Latest from Local Spain
Local Spain
an hour ago
- Business
- Local Spain
EXPLAINED: Fresh corruption scandal hits Spain's opposition party
Another week, another major corruption scandal rocking the upper-echelons of Spanish politics. As The Local has covered in detail, ongoing corruption allegations surrounding Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez's inner-circle have in recent months left his government teetering on the edge. For many political pundits, it was a question of when rather than if the government would fall. Allegations against Sánchez's wife, brother, attorney general and two former right-hand men made his position seem untenable and opposition parties have furiously demanded his resignation and called for early elections. But now the Spanish right has been implicated in its own major corruption network. The opposition Partido Popular (PP), who were until last week making great use of the scandals as a political weapon, has found itself engulfed in their own rather embarrassing set of allegations that threatens to undo all that political momentum and, infuriatingly for them, hand Sánchez and the Spanish left a lifeline just when they thought he couldn't fight on for much longer. Cristóbal Montoro, Spain's former Finance Minister in the right-wing Rajoy government of 2011-2015 that preceded Sánchez, has been charged with creating "a network of influence" and taking kickbacks to favour gas companies that hired his law firm. He previously also served as Finance Minister in the Aznar government. Montoro is among more than 20 accused, including senior treasury officials, of receiving at least €11 million from energy companies for favourable government policy. Back in 2004 when the PP lost power to the Socialists (PSOE), Montoro left his post. He briefly became a Member of the European Parliament that same year, and in 2006 he founded a law firm, initially called Montoro y Asociados, later renamed Equipo Económico, with four former senior officials from his ministry. That firm is now at the centre of the plot. Montoro returned to national politics as an MP in 2008 and left the firm. In 2011, the PP returned to power and Montoro was once again appointed Minister of Finance. During this time, Montoro's former office and his partners allegedly influenced several senior ministerial appointments. This allegedly led to changes in legislation, centring on lowered tax commitments, to benefit gas companies that were clients of Montoro's firm, according to the court order accessed by Spanish daily El País: "In exchange for significant payments, they intervened decisively in legislative reforms [...] in accordance with the interests of their clients," it says. The investigation, which is still underway, has also found evidence that Equipo Económico charged 'commissions' from electricity and renewable energy companies to 'influence the decisions' of the government. The Guardian reports that Rajoy was told of Montoro's alleged dealings but did not take action. In the short-term, the investigations have wrong footed the current PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo's main political attack line by allowing Sánchez and the Spanish left to claim the Spanish right is the real party of corruption, or at the very least that their attack lines are hollow and hypocritical. Crucially, the allegations give Sánchez some breathing room as he tries to sure up support among his parliamentary partners and ensure his government lasts a full second term. Elections aren't slated in Spain until 2027. However, that both of Spain's two great partidos del estado are simultaneously caught up in serious corruption allegations does little to help long-held political disenchantment among Spanish voters. It likely boosts the far-right, too. Dissatisfaction with Spain's two main parties gives greater opportunity for far-right Vox, surging in the polls already, to portray the Spanish system as broken and in need of something new.
Local Spain
a day ago
- Business
- Local Spain
Why Vienna is Europe's hidden gem for life sciences
With its impressive architecture and coffee house-lined streets, Vienna is a city like no other. Situated on the banks of the Danube, it is steeped in history and has long been a cultural capital of Europe. These days, however, the city is just as defined by its future as its past. Thanks to forward-thinking research centres, top-ranked universities and an expanding base of life sciences companies, Vienna is a rising powerhouse in biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical research. Vienna is the European leader in life sciences 'Life sciences are one of Vienna's key drivers of innovation,' said Dominic Weiss, Managing Director of the Vienna Business Agency, which supports the ecosystem through funding programs, location scouting and other expert support, such as immigration advice. 'Over many years, life sciences companies ranging from international pharmaceutical giants to startups working on the bleeding edge of technology have repeatedly chosen to move to, invest and expand in this city, collaborating with local universities to create an internationally competitive hub that produces game-changing therapies, devices and diagnostic tools.' The sector is made up of over 750 organisations, generating about €22.7 billion a year. The vast majority of revenue – just over 80 percent – stems from the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors alone. More than 49,000 people currently work in life sciences – and the numbers are rising as ever more international experts are drawn into the ecosystem. 'Part of what makes Vienna an attractive location for life science companies is that the city combines an excellent research landscape and university talent pool with a great deal of attractiveness for top international researchers and executives,' Weiss added. 'Moving to Vienna is not a hard sell.' Combining top-ranked livability, affordability and a strong work-life balance, it's no wonder that international researchers and entrepreneurs are choosing to call Vienna home. In fact, around 40 percent of the Austrian capital's two million residents were born abroad, giving the city a truly diverse feel. Thriving life sciences hub Some of the world's top life science firms – including pharma giants Takeda, Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis – have offices in Vienna. Meanwhile, cutting-edge research institutions working on everything from tissue regeneration and cancer therapies to prosthetics are well established in the Austrian capital. What really sets Vienna apart is how closely connected this ecosystem is. Research labs, clinical research facilities and companies are often within walking distance of each other. 'This spatial density creates collaboration opportunities and translational potential that researchers find on par with top global locations,' says Dr Michael Stampfer, Managing Director of the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF). Groundbreaking research is underway in facilities such as the Vienna BioCenter, which has more than 2,000 scientists covering fields like cancer biology, immunology, and RNA therapeutics. One standout project is US biochemist Elly Tanaka's work in regeneration biology. By studying animals that can regrow limbs and tissues, Tanaka's lab at the IMP is researching potential treatments for human diseases. And the city isn't slowing down. The soon-to-launch AITHYRA Institute, a revolutionary research hub for biomedical AI, will be one of the first of its kind in Europe. With Michael Bronstein, DeepMind Professor of AI at the University of Oxford, at the helm, the institute will bring together experts and apply state-of-the-art technology to better understand diseases, speed up diagnoses, and help develop new treatments. Dr Stampfer sees this growth as part of a larger trend. He describes Vienna's life sciences sector as being 'on a qualitative and quantitative growth course', which means there are 'lots of attractive positions available' for international talent. Young pharmacy researchers. Supportive community and funding opportunities Moving to a new country can feel daunting but there is plenty of support for newcomers. The Vienna Business Agency offers free consultations, events and guidance to researchers and entrepreneurs on everything from funding applications to finding a flat. Support is also available at the WWTF, which provides research funding as well as a Dual Career Service to assist researchers and their partners in settling in Vienna. According to Dr Stampfer, researchers are 'pleasantly surprised by our comprehensive support system for international scientists and the efficiency of our funding administration'. LISAvienna, the city's life sciences platform, offers targeted support for biotech and digital health startups, including help with grants, contacts and networking. Vienna is also gaining recognition on the global stage. Researchers are publishing in prestigious journals, while centres such as the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), are winning competitive European Research Council grants. 'We also witness an expanding life sciences startup ecosystem, and venture capital funds taking a closer look at what is happening in Vienna,' Dr Stampfer adds. Meanwhile, international recruitment is strong, particularly among early-career scientists. This can be seen in initiatives such as the WWTF's Vienna Research Groups programme. Dr Stampfer says the rising number of young people coming to Vienna 'creates a vibrant research environment with fresh perspectives'. Working in one of Vienna's many welcoming cafés. Life beyond the lab Science isn't the only reason for choosing Wien. The city is regularly crowned one of the most liveable in the world due to its excellent infrastructure, healthcare, cultural scene and green space. Residents enjoy affordable and efficient public transport alongside family-friendly policies like free childcare for young children. Vienna's international connections are another advantage. Thanks to a major airport and fast train links it's easy to travel around Europe or further afield. 'The central European location and rich cultural landscape exceed expectations, even for those with high initial hopes,' says Dr Stampfer. Of course, there is the odd Viennese quirk. 'Researchers might be a little surprised by the playful grumpiness of our local coffee house waiters – and the many urban legends around it,' adds Dr Stampfer. 'But this is something people get used to quickly.' 'Building the future' From Freud's psychoanalysis to Schrödinger's quantum theory, Vienna has long attracted brilliant minds. That tradition has continued with major contributions to fields such as gene editing, attosecond physics and quantum entanglement. Now, new projects in digital medicine and AI-driven health research are opening up even more possibilities. With centres like AITHYRA on the horizon, a flourishing startup scene and a growing international community, Vienna is quickly becoming the top choice for researchers and entrepreneurs looking for a European base. Through the platform ViennaBusiness, the city is now offering expert consultations and other support to international researchers and life-science companies interested in exploring the city. 'It's exciting to see great minds flourish in Vienna,' says Dr Stampfer. 'We are building the future here.'
Local Spain
2 days ago
- Sport
- Local Spain
Barca's planned Camp Nou return in August scrapped
The Catalan giants had planned to play a friendly match on August 10 as the first game in their stadium after two years of construction work, but blamed difficulty in obtaining a license to partially open the stadium for their decision. "Barcelona informs that the first match back at the Spotify Camp Nou has been suspended," said the club in a statement. "Because of the magnitude of the work done it was impossible to meet all the requirements demanded by the regulations governing the granting of the first occupancy license, despite the club's willingness to open Spotify Camp Nou in sections." The first match at the Camp Nou is now set to be the La Liga game against Valencia on September 13 or 14, with Barca's first three league matches away from home. However Barcelona did not state whether they can guarantee they will be able to open the stadium for the fixture, or potentially a home Champions League tie before then. Barca said the friendly they had planned, reported to be against Italian side Como, will take place instead at the Johan Cruyff stadium beside their training ground. Barcelona have played at the Olympic Stadium on the city's Montjuic hill over the past two seasons during the development at the Camp Nou. The club initially planned to return to the Camp Nou in November 2024 to mark the club's 125th anniversary but the stadium opening has been repeatedly delayed. Capacity at the Camp Nou will be around 60,000 until works are eventually completed, planned to be next summer, with the stadium expanded to 105,000 seats. Barcelona are estimated to be paying €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion) for the Camp Nou rebuild project.
Local Spain
2 days ago
- Politics
- Local Spain
Disinformation catalyses anti-migrant unrest in Spain
Last weekend's unrest in the southeastern town of Torre Pacheco pitted far-right groups against immigrant residents, mainly of Moroccan origin, but a heavy police presence prevented serious confrontations. The altercations were sparked after a 68-year-old pensioner said three men of North African origin attacked him without provocation on July 9. Two days later, the conservative-led city council organised a protest against insecurity, which quickly escalated when far-right groups joined with hostile slogans against immigrants. That day, and for several nights, riots broke out in the streets of the southeastern city of 40,000. Authorities have arrested 14 people, including three suspected of involvement in the attack on the retiree. Also among those detained is the leader of the far-right "Deport Them Now" group, who allegedly called for a "hunt" of migrants on social media. The sudden outbreak of violence took Spain by surprise but anti-migrant discourse had already been brewing, partly due to disinformation circulating on social media. AFP's digital verification team in Spain has debunked many false claims linked to immigrants, mostly concerning public benefits they supposedly receive and alleged attacks by foreigners on Spanish customs. For Alexandre Lopez Borrull, a professor in communication and information science at the Open University of Catalonia, disinformation in such cases is "the fuel and the spark at the same time". The narrative "is fuelled over a long period of time" and when a specific event occurs, it can act as a spark in scenarios like the one that played out in Torre Pacheco, he said. A video purporting to show the assault on the pensioner, along with a list of alleged attackers, quickly circulated online -- both debunked by AFP. Elisa Brey, a sociology professor at Madrid's Complutense University, likened the phenomenon to criminals setting off wildfires. "It's hot, there's a temperature alert, and an arsonist passes by and throws a match. That is what happens with disinformation," she said. Aim to destabilise Experts also emphasised the role of politicians, particularly the far-right Vox party, in fanning the flames of anti-migrant rhetoric. Vox has long connected immigration to crime and recently proposed, echoing other EU political parties and far-right activists, that some migrants be deported as part of a broad "remigration" plan. Foreigners make up 14 percent of Spain's population, up from only 1.6 percent in 1998. In events like the violent protests in Torre Pacheco, malicious discourse seeps through different layers of social media before erupting into the public sphere, Brey explained. First, it simmers at an "underlying" level on less visible platforms like Telegram, before jumping to more popular networks such as X and TikTok. Politicians then amplify the message through public statements, she said. Vox's leader in the southeastern Murcia region, which includes Torre Pacheco, blamed the unrest on "illegal immigration", claiming that migrants had assaulted the elderly and committed sexual violence against women. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into his comments to determine if they constitute a hate crime. Social media was used in a way that, "in the end, it led to these events", added Marcelino Madrigal, an expert in online platforms and cybersecurity. Madrigal also detected that parties were shifting their position on immigration with an eye on political gain at a time of speculation about early elections in Spain. "With disinformation about immigration, the aim is to destabilise a government or a country as well as present yourself as an alternative to save us from a problem that does not exist," he said.
Local Spain
3 days ago
- Local Spain
ETIAS: Fee for European travel authorisation set to increase to €20
ETIAS - the second part of the EU's new border control measures - will apply to tourists entering Europe from non-EU or Schengen zone countries, including the UK, as well as others coming for short visits. Under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), non-EU nationals who can travel to the Schengen area without a visa will have to apply for an online travel authorisation before departure, providing information such as name, date of birth and travel document number. They will also have to pay a fee for the three-year travel authorisation (although under 18s and over 70s are exempt). The Commission said on Friday that the ETIAS is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026, at a higher fee than initially planned. "Taking into account the rise in inflation since 2018 and additional operational costs related eg to new technical features integrated into the system, the fee will be adjusted to €20 per application, valid for a period of three years,' the Commission said. "It will also bring the cost for a travel authorisation to the EU in line with similar travel authorisation programmes such as the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA),' the EU executive added. The UK launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation in 2023 and extended it to EU nationals in 2025, increasing its cost from £10 to £16 in April. While the ETA lasts two years, the ETIAS is valid for three years. The US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) costs $21. People under 18 or over 70 years of age at the time of application, as well as family members of EU citizens and of non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely in the EU, will be exempted from the ETIAS fee. The new fee will have to be endorsed by the EU Council and the European Parliament in the coming months. Which one is ETIAS again? The EU has big changes planned at its external borders, with two new systems - EES and ETIAS. EES is an enhanced passport check requiring biometrics including fingerprints and a facial scan. ETIAS is a travel authorisation which must be applied for online - and paid for - ahead of travel. The ETIAS 'is part of the new IT architecture of the EU that aims to strengthen security within our Union, while facilitating travelling of non-EU nationals,' the Commission said. Both schemes apply only to people who are travelling on the passport of a non-EU or Schengen zone country, and both schemes have a number of exemptions - including non-EU citizens who have residency within an EU or Schengen zone country. Find the full details here. When are these changes coming in? Initially envisioned for 2018, EES and ETIAS have been the subject of numerous delays, first because of the pandemic and then because of fears of queues at the border as countries struggled to get the necessary infrastructure in place. The busy UK-France border is a particular worry. The EES is set to begin its phased roll out in October 2025 after several delays due to the functioning of the huge IT infrastructure behind it and concerns expressed by several member states and travel companies at the chaos it could provoke, especially at juxtaposed border checks in the UK. ETIAS is currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2026 - although the plan is to wait until EES is working smoothly before ETIAS is introduced, so it could be delayed again.
