Pedophile priests who will never see the inside of a court, child robbers at large, unpunished crimes from the Franco era, corrupt politicians at all levels and in most parties, a banking system in cahoots with construction companies that has dragged the economy into ruin… Meanwhile a provincial court in Valladolid, seemingly unaware of the Spanish Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of expression nearly four decades after the death of the dictator, has hauled comedian Leo Bassi up before a judge to answer charges of “offending religious feelings, slander, and libel.” The Italian-born actor and comedian, noted, it might be safely said, for his love of political controversy, gave a show at … [Read more...] about Spain still doesn’t understand the separation of Church and State
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Spain held hostage by its banks
When the global financial crisis erupted in 2008, the Bank of Spain was one of few regulators lauded for having had the forethought to enact measures aimed at protecting the banking industry. It had prevented Spanish banks and savings banks from handing out the junk loans that brought down several American lenders, and, uniquely, it created a €40-billion “anti-crisis” fund at a time when many shorter-sighted bankers, economists and analysts thought the credit boom, on the back of low interest rates and rising property prices, would continue indefinitely. Four years later, Spain’s economy is now being held hostage by its banking industry as fears about the ability of banks and, in … [Read more...] about Spain held hostage by its banks
Recycling woes
Germany ranked first by recycling treating half of its waste for that year. But the two countries both generated nearly the same amount of municipal waste per person -- between 500 kg and 600 kg per person. Fifty-two percent of Spain´s garbage is dumped in landfills while that figure for Germany is zero. After recycling, incinerating and compost are the two other methods Germans use to dispose of their waste. In Spain, incineration accounted for nine percent and compost 24 percent. Yes, it may be a chore to put those plastic bottles in the yellow bin and walk down the street to deposit the glass bottles and paper inside those dark green square hubs. But it is time to catch up with the rest … [Read more...] about Recycling woes
Sex and the Spanish single lady
Madrid is full of women who are beautiful, intelligent, financially independent, over 30 and…single. It seems particularly hard for these single ladies to find their partner for life. With a ratio of 1.07 men to women and a deeply entrenched Catholic culture that promotes traditional family values, what’s behind this trend, if it’s not the numbers? Society and culture tell us we should all dream of finding a soul mate to spend our lives with and create a family, but the rules of the game have changed. Women no longer have to put up with things they don’t want. They don’t have to depend financially on a man. Their place in society does not depend any more on being someone’s wife. Yet many … [Read more...] about Sex and the Spanish single lady
The sun still shines in Europe’s money-laundering hub
Among the flaws the US State Department finds is that Spanish lawmakers have taken their time to incorporate new provisions in an anti-money laundering law that went into effect last year. Washington suggests that the government should focus more on confiscating properties and assets in criminal cases through civil forfeitures after defendants are convicted, and maintain and disseminate statistics on the number of drug and money laundering prosecutions. Despite the downturn in real estate, drug proceeds are still being used to purchase properties across the country. US authorities say that many air passengers smuggle bulks of cash to Latin America and, with the money they make in Spain … [Read more...] about The sun still shines in Europe’s money-laundering hub
A new slowdown in Spain
The government wants motorists to reduce their speed to cut Spain’s fuel bill amid rising oil prices. But will forcing drivers to go 10 kph slower save anyone any money and, more to the point, cushion the impact of the North African uprisings on the Spanish economy, as the government evidently hopes? Though physics dictates that drivers would indeed see some savings, economics, unlike physics, is not an exact science and chances are that the lower speed limit on Spain’s highways, effective from today, will do little to protect the economy from rising energy costs. Instead, the rush to impose a new law reducing the highway speed limit from 120 kph to 110 kph smacks of desperation. Not … [Read more...] about A new slowdown in Spain
Bacalao
Cod preserved in thick layers of salt, providing a unique flavour and texture. Traditionally done as a way to store fish - though much of it now comes from Norway and Iceland - the dish remains popular all over Spain but especially in the Basque Country and Catalonia. In the latter region bunyola de bacalla are popular: salt cod fritters usually sprinkled with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, eaten with an ice cold beer as an appetizer or main course. … [Read more...] about Bacalao
Spanish Church banks on “youth” with hardline cardinal’s re-election
The Spanish Catholic Church’s immediate challenges are substantial and clear for all to see: reversing the steady exodus of regular churchgoers; appealing to immigrants, an enormous potential congregation; and shedding an anachronistic image that alienates young Spaniards. So while the Spanish Episcopal Conference’s decision to give Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela a record-breaking fourth term as its president came as little surprise to Church watchers, it is perplexing for those who are aware of the above challenges. Rouco, the archbishop of Madrid, has earned a reputation as a conservative hardliner, taking on the Socialist government on issues such as abortion and gay … [Read more...] about Spanish Church banks on “youth” with hardline cardinal’s re-election
Bilbao
Not so long ago, Bilbao was seen as an unattractive place, known for its industry and the dark-suited bodyguards who escorted public figures threatened by ETA around town. But today the city is perhaps the most obvious example of “modern Spain”. Much of its regeneration is due to Frank Gehry’s angled, shining Guggenheim Museum, perched on the bank of the Nervión river. The building boosted the economy, draws millions of tourists and has given the city a renewed confidence and sense of identity. Also, where else can you find such an artful giant spider? … [Read more...] about Bilbao
The Tejero coup, North Africa and back-slapping
That day is widely seen as a turning point in modern Spanish history – the moment when the country’s commitment to democracy was bolstered following the firm action of King Juan Carlos in putting down the putsch. But in his column Ramoneda identifies an exaggerated sense of self-congratulation in the memory of that day now, charging that “we commemorate 23-F in a tribe-like way, without being capable of thinking for one minute about those who today fight for democracy.” And those who fight for democracy today are on Spain’s doorstep. Spain and Europe have failed to send a clear message to North Africa in recent weeks, Ramoneda charges. Spain is a country with particular … [Read more...] about The Tejero coup, North Africa and back-slapping