April
Morning coverage focused on the Asturian mining disaster aftermath that claimed five lives yesterday, with investigation shifting to whether the company operated with proper permits. Authorities promised thorough checks while locals expressed skepticism, saying officials "will cover it up as always."

By midday, news emerged of Guardia Civil operations against Hezbollah networks in Spain, while King Juan Carlos filed a 50,000€ lawsuit against former Cantabria president Revilla over honor rights.

The migrant crisis intensified with Catalonia declaring its minor centers at over 100% capacity, as Minister Rego accused Madrid and Aragón of providing unreliable data for relocation plans.

Evening attention shifted dramatically to the Copa del Rey semifinal between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, which ended with Madrid advancing to the final after a chaotic 4-4 extra-time thriller.

Spain's digital transition progressed with the launch of MiDNI, a virtual national ID for mobile phones.
The morning papers continued coverage of the Asturian mining disaster aftermath and Trump's imminent "Liberation Day" tariffs scheduled for April 2nd. By midday, Sánchez announced a contingency plan with direct aid for affected sectors, meeting with unions and business leaders to address the economic threat.

The news cycle was dramatically transformed in the evening when Trump officially announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with targeted increases including 20% on EU products and 34% on Chinese goods, declaring America's "economic independence." The announcement dominated coverage across all major outlets.

In sports, Barcelona defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0 in the Copa del Rey semifinal, setting up a Clásico final against Real Madrid. Tragic news emerged from Alcorcón where two firefighters died battling a garage fire, with initial reports suggesting a possible electric vehicle connection.
The morning news focused extensively on Trump's newly imposed tariffs (10% universal, 20% on EU goods, 34% on China), announced the previous day. Markets responded with dramatic plunges, creating what media called a "Black Thursday" with the worst Wall Street drops since the pandemic.

By mid-morning, President Sánchez announced a €14.1 billion plan to shield Spanish businesses and workers from the tariff impacts. The government initiated dialogue with opposition parties, excluding Vox, to create a unified response. Officials reported European losses could reach €81 billion annually, with later estimates suggesting a €380 billion impact across Europe.

Macron called for French companies to halt investments in the US, while Von der Leyen warned of "chaos" and promised EU counter-measures if negotiations fail. Environmental news emerged about contaminants at Tenneco in Badalona, with nine pollutants at excessive levels detected by Mossos.
04.04.2025
Friday

Black Friday Market Bloodbath

The market collapse that began with Trump's tariff announcements evolved into a full-scale global financial disaster. Morning reports showed the Ibex 35 plummeting, initially by 3.5%, then accelerating to 4%, 6%, and finally closing down 5.83% – its worst performance since the pandemic. Banking stocks collapsed by 10%, while Wall Street simultaneously crashed nearly 6%, wiping out €1.5 trillion in market value.

China responded to Trump's tariffs with reciprocal 34% duties on US imports, escalating the trade war. Notably, Russia received exemption from Trump's tariffs, interpreted as strategic negotiation leverage regarding Ukraine.

Spain's political response fractured along partisan lines initially, with PP councilors boycotting government meetings, though by afternoon PP and PSOE approached agreement on a unified response. Experts criticized Sánchez's anti-tariff plan as "disproportionate" and lacking direct aid to affected sectors.
Trump's 10% global tariff officially took effect, which he celebrated with "It's on!", deepening the financial crisis that began days earlier. Markets continued their downward spiral, with tech giants suffering over €2 trillion in losses. The tariff implementation intensified fears of a global recession, while creating competitive advantages for Morocco and Gibraltar that threatened Spanish exports.

Domestically, housing dominated the news as thousands marched in over 40 Spanish cities demanding affordable housing with slogans like "Madrid will be the tomb of rentierism." Catalonia officially ended drought restrictions in Barcelona after months of severe measures.

By evening, attention shifted to anti-Trump demonstrations spreading across the US under the "Hands Off!" slogan, as Americans protested what Spanish media described as a "hostile takeover of power" by Trump and Musk. Meanwhile, reports emerged of companies linked to Feijóo receiving €31 million in no-bid contracts from Galicia's regional government.
Anti-Trump protests dominated morning coverage, with demonstrations across 1,400 US locations under the "Hands Off!" slogan following the tariff implementation. Spain's government response to the trade war intensified, with reports revealing €870M for weapons manufacturing and €803M for military systems amid growing economic concerns.

By midday, attention shifted to concrete impacts of Trump's "guantá" (slap) on Spanish businesses left "without alternatives," while Spanish ports prepared for prolonged trade hostilities. EU Commission President Von der Leyen warned of "proportionate countermeasures" if negotiations failed. Sánchez sought to strengthen economic ties with Vietnam and China as alternatives.

Political developments emerged with Irene Montero announced as Podemos' candidate for future general elections, while reports examined the psychological impact of Trump's immigration policies on undocumented Americans living in "permanent fear of deportation."
The market crisis triggered by Trump's tariffs intensified into a full "Black Monday," with Asian markets plummeting over 12% in early trading before European markets opened with catastrophic losses. Spain's Ibex 35 fell nearly 6%, continuing the bloodbath that began last Thursday.

By mid-morning, Catalan President Illa announced €1.5 billion in aid and credit to counter Trump's tariffs, with Barcelona separately committing €900 million to strengthen its economy. The national government prepared €5 billion in loan guarantees for affected companies.

Von der Leyen offered Trump zero tariffs on industrial products, proposing a "zero for zero" approach, while Trump escalated tensions by threatening China with additional 50-104% tariffs. Wall Street opened with steep losses but managed to stabilize by day's end, contrasting with European markets which closed down more than 4%, having lost €1.3 trillion in just three trading sessions.
Following "Black Monday," European markets rebounded slightly with Spain's IBEX 35 rising 2.37%. The core development was Trump's dramatic escalation, imposing 104% tariffs on China after Beijing failed to respond to his ultimatum. Spanish authorities calculated 80% of exports to the US would be affected, prompting the government to approve a €14 billion mitigation package.

EU Commission President Von der Leyen attempted diplomatic outreach to China, calling for collaboration to defend "free and fair trade" against tariff escalation. Meanwhile, domestic politics complicated Spain's response as PP cited a supposed "hidden pact" with Junts to justify breaking cooperation with PSOE on tariff measures.

By evening, Spanish media reported on alternative manufacturing shifts to Vietnam—dubbed the "new China"—while Sumar opposed defense allocations partially intended for American weapons. Spain's women's football team provided a rare positive note, defeating Portugal 7-1.
09.04.2025
Wednesday

The Day Of Tariff Checkmate

The tariff war escalated dramatically as Trump implemented his threatened duties. China immediately countered with 84% tariffs on all US products, strategically targeting rare earth materials essential for American manufacturing. By midday, the EU approved retaliatory tariffs worth €21 billion on US goods, with only Hungary opposing.

European markets suffered, with Spain's IBEX plunging 2.7%. The Bank of Spain announced it would lower growth forecasts due to trade disruptions. Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez, visiting Vietnam, warned that "workers lose the most in trade wars" while the US Treasury Secretary cautioned Spain against closer Chinese ties, describing it as "cutting its own throat."

By evening, Trump made a surprising move, suspending tariffs for 90 days for most countries while increasing China's to 125%. This announcement triggered Wall Street to surge over 7%, demonstrating the volatile market reactions to Trump's unpredictable trade strategies.
Markets responded euphorically to Trump's revised tariff strategy announced late Wednesday, with the IBEX 35 opening 8.6% higher—its largest gain in 15 years. By mid-morning, this rally had moderated to around 5% as European markets collectively celebrated the 90-day tariff pause for most countries except China, which now faces even steeper 125% duties.

The EU reciprocated by mid-day, announcing its own 90-day suspension of counter-tariffs "to give negotiation an opportunity." Meanwhile, reports emerged that the EU and China are discussing minimum pricing for electric vehicles as an alternative to tariffs.

Domestic politics resurfaced as the Supreme Court confirmed it wouldn't apply amnesty to Puigdemont's embezzlement charges. Valencia's government faced criticism after revelations that officials ignored flood warnings before the catastrophic dana. The day ended tragically with news of five Spanish tourists dying in a helicopter crash in New York's Hudson River.
The news cycle began with reports of a Spanish family of five—former Siemens executives and their children—dying in a Hudson River helicopter crash in New York. Investigation details emerged throughout the day.

Prime Minister Sánchez's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping dominated coverage, with Sánchez describing China as an "essential partner" for the EU amid the ongoing trade tensions with the US. Some outlets framed this as "challenging" or "defying" the United States. This eastward diplomatic pivot followed the previous day's market euphoria over Trump's 90-day tariff truce.

Brussels claimed Trump's tariffs would harm the US economy more than Europe's, potentially reducing US GDP by 3.3% versus 0.6% for the EU. Meanwhile, China maintained pressure by raising tariffs to 125% on American products.

Domestically, former Valencia regional minister Pradas tearfully testified she lacked emergency management knowledge during the catastrophic dana floods.
Trump's sudden exemption of phones, computers and semiconductor chips from his reciprocal tariffs dominated Spanish media coverage. This policy reversal, characterized by some outlets as a "capitulation" comparable to Liz Truss's economic failure, modified his previous broader approach that had severely impacted Spanish companies like Repsol and banks.

Spanish diplomatic positioning continued evolving with Prime Minister Sánchez portrayed as building EU-China bridges while the opposition criticized this stance. Spain proposed an EU common defense fund to immediately increase military spending, reflecting regional security concerns.

Former Valencia regional minister Pradas tearfully testified before a judge investigating the dana flood disaster, claiming lack of emergency management knowledge while protesters shouted "Mazón, murderer." The day also saw reporting on primary healthcare abandonment and FC Barcelona player Balde's injury during a match against Leganés.
The morning began with continuing coverage of political scandals involving Prime Minister Sánchez's brother and the Koldo corruption case. By midday, focus shifted dramatically to a Russian missile strike on Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, with the death toll rising throughout the day from 20 to 34, including two children. This attack occurred as Russia contradicted Trump's suggestions about ending the war soon.

Multiple El Mundo articles analyzed European defense vulnerabilities without American protection, reflecting ongoing concerns about security autonomy following Trump's recent tariff policies. These articles appeared amid continued reporting on Trump's economic impact, including stock market losses and his partially retreating tariff strategy on electronics from previous days.

Domestically, the Spanish government announced plans to lower voting age to 16. Evening coverage tracked Ecuador's presidential election, with Noboa leading González in early results amid heightened security measures.
Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa's death at 89 dominated Spanish media throughout the day, with coverage evolving from basic announcements to reflections on his literary contributions, political evolution from communism to liberalism, and famous conflicts with García Márquez.

By midday, attention partially shifted to bombshell testimony in the DANA flood investigation, where government delegate Bernabé revealed she offered military emergency assistance eight hours before the flood alert. Former regional minister Pradas reportedly responded to warnings about drownings in Paiporta by saying it was "happening in many towns," intensifying scrutiny of disaster response failures.

Trump's trade war continued evolving as Spain's Economy Minister traveled to Washington amid reports that the EU's first approach to reach a tariff agreement had failed. Trump warned of new electronics tariffs while considering automobile exemptions, suggesting targeted strategies replacing his earlier broad approach.
Spain's Foreign Minister Cuerpo's trip to Washington dominated morning coverage, with reports evolving into cautious optimism by evening as he confirmed "a door open to negotiation" on Trump's tariffs. This development follows Trump's partial retreat on electronics tariffs earlier in the week.

The DANA investigation yielded new revelations about President Mazón's unavailability during critical moments of the disaster, with records showing officials couldn't reach him for over an hour (18:30-19:43). A senior Valencia official admitted responsibility for monitoring Poyo ravine, contradicting previous denials.

A corruption scandal emerged through Carmen Pano's testimony claiming she delivered €90,000 in cash to PSOE headquarters at Ferraz. Meanwhile, Junts issued an ultimatum giving the government until late May to fulfill agreements or withdraw support.

Cultural coverage continued mourning Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, revealing his five-year battle with an undisclosed terminal illness.
Minister Bolaños testified for two hours before Judge Peinado regarding the hiring of Begoña Gómez's assistant, maintaining the process was legal and that he neither contracted nor supervised her. The investigation continues the political-judicial saga surrounding the Prime Minister's wife.

US-Spain relations deteriorated as Washington demanded Spain increase NATO defense spending and eliminate the "Google tax" following Economy Minister Cuerpo's Washington visit, which yesterday had been portrayed as opening doors to negotiation on tariffs. Reports showed Trump's tariffs causing a historic 12.3% collapse in North American exports, with the WTO warning of a 1.5% global trade decline if fully implemented.

By evening, media attention shifted to Real Madrid's Champions League match against Arsenal, which ended in a disappointing 1-2 defeat, eliminating Madrid from the tournament. The match featured controversial VAR decisions and saw Mbappé leave injured.
The European Central Bank dominated coverage with its decision to cut interest rates to 2.25%, its seventh consecutive reduction, explicitly to counteract Trump's tariff threat and protect the eurozone economy. By afternoon, financial outlets reported the ECB's message that "we must be prepared for the unpredictable."

Trump's morning meeting with Italian PM Meloni signaled potential compromise, with Trump stating he believes "there won't be many problems" reaching an agreement with Europe, offering relief after weeks of escalating tensions.

Valencia President Mazón's DANA flood scandal deepened with new evidence showing he spent just 12 minutes and 42 seconds speaking with the emergency director during the disaster's critical phase. Communications reportedly "went black" at the crucial moment, intensifying scrutiny of his absence during the catastrophe.

Holy Thursday processions in Málaga featuring the Legion carrying the Cristo de Mena statue received extensive coverage throughout the day.
Trump's ultimatum to abandon Ukraine-Russia peace talks "in a matter of days" if no progress materializes dominated Spanish media, with RTVE repeatedly publishing the story throughout the day. This marked a dramatic shift from Trump's previous promise to end the war "in 24 hours" to now suggesting he'll "move on to something else."

Morning coverage featured Trump's meeting with Italian PM Meloni, signaling a potential breakthrough in EU tariff negotiations, with Trump calling Meloni his "friend" and expressing optimism for "100%" agreement. This diplomatic advancement follows yesterday's ECB rate cut explicitly designed to counter Trump's tariff threats.

Other significant stories included Israel's continued military operations in Gaza one month after breaking the ceasefire, wealthy foreigners shifting property investments from Mediterranean regions to northern Spain, and Sevilla's Holy Week processions marking Good Friday.
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to temporarily halt Trump's deportations based on the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act dominated Spanish media. Throughout the day, coverage shifted from initial reports to Trump's defiant response: "My job is to get them out of here." The ruling specifically protected Venezuelans detained in Texas.

Putin announced a unilateral Orthodox Easter ceasefire in Ukraine until Monday midnight, portrayed as a test of Kyiv's "sincerity." This move came as Trump's peace talk ultimatum expired with Russia apparently ignoring his deadline, prompting Trump to deny that Putin was "playing" him.

Economic reporting focused on Trump's first 90 days transforming markets, China redirecting US-blocked exports to Europe threatening EU industries, and Tesla boycotts reviving European electric vehicle sales. In domestic sports, Barcelona secured a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory against Celta Vigo to maintain their league lead.
The Russian Orthodox Easter ceasefire announced by Putin yesterday was immediately countered by reports of continued fighting, with Zelensky confirming combat persisted despite the declared truce. Media repeatedly emphasized that two months of Ukraine negotiations have failed to halt the war, as Putin's strategy after his ceasefire gesture diminishes peace prospects.

Domestic politics showed paralysis in Sánchez's government, which has passed only four royal decrees and one law in 2025's first quarter. Catalan parties ERC and Junts demanded progress on financing, language policy, and amnesty. The PNV pressed Sánchez on bilateral relations, declaring "We are a nation."

Israel acknowledged "errors" in an attack killing 15 paramedics, attributing it to troops' "mental state." The story dominated RTVE's afternoon coverage with eight repetitions.

In sports, Barcelona maintained title hopes with a comeback victory against Celta, while Holger Rune defeated an injured Carlos Alcaraz at the Conde de Godó trophy.
The morning began with reports that Russia had resumed bombardment of Ukraine after the Orthodox Easter truce ended, contradicting Trump's optimistic expectations for a peace agreement "this week." Around 8 AM, news broke of Pope Francis's death at 88, dominating coverage throughout the day. By midday, the Vatican confirmed he died from a stroke that caused a coma and irreversible cardiac insufficiency.

Spanish outlets noted Francis never visited Spain despite ideological alignment with the government and numerous invitations. The government declared three days of mourning, calling him "a good man."

Other developments included Spain accelerating defense spending to reach NATO's 2% GDP target and China threatening retaliation against countries making deals with the US that harm Chinese interests, signaling escalating global tensions as diplomatic and military posturing continues in multiple theaters.
The Vatican announced Pope Francis's funeral for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 in St. Peter's Square, highlighting his wishes for a simpler ceremony than Benedict XVI's and burial at Santa María la Mayor instead of the Vatican. Coverage examined the upcoming conclave's dynamics, noting Francis appointed 80% of cardinal electors to ensure his modernization agenda continues.

By midday, Prime Minister Sánchez announced a €10.47 billion defense spending increase to reach NATO's 2% GDP target this year, with details showing only 18.7% for weapons while the rest funds digital security and salary improvements. This plan widened rifts with his coalition allies, with Sumar explicitly rejecting the "exorbitant" military spending increase.

Late afternoon reports revealed Sánchez would skip the Pope's funeral, sending ministers instead – making him the only major country leader absent. Meanwhile, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia confirmed their attendance.
Pope Francis's body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica for a three-day public viewing, with nearly 20,000 mourners paying respects on the first day. The Vatican considered extending viewing hours due to massive crowds, with reports highlighting flood victims traveling to Rome for the farewell.

Prime Minister Sánchez's €10.47 billion defense spending increase, announced yesterday to meet NATO's 2% GDP target, created the coalition's deepest crisis. United Left (IU) threatened to leave the government over both military spending and weapons purchases from Israel, a deal the government had previously promised to cancel. Sumar, the larger junior coalition partner, refused to consider leaving despite disagreements.

Meanwhile, Barcelona celebrated Sant Jordi Day with record attendance, with authors Javier Cercas, Xavier Bosch, and María Dueñas leading book sales in the festive atmosphere that filled city streets under sunny skies.
The government unilaterally cancelled its contract for Israeli ammunition after a coalition crisis, with Prime Minister Sánchez overruling Interior Minister Marlaska to appease Sumar and IU coalition partners who had threatened to leave the government. Israel immediately condemned the decision, accusing Spain of "sacrificing security for political reasons." Reports revealed the Israeli company had received €2.5 million in nine other government contracts since 2023.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis's chapel of rest remained open overnight to accommodate massive crowds of mourners, with over 50,000 people paying respects by midday. A prominent cardinal warned of a potential schism if the conclave selects a continuist Pope, highlighting tensions ahead of Saturday's funeral.

Sánchez also unveiled a €1.3 billion housing industrialization plan, while NATO contradicted his defense spending claims, placing Spain at the bottom of alliance expenditure.
The diplomatic crisis with Israel deepened as Spain announced it would ban Israeli ammunition imports to avoid paying €6 million for the cancelled contract. Throughout the day, RTVE repeatedly reported Israel's accusations that Spain was "sacrificing security for political purposes." New revelations showed the government had awarded 46 weapons contracts to Israel since the Gaza war began, worth over €1 billion, contradicting the government's anti-war stance. Opposition leader Feijóo proposed that Sánchez and his 22 ministers personally pay for the cancelled contract (€286,956 each).

Prime Minister Sánchez backed Interior Minister Marlaska despite overruling him on the contract cancellation, preparing a legal strategy against Israel's expected lawsuit. Meanwhile, extensive coverage of Pope Francis's funeral preparations continued, with the casket closing ceremony and world leaders arriving in Rome, including Feijóo as the only Spanish opposition leader invited on the official trip.
Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor after a solemn funeral that drew 400,000 mourners and officials from 146 countries. The ceremony concluded with traditional elements including silk veil, seal, and commemorative coins. The funeral became a venue for diplomatic encounters, notably between Trump and Zelensky who held what was described as a "productive" meeting.

Spanish polls revealed Francis was viewed positively across the political spectrum, with atheists surprisingly giving him high marks while placing him on the left.

By evening, attention shifted to sports as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in an epic Copa del Rey final that went to extra time. Mbappé, who started on the bench, scored to tie the game 1-1, but Koundé's 115th-minute header secured Barcelona's victory, potentially marking the start of a new era under coach Flick.
Barcelona's Copa del Rey triumph dominated early coverage, with Koundé's goal securing a 3-2 extra-time victory over Real Madrid. By afternoon, Barcelona's women's team also advanced to the Champions League final after defeating Chelsea.

The papal succession process took center stage as Francis's tomb became a pilgrimage destination in Rome. Spanish outlets extensively profiled cardinal candidates and discussed conclave politics, with Cardinal Cobo declaring Francis's reforms "irreversible" amid reports of polarization within the Church.

Defense spending continued generating political friction, with opposition leader Gamarra accusing Sánchez of "lying" about NATO commitments. A poll showed 81% of Spaniards want the defense plan submitted to Congress. Meanwhile, El Español reported Sánchez's coalition partner Sumar is collapsing, undermining his government's stability. The Constitutional Court faced internal disagreements over the transgender rights law.
28.04.2025
Monday

Day the Darkness Fell on Spain

Spain woke to news of Prime Minister Sánchez's brother being indicted for influence peddling and prevarication, along with first-quarter unemployment data showing the largest rise since 2013, with 92,500 jobs lost and unemployment climbing to 11.4%.

These stories were overshadowed at 11:00 AM when an unprecedented nationwide blackout struck Spain and parts of Europe. The outage, which eventually affected 15 countries, was caused by the sudden loss of 60% of the electric supply (15 gigawatts) within five seconds. Prime Minister Sánchez convened two emergency National Security Council meetings, declaring he would not rule out any hypothesis regarding the cause.

By evening, Interior Minister Marlaska declared a national emergency in eight communities as power was gradually restored. After nine hours, only about 50% of electricity demand had been met, with Red Eléctrica warning full restoration would take many more hours.
Spain grappled with the aftermath of its largest blackout in history, which cut 60% of electricity within five seconds the previous day. Morning brought cautious optimism as Red Eléctrica announced restoration of 99%, then 100% of electrical service, though transportation systems remained partially disrupted.

By midday, Prime Minister Sánchez held a press conference, promising to identify what happened "in those five seconds" and pledging accountability. Red Eléctrica officially ruled out a cyberattack, focusing instead on technical failures possibly involving solar plant disconnections.

The afternoon saw tensions rise as the European Commission demanded a report within three months and Portugal requested an audit. Sánchez summoned energy company executives to Moncloa for an emergency meeting, shifting blame toward private operators. By evening, Iberdrola pushed back, stating their plants followed Red Eléctrica's instructions, while fears of another blackout reduced mobility in major cities.
Red Eléctrica president Carmen Corredor became the central figure as she announced officials had "more or less located" the cause of Monday's massive blackout while refusing to resign and denying renewable energy sources were responsible. The government's distrust intensified throughout the day, with Prime Minister Sánchez demanding that energy companies submit all blackout data by afternoon.

By midday, Sumar party escalated political tensions by calling for 100% nationalization of the electric grid. In the afternoon, the government took extraordinary measures by dispatching CNI intelligence agents to electric companies' operational centers to gather data, while a judge classified the sabotage investigation to prevent "manipulation."

The first legal complaint against Corredor was filed by evening, as El Periódico revealed the precise moment the blackout began: "Monday, 12:33:16.442... and chaos ensued." Meanwhile, in the financial sector, Spain's Competition Authority approved BBVA's takeover bid for Sabadell bank.
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