September
The diplomatic tension between Spain and Venezuela escalated as Venezuela announced the detention of two Spanish citizens allegedly linked to the CNI (Spanish intelligence) for a supposed plot against Maduro. This development followed earlier reports of families seeking help to locate detained individuals in Venezuela. The situation confronted the PP and PSOE, placing focus on Europe's response. In domestic affairs, the Canary Islands government faced accusations of discriminating against migrant minors. The ongoing judicial pressure on Florentino Pérez and the Koldo case continued to make headlines. In Catalonia, a fire in Alt Empordà disrupted transportation, temporarily closing the AP-7 highway and halting AVE train circulation. The incident was later brought under control.
Venezuela's detention of two Spanish citizens and accusations against Spain of involvement in a plot to assassinate Maduro dominated the day's news. The Spanish government denied these allegations, while the Venezuelan opposition viewed the detainees as new targets of Maduro's persecution. The crisis escalated tensions between the two countries, with right-wing parties in Spain using the situation to criticize the government. In other news, Morocco halted an assault on Ceuta, demonstrating its control over the city's security. The FBI investigated a shooting at Trump's golf club in Florida as a possible assassination attempt. In sports, Barcelona delivered a commanding performance against Girona, maintaining their lead in La Liga. Spain also secured a victory against Australia in the Davis Cup tennis tournament.
The news cycle was dominated by reports of an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his golf course. A man with an AK-47 was arrested after hiding in bushes for 12 hours near Trump. The former president blamed Biden and Harris for inciting violence against him. This story evolved throughout the day, with new details emerging about the suspect's proximity to Trump and the weapons involved. In other news, Prime Minister Sánchez announced plans to present a "regeneration plan" to control media, calling on the PP for support. The crisis between Spain and Venezuela escalated, with Venezuela accusing two detained Spaniards of espionage. Economic concerns were highlighted, including difficulties in finding skilled workers and Catalonia's loss of economic leadership to Madrid.
17.09.2024
Tuesday

The day of the exploding pagers

Teresa Ribera's appointment as Vice President of the European Commission for Competition and Green Transition dominated the morning news. By midday, the government's democratic action plan, including media registration and anti-disinformation measures, sparked opposition criticism. The afternoon was marked by reports of a coordinated cyberattack on Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in exploding pagers that caused multiple casualties. The number of reported deaths and injuries increased throughout the day. In other news, the Madrid High Court annulled the city's low emission zones, and the government's regeneration plan faced scrutiny. The new European Commission lineup was analyzed, revealing a more conservative composition with Ribera as a key figure.
The day began with reports of Israel's covert operation against Hezbollah, involving explosive devices planted in pagers. By afternoon, a new wave of explosions hit Hezbollah's walkie-talkies in Lebanon, causing multiple casualties. The death toll rose throughout the day, reaching 20 by evening. This escalation follows previous attacks on Hezbollah's communication devices. Domestically, political tensions rose as Feijóo accused Sánchez of Franco-like censorship over a proposed anti-disinformation plan. The CIS poll showed increased support for Sánchez and growing concern about immigration. The INE revised GDP figures upward. In sports, Spain won its second match in the Futsal World Cup against New Zealand.
The European Parliament recognized Edmundo González as Venezuela's legitimate president, with socialist opposition. This sparked debate in Spain, with the PP accusing the government of complicity in Maduro's "blackmail". Feijóo demanded Albares' resignation, claiming Spanish diplomacy shouldn't serve dictatorships. Albares denied Spanish involvement in González's "coercion". By evening, González clarified he wasn't coerced by the Spanish government, undermining PP's arguments. Meanwhile, Feijóo aligned with Meloni on immigration policies, praising Italy's approach. In other news, Israel's attack on Hezbollah's communication devices in Lebanon escalated tensions, with Hezbollah's leader calling it a "declaration of war". The driver of the narco-boat that killed two Civil Guards in Barbate was arrested.
20.09.2024
Friday

The day Israel struck Beirut

Israel escalated tensions with Hezbollah, launching a significant attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. The strike, initially reported to have killed three, saw the death toll rise to 14 by day's end, including a high-ranking Hezbollah commander. This marked a new phase in the conflict, with Israel pressuring allies to take action against Hezbollah. The attack came in response to Hezbollah's barrage of over 100 rockets into northern Israel earlier in the day. Meanwhile, domestic issues persisted in Spain, with the PSOE meeting Junts in Switzerland to rebuild their agreement, and the Canary Islands' migrant care protocol being suspended by the courts. The Venezuela crisis continued to escalate, placing Foreign Minister Albares under scrutiny.
Israel's strike on Beirut, killing a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, dominated the day's news. The attack, seen as retaliation for a 41-year-old massacre, escalated tensions and raised fears of a wider conflict. Later, Hezbollah announced the death of a second commander. Israeli sources suggested Hezbollah might prefer a war of attrition. Meanwhile, domestic issues persisted. PSOE continued negotiations with Puigdemont in Switzerland, while the PP criticized these talks. Junqueras launched a bid to reclaim ERC leadership, attacking Rovira. In France, Barnier formed a right-leaning government. The San Sebastian Film Festival saw Cate Blanchett receive the Donostia Award. Local concerns included alcohol-related traffic deaths and pension system debates.
The German state of Brandenburg held elections, with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) narrowly defeating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This victory provided a much-needed boost to Chancellor Olaf Scholz amid ongoing migration debates. The close race dominated headlines throughout the day, with initial exit polls released in the afternoon and final results confirmed in the evening. Meanwhile, domestic issues in Spain continued to simmer, including housing affordability concerns and debates over Catalan financing. International news focused on renewed tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with reports of rocket launches and retaliatory strikes. Cultural news highlighted the premiere of Icíar Bollaín's film "Soy Nevenka" at the San Sebastián Film Festival, addressing workplace harassment.
Israel's offensive against Lebanon dominated the day's news, with reports of casualties escalating throughout the day. Initial reports in the morning mentioned 100 deaths, which rose to 182 by early afternoon, 274 by mid-afternoon, and finally 492 by evening, including 35 children. The attack, described as the deadliest in 30 years, prompted Israel to call for immediate evacuation of civilians from southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, domestic political news included the release of an audio recording of Prime Minister Sánchez's court appearance regarding his wife's case, where he invoked his right not to testify. The government continued negotiations with Junts for budget support, while polls showed the PP maintaining a lead over PSOE.
The Spanish government withdrew its proposed deficit path vote due to lack of support, particularly from Junts. This move, aimed at avoiding defeat in Congress, signaled a willingness to negotiate and potentially modify the proposal. The decision impacted budget discussions and highlighted ongoing political tensions. Simultaneously, Israel intensified its offensive in Lebanon, causing hundreds of casualties and forcing thousands to flee. The attacks, described as the deadliest in decades, raised concerns about regional escalation. Former Prime Minister Zapatero broke his silence, confirming his role in mediating the exit of Edmundo González from Venezuela. The day also saw discussions on labor reforms, with proposals to reduce working hours in the coming years.
Diplomatic tensions between Spain and Mexico escalated as Mexico's president-elect Sheinbaum justified not inviting King Felipe VI to her inauguration, citing Spain's lack of apology for colonial-era "grievances". The Spanish government protested this exclusion, with Prime Minister Sánchez calling it "unacceptable" and "inexplicable". This situation dominated the day's news cycle, evolving from initial reports of Spain's protest to Sheinbaum's explanation and Sánchez's strong response. Meanwhile, Israel's ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon continued to receive attention, with reports of Israel preparing for a possible ground invasion. Domestically, fiscal negotiations between the government and Junts party made headlines, while allegations of illegal campaign financing against influencer Alvise Pérez emerged, prompting an investigation by the Supreme Court's prosecutor's office.
Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon, ordering continued bombardment "with full force" despite international pressure. The death toll in Lebanon approached 650. The European Court of Justice upheld the European Parliament's decision to deny seats to Puigdemont and Comín in 2019. Alvise, a controversial figure, admitted receiving 100,000 euros in cash without invoices, prompting fiscal investigations. The government warned of reduced funding for autonomous communities not implementing the Housing Law. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN, criticizing arms sales to Israel. Pedro Almodóvar received the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, expressing his devotion to cinema. The EU initiated proceedings against Spain for not paying parents the 8-week parental leave.
28.09.2024
Saturday

The day Hezbollah's leader fell

Early morning reports emerged of Israel's attempt to assassinate Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. By mid-morning, Israeli forces confirmed his death, a claim later corroborated by Hezbollah. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with potential far-reaching consequences for regional stability. Throughout the day, media outlets dissected the implications of Nasrallah's death, analyzing its impact on Hezbollah's structure and Iran's position. The assassination raised concerns about possible retaliation and further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, domestic issues in Spain took a backseat, with only brief mentions of political debates and social concerns amidst the dominant international news.
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