November
01.11.2024
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Friday
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The day the DANA death toll surpassed 200

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The devastating impact of the DANA (Isolated High-Level Depression) in Spain's Valencia region dominated the news. Early reports indicated 158 fatalities, but by midday, the death toll had risen to 202 in Valencia alone, eventually reaching 205. The military deployment increased, with Defense Minister Robles sending an additional 750 troops. Concerns grew about 1,900 reported missing persons. Volunteers flocked to affected areas, prompting officials to consider restricting access. The Valencian government and central authorities clashed over crisis management and preparedness. Weather forecasts remained grim, with more rain expected. As the day progressed, attention turned to search efforts in tunnels and basements where people may have been trapped, while speculation arose about potentially higher casualty figures.
02.11.2024
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Saturday
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The day Valencia's tragedy unfolded in waves of solidarity

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The DANA disaster in Valencia continued to dominate headlines as the death toll climbed to 214. Prime Minister Sánchez announced the deployment of 10,000 additional troops, while thousands of volunteers mobilized to assist affected areas. Valencia's President Mazón declared it "the worst moment in our history" and proposed five working groups to manage the crisis, requesting involvement from seven ministers. The government's response faced criticism for its perceived delay. Rescue operations persisted, with a dramatic rescue at a shopping center parking lot in Aldaia. Nineteen volunteers were intoxicated by carbon monoxide in Chiva. As night fell, the Generalitat extended mobility restrictions to individuals and volunteers in 11 municipalities due to continued rainfall risks.
03.11.2024
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Sunday
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The day mud silenced the King

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The royal visit to flood-ravaged Paiporta turned hostile as protesters threw mud and objects at King Felipe VI, Prime Minister Sánchez, and President Mazón, shouting "murderers". The visit was suspended, with Sánchez retreating while the King attempted to engage with residents. Far-right groups allegedly infiltrated the protests, offering legal assistance to attackers. The death toll rose to 214, with another body found in Letur. Emergency responders described the situation as worse than previous disasters. Valencia suspended classes due to ongoing DANA threats, while the Generalitat extended mobility restrictions. Aemet issued red alerts for heavy rains in southern Valencia, later downgraded to orange. As night fell, taxidrivers mobilized to deliver aid, showcasing grassroots solidarity amidst official turmoil.
04.11.2024
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Monday
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The day Valencia demanded billions and Barcelona drowned

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As Valencia grappled with DANA's aftermath, regional president Mazón requested €31.4 billion from the government for crisis management. The death toll stood at 217, with 111 fully identified. Tensions persisted in affected areas, particularly Paiporta, where residents expressed frustration over slow aid. The government announced plans to prohibit layoffs of workers affected by the DANA.

Meanwhile, severe weather shifted to Catalonia, causing widespread disruption in Barcelona. Heavy rainfall led to flooding, train service suspensions, and flight diversions. Civil Protection issued alerts for torrential rains in several areas.

Political controversies continued, with conflicting statements from Mazón and the head of the Military Emergency Unit regarding emergency response management. Opposition leader Feijóo called for a national emergency declaration, which Mazón rejected.
05.11.2024
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Tuesday
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The day Sánchez's billions met Valencia's wounds

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A week after the DANA disaster, Prime Minister Sánchez announced a €10.6 billion aid package for affected areas, including direct assistance of up to €60,000 per household. This fell short of the €31.4 billion requested by Valencia's President Mazón. The official count of missing persons reached 89, with 62 unidentified bodies. Political tensions escalated as the opposition accused Sánchez of exploiting the crisis for political gain. Local mayors demanded supramunicipal coordination, highlighting ongoing management issues. Engineers criticized the lack of investment in hydraulic infrastructure, calling the disaster "foretold". As night fell, attention shifted to the U.S. elections, with Trump and Harris making final appeals to voters. The day's events underscored the complex interplay between disaster response, political maneuvering, and international focus.
06.11.2024
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Wednesday
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The day Trump reclaimed the White House

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As U.S. election results unfolded, Spanish media closely tracked Trump's growing lead over Harris. By early morning, Trump had secured key battleground states, with Harris canceling her speech. Trump declared victory, claiming a mandate from God. World leaders, including European counterparts, swiftly congratulated him. The Republican Party also secured control of the Senate. Harris's defeat was seen as indicative of broader Democratic Party issues. By afternoon, Trump's victory was mathematically confirmed with Wisconsin's results. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez congratulated Trump, expressing willingness to work on bilateral relations. The EU called for increased coordination in response to Trump's clear win. Harris finally conceded in the evening, acknowledging defeat while vowing to continue fighting for freedom. Throughout the day, Spanish media also continued reporting on the DANA disaster's aftermath.
07.11.2024
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Thursday
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The day Trump's triumph echoed across Spain

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Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election dominated Spanish media, with analyses of its implications for Europe, climate policy, and global politics. The EU and NATO began strategizing to mitigate potential impacts on trade and military cooperation. Attention gradually shifted to domestic issues, particularly the aftermath of the DANA disaster. Forensic experts estimated the death toll could reach 300, while the government received 116,000 insurance claims in just eight days. The Supreme Court's indictment of former minister Ábalos for criminal organization added a new dimension to ongoing political tensions. Valencia's emergency response came under scrutiny, with revelations that the regional emergency chief was unaware of the mass alert system until late in the crisis. An audio recording contradicted the official's statement, indicating earlier discussions about emergency alerts.
08.11.2024
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Friday
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The day DANA's waters receded, revealing political mud

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As floodwaters receded, the political aftermath of the DANA disaster intensified. Morning reports focused on the scale of destruction, with 100,000 vehicles lost and a massive debris field. By midday, attention shifted to the delayed emergency response, with revelations about late discussions on mass alerts. The afternoon brought scrutiny of regional president Mazón's actions during critical hours, as reports emerged of his extended lunch with a journalist. Evening saw Vice President Ribera's reappearance, criticizing Mazón's responsiveness. Throughout the day, climate change's role in intensifying the DANA was highlighted, with reports of an unusually warm Mediterranean. The Supreme Court's investigation into former minister Ábalos continued to make headlines, intertwining with the disaster narrative. Volunteer efforts and challenges faced by affected communities remained a constant thread in the day's coverage.
09.11.2024
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Saturday
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The day Valencia marched against the three-hour lunch

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Morning coverage focused on volunteer coordination challenges in Valencia's flood zones, with authorities requesting staged arrivals to prevent chaos. By midday, reports emerged of President Mazón's three-hour lunch with a journalist during the DANA crisis, while claiming poor cell reception prevented communication with Minister Ribera until 20:00.

The afternoon brought reports of putrefaction in affected areas and continued searches for 50 missing persons. The political narrative shifted as evening approached, with thousands gathering in Valencia's streets demanding Mazón's resignation. The initially "silent" march grew to 130,000 participants according to some sources.

The protests ended with calls for criminal charges, while Valencia's mayor addressed reports of "vandalism." The number of missing persons was revised down to 41 by day's end.
10.11.2024
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Sunday
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The day Valencia rejected boiled water

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The morning brought confirmation of more casualties as bodies of missing businessmen were discovered. The Valencian government firmly rejected calls for resignation despite the previous day's massive protests, with Mazón announcing a detailed explanation scheduled for Thursday.

A new conflict emerged over water safety protocols, with regional authorities contradicting Minister Ribera's recommendation to boil water, instead mandating bottled water use only. The PP presented a recovery plan including immediate relocations and tax relief, while maintaining political support for Mazón.

Media attention shifted to examining systemic failures, with analyses of emergency alert systems and climate change preparation. Comparisons emerged between Mazón's crisis management and the PP's handling of the Prestige disaster in Galicia, while El Periódico published impact simulations of similar floods in Barcelona and Madrid.
11.11.2024
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Monday
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The day Sánchez countered with billions

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The morning revealed new details about Valencia's flood response failures, with satellite imagery available hours before alerts were sent. By midday, Prime Minister Sánchez announced a €3.7 billion aid package with 110 measures, including immediate 50% advance payments, while deploying 18,000 military personnel.

Regional President Mazón acknowledged "errors" in crisis management and appointed Camarero to lead recovery efforts, while maintaining his position that government support arrived late. The Civil Guard contradicted earlier claims about organized ultra-right involvement in recent incidents.

By evening, attention shifted to fiscal policy as PSOE and Sumar agreed to raise VAT on tourist apartments to 21% and introduce a luxury goods tax. Reports emerged about the Júcar Confederation requesting national control of alerts two years prior, while Catalonia faced scrutiny over 40 campsites in flood-prone areas.
12.11.2024
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Tuesday
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The day Valencia's silence turned into statistics

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Morning coverage unveiled systemic failures preceding the DANA crisis, with emergency service workers reporting ignored warnings about communication system malfunctions. The EU published data showing climate disaster costs rising 162% over a decade, contextualizing Valencia's catastrophe within broader patterns.

By afternoon, revelations emerged that Mazón rejected Sánchez's assistance offer at 22:00 on the flood night, while the government quietly acknowledged a "national emergency" in the official gazette. The PP successfully blocked Teresa Ribera's EU Commission appointment, demanding explanations about DANA response.

Evening brought preparations for another DANA, with 40 municipalities suspending classes. The narrative shifted from individual responsibilities to systemic vulnerabilities, with reports exposing how mayors circumvented flood zone construction regulations through outdated urban planning schemes.
13.11.2024
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Wednesday
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The day floods returned for Valencia's revenge

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The morning began with mass evacuations in Málaga as a new DANA storm approached, forcing 3,000 residents from their homes. While meteorological services issued red alerts, political theater continued in Madrid, where Begoña Gómez refused to testify before the regional assembly, citing political persecution.

By midday, the storm paralyzed Málaga's infrastructure, suspending high-speed rail connections with Madrid and flooding the Clinical Hospital. A tornado struck Mijas Costa, destroying a gas station. The government announced a state funeral for previous DANA victims, acknowledging some bodies might take months to recover.

Evening brought Valencia back into crisis as AEMET issued red alerts for torrential rains of up to 180 liters per square meter. The Generalitat ordered school closures and mobility restrictions, while Mazón's parliamentary appearance was postponed. The PP European delegation meanwhile conditioned Ribera's confirmation on her appearing before Congress.
14.11.2024
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Thursday
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The day DANA returned with empty threats

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The second DANA storm system approached Valencia with red alerts, prompting emergency preparations and school closures. By morning, authorities had already begun downgrading alerts as the storm proved less severe than feared.

New evidence emerged contradicting PP's crisis management narrative, with reports of 62 warning messages sent to Emergency Services while Mazón attended a lunch. The Júcar Confederation's early warnings between 16:00 and 17:00 further undermined the regional government's position.

By afternoon, both Valencia and Málaga began returning to normalcy, with high-speed rail connections restored. Banks prepared to distribute aid advances to affected residents. The focus shifted to Andalusia as the Guadiaro river threatened new evacuations, though residents were later cleared to return home. Evening reports revealed that over half of the 216 DANA victims were above 70 years old.
15.11.2024
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Friday
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The day Mazón faced parliament while elders burned

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A deadly fire in a Zaragoza nursing home claimed 10 lives early morning, with reports crediting a fireproof door for preventing further casualties.

Valencia's President Mazón appeared before parliament for his delayed DANA response explanation. His three-hour defense evolved from initial acknowledgment of "system failures" to deflecting responsibility toward state agencies, particularly the Júcar Confederation. He announced a regional investigation commission and restructured his cabinet with new emergency and reconstruction positions, but offered no resignations.

By afternoon, opposition demanded a "technical president" to manage recovery efforts. Mazón, maintaining his position, stated he wouldn't seek reelection if unable to lead reconstruction. A NASA-affiliated Spanish physicist revealed the October 29 DANA had exceeded Spain's maximum rainfall measurement capabilities, adding scientific context to the political crisis.
16.11.2024
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Saturday
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The day UME brought receipts to Mazón's lunch

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Morning reports focused on Mazón's strategy of apologizing while deflecting blame for the DANA response. By noon, multiple official sources systematically dismantled his narrative. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) revealed they were active hours before receiving official orders, while AEMET and government sources confirmed the Forata dam breach warning arrived during Mazón's controversial lunch.

The afternoon brought evidence that the emergency coordination center (CECOPI) was inactive between 18:00 and 19:00 during critical hours. Mazón attempted to counter these revelations by questioning why the government didn't act during those three hours. Meanwhile, flood victims continued facing a housing crisis as rental prices in affected areas reached prohibitive levels. A cleanup worker reported removing 1.5 million liters of mud daily, highlighting the ongoing recovery challenges.
17.11.2024
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Sunday
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The day flood data washed away Mazón's story

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New forensic data revealed half of DANA casualties occurred inside homes and garages, undermining the regional government's emergency response narrative. The Military Emergency Unit disclosed a 10-hour gap between their first report and intervention, adding to the documented timeline of delays.

President Mazón responded by restructuring his government, appointing Susana Camarero as spokesperson, while scheduling a parliamentary appearance for November 27 to explain why National Emergency wasn't declared. Recovery efforts in Alfafar and Sedaví continued, with affected communities rebuilding amid rising rental costs.

The evening news cycle shifted to international developments as Biden authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles within Russian territory, marking a significant policy change two months before his expected departure from office.
18.11.2024
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Monday
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The day coalition taxes drowned in flood blame

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Morning coverage centered on mounting engineering criticism of Minister Ribera's hydraulic infrastructure management, while Mazón faced new revelations about direct contracts to Gürtel-linked constructors for flood recovery. CIS polls showed PSOE gaining ground as PP suffered from DANA aftermath.

By afternoon, Mazón dismissed Tourism Minister Montes over flood response, while King Felipe VI appointed two women to senior Royal House positions. Coalition tensions peaked as cross-vetoes between government partners sank proposed banking and energy taxes.

Evening brought last-minute negotiations to save the fiscal reform package, with PSOE promising ERC, Bildu, and BNG extended energy taxes and modified banking levies. Meanwhile, Sánchez engaged with Von der Leyen to unlock Ribera's EU Commission nomination, considering support for Meloni's candidate as leverage.
19.11.2024
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Tuesday
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The day Ukraine's missiles met Putin's doctrine

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Morning coverage focused on the government's last-minute fiscal reform negotiations, with PSOE making contradictory promises to coalition partners. The package remained significantly reduced from initial ambitions.

By midday, attention shifted to Ukraine's first use of US-provided ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, followed hours later by Putin's approval of a new doctrine allowing nuclear response to conventional attacks. The timing and sequence of these events dominated coverage.

The afternoon brought two parallel institutional stories: the investigation into Begoña Gómez's finances, with a judge requesting her bank accounts and marriage certificate, and King Felipe's visit to DANA-affected areas in Valencia. The latter highlighted ongoing tensions between regional and national authorities over flood response, with Marlaska defending AEMET while criticizing Mazón's management.

Evening reports revealed new direct contracts by Mazón to Gürtel-linked constructors for DANA repairs.
20.11.2024
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Wednesday
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The day Ribera brought 198 receipts

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Minister Ribera's long-awaited Congress appearance dominated coverage, as she countered Mazón's DANA narrative with detailed documentation: 198 warning emails and 25 road service alerts before 13:00 on the critical day. The defense proved effective, as President Mazón dismissed Emergency Minister Pradas by evening.

In Brussels, the three major political groups reached an agreement securing Ribera's EU Commission vice-presidency, despite Spanish PP's opposition. The deal included unprecedented far-right participation in the Commission.

Meanwhile, Putin's nuclear threats following Ukraine's first use of Western long-range missiles led to embassy closures in Kiev. The Kremlin declared the conflict had evolved into a Russia-NATO war.

Rafa Nadal's retirement announcement, following Spain's Davis Cup elimination, received continuous coverage throughout the day.
21.11.2024
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Thursday
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The day Aldama spoke for mercy

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The morning opened with Ribera securing her EU Commission vice-presidency despite Feijóo's opposition. Ukraine reported Russia's first use of intercontinental ballistic missiles against its territory, while deploying Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets.

By midday, Aldama's court testimony dominated coverage as he sought release by implicating senior PSOE figures. He claimed paying 400,000 euros to Ábalos, 200,000 to Koldo García, and 15,000 to Santos Cerdán, while describing a 2019 meeting where Sánchez allegedly thanked him for unspecified activities. PSOE announced legal action against these claims.

In the afternoon, the government successfully passed its fiscal package after reaching agreement with Podemos on energy company taxation, marking a recovery of coalition stability following days of uncertainty.
22.11.2024
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Friday
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The day Aldama's testimony brought medals

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Aldama's 116-minute court testimony from the previous day generated waves of political reactions. His claims about direct contact with Sánchez during the mask procurement scandal and allegations of regional corruption quotas within PSOE dominated morning coverage.

By early afternoon, PSOE and government officials announced a joint lawsuit against Aldama for defamation. The story took an unexpected turn when media revealed Interior Minister Marlaska had awarded Aldama a Civil Guard merit medal in 2022, adding complexity to the government's defensive narrative.

Sara Aagesen's appointment as new third vice-president, replacing Teresa Ribera who secured her EU position yesterday, received limited coverage amid the Aldama developments. Evening coverage exposed RTVE's editorial choice to lead with Broncano-Motos entertainment controversy despite the political developments.
23.11.2024
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Saturday
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The day Aldama walked free while South left COP

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Aldama's release from prison dominated morning coverage, with media focusing on his nine-hour negotiation with prosecutors. The government attempted to discredit his testimony by comparing him to "pequeño Nicolás," while Feijóo questioned the prosecutor's role in the release.

By afternoon, coverage shifted to the dramatic developments at COP29 in Baku, where developing nations walked out of negotiations. The crisis was eventually resolved with wealthy nations committing to 300 billion euros annually in climate funding.

A massive housing protest in Barcelona gathered thousands demanding rent control measures and proposing a tenant strike. The demonstration coincided with new data about rising housing costs.

Reports of Putin's "red lines" regarding Ukraine and NATO received continuous coverage throughout the day, reflecting growing European concerns about potential Russian aggression.
24.11.2024
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Sunday
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The day Sánchez chose Monday for his answer

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The continuing Aldama crisis forced a response from Moncloa, with Sánchez announcing an institutional declaration scheduled for Monday. The government maintained support for Santos Cerdán despite mounting pressure, while photos emerged showing Aldama with PP's Ana Botella, complicating opposition narratives.

Investigation revealed companies under scrutiny for PP financing received €16M contracts for DANA reconstruction. The floods claimed their first victim when a worker died during school repairs in Massanassa, leading to conflicting statements about building safety from Generalitat officials.

The Samuel Luiz murder trial concluded with homophobia confirmed as motive, resulting in four convictions. Meanwhile, COP29 negotiations in Baku reached agreement on €300B annual climate funding for Global South, though coverage highlighted economic tensions throughout the process.
25.11.2024
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Monday
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The day women marched while Attorney General faced leaks

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Two significant storylines developed in parallel throughout the day. The 25N demonstrations against gender violence gathered momentum across Spain, with media highlighting new data showing 90% conviction rates over 20 years of anti-machismo legislation, while reporting increasing sexual violence among youth.

Meanwhile, the Civil Guard investigation into the Ayuso partner email leak produced evidence of Attorney General García Ortiz's "preeminent role," prompting government defense of his position. The UCO report revealed messages suggesting coordination in the leak, leading to Juan Lobato's summons as witness.

In institutional movements, Sánchez confirmed Sara Aagesen as Ribera's replacement while urging PP to renew the gender violence state pact. The evening saw thousands march nationwide under the slogan "shame must change sides," while government maintained support for García Ortiz despite mounting pressure.
26.11.2024
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Tuesday
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The day Lobato fought his party

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Morning coverage focused on Juan Lobato's defiant stance against PSOE leadership, as he appeared before Madrid Assembly refusing to resign. He claimed being "lynched" by party officials and suggested Moncloa had misled him about the source of Ayuso's partner's emails.

By midday, Ferraz maintained strategic distance, declaring this a regional PSOE matter, while party officials demanded "more solid explanations." Santos Cerdán challenged Lobato to name those behind the alleged lynching.

Evening brought Netanyahu's announcement of a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, following a year of cross-border violence. The UCO dismantled claims about prosecution offering deals to Ayuso's partner, while a UCM vice-rector resigned citing pressures related to the Begoña Gómez case. Casa Marcial received its third Michelin star, with Barcelona gaining four new starred restaurants.
27.11.2024
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Wednesday
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The day Lobato fell and Netanyahu paused

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Netanyahu's announcement of a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah dominated morning coverage, while Sánchez appeared in Congress to defend DANA flood response and announce a €2,274M aid package, shifting blame to regional leader Mazón.

By early afternoon, the European Parliament approved Von der Leyen's new Commission with Ribera as vice-president, despite Spanish PP's opposition. The political tension peaked when Juan Lobato resigned as Madrid PSOE secretary, ending three days of confrontation with party leadership over the Ayuso partner email controversy.

Evening coverage revealed new UCO findings regarding Sánchez's brother's involvement in procurement irregularities, while detailed analysis emerged of Lobato's final 62 hours in power, from an emergency agreement with Ferraz to his final challenge to Sánchez's authority.
28.11.2024
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Thursday
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The day Moncloa faced brother and Lebanon burned

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Moncloa launched a counteroffensive against allegations regarding Sánchez's brother, claiming the case stems from false information and far-right groups, while UCO revealed its analysis of 64,602 emails failed to determine who initiated the controversial appointment. This defensive stance paralleled similar arguments regarding Begoña Gómez's case.

Meanwhile, the Lebanon ceasefire deteriorated as Israel bombarded southern regions and prevented civilian returns, generating sustained media attention throughout the day.

Economic developments saw confirmation of a 2.8% pension increase for 2025, translating to €40 monthly average rises, while Barcelona announced both a €1,800M climate action plan through 2030 and predictions of worsening rental market conditions for 2025.

The aftermath of Lobato's resignation continued shaping PSOE's internal dynamics, with Ferraz maintaining control over Madrid federation's primary schedules.
29.11.2024
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Friday
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The mud month and Lobato's phone

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Coverage split between two major narratives: Valencia's DANA aftermath one month later and developments in the Lobato case. Morning media focused on Valencia residents' ongoing struggles with mud and debris, revealing two pending legal reforms that could have expedited disaster response.

By midday, attention shifted to Juan Lobato's Supreme Court appearance, where he surrendered his phone for investigation. Messages revealed communications between Lobato and Sánchez Acera regarding Ayuso's partner's email, with new implications for Moncloa's involvement. A Moncloa advisor's refusal to testify before the Senate commission added complexity to the case.

Evening coverage returned to Valencia's recovery challenges, while Barcelona celebrated FC Barcelona's 125th anniversary at the Liceu, and Port Vell lit its Christmas decorations amid continuing flood-recovery benefit concerts.
30.11.2024
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Saturday
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The day PSOE faced the storm

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PSOE's 41st Federal Congress in Seville became a platform for confronting what the party termed "judicial harassment." Party leaders, including Santos Cerdán and María Jesús Montero, denounced what they described as coordinated attacks from media outlets and judicial institutions.

The controversy over Ayuso's partner's email continued with Óscar López denying Moncloa's involvement, while Sánchez Acera was removed from Paradores following possible indictment. Page broke ranks by rejecting the party's victimization narrative.

By evening, massive protests in València demanded Mazón's resignation over DANA flood response, with reported turnout of 100,000 people.

Late night saw Sánchez confirming his core team, maintaining Montero and Cerdán in leadership positions, while reaching agreement on regional financing that satisfied both PSC and Page factions.
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