01.05 - Spain Today 9 October 2024

Spain Today - Spanish News for October 9th, 2024 This document summarizes the main topics and the most relevant data from three articles published by RTVE.es on October 9th, 2024. 1. Storm Kirk Hits Spain: Storm Kirk has wreaked havoc across the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the north, with torrential rains and winds reaching up to 205 km/h. Nine injuries have been reported, along with canceled or diverted flights and trains, power outages, floods, and material damages such as torn-off roofs. Galicia has been one of the hardest-hit regions, with over 370 incidents reported, including flight diversions at A Coruña and Vigo airports. In Cantabria, wind gusts reached up to 205 km/h, resulting in flight cancellations at Santander airport and disruption to railway services. Castilla y León reported five injuries due to falling objects and over 720 emergency calls attended. Several cities have closed parks, and the public is advised to take precautions due to the risk of falling debris and strong winds. *Quote:* "The presence of Storm Kirk is wreaking havoc across the Peninsula, especially in the north of the country. In the past few hours, heavy rains and strong winds have caused nine injuries, flight cancellations, train delays, torn-off roofs, and power outages." 2. Political Controversy Over Law Benefiting ETA Prisoners: The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has demanded that President Pedro Sánchez withdraw a law that, according to him, reduces sentences for ETA members and benefits them by validating sentences served in other countries. Sánchez responded that the PP "knew what they were voting for" and that the law stems from a European directive, denying that it reduces sentences. The controversy has sparked a heated debate in Congress, with cross-accusations between the PP and the PSOE. Parties such as ERC and EH Bildu criticized the PP for using the issue of ETA to divert attention and defended the law. UPN has sided with the PP in its opposition to the law. *Quote:* "I urge you to withdraw the law that nullifies more than 300 years of prison sentences for ETA convicts. If you have a shred of conscience left, I ask you to reconsider," Feijóo began his speech. 3. Increase in Evictions in Spain: The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) reported a 7.8% increase in evictions during the second quarter of 2024, reaching a total of 7,850 cases. Most evictions (74.8%) were due to non-payment of rent, while 18.7% originated from mortgage foreclosures. Catalonia leads the number of evictions, followed by Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and Madrid. Lawsuits for illegal occupation of homes have decreased by 19.1% compared to the same period last year.