02_06 - Spain Today News 24 April 2025

1. Government Coalition Dynamics and Policy Disagreements Yolanda Díaz, the second Vice-President and leader of Sumar, has attempted to ease tensions with the PSOE regarding the recently announced increase in defense spending.Despite past criticisms, Díaz insists the coalition "enjoys good health" and will "exhaust the legislature."The source quotes Díaz saying, “Es verdad que tenemos posiciones diferentes, en esta materia de manera singular,” ("It is true that we have different positions, particularly on this matter.") acknowledging the disagreements.Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister, announced that Spain would reach 2% of GDP in defense spending this year, an investment of €10,471 million.A separate, but related, point highlights a new tender from the Ministry of Interior for the purchase of Israeli bullets, six months after announcing the cancellation of such a contract due to the conflict in Gaza. Díaz demanded an "immediate rectification" and a parliamentary appearance from the minister, calling it a "vulneración flagrante de los acuerdos" ("flagrant violation of the agreements") within the government, especially during the "genocidio en directo del pueblo palestino" ("live genocide of the Palestinian people").In a separate matter, Díaz considers it "normal" that Pedro Sánchez will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis, explaining that the head of state (the King) attends accompanied by part of the government.2. Economic Trends in Spain (Source 2):The number of new housing mortgages constituted in Spain in February reached 39,084, a 4.3% increase compared to February 2024.This marks the eighth consecutive month of growth in mortgage signings.The February 2025 figure (39,084) is the highest recorded for the month of February since 2011.The average mortgage amount was €157,018, a significant 16.2% year-on-year increase. The total capital lent rose by 21.2%.The average interest rate for new mortgages was 2.96%, with an average term of 25 years.The Euribor continued its downward trend, closing March at 2.398%.Cantabria (+55.6%), La Rioja (+53.3%), and the Basque Country (+39.7%) saw the largest increases in mortgage signings, while the Canary Islands (-38.7%), Navarre (-34.3%), and the Balearic Islands and Madrid (-20% in both) saw decreases.3. The Papal Succession and Future Direction of the Catholic Church (Source 3):The upcoming conclave will involve 133 cardinals from 71 countries, making it the largest and most diverse group in history.A central question is whether the next Pope will be part of the reformist wing, aligning with Francis, or the conservative wing.Historian Juan María Laboa describes the conclave as "the most bewildering in history" due to the large number of cardinals with little connection to Europe and who are largely unknown to each other.4. Legal Challenges and Political Accusations The Supreme Court is holding a preliminary hearing regarding a lawsuit filed by Alberto González Amador, the partner of Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso, against the First Vice-President and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero.González Amador is seeking €40,000 in compensation for alleged illegitimate interference with his right to honor due to Montero's public statements.Neither González Amador nor Montero were required to attend the hearing; only their lawyers were present. Montero is represented by the State Legal Service (Abogacía del Estado).This hearing follows a failed conciliation attempt in October where Montero and her representatives did not attend.The lawsuit stems from statements Montero made during a parliamentary session in March 2024, accusing Ayuso of living "in a flat that was paid for with fraud against the Public Treasury" and "with commissions related to masks in the worst situation of the pandemic."