News
Royal twins
It could have been a faux pas of regal dimensions , but it provoked laughter when Queen Letizia presented awards at the Royal Board on Disability Council in early May . When one recipient stepped up to accept and was seen to be wearing the exact same black and white colour block midi dress as the Queen , the two women simply laughed and embraced . Both wore the Mango dress with a black belt , paired with black heels .
Virus reported
Several suspected cases of the virus known as monkeypox have been reported in Spain in recent weeks . By the middle of May , over 20 possible infections were identified , all linked to Madrid , and were being analysed by the National Microbiology Centre . Early symptoms of monkeypox include fever , headache , muscle aches , swollen lymph nodes and chills , although most people recover within a few weeks .
Strike threat
Cabin crew working for Ryanair in Spain have been threatening industrial action over allegations that the Irish carrier does not provide drinking water for them during flights . The USO union has denounced the “ irregularities ” which force staff to buy water at € 3 for a 500ml bottle . The possible stoppage is being supported by crews based in Portugal , Italy , France and Belgium .
Clean beaches
On July 1 , Barcelona will become Spain ’ s first major city to ban smoking on all its beaches . Cigarette butts left in the sand take decades to decompose and the city council says a pilot programme last year significantly improved the situation . Over 100 of Spain ’ s 3,500 public beaches have already banned smoking , while a nationwide ban is presently under consideration .
“ Menstrual leave ” law progresses
A draft law granting workers the right to take paid sick leave at times of severe menstrual pain was approved by Spain ’ s Ministers on May 17 . If Parliament approves their decision , Spain will become the first European country with such a law .
Under the legislation , workers experiencing period pain would have the right to stay at home as long as required , although a doctor would have to advise on the length of the temporary incapacity to work . The associated cost of an estimated € 23.8 million would be met by central government , not by employers , and is part of a broader reform of health measures .
While the CCOO trades union has
Right to Vote for UK nationals
British nationals living in Spain are to gain the permanent right to vote in UK General Elections . The Government in London changed the rules for ex-pats in the Elections Act which received the Royal Assent at the end of April .
At present , Britons can vote in UK elections during the first 15 years of residence in another country , after which the right lapses . This resulted in many people who maintain vested interests in their home country being unable to participate in the June 2016 referendum which gave approval to the UK ’ s exit from the EC .
The Act will apply to all British citizens living in Spain and elsewhere who have previously been registered to vote , or have previously had a registered address in the UK . Anyone not registered as a voter before leaving the UK must provide proof of their previous place of residence .
The new rules , which apply only to UK parliamentary elections , are expected to be in place ahead of the next scheduled British General Election , scheduled for no later than January 2025 . welcomed the proposal , reservations have been passed with critics warning that it could “ stigmatise ” women and disadvantage their career opportunities .
In addition , it is unclear when it will come before Parliament for approval , a process which could take several months .
Other reforms in the Bill include changes to the country ’ s abortion laws , ending the requirement for minors to obtain parental consent before terminating a pregnancy , as well as measures to boost access to abortion at public hospitals . It also calls for free contraceptives and menstrual hygiene products in high schools , and improved sex education .
According to Spain ’ s Ministry of Inclusion , Social Security and Immigration , the number of Britons resident in Spain increased by seven per cent in 2021 , compared with the previous year , to almost 408,000 . Worldwide , the number of British nationals who live permanently outside the UK is estimated to be over three million .
Visitors up
More than four million travellers arrived in Spain during March , more than eight times the total for the same month in 2021 . However , the total is still about 1.6 million fewer than the 2019 pre-Covid figure for the month . The National Statistics Institute added that international visitors spent $ 5.37 billion in March , up from $ 572 million twelve months earlier .
Gift tokens
Mercadona is donating prepaid € 50 gift cards to Ukrainian refugees in Spain and Portugal . The supermarket expects to help around 5,000 authorised families at a cost of € 1.5 million . The company will also be providing basic food items to refugee aid centres across the country .
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