November 2023

Spain in space

Spain carried out Europe’s first fully private rocket launch on October 7 when the company PLD Space launched its recoverable vessel from Huelva.  The Miura-1 rocket, named after a breed of fighting bull, carried a payload for test purposes, but this was not released.  The successful test improves Spain’s standing amongst competitors racing to launch small payloads, which include companies in Scotland, Sweden and Germany.

Spanish hosts

Spain has been confirmed as co-host for the 2030 soccer world cup, alongside Portugal and Morocco.  The decision will be ratified by FIFA in December.  It will be the 100^th anniversary of the tournament and will include matches in Uruguay (the first winners in 1930), Argentina and Paraguay to mark the event.

Bright future

Madrid expects growth in 2024 to create 700,000 full-time jobs with salaries rising by 3.7%.  The government’s expectations were revealed in the budget plan sent to Brussels last month.  Ministers say the viability of the forecast is thanks to improvements in structural reforms in the labour market.

Case dismissed

A court in England has ruled that a law suit brought against Spain’s former King Juan Carlos is outside its jurisdiction.  The case was brought by his former lover, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who claimed she had suffered intrusive, intimidatory and adverse treatment since 2012.  She added the behaviour of Juan Carlos, now 85 years old, was linked to a payment of €65 million which he said was gift before, she claims, he changed his mind.

Traffic warning

A trades union has claimed that the fleet of 13 DGT (Tráfico) helicopters are to be replaced by drones.  The Independent Trade Union Centre and Civil Servants (CSIF) claims such a move would adversely affect traffic controls and road safety.  Tráfico has confirmed that only six helicopters are presently in service and that maintenance contracts have not been renewed.

Fire tragedy

Thirteen people died in a fire at a venue in Murcia, which was later found to have no operating licence.  The blaze broke out early on October 1 in three nightclubs situated together in Las Atalayas and was attended by at least 40 firefighters.  The tragedy has prompted the authorities in Málaga to reinforce police inspections of fire and safety licences in entertainment venues.