AGP Executive Report

Housing and Politics: Maricarmen Abascal, 87, has died after being evicted from her Madrid home, intensifying protests over Spain’s housing crisis. The eviction has become a flashpoint ahead of the November 29 snap election, with housing now central to the campaign. Public Pressure: Unions are planning a nationwide strike for November 11, the first in 14 years, as rents and access to homes fuel anger. The government has approved urgent housing measures, while polls put the conservative PP ahead. Energy and Weather: Spain faces a tougher winter as electricity prices climb and the EU warns energy-saving steps may be needed. A grid failure in Lanzarote cut power to more than 73,000 people and disrupted water supplies; a new storm system is also forecast to bring rain and thunderstorms to the Canary Islands. Business: Spain’s construction market is outperforming much of Europe, but 89% of Spanish companies expect raw-material costs to rise.

Housing Crisis: The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, evicted from her Madrid home after 70 years, has fuelled fresh protests and sharpened the issue at the centre of Spain’s November 29 snap election. Thousands marched in Madrid, while lawmakers clashed over tributes to her. Election Race: The PP leads in polls, as parties on the left struggle to agree on alliances and candidates before key electoral deadlines. The election has also put several policies on hold: Spain’s planned terrace smoking ban is shelved, and new state housing aid must wait for a government and budget. Flood Recovery: The EU has approved €134.8 million for Spain and Romania after disasters in 2025; Spain will receive €120.5 million for recovery from drought, heatwaves and wildfires. Separately, two people were killed in flooding in Catalonia, where residents were warned to avoid travel. Digital Economy: Spain has near-universal high-speed network and 5G coverage, but the EU says businesses lag in adopting advanced technology: just 37.9% use cloud services, below the EU average.

Housing Crisis: Maricarmen Abascal, 87, has died weeks after her eviction in Madrid became a rallying point for housing protests. Her death has intensified political blame ahead of the 29 November snap election, with thousands expected to march in Madrid and unions calling a nationwide strike for 11 November. Energy and Technology: Spain plans tighter rules for data centres, requiring large new projects to match at least 80% of their electricity use with new renewable generation. Tech companies say the proposal risks investment, while the government is pressing ahead amid concerns over grid capacity and water use. Public Opinion: A CIS survey found 71% support freezing rents for two years, while 76% want the state to intervene as needed to guarantee access to housing.

Housing Crisis: Maricarmen Abascal, the 87-year-old evicted from her Madrid home in September, has died in hospital. Her case became a rallying point for housing protests, and Spain’s snap election on November 29 is set to focus on affordability after lawmakers rejected housing measures. Political Standoff: Unions have called a nationwide strike for November 11, even though Parliament has been dissolved for the election campaign. Energy and Investment: Alibaba is in early talks with renewable-energy firm Solaria about supplying power to a potential Spanish data center, as the country attracts growing data-center investment. Food Industry: Barcelona’s Alimentaria FoodTech fair is showcasing AI, automation and other technologies aimed at improving food production and reducing waste.

Housing and Politics: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for November 29 after parliament rejected housing reforms, turning soaring rents and evictions into the campaign’s central issue. His government has revived emergency measures, including a proposed €10 billion fund for first-home loans. Unions are planning Spain’s first general strike in 14 years on November 11. Water Emergency: Wildfire ash and torrential rain have turned a river black in Casavieja, contaminating the town’s backup water supply and forcing residents to collect emergency drinking water. Heavy rain is also overwhelming sewage systems, sending untreated wastewater into rivers and coastal waters. Energy Costs: Spanish electricity bills have topped €200 for the first time in four years, adding pressure on households ahead of winter. Health: Doctors are threatening an indefinite strike, while Spain’s health secretary has urged them to be patient.

Housing & Politics: Spain’s housing decrees are back in play after being reapproved and sent to the Permanent Deputation as the Cortes are dissolved for a snap election on November 29, setting up a fresh fight over how far the government can go during the electoral period. Protests & Cost of Living: The housing crisis has already triggered mass demonstrations and renewed pressure on Pedro Sánchez, with unions calling for further action. Ceuta/Melilla Diplomacy: King Felipe VI’s planned visit to Ceuta and Melilla later this month is being seen in Morocco as a provocation that could reopen old territorial tensions. Energy & Industry: Telefónica updated its Climate Action Plan, aiming for net-zero by 2040, while Spain also pushes ahead with energy and grid upgrades amid faster electrification. Second-hand Economy: IKEA launched its own second-hand marketplace in Europe, with prices averaging around 60% less than new. Sports: Lionel Messi marked his final Argentina appearance with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin, scoring a penalty and adding two assists.

Housing Crisis & Snap Election: Spain’s government has approved two urgent housing decrees after parliament rejected earlier tenant-protection measures, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling a snap general election for 29 November; the package includes eviction protections and a €10bn interest-free loan plan for first-time buyers, while Barcelona protests turned violent the night before. Politics & EU/China: Sánchez says the election won’t derail EU budget talks or Spain’s state-level rapprochement with China. Energy Security: Dutch researchers warn thousands of European wind and solar systems have exposed online administrative interfaces, raising sabotage risk. Economy & Markets: Spain’s IBEX rose as the euro rebounded after French bond-yield jitters eased; eurozone construction remains weak. Health & Society: Spain’s consumer credit law faces criticism from the CES over delays and a short deadline for allegations. Business/Innovation: Spain is pushing digital freight control documents as mandatory, while Curia expands sterile API capacity in Spain. Sports: Carlos Alcaraz won the Japan Open in Tokyo, and Messi’s final international match for Argentina vs Benin is set for 6 October.

Snap Election Shock: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez has dissolved parliament and called a snap general election for November 29 after housing decrees were rejected, with front pages framing it as a high-tension 29-N campaign. Housing Crisis & Protests: The vote follows mass demonstrations sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old tenant in Madrid, with protesters pushing for stronger tenant protections and a general strike. Health Policy Collateral Damage: Analysts and health-sector voices warn that key health reforms—like medicines pricing and professional framework rules—are likely to be left behind again by the electoral timetable. EU Politics & Deadlines: In Brussels, MEPs are “doing the math” on incompatibilities and the key November 2 deadline for candidates switching between EU and national roles. Weather Emergency: Separately, Catalonia faced deadly flooding after a “mini-hurricane” warning, with deaths reported and transport disruptions around Barcelona. Markets Watch: The euro stays under pressure near a 17-month low as fiscal fears spread, while Spain’s political uncertainty adds to bond-market jitters.

Snap Election in Spain: Pedro Sánchez dissolved parliament and called a snap general election for Nov 29 after two emergency housing decrees were rejected, with protests over the eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid tenant fuelling the political pressure. Housing Crisis Protests: Tens of thousands marched in cities including Madrid and Valencia, where police used tear gas as demonstrators clashed with officers; tenants’ groups are pushing for a wider strike. Euro Slides on Debt Fears: The euro fell to a 17-month low against the dollar as markets worried about France’s debt and deficits, with Spain’s election call adding to investor jitters. Local Murcia Travel Deal: Region of Murcia launched a voucher scheme offering 50% off eligible travel costs (up to €250) for eligible residents staying at participating accommodation. Costa Blanca Tragedy: A Ukrainian couple drowned at Guardamar del Segura after entering the sea under a red flag, with strong currents blamed. Costa del Sol Gun Incident: Shots were fired from a car on the AP-7 near Estepona; the vehicle fled toward Marbella and no injuries were reported.

Housing Crisis Protests: Spain’s housing affordability fight is boiling over again after lawmakers voted down tenant protections, sparking tens of thousands of demonstrators in Madrid and clashes in places like Valencia as unions push for a general strike. Catalonia Politics: Spain’s constitutional court is expected to clear the last legal hurdle for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, raising questions about whether he will return to a Catalonia that’s politically calmer and more aligned with Madrid. Migration & Ceuta: Spanish police cleared the Trampolín beach migrant camp in Ceuta ahead of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s visit, moving thousands to temporary accommodation as tensions with Morocco continue. Weather & Flooding: Severe storms and “mini-hurricane” conditions have hit parts of Spain, with reports of deaths and missing people in Catalonia. EV & Industry: A China-backed battery partnership aims to strengthen Spain’s EV supply chain, with investment planned for Sagunto. Digital Infrastructure: Telefónica COO Emilio Gayo calls for more flexible regulation to keep Spain’s telecom networks competitive and sovereign.

Severe Weather: Torrential rain and flooding hit Catalonia, killing two people and leaving one missing as rivers burst their banks and emergency alerts urged residents to stay indoors; Barcelona and Girona were placed on high alert with travel disruptions and rescues reported. Housing Crisis: Thousands of protesters across Spain rallied over rent hikes and evictions after housing measures were rejected in parliament, with demonstrations in Madrid and Valencia turning violent at times as riot police clashed with demonstrators. Ceuta Migration: Spanish police began clearing parts of Ceuta’s migrant camps ahead of King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s visit, relocating people from Trampolín beach to temporary processing while tensions with Morocco continue. Energy & Prices: Eurozone inflation rose to 3.8% in September, with Spain at 5.0%, as energy costs kept pressure on households and policymakers. Tech & Transport: Tesla drivers in Europe are watching EU discussions on Full Self-Driving (Supervised) after provisional approvals elsewhere, while severe weather also disrupted flights and transport around Barcelona. Business & Industry: Airbus announced board changes, naming Spanish energy executive Amparo Moraleda as chair, as leadership decisions loom for the company.

Housing Crisis: Tens of thousands of people marched across Spain on Saturday after parliament rejected tenant relief measures tied to the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, with Madrid’s Tenants’ Union claiming up to 500,000 protesters and police estimating 70,000; clashes were reported in Valencia and the vote is now fuelling fresh calls for snap elections. Extreme Weather: Torrential rain triggered flood warnings and travel disruption, with Catalonia restricting non-essential travel and suspending most commuter rail; in Madrigueras (Albacete), a 102-year-old woman died and around 90 people were evacuated after flash floods. International Ties: Spain and Punjab (Pakistan) discussed expanding trade, culture and sports cooperation, including a proposed Punjab–Spain business council and a pilot football academy in Lahore with La Liga support. Tech for AI Commerce: Mediterranea Services launched IA SEO Monitor Premium to help businesses prepare, monitor and connect product data for AI systems and WooCommerce stores. Sports: England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League, while Spain beat Czechia 4-1 in another group match.

Housing Crisis & Politics: Tens of thousands of people rallied in Madrid and dozens of Spanish cities on Saturday after parliament rejected two emergency tenant-protection measures, with organisers claiming up to 500,000 participants and police citing about 70,000 in the capital; the protests are tied to anger over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman and are now feeding speculation that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez could call a snap election. Flood Risk in Madrid: Madrid activated the INUNCAM pre-emergency flood plan as AEMET extended warnings for heavy rain and storms, with an orange alert in the Sierra and yellow elsewhere, including hail and short, intense downpours. Ceuta Returns Under Scrutiny: Two testimonies from Ceuta challenge how “voluntary” returns are being carried out after the Benítez beach dismantling, while Spain’s Interior says people were offered options during police procedures. Extreme Weather Toll: Flash floods in Madrigueras (near Albacete) killed a 102-year-old woman and forced 90 rescues as authorities warned residents to stay indoors. Accident Update (La Rioja): Twelve people were injured after parts of a bar collapsed early Saturday in San Vicente de la Sonsierra; firefighters searched for anyone trapped and the Civil Guard opened an investigation. Health: Andalucía health authorities report vaccinating 2,938 babies in Malaga against RSV/bronchiolitis in the first ten days of the campaign. Business/Tech: JustWatch launched JustWatch TV in Spain, combining ad-supported free viewing with rentals and an ad-free subscription option.

Housing Crisis Fallout: Spain’s parliament rejected two emergency housing decrees after protests over the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, dealing a blow to PM Pedro Sánchez as Junts, the PP and Vox voted against the measures. Political Tension: The defeat has reignited talk of an early election and deepened rifts inside the governing coalition ahead of 2027. Eurozone Inflation: Eurozone inflation jumped to 3.8% in September, the highest in three years, with energy driving the rise; Spain’s inflation climbed to 5.0%. Energy Prices: The G7 agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of oil, starting with diesel, to calm surging fuel costs. Business & Tech: Airbus named Spanish energy executive Amparo Moraleda as chair as CEO succession questions loom; Spain also saw a surge in podcast listeners, reaching 15.8 million.

Housing Crisis Showdown: Spain’s government refuses to withdraw two housing decrees despite Junts’ pushback, with Sumar accusing Junts of siding with “speculators” as the measures head for a key vote. EU Migration Clampdown: EU states approved a new return regulation to speed up deportations for people with no right to stay, adding “return hubs” and common return orders. Weather Alert: Northern Alicante faces torrential rain risk, with flash-flood warnings as storms could bring extreme downpours and hail. Cybersecurity: Spain joined an international takedown of the KillSec ransomware gang, arresting a 16-year-old and seizing devices and crypto tools. Economy Watch: Spain remains stuck at 53rd in economic freedom and public investment is still far below 2009 levels, even as private investment looks stronger. Energy & Power: Brussels has launched an infringement case against Spain for not updating its electricity risk-preparedness plan on time. Business/Health: 53Biologics expands lyophilization capacity in Boecillo, boosting fill-and-finish for advanced therapies.

Housing Crisis: Spain’s new housing rules are set to tighten protections for renters, including automatic renewals and higher compensation risks for landlords who refuse to renew, as protests keep pressure on the government. Local Governance: In Madrid, tenants’ groups and supporters continue to camp and rally, linking the Ceuta migration backdrop and housing stress to broader failures in enforcement. Economy & Finance: The Bank of Spain confirmed Euribor rose to 3.247% in September, pushing up variable mortgage costs for many households. Energy & Policy: Spain is challenging the EU Return Regulation’s legality after the Ceuta crisis, arguing the bloc lacks workable tools for exceptional border situations. Environment & Agriculture: EU regulators are weighing changes to a priority citrus pest list, with potential removals and additions that could affect growers across Spain. Business & Tech: EU watchdogs are scrutinising Binance’s continued EU service via an Abu Dhabi-linked setup. Culture: Spain’s nationwide circus ban on wild animals is now enforceable, with fines up to €200,000 for non-compliance.