01.03 - Spain Today 7 October 2024

Spanish News Summary - October 7, 2024, covering topics of gender violence, labor conflicts in the transport sector, and regulation of tourist rentals. 1. Gender Violence: Two recent femicides in Pontevedra and Almería bring the number to 37 victims so far this year, adding up to a total of 1,281 women murdered since 2003. The Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo, has highlighted the effectiveness of telematic control devices for aggressors, stating that "no woman enrolled in that program has been murdered." Possible cases of vicarious violence are being investigated in Aranda de Duero and Burgos. The article reminds readers of the resources available for victims of gender violence, including the 016 telephone number. 2. Strike in Transport: CC.OO. and UGT call for a strike in the transport sector starting on October 28, with staggered strikes that could become indefinite on December 23. The main demand is early retirement for drivers due to the arduous and dangerous nature of the profession, arguing road safety risks. The unions criticize both the Government and the employers for not meeting their demands. "The general strike in the sector (...) is a strike against the employers of road transport as directly responsible for working conditions," states the CC.OO. statement. 3. Regulation of Tourist Rentals: The Supreme Court has ruled that neighborhood communities can prohibit tourist rentals with a majority of three-fifths of the owners. This decision modifies the previous interpretation that required unanimity for such a decision. The Supreme Court considers this prohibition as "legitimate" and in accordance with the Constitution, arguing that it does not alter the right to property. The Government was already working on an amendment to the Horizontal Property Law to facilitate the regulation of tourist rentals at the level of communities of neighbours.