Gregorio Peces-Barba, one of the authors of Spain’s Constitution, and an advocate of the role therein of the monarchy, died on July 24 aged 74 after being admitted to hospital a week earlier suffering from a kidney complaint and heart problems. From a well-to-do family that backed the losing side in the Spanish Civil War — his father, a lawyer and advisor to the Republican army, was given a death sentence, later commuted — Peces-Barba grew up in Madrid during the harsh years that followed General Francisco Franco’s victory, first attending the Lycée Français with exiled King Simeon of Bulgaria, and then the Complutense University where he obtained first a law degree and then a … [Read more...] about Gregorio Peces-Barba: symbol of the transition and staunch monarchist
Archives for July 2012
Lost
Who knew that a new season of 'Lost' would feature members of the Rajoy Cabinet? I particularly like Luis de Guindos as the enigmatic, sinister John Locke. … [Read more...] about Lost
Euro climbs as ECB’s Draghi vows to do “whatever it takes”
Welcome to my weekly account of changes in the foreign exchange rate, covering the 20th to 27th July 2012. This is intended as a brief guide to what’s affected the euro this week, to help you decide the best time for you to change currencies. Exchange rate changes: Pound to euro: 1.2807 to 1.2804 (-0.023%). Pound to US dollar: 1.5478 to 1.5692 (+1.383%) Euro to US dollar: 1.2094 to 1.2297 (+1.679%) What’s affected the foreign exchange rates this week? 1. Mario Draghi vows to save the euro. It’s been a tough week for the US dollar, which has lost two cents apiece to the pound and euro. This is because, speaking yesterday at a conference in London, president of the European … [Read more...] about Euro climbs as ECB’s Draghi vows to do “whatever it takes”
Assange and Garzón: what took them so long?
The news that Julian Assange has requested the services of Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón to represent him as he seeks political asylum in Ecuador was unexpected, but the teaming up of these two men does, in a way, make perfect sense. Wikileaks founder Assange has been holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since June. He hopes to be given refuge by the South American country and avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces sexual assault charges and, he claims, the possibility of being handed over to the United States to face accusations of espionage. Assange is a globetrotting maverick who has uncovered corruption and abuse and claims to have been framed by trumped-up legal … [Read more...] about Assange and Garzón: what took them so long?
The regions’ role in the seemingly unstoppable slide towards Spain’s bailout
Spain’s economy minister, Luis de Guindos, has insisted again that Spain will not require a full sovereign bailout. But does anyone believe him? Almost certainly not. During its seven months in power, the government of Mariano Rajoy has been repeatedly forced to backtrack on pledges and resolutions. The promise not to raise taxes has been followed by increases in income tax and VAT. The assertion that social spending would be ring-fenced has been followed by cuts to health and education. And the claim that Spain would not require a bailout for its banks…well, you guessed it. So when Guindos says there won’t be a full-blown bailout, because the Spanish economy is strong enough to withstand … [Read more...] about The regions’ role in the seemingly unstoppable slide towards Spain’s bailout
Vasconcelos finds a Baroque home in Versailles
Lisbon-based Joana Vasconcelos is the latest artist to be featured at the annual contemporary art exhibition at the Palace of Versailles, France. Joana Vasconcelos Versailles includes a number of works, including site-specific pieces, within the state apartments and gardens of the Baroque palace. Born in Paris, Vasconcelos studied art in Lisbon, where she now lives and works. She has won a number of prizes including the Prémio EDP Novos Artistas in 2000 and the Fundação Berardo’s The Winner Takes it All in 2006, resulting in Néctar, which sits at the entrance of the Museu Colecção Berardo in Lisbon. She captured international attention with her participation at the 2005 Venice Biennale … [Read more...] about Vasconcelos finds a Baroque home in Versailles
Euro sinks as Eurozone commitment wavers
Welcome to my weekly account of what’s affecting the euro exchange rate. Changes over one week: Pound to euro: 1.267 to 1.282 (+1.2% increase) Euro to US dollar: 1.219 to 1.226 (+0.53% increase.) Further evidence this week that the Eurozone’s politicians inhabit an alternate plane of existence, in which the economic woes befalling us mere mortals are but a cipher, or passing dream. French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said to officials in Washington: “People are, I think, happily surprised about what we're doing.” To which, I would have asked Monsieur Moscovici had I been there, to which people are you referring? Because, based on the tens of thousands of people protesting … [Read more...] about Euro sinks as Eurozone commitment wavers
Profile: The incombustible Carmen Cervera Thyssen
Ever since her now deceased husband, German industrialist Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen, sold his unrivalled art collection to the Spanish state in 1992, Carmen Cervera has rarely been out of the headlines, her not-quite rags, but certainly to riches, story, combining a glamour, art, and a good old fashioned family feud providing the gossip writers with plenty of copy. Her latest appearance in the media came after she decided to sell Constable’s 'The Lock' earlier this month. The early 19th century landscape is now one of the most expensive British paintings ever sold and went under the hammer for more than €27 million. The former beauty queen — she was Miss Spain in 1961 — says she had … [Read more...] about Profile: The incombustible Carmen Cervera Thyssen
Disentangling Spain’s new medical prescription co-payment process
The new co-payments system has been functioning since July 1 and it is now clear that: Pensioners with an income below €18,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €8 per month. Pensioners with an income above €18,000 but below €100,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €18 per month. Pensioners with an income above €100,000 pay 10% toward the cost up to a maximum of €60 per month. Non-pensioners with an income below €18,000 pay 40% toward the cost with no maximum. Non-pensioners with an income above €18,000 but below €100,000 pay 50% toward the cost with no maximum. Non-pensioners with an income above €100,000 pay 60% toward the cost with no maximum. Your … [Read more...] about Disentangling Spain’s new medical prescription co-payment process
A slice of Vegas in Spain stirs controversy
It sounds like the answer to the prayers of the Spanish government. A multi-billion-dollar gambling complex led by an American tycoon who promises to bring the glamour of California to Spain and kick-start the country’s struggling economy by creating a quarter of a million jobs. But EuroVegas, as it’s known, is also a scheme that has sparked fears about spiralling crime, prostitution and environmental violations and which has highlighted the age-old tensions between Spain’s two main cities. American casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, with an estimated $25-billion fortune, plans to build a European gambling hub that will include six casinos and 12 hotels. His Las Vegas Sands company says … [Read more...] about A slice of Vegas in Spain stirs controversy