal holiday lettings in July and plans to investigate listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com to verify if they have licences.
Demonstrations have been held this year in Madrid, the Canary Islands and Malaga, where seasonal hospitality workers struggle to find accommodation, with many sleeping in caravans or even their cars.
15:39
Dozens of migrants missing on route to Spain
Up to 50 migrants are missing after a boat from West Africa to Spain was rescued by Moroccan authorities. Walking Borders had alerted officials earlier, and efforts continue to address migration challenges.
15:14
Spain
Spanish coast guard rescues 85 migrants near the Canary Islands
The Spanish coast guard rescued 85 migrants on Thursday, January 9, from a boat located 7 miles off the Canary Islands. The rescued individuals, identified as sub-Saharan in origin, were safely disembarked at the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria Island.
12:02
Spain
Spain to End Its Golden Visa Program in April 2025
April 3, 2025, marks the final deadline for non-EU nationals to apply for Spain's Golden Visa Program, offering residency through investments before the scheme ends.
11:26
Three Kings Parade brings festive cheer back to Madrid
Madrid's streets were filled with excitement as the Three Kings Parade returned, drawing thousands of spectators. The event marked the end of the Christmas season, with families and children celebrating the magic of the night.
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