Costa Calida 4 – 10 Jun 2026 Issue 2135

Local Murcia restaurant chosen as one of the best spots in Spain

A BAR in Murcia has been honoured as one of the best in the country at the inaugural edition of the ‘T de Bares’ awards, a ceremony organised by Tapas magazine and held at the Forbes House in Madrid. The Café Bar Verónicas, located in Murcia City, has been chosen to represent the region as one of the 18 best bars and restaurants, one per autonomous community in Spain.

The first edition of the ‘T de Bares’ awards were created to recognise the bars, taverns, and restaurants that shine and bring Spain’s gastronomy to the

next level. These establishments were chosen based on several factors, including culinary, cultural, and artistic value.

The food in the Café Bar Verónicas uses fresh and local produce to create delicious traditional Murcian recipes, including langous-

tine ‘caballito’ (a small, fried squid sandwich), grilled artichokes, and calamari sandwiches.

The head chef of the restaurant is the talented Samuel Ruiz, who began his career as a chef when he was just 19 at El Bulli, a restaurant run by Ferran Adrià in Roses on the Costa Brava. Chef Ruiz also owns another restaurant in the Region of Murcia, a Japanese tavern called Kome.

In addition to this recognition, this restaurant has also been awarded a Repsol Guide ‘Solete’, a prestigious honour in the culinary world.

Brilliant bar World-class canines

Puerto de Mazarron hosts 14th National Dog Show

ONCE more, Puerto de Mazarron has become the centre of attention for dog lovers and dog breeding enthusiasts as it hosted the 14th edition of the National Dog Show, an event that becomes more popular with each passing year and attracted participants, breeders, and of course, pups with prowess to the charming coastal municipality. The event attracted trainers of more than 100 dogs of various breeds, including extremely rare ones. Visitors who attended the event were treated to a unique

opportunity to see the wide range of appearances and skills of the talented dogs. The competition also

boasts significant prestige; it was an official qualifying

drawing high-level trainers and world-class canines to the idyllic shores of Puerto de Mazarron. Many of the dogs seen in the competition are set to compete on an international level.

But what truly defined the day was the lively and family-friendly atmosphere among the dog lovers at the show. Spectators of all ages gathered to admire the adorable, striking, and professional pups in an event that combined leisure and community spirit, all in a seaside

Fostering futures

Cartagena to offer foster families a new support headquarters

THE Costa Calida city of Cartagena has reinforced its commitment to children by supporting the Association of Foster Families of the Region of Murcia, also known as AFA.MU, in an initiative aimed at strengthening support and resources for foster families, as well as promoting social awareness in the municipality.

The announcement, which was made on World Foster Care Day, seeks to highlight the importance of offering vulnerable children and adolescents a safe, stable, and loving home where they can grow. To help the association, Cartagena will provide AFA. MU with a municipal space, which will serve as a headquarters from which to offer support, advice, and training activities for foster families, as well as organise outreach campaigns.

Fostering children, while different from adoption, is an essential structure that assists and nurtures children during a crucial stage in their lives. Foster families help to provide a loving and safe atmosphere, protecting children from harm as they develop. In the Region of Murcia, there are approximately 1,200 children under guardianship, and more than half of these live with foster families. As a result, the region has prioritised the expansion of the network of foster families, in order to provide children with a safe environment to grow in.

Splashing savings

WITH the new announcement from the Cartagena City Council, many will consider summer as officially arrived in the municipality: the city has announced the reopening of its swimming pools, known as Los Canales de Tentegorra, on Monday, June 15, and with historically low prices at that. Adults and children will pay reduced rates of just €2 and €1, respectively, to use these popular pools.

Compared to the previous prices of €6 and €4 for adults and children respectively, this new fee represents a 66 per cent reduction for adults and a 75 per cent reduction for children. This move is part of a plan to make sports and recreational facilities that are synonymous with summer in the city accessible to families in Cartagena, especially in light of stringent financial times.

With the move, the local government of Cartagena has also taken steps to guarantee the continuity of these facilities, which have been used for decades

by multiple generations of residents and visitors. The city council will now fully manage the recreational pools, changing rooms, sports courts, and multipurpose spaces indefinitely.

Ensuring its reopening this summer, as well as preventing the permanent closure of such an important recreational centre is important not only for the well-being of the residents, but for making sure this summer is an enjoyable one for residents and visitors.

Here Kitty, Kitty

RESIDENTS in Molina de Segura, Murcia, contacted emergency services after spotting what they believed to be a dangerous animal positioned on rooftops in a residential area.

Several calls were made to the Local Police after neighbours reported seeing a large figure above nearby buildings, with descriptions differing depending on the witness. Some believed it resembled a large dog, while others suspected a more unusual animal.

As concern spread, officers were dispatched to investigate the situation as a potential public safety issue. Police inspected rooftops and surrounding structures where the sightings had been reported, although the object proved difficult to identify clearly from street level due to its position and the angle between buildings.

The confusion was in-

creased by the fact the figure appeared stationary, making it unclear whether officers were dealing with a real animal or an object.

After obtaining a clearer view, police confirmed the source of the alarm was not a live animal at all, but a large stuffed tiger placed on a rooftop. Its size and positioning had created a convincing illusion when viewed from

below, particularly at a distance. Once identified, officers confirmed there was no threat to public safety and no need for further emergency intervention or animal control services. The misunderstanding quickly became a source of amusement among residents after police established that the supposed dangerous animal was simply a stuffed toy.

Reviewing pension access

NEW SYSTEM INTRODUCED

THOUSANDS of workers in Spain could soon retire years earlier without losing part of their pension after changes confirmed by the country’s Social Security system expanded access to penalty-free early retirement for people living with certain disabilities and long-term illnesses. Under the updated rules, approved by Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, eligible workers may retire from the age of 56 while still receiving 100 per cent of their pension.

The reform updates Royal Decree

1851/2009, extending the list of illnesses allowing early retirement linked to disabilities officially recognised at 45 per cent or higher. Government estimates suggest around 50,000 people could benefit. The change adds 11 conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, spinal cord injuries, chronic kidney disease stage five, systemic sclerosis and multiple system atrophy.

To qualify, workers must have a recognised disability level of at least 45 per cent connected to an approved

MILLIONS of people in Spain are using a government app called Mi Carpeta Ciudadana to avoid missing important administrative notifications, appointments and paperwork as public services move online. According to Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration, the app has surpassed 10 million downloads, becoming one of the country’s most widely used digital administration tools.

Mi Carpeta Ciudadana simplifies Spain’s fragmented bureaucracy by combining information from different public systems into a single platform. Instead of checking multiple websites for tax notices, Social Security updates, appointments or official procedures, users can access them through one app. Depending on user situations, it displays appointments, pending notifications, ongoing procedures, employment

illness, and have contributed to the Social Security system for at least 15 years, including five years while living with the disability. Unlike most early retirement in Spain, the system does not apply pension reduction coefficients. The government confirmed additional illnesses could be added in future following technical reviews. For many affected families, the reform could offer a major financial and personal relief after years of uncertainty around retirement and long term illness.

Evolving property dynamics

Managing financial risk

MORE landlords in Spain are tightening rental contracts and demanding stronger guarantees from tenants due to concerns over unpaid rent and lengthy eviction procedures. Housing experts say property owners worry about cases where tenants stop paying but remain in properties for months during legal processes.

The debate intensified after housing lawyer and economist María Piñeiro warned on TikTok that landlords could spend over a year without receiving rent if tenants default on payments. One measure appearing more frequently in rental agreements is an anti-default clause. According to Piñeiro, this allows non-paying tenants to potentially be added to debtor databases, affecting their future ability to rent properties or apply for loans.

Landlords across Spain are also turning to unpaid rent insurance policies. Policies covering missed payments, legal costs and eviction procedures are becoming more common. This situation is affecting how owners choose tenants, with some asking for stronger proof of income, permanent work contracts or guarantors. Others are moving away from traditional rentals to room rentals, which often provide more flexibility under Spanish law.

Piñeiro warned that landlords may lose less money by negotiating a quick exit directly with non-paying tenants rather than entering long court battles. The debate remains highly divisive, as tenant groups argue strong protections are necessary, while landlords say they carry growing financial risks.

Digital access shifts euroweeklynews.com

records, vehicle information, benefits and proper ty documents.

The app is popular among residents worried about missing electronic notifications or deadli nes. Foreign residents find the platform parti cularly useful, as many arrive expecting pa per letters and office visits, only to discover much of the system operates online. To use it, residents need digital identification like Cl@ve or certificado digital, which can ini tially be confusing.

Still, many users say the app redu ces stress by giving them a clearer overview of their administrative si tuation before appointments with accountants, lawyers or gestores.

Empathy education

THE Murcia City Council, through its Department of Women, Reconciliation Policies, Seniors and Disability, has launched the project ‘An Unexpected Adventure’, aiming to promote the values of equality, respect, and coexistence in primary school students. This educational initiative will be carried out in the form of dynamic, playful, and creative activities, while simultaneously teaching students about emotions, empathy, social skills, and fundamental values.

By the end of the project, the students will be equipped with the personal tools they need to develop critical thinking skills, especially with regards to gender inequalities. According to Murcia officials, this type of early educa-

tion is essential in order to build a fairer, more respectful, and violence-free society.

Specifically, the programme focuses on the work of raising awareness for and denouncing gender violence all throughout the year.

This action is implemented through EMAVI, or the Municipal Team for Attention to Violence against Women, belonging to the Equality and Attention to Gender Violence Service, in coordination with other municipal services.

Cultural celebration

THE Espacio Mediterráneo Shopping Centre, located in Cartagena, has celebrated its incredible 19th anniversary with a special twoweek long event, the ‘K-Pop Backstage’ festival, an event that has transformed the centre into a space dedicated to the colourful world of Korean entertainment. The event, which brought the Hallyu Wave to Costa Calida, has enchanted audiences with creative workshops, dance sessions, performances, themed photo op sets, games, and much more.

The Hallyu Wave, or the increasing popularity of Korean culture, gastronomy, and entertainment, has already reached the Costa Calida with events and conventions, and now, it has landed in the heart of a popular shopping centre in Cartagena. With music, dance, and aesthetics as the main focus, the programme combined entertainment, participation, and interactive experiences into a fun-filled event that left audiences of all ages charmed.

One of the highlights was the ‘K-Pop Corner Zone’, a space where visitors participated in games, challenges, and activities through the Espacio Mediterráneo’s mobile app. Attendees had the opportunity to win prizes, as well as participate in an immersive K-Pop-themed experience.

Musical numbers and iconic K-Pop choreographies were also a major draw for both fans of the genre and curious newcomers. The technically difficult, high-energy performances were one of the main drivers of the success of the event, drawing visitors with this catchy and visually stunning form of artistic expression.

MAZARRON is gearing up for its annual cultural Mares de Papel festival, which will transform the town centre as well as the coast into an open-air stage throughout the months of May, June, July, August,

A festival not to miss Petrol plunge

and September. Now in its 2026 edition, the programme has expanded into one of the most diverse cultural offerings in the region, combining live music, theatre, gastronomy, exhibitions and family

entertainment, all in one blowout festival that residents and visitors will not want to miss.

The festival features headline concerts, tribute shows, chamber music nights, comedy performances and open-air theatre, attracting both residents and visitors from across the Costa Calida and beyond. Among its standout events are major concerts at the Mazarron Sports Complex, jazz performances in late August, as well as large-scale summer celebrations that span both Mazarron and Puerto de Mazarron.

From the beginning, the Mares de Papel cultural

festival will incorporate incredible shows of performance art, talent, comedy, and creativity to charm both residents and visitors of the charming coastal municipality, and further

establish itself as one of the hotspot culture and entertainment programmes in the whole of the Region of Murcia.

With a programme running from late May to early September, Mares de Papel has become a key fixture in the cultural calendar of the Murcia region, blending entertainment and community engagement in a uniquely accessible way.

THE Region of Murcia is set to join in on the lowcost petrol craze, with the expansion of Plenergy in two new areas of the Costa

Calida and bringing its total to 21 operating stations in the region. Plenergy, formerly known as Plenoil, has opened stations in Car-

tagena and in Murcia City, bringing affordable petrol closer to residents and visitors.

To be specific, the first station, which has two pumps, is located in Cartagena on Calle Floridablanca 6, and the second, which has four pumps, is located in Murcia City on Senda de Granada, 10.

These new petrol stations have been placed to meet growing demand from local drivers, amid surging petrol costs.

These stations will be open and under 24-hour a day video surveillance. Additionally, they will have staff present from 7.10am to 9.45pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9.10am to 2.00pm and from 4.10pm to 8.00pm over the weekends.

With the new installations, Plenergy, formerly known as Plenoil, has consolidated its reputation as the most present low-cost petrol station brand in the autonomous community, far surpassing Ballenoil’s 14 stations.

The move is part of a larger plan by Plenergy to continue growing and reach 500 total operational stations by the year 2027.

Minigolf gathering

ORGANISERS from a charity dedicated to helping English-speaking seniors, Age in Spain, are preparing to host a Charity Fun Day event, to take place at the La Manga Adventure Golf miniature golf course in Cabo de Palos.

With a fun competitive atmosphere, a raffle with exciting prizes, and an afternoon of socialising, the event, set to take place on Wednesday June 10, will be a fun gathering for members with a strong charitable heart.

The first tee-off at the event will take place at 11.00, and attendees can enjoy a fun-filled morning of minigolf. Afterwards, lunch will be offered, to share and socialise with the community.

One of the major highlights will be the presence of one of Age in Spain’s International Ambassadors, the British Sunday Times’ best-selling author

Jane Corry. The prizes for the raffle will include two signed pre-publication copies of her new novel, ‘My Sister’s Secret’. Also available will be beautiful artisanal pottery pieces, being sold at the event. These pottery pieces come from the close collaboration between Age in Spain and

AideMar, another charity located at the Special Employment Centre. All funds raised from the sale of pottery will be divided between Age in Spain and the Special Employment Centre.

All other funds raised during the event will be used by Age in Spain in the Region of Murcia.

THE average price of a UK pint has reached £5.50 in 2026, rising 6 per cent from £5.17 in 2024. London drinkers pay even more, with averages topping £6.10. Data from UK Debt Expert shows a pint of Guinness now averages £5.41 nationwide, a 15 per cent increase in a year.

Premium lagers like Peroni

Benidorm beer bargain

have crossed the £6 mark, driven by wholesale price increases. From Monday, February 2, 2026, Heineken UK raised prices by 2.7 per cent, blaming higher employer taxes, energy costs, and packaging.

Regional areas face steep

increases. Since 2023, Guinness prices in Swindon leaped 49 per cent to £5.20. Stoke-on-Trent and Leeds saw increases of 45 per cent and 43 per cent respectively over the same period.

In contrast, Benidorm re-

mains highly affordable. A small beer in a local Spanish bar costs €1.80 to €2.50, while a British-style pint generally costs between €3 and €4. Fierce competition, high tourist footfall, and Spain’s low alcohol duty shield holidaymakers from

high costs.

While Eurozone hospitality inflation rose 3.9 per cent in 2025, Benidorm venues have largely absorbed these costs. With 239 British pubs closing in the first quarter of 2024, the price gap continues to favour the Spanish resort, where a night out costs half the price of one in Britain.

Princess Leonor’s debut

PRINCESS LEONOR attended Spain’s Día de las Fuerzas Armadas for the first time alongside King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia during a national military parade in Vigo. The event marked a key step in her growing public military role as she continues training across Spain’s armed forces.

The parade included more than 3,700 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air and Space Force, Guardia Civil and Military Emergency Unit. Leonor obser-

ved the ceremony from the official tribune with the Royal Family as units marched along the waterfront.

Her participation reflects her preparation for her future role as Commander-in-Chief. While she has attended previous national events, this was her first appearance at Armed Forces Day alongside the King in a full-scale parade outside Madrid.

The event was affected by bad weather, which led to the cancellation of a planned aerial display. A

separate incident occurred when the national flag fell during the hoisting ceremony due to a technical failure.

Despite disruptions, the ground parade continued as planned with large crowds in attendance. Defence officials and senior military commanders were present. Leonor’s appearance is part of her gradual integration into official duties, reinforcing her role within Spain’s constitutional monarchy and future military responsibilities.

What a clanger!

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

THE King is dead. Oops, no he isn’t… Well, I’ve heard some radio gaffs and blunders in my time, but Radio Caroline’s latest effort deserves a special place in the Broadcasting Hall of shame. Naturally broadcasters make mistakes. It’s part of the business. Wrong records get played. Microphones are left open. Newsreaders occasionally announce wars that haven’t started and football results that haven’t happened. My old friend, hit songwriter Barry Mason (Delilah and The Last Waltz) once committed what at the time seemed an unbeatable classic.

Barry was presenting a Radio One programme and received a request for a listener recovering in hospital. In his usual warm-hearted manner, he said: “Let’s play this for everyone in hospital.” Unfortunately, the record already cued up on the turntable was, ‘When I’m dead and Gone’ by McGuinness Flint. There was a brief moment when the nation’s patients probably wondered if

Barry knew something they didn’t. But compared with Radio Caroline’s latest catastrophe, Barry’s little slip now looks positively harmless.

For reasons known only to a mischievous computer and perhaps a particularly sadistic gremlin lurking in the studio equipment, Caroline somehow activated the official emergency procedure reserved for the death of a monarch. Listeners suddenly heard the solemn announcement that King Charles had passed away. The station then played God Save The King, before falling completely silent. Imagine the reactions. Thousands of listeners dropping cups of tea. Telephones ringing across the country. Family members informing relatives. Neighbours knocking on doors. Somebody undoubtedly rushing off to claim a win at the bookies. Meanwhile His Majesty was very much alive, carrying out public engagements in Northern Ireland and probably unaware that Radio Caroline had already dispatched him to the celestial transmitter in the sky.

Eventually the station realised that the King remained stubbornly among the living and hurriedly apologised. Ma-

nagement blamed a computer error. A computer error? That’s comforting. The very phrase fills me with confidence. It’s right up there with the pilot announcing a ‘minor engine problem’ at 35,000 feet or a surgeon saying, ‘Oops, that’s not the appendix’. Still, I suppose we should be grateful the mistake happened at a radio station. Imagine the possibilities from other warning systems.

‘Good evening. Due to a computer error, we have accidentally informed the nation that a nuclear missile has landed in Palma. Please resume your holidays and return to the swimming pool’. Now that would be difficult to top. Until then, Radio Caroline can proudly claim ownership of one of the greatest broadcasting clangers of modern times. Long live the King. Preferably for longer than Radio Caroline recently managed to report.

Many thanks for all the wonderful mail I still receive. I truly do read every one and reply to those I can. Keep ‘em coming, they really do warm the cockles of the ol’ boys ticker.

Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Runway resumes

Santiago airport reopens after closure disrupting UK flights and travel.

THE Santiago de Compostela Airport in northern Spain has reopened following a 34-day closure that caused widespread traveller headaches. The site, also known as Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, closed to all traffic, takeoffs, and landings on April 23 for urgent runway resurfacing works managed by Spanish airport operator Aena.

The closure disrupted a key gateway for British holidaymakers visiting Galicia. Airlines including Ryanair, Vueling, Aer Lingus, KLM, British Airways, and Iberia usually operate 30 direct weekly flights from London Stansted, London Gatwick, and London Heathrow, all of which were cancelled during the project. The airport serves 23 destinations across nine airlines and handles 3.6 million annual passengers.

The €28 million maintenance project replaced 3.2 kilometres of runway surface, upgraded LED lighting, and installed extra storm-water channels to prevent winter flooding. Aena expects the upgrades to add at least 15 years of life to the runway.

Although the airport became operational again on May 27, separate maintenance works continue elsewhere on the premises. Furthermore, Ryanair has closed its base at the airport as part of a wider decision to cut 1.2 million seats across Spain due to rising airport fees. This move also impacts routes to Jerez, Vigo, and Valladolid, leaving Santiago de Compostela operating with fewer flights than before the closure.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Fishy surcharge

THE growing need for convenience comes with a price, especially in supermarkets. Recent OCU data shows that buying pre-packed fish comes with a 30 per cent surcharge. Spanish supermarkets are adapting to this by removing the traditional fish counter and focusing on stocking more tray-packed fish.

Google fined

GOOGLE could be facing a high triple-digit million euro fine. The EU is planning to crack down on Alphabet’s Google following concerns it favours its own search results in defiance of local regulation. A Commission spokesperson has confirmed, however, that they’re more concerned about securing compliance than imposing penalties.

Polluters pay

POLLUTERS are paying the price. High carbon emissions have a devastating effect on the planet. In an effort to dissuade polluters, or at least hold them accountable, countries have implemented direct carbon pricing. According to the World Bank, a combined €92 billion was collected, up 2 per cent on 2024.

Power prices

EUROPEAN winter electricity prices have risen to their highest premium over following-year contracts since the 2022 energy crisis. Reduced gas supplies, low hydropower reserves and concerns over LNG disruption through the Strait of Hormuz pushed winter contracts above a 20 per cent premium, particularly in Germany and Italy.

British exports

THE UK has secured a £3.7 billion trade deal with six Gulf states, boosting export opportunities for British farmers while protecting domestic welfare standards. The agreement removes £580 million in annual tariffs, benefiting lamb, dairy and oat exports.

Overnight hotel stays in Spain increased by 1.1 per cent in April, compared to the same month in 2025, with an average price of €122.30 per occupied room, according to the INE.

Net migration falls

UK net migration fell to 171,000 in 2025, its lowest level since 2012.

The ONS estimates 813,000 people immigrated to the UK, while 642,000 people moved away. Experts anticipate the decrease in net migration to be temporary as lower immigration tends to lead to lower emigration.

Lower net migration is not wholly positive. Experts suggest the UK economy would shrink by 3.6 per cent by 2040 if it fell to zero. A smaller population reflects a smaller workforce which would prompt higher taxes to bridge the budget deficit.

The economic impact of 2025’s lower net migration is yet unknown as it depends largely on who is or isn’t migrating. Asylum seekers, for example, have low employment rates and therefore depend on more financial assis-

tance from the government. But less migration could also dissuade foreign businesses from working in the UK and ultimately contributing to the system. The ONS noted a 47 per cent drop in non-EU nationals arriving to the UK for ‘work related reasons’, which significantly impacted the final figures.

England is also currently facing

a low fertility rate. Data from ONS shows that the fertility rate across England and Wales dropped to record lows of 1.39 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.41 in 2024. Notably, a third of babies were born to foreign-born mothers. If the country wishes to maintain a stable population without migration, the fertility rate would need to rise to at least 2.1.

Flexible retirement

THE Council of Ministers recently approved several amendments to the flexible retirement scheme.

For the first time, the scheme was expanded to include self-employed workers who may now receive up to 25 per cent of their pension while still working.

The approved working schedule for part-time workers has also been extended. Where previously they could only work between 25 to 75 per cent of a full-time schedule, retirees can now work between 33 and 80 per cent of a full-time schedule. This comes with a minimum pension increase of 15 per cent.

Additionally, retirees who wish to combine their pension with part-time or self-employed work will no longer have to wait a minimum period before doing so.

The government hopes these reforms encourage those who can to stay in work. Not only will this fill

Luxury racing

LUXURY fashion brand Gucci is hitting the race track and teaming up with Renault’s Alpine Formula One team for the 2027 season, replacing BWT as title sponsor.

While the deal’s total value has not been released, many see this as Gucci’s attempt to regain relevancy and revive sales after years of decline.

This is not Formula One’s first luxury deal. In 2024 the sport partnered with LVMH in a multi-year deal worth €85.9 million.

the gaps in the labour market, but it would provide much needed relief to Spain’s overwhelmed pension system.

Football shortfall

THE Premier League is a football juggernaut. During the 2024/2025 season, the league achieved a combined revenue of £6.8 billion through ticket sales, merchandising, and streaming rights. Despite the success, clubs are haemorrhaging money.

Last year, Chelsea set the Premier League record for the highest pre-tax loss of £262 million. Players’ wages and agent fees have become heavily inflated in recent years. In 2025, for example, Liverpool set a British transfer record with a £125 million acquisition. In total, wages across the entire league reached £4.4 billion last season. However, clubs must pay in order to remain competitive.

JONATHAN ANDIC, vice-president of Mango and son of the brand’s founder, has temporarily stepped down following his arrest in connection with his father’s death. Isak Andic fell to his death while hiking with his son in Catalonia in 2024, leaving behind an estimated net worth of €3.4 billion.

Jonathon Andic, who inherited the company along with his two sisters, was eventually released on €1 million bail. He was not formally charged, but the homicide case is ongoing.

Amazon deal

AMAZON is on track to meet its promised £40 billion investment in the UK by 2027. In 2025, the e-commerce giant invested over £15 billion by opening new operational sites, expanding its studio production facilities and launching a drone delivery pilot programme.

As Amazon’s third-largest market, UK activities generated over £30 billion in revenue in 2025. As a result, Amazon contributed £1.3 billion in taxes and expanded its operations to employ a total of 75,000 workers.

Taxi deficit

ANDALUCIA is losing an estimated €300 million annually because of shortages in taxis, according to a new study. The report argues that insufficient transport harms tourism, business travel and daily mobility, particularly in cities such as Sevilla, Malaga and Marbella. In Marbella, more than 67 per cent of ride requests go unmet. Researchers say delays at airports alone cost around €27 million each year. The study also found only 36 per cent of residents believe current taxi numbers are adequate. Experts argue that increasing vehicle availability would improve tourism, reduce congestion and support economic growth.

AS temperatures rose in May, so did sales when consumers flocked to shops to cool down. Ice cube sales tripled and it’s estimated that up to three fans were sold every minute. The combination of a heatwave and a bank holiday weekend was also good for business. Klarma saw barbecue sales increase by 18 per cent compared to April 2025. Meanwhile, Marks and Spencer’s were estimated to sell 350,000 cans of alcohol over the weekend.

3I Group 2.267,00 2.326,00 2.267,00 2,86M

Admiral Group 3.320,0 3.378,0 3.310,0 2,03M

Airtel Africa 344,40 347,40 339,80 5,16M

Anglo American 3.993,0 4.000,0 3.866,0 5,83M

Antofagasta 4.166,00 4.189,00 4.020,00 1,56M

Associated British Foods 1.817,5 1.849,0 1.814,5 884,16K

AstraZeneca 13.736,0 13.806,0 13.558,0 1,57M

Auto Trader Group Plc 427,20 438,60 418,60 11,88M

Aviva 626,40 634,40 624,20 7,29M

B M European Value Retail 175,20 180,00 172,70 4,41M

BAE Systems 2.019,00 2.027,00 1.964,50 6,24M

Barclays 452,45 455,25 447,90 69,94M

Barratt Redrow 263,40 265,70 257,90 13,53M

Beazley 1.281,00 1.281,50 1.280,00 2,24M

Berkeley 3.440,0 3.450,0 3.404,0 256,64K

BP 515,00 521,40 509,90 36,69M

British American Tobacco 4.707,0 4.755,0 4.689,0 2,19M

BT Group 209,50 217,10 205,70 26,26M

Bunzl 2.350,0 2.386,0 2.338,0 719,25K

Centrica 191,60 196,15 191,60 15,56M

Coca Cola HBC AG 4.280,0 4.338,0 4.280,0 524,87K Compass 31,92 31,92 30,95 2,65M

ConvaTec Group 198,30 201,40 195,60 8,74M Croda Intl 3.043,0 3.051,0 3.000,0 297,27K

5.890,0 5.960,0 5.875,0 155,8K

1.582,0 1.612,0 1.575,0 13,65M

6.880,00 6.940,00 6.840,00

Euro

EUR/GBP: Unchanged at £0.86

Pound rocked by Labour leadership crisis, US dollar strengthened by Middle East uncertainty

EUR/USD: Down from $1.17 to $1.16

The euro showed resilience through the first half of May, with the single currency underpinned by rising confidence that the European Central Bank (ECB) will deliver multiple interest rate hikes this year.

However, the euro faltered in the latter half of the month as lacklustre Eurozone economic releases prompted EUR investors to trim their ECB rate hike bets.

Looking ahead, while the ECB is expected to tighten its monetary policy following its June policy meeting, the focus may be on the bank’s forward guidance, with the euro poised to fall if policymakers are more trepidacious of further hikes.

Pound

GBP/EUR: Unchanged at €1.15

GBP/USD: Down from $1.35 to $1.34 Trade in the pound was highly volatile through May as the local elec -

BUSINESS EXTRA

House price drop

ACCORDING to Idealista, 14 per cent of homes listed for sale in Spain have lowered their asking price in the first quarter of 2026. Prices dropped the most in major cities like Barcelona (21 per cent) and Madrid (20 per cent), followed by Alicante (19 per cent), Madrid, Sevilla, and Valencia (18 per cent).

GDP boost

TELEFONICA boosted Spain’s GDP by €45.4 billion in 2025, 1.31 per cent of the national GDP, and supported 652,000 jobs. Spain isn’t the only country impacted. Telefonica also contributed €15 billion in Brazil, 0.78 per cent of Brazil’s GDP, and €8 billion in Germany, 0.18 per cent of the GDP.

tions triggered a Labour leadership crisis.

The resulting political uncertainty triggered sharp swings in UK borrowing

costs, with Sterling plummeting in the second week of May as gilt yields surged to multi-decade highs, before recovering as yields fell back again at the

end of the month.

Turning to June, in addition to ongoing UK political uncertainty, Sterling may also be influenced by the Bank of England’s (BoE) latest rate decision, which looks to be a line-ball call.

US Dollar

USD/GBP: Up from £0.73 to £0.74

USD/EUR: Up from €0.85 to €0.86

The US dollar initially trended lower in May as demand for the safe-haven currency was undermined by fresh hopes for a ‘final agreement’ between the US and Iran.

USD exchange rates then rallied as we entered the second half of the month, supported by hawkish Federal Reserve policy expectations as well as renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The situation in the Middle East will no doubt continue to drive movement in the US dollar in the coming weeks, with the currency having a lot of room to fall if a comprehensive peace deal can actually be agreed.

The price of love

AROUND the world, mi llions of people have given up on the idea of finding love the old fashioned way, instead turning to dating apps in search of a soul mate. Most apps are free to use but many also offer a paid subscription plan, turning dating into a lucra tive business.

Recently released statis tics from Business of Apps reveals over 350 million people use dating apps, with 23 million paying for

Wizz Air accelerates

WIZZ AIR is looking to overtake Ryanair as the leading low-cost airline. In 2025, Wizz Air expanded its routes and closed 2025 with 9.6 million passengers in Spain. Not only is it the fastest-growing airline in Spain, but it’s on track to become a real contender against market leaders like Ryanair and easyJet.

Recently, Ryanair has objected to the increasingly high airport taxes and has threatened to reduce its routes at regional airports. Wizz Air, however, remains on standby to cover any route Ryanair drops. This is one of many tactics that Wizz Air hopes will help them reach 13 million passengers in 2026.

premium features. The revenue generated by these apps has been steadily growing since 2015 and now the industry regularly generates upwards of €5 billion in revenue each year. 2025 saw the first slump, with revenue falling by 1.78 per cent compared to 2024, but industry projections remain high.

On the apps themselves, there is a real imbalance within the userbase. According to Players Time’s recent analysis, men outnumber women on every major platform. Many services have leveraged this imbalance into convincing men to upgrade their subscription plan, with the promise of improving their chances of finding a date. As a result, men are much more likely to pay for the premium service, spending between 145 per cent and 458 per cent more per date than women.

Medieval auction

A 14TH century King Arthur manuscript is going up for auction in July, after 700 years in a private collection. This medieval tome has never been publicly exhibited and is truly the holy grail of literature. It is expected to sell for up to £2 million.

FERRARI recently debuted its first fully-electric car, with Pope Leo even getting behind the wheel. However, the €547,840 luxury electric vehicle was met with criticism, leading to Ferrari shares falling 8 per cent on the Milan stock market, and 5 per cent in New York.

Fake empadronamiento

SPANISH police have arrested two men in the Valencia region after uncovering a scheme involving the fraudulent registration of up to 18 people at a single address in El Puig in exchange for payments of up to €800 per person. Investigators found that individuals were officially listed as residents despite not actually living at the property.

Authorities say the arrangement was primarily used by vulnerable individuals, many of them foreign nationals, seeking to regularise their administrative status in Spain through the muni-

cipal registration system (empadronamiento). This registration is essential for accessing healthcare, education and residency procedures, making it a key administrative tool.

The investigation revealed that the property owner and an associate allegedly profited by allowing people to be registered at the address without any genuine residence. Payments repor-

tedly ranged from €150 to €800 depending on circumstances, with at least 18 individuals linked to the same home. The case began after officials detected irregular registration patterns associated with the address.

Further checks confirmed that the number of registered individuals far exceeded actual occupancy, and in some cases there was no evidence the individuals had ever lived there. Both suspects, aged 38 and 55, have been arrested and are being investigated for fraud and facilitating irregular immigration-related procedures. They were released pending further proceedings but must appear before court when required.

Authorities continue to investigate whether additional properties or participants were involved in similar schemes across the region.

Mercadona fined

SPAIN’S Ministry of Consumer Affairs has fined Mercadona €30,000 after ruling that the labelling of one of its Hacendado products could mislead consumers. The case concerns ‘tortillas de avena 51%’, a wrap product whose packaging suggested a higher oat content than was actually present.

The investigation followed a complaint by consumer

group FACUA, which argued that the branding and presentation implied oats were the main ingredient. Authorities found that the product contained refined flours and that this was not clearly reflected in its marketing.

Officials imposed three €10,000 fines for misleading presentation, incomplete labelling information and failures in required product identification.

They stated that food packaging must allow consumers to understand composition without relying solely on ingredient lists. Mercadona rejected the decision and is considering an appeal. The company insists its labelling complies with regulations and that ingredient information is properly provided.

Although the fine is small for a major retailer, the case highlights increasing scrutiny of supermarket branding across Europe, particularly for products marketed as healthier alternatives such as oat- or wholegrain-based foods. Regulators are focusing on whether packaging creates impressions that differ from actual composition, even when legal ingredient lists are accurate. The ruling may prompt supermarkets to revise packaging design and improve transparency. For consumers, the case reinforces the importance of checking ingredient lists rather than relying on frontof-pack branding when assessing nutritional content or product suitability.

• News from Our Other 6 Newspapers •

Costa del Sol Toll road price rise

DRIVERS on the Costa del Sol have been facing much higher AP-7 toll charges from Monday, June 1 as special summer rates came into effect. Patricia Navarro, president of the Popular Party in Malaga, described the adjustment as an ‘infernal price hike’ and demanded action from the Spanish government. A full journey from Fuengirola to Manilva now costs €19.55 instead of the normal season rate of €12. Individual toll booths also saw increases.

Navarro warned that the Spanish government increased its toll revenue from €30 million to €35 million over two years. She insisted this money should return to Malaga Province to offer discounts for regular users, rather than disappear elsewhere. She criticised the failure to support local needs, such as improvements to the congested A-7 or building a third lane between San Pedro Alcantara and Puerto Banus. The summer rates will remain for June, July, August and September.

Axarquia

Massive migration begins

MOTRIL Port has finalised extensive arrangements for the 2026 Operacion Paso del Estrecho. Running from Monday, June 15 to Tuesday, September 15, this annual project establishes the Granada Province facility as a primary maritime link between Europe and North Africa during the peak holiday period.

Management reported strong results from the 2025 campaign, which recorded over 127,000 travellers and 33,000 vehicles. These figures represent an increase of 17 per cent for passengers and 14.7 per cent for vehicles compared to the previous year. The volume placed Motril as the fourth busiest Spanish port involved in the coordinated national effort. Outbound traffic from mid-June to mid-August accounted for 60,000 passengers and some 16,000 vehicles, whilst return journeys from July to September added 67,000 passengers and 17,000 vehicles.

Expectations point towards further expansion in passenger volumes during 2026.

Mallorca

Cancer walk tops €6,000

CANCER SUPPORT Mallorca is delighted to announce that this year’s Walk Against Cancer campaign raised an incredible €6,038.63 in support of people affected by cancer across Mallorca.

They would like to apologise for the delay in confirming the final total, as they were waiting for a number of outstanding donations and payments to be received. They are now pleased to share the final figure and celebrate the fantastic achievement of everyone involved.

The success of Walk Against Cancer 2026 would not have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the participants, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and donors. Throughout April, individuals and teams got together to get active, raise awareness, and collect vital funds that will help Cancer Support Mallorca continue providing free practical and emotional support to cancer patients and their families.

On behalf of everyone at Cancer Support Mallorca, thank you.

Costa Blanca North La Xara steps up

HUNDREDS of runners and spectators descended on La Xara at the weekend as the village hosted the penultimate race of the 2026 Circuit a Peu Marina Alta, one of the region’s most popular running series.

The 24th Volta a Peu La Xara brought a festive atmosphere to the streets, with families, athletes and supporters gathering throughout the afternoon and evening. The event began with children’s races before the main 9.4-kilometre contest got underway at 7pm.

Runners tackled a route that wound through the heart of La Xara before heading out towards the surrounding countryside and returning to the finish line on Avenida de L’Oest. As one of the final opportunities to earn points before the circuit concludes in Benissa next weekend, the race attracted strong competition from across the Marina Alta. The event showcased the community spirit that has made it such a success.

Almeria

All night fiesta

THE whole of Almeria is buzzing with excitement as towns and villages across the province prepare to celebrate one of the most anticipated nights of the year. On Saturday, June 6, many communities will gather for La Noche en Blanco, a day dedicated to celebrating art, enjoying music and supporting local businesses.

Albox has an especially great schedule of events planned that will keep the party going, long into the night. Beginning at 10am and running until midnight, Albox Town Hall has promised 14 hours of uninterrupted fun. A street bar will be up and running from sun-up to well past sun down, serving tasty tapas and refreshing drinks from mid-day.

No festival is complete without drinking at least one ice-cold mojito. Throughout the day bands, DJs and dance troupes will keep the atmosphere alive and entertain the gathered crowd. La Noche Blanco is also the perfect time to shop as local businesses are offering special discounts.

Costa Blanca South Bright future

THE Costa Blanca South is celebrating positive news as Alicante’s Ciudad de la Luz film studios continue to attract major international investment and create new opportunities for local people.

Production company Good Films Studios has signed a long-term agreement to base its operations at the studios for the next 10 years. The company plans to film up to 20 productions during that period, helping to strengthen Alicante’s growing reputation as a leading centre for film and television in Europe.

The partnership is expected to bring jobs, training and business opportunities across the region. Local hotels, restaurants, shops and service providers are all expected to benefit from the increased activity created by film productions. Good Films has already started work on its first Alicante-based project and has praised the quality of the studios, the local climate and the area’s excellent transport links.

Enter Truffles’ worldpet-sitters delight in it!

PETS come in all shapes and sizes. Some are large, goofy dogs; others are fiercely independent cats. And then there’s Truffle.

As a tiny Yorkie, Truffle looks like a cuddly stuffed animal, but don’t let the fluff fool you - she runs a tight ship. She knows her schedule and expects her staff (read: house-sitters) to stick to it. Breakfast is at 7.00am sharp. Not 7.01. Her morning walk is at 9.00am, precisely before the Spanish sun turns the pavement into lava. Your reward for this military precision? Utter, unwavering devotion.

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MANY dog owners across Spain remain unaware that their pets have a legal right to enter bars, cafes and restaurants, as some establishments quietly ignore national regulations.

Spain’s Animal Welfare Law (Law 7/2023), which came into force in October 2023, permits dogs into most public and private venues by default, provided they pose no risk. Crucially, businesses wishing to ban pets must display a clearly visible sign at the entrance. Without this specific signage, they have no legal basis to refuse entry, though animals remain banned from food preparation areas for hygiene reasons. Registered assistance and guide dogs retain full access rights under all circumstances.

Owners also face strict rules regarding their pets’ safety. Leaving a dog tied outside a shop or venue unattended for a long period and if in danger means you could

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Pet sign fines

risk a fine. Minor infractions, such as leaving a dog unsupervised on the street, can attract fines of up to €10,000. Serious offences carry penalties between €10,001 and €50,000, while very se-

rious violations can reach €200,000.

With the summer terrace season approaching, experts advise owners to check for signage and politely prompt staff, as some venues remain

Subtle cat symptoms

CATS are experts at hiding discomfort, which makes spotting pain in them quite challenging for owners. In the wild, showing weakness would make them vulnerable, so even domestic cats often mask signs of illness or injury until the problem becomes more serious.

One of the earliest clues is a change in behaviour. A normally social cat may become withdrawn, while a quiet cat might suddenly become unusually clingy. Reduced activity, reluctance to jump, or avoiding stairs can also indicate that something is wrong.

Changes in grooming habits are another warning sign. Some cats stop grooming altogether, leading to a scruffy coat, while others may overgroom a specific area due to localised pain. Appetite shifts, such as eating less or showing interest but not finishing food, should also be noted. Subtle physical signs can include a hunched posture, flattened ears, or a tense facial expression. Some cats may also become more sensitive to touch or react differently when picked up. Because these signs can be mild, it is important to trust your instincts. If something feels ‘off’, a veterinary check is always the safest option. Early detection of pain can make treatment simpler and greatly improve your cat’s comfort and recovery.

A space mission

A Russian stray dog by the name of Laika was the first living creature sent into space in November 1957 aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. She has a small monument in her honour outside the military research facility in Moscow that prepared her flight into space. The stray died only a few hours after takeoff and animal rights activists saw a problem with sending the dog to her death. However, she has been immortalised throughout history.

unaware of their obligations.

Restaurant owners are recommended to put their pet policies in writing at the entrance to prevent disputes with increasingly rights-aware customers.

CLASSIFIEDS

CHARITY

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS ALCOHOL COSTING YOU MORE THAN MONEY? Drinking to excess not only affects your health it can spill over into every other aspect of your life - damaging everything that is important to you. English-speaking AA meetings are held throughout the Costa Blanca from Valencia City to Murcia. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting or discuss a possible drinking problem contact Costa Blanca North: 648 169 045 or Costa Blanca South: 625 912 078 or Costa Calida 679 385 105 All calls are treated in the strictest confidence. AA in German: 645 456 075; Spanish: 679 212 535; Flemish: 635 047 053; and Scandinavian: 659 779 222. www.aa-costablanca.org (93323)

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Help and support is just a phone call away, Avda Rio Nalón, Tel: 693 275 779 (95462)

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New cycle lane

Roman soldiers and mud

A NEW cycle lane connecting El Mirador with the existing RM-1 bike route has officially opened, with local schoolchildren joining celebrations to mark the project.

The launch included a special event at the town school where two bicycles were raffled among pupils to encourage sport and healthy habits. The celebration took place during break time with support from the Parks and Gardens depart-

ment, while children also met Tobías Alasuelta, mascot of the municipal parks.

Mayor José Miguel Luengo attended alongside Public Services councillor María Dolores Ruiz and El Mirador district mayor José Antonio García.

Luengo explained that the new cycling route stretches for more than two kilometres and improves sustainable transport and road safety whi-

Credit: Ayuntamiento de San Javier

A GRUELLING seven-kilometre battle across tarmac, cross-country terrain, and deep sand awaits over 2,000 runners in San Pedro del Pinatar on Saturday June 6. The 12th edition of the Pinatarius Obstaculum Cursus promises a spectacular mix of athletic endurance and ancient Roman pageantry.

Organisers expect up to 2,500 competitors to descend on the coastal area of Lo Pagan. Runners will launch in staggered waves from the Parque del Mar Reyes de España, immediately tackling a barrage of obstacles designed to test their limits.

le linking the town centre with the RM-1 cycle lane.

The project includes three sections: a standard bike lane, a shared pedestrian and cycle path, and a four-metre-wide cycling route.

The scheme also includes three new traffic-light crossings, protection and decorative work on the transfer canal embankments, and improvements to the roundabout at the entrance to the town.

Local mayors, sports directors, and athletic federation heads gathered

alongside corporate sponsors to unveil the event, which is now officially recognised as the largest obstacle race in the Region of Murcia.

Despite the physical toll of the course, a party atmosphere will dominate the day. Members of the Hermenegildo Fresneda Roman Regiment will provide a dramatic military escort at the starting line. Once across the finish line, exhausted competitors can recover with live music and a post-race barbecue.

The elite category ignites the competition at 18.30, followed by the popular amateur waves. The evening concludes around 22.00 with a podium awards ceremony on the main park stage.