Animal rights
A change to the law is likely soon to
classify pets as “living things with
feelings,” rather than objects. Ciudadanos
is behind the move to ensure animals’
wellbeing in cases of divorce or
inheritance. The move, which has cross-
party support, will mean secured loans
can no longer be taken out against
animals and they will not be eligible for
seizure in debt recovery operations.
Pensions increase
Pensions for widows and widowers are set
to increase for over-65s to avoid hardship.
The move follows the case of two sisters
living in the same nursing home who
were accused of co-habiting, forcing one
to move elsewhere to avoid losing her
pension. The change is retroactive and is
one of several socialist-backed initiatives
on pensions approved last month.
Tests restart
Spain’s driving test examiners are back at
work after three-day stoppages every
week since June with around 193,000 tests
cancelled. However, they say they may
take further action if the government fails
to act on their demands on pay and
staffing levels. Some driving schools are
reported to be near to closing as pupils
see no prospect of taking a test anytime
soon.
Soccer warning
FIFA has warned the Royal Spanish
Football Federation over alleged
government interference in its operations.
Ángel María Villar Llona, suspended in
July as part of an anti-corruption
investigation, has complained that he is
being pressurised to stand down as
president of the Federation by the Spain’s
National Sports Council. A letter
expressing FIFA’s concerns was sent last
month and a meeting is planned after
Christmas.
Top foodies
The world’s top ten food cities include
three in Spain, according to London-
based catering firm Caterwings. San
Sebastian comes first and also tops
associated lists of best food quality, best
service and best high-end restaurants. The
Top Ten also includes Barcelona and
Madrid. Caterwings extensive research
included factors which are most
important to food lovers, including
affordability and the availability of
vegetarian and vegan options.
Nerja beach becomes
municipal property
A 1,300 square metre plot on the coast
in the centre of Nerja is to come into
municipal ownership. Calahonda
beach, immediately to the east of the
Balcón de Europa, has appeared in
thousands of holiday snaps but over
the last three years has become run
down and dirty, prompting complaints
from the public and local businesses.
Until September 2014, it was home to
the Papagayo bar which became
renowned for its live music
performances. However, noise
nuisance forced its closure since when
it has been more or less abandoned.
The town hall has now completed the
formalities for acquiring the area and
has agreed a price of €953,600 with its
owners, a figure endorsed by the
provincial government’s expropriation
court. The final papers signed last
month brought Calahonda into the
ownership of the municipality.
It is understood that the remains of the
old bar, now dilapidated, will be
demolished and the town council will
pic: Dave Jamieson
Nerja Playa Calahonda pictured in 2008
invite tenders for a new establishment
to be created. It will be located closer to
the foot of the cliffs, and the whole
beach will