Spain Today News - 18th November 2025

Alberto Núñez Feijóo presented proposals focused on combating the "precariedad vital" (vital precarity) and "precariedad emocional" (emotional precarity) affecting young people. To address the housing crisis, where prices have more than doubled salaries in seven years, he proposes a massive construction plan to build hundreds of thousands of homes annually, noting that 650,000 were built yearly in 2006-2008. Housing measures include recovering the "cuenta ahorro vivienda" (housing savings account) with an IRPF deduction, and suggesting a reduction in housing VAT from 10% to 4% for those under 35, deferred over 15 to 20 years. He also highlighted the high incidence of youth temporary employment (66%) and part-time work (39%).

Regarding "precariedad emocional," he noted that 6.5% of young people (12 to 20 years old) have attempted suicide. His digital plan proposes mandatory age verification, absolute nightly blocks on application use, prohibiting access to social media for minors under 16, and limiting addictive scrolling.

In judicial news, the Supreme Court judge Leopoldo Puente lifted the partial secrecy surrounding the investigation into the alleged public works rigging (amaños de obra pública) led by Cerdán. The judge indicted three directors linked to Acciona, including former director Justo Vicente Pelegrini. The investigation focuses on alleged illegal commissions received in exchange for public works contracts during the time José Luis Ábalos was Minister of Transport, and Acciona is close to being indicted as a legal entity.

Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski visited the Congress of Deputies in his third trip to Spain to seek additional military support. He met with King Felipe VI and will meet with Pedro Sánchez. Spain confirmed its "long-term" commitment, having previously committed $1 billion in 2024, potentially reaching $5 billion by 2027. The visit occurs as Russia advances on the southeastern front and amid a domestic corruption scandal (Case Midas) in Ukraine.

Finally, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a new economic framework ("cuadro económico"). A key novelty is the inclusion of variables like inequality and poverty reduction, aiming to translate macro growth into improvements for citizens. The Government forecasts sustained GDP growth above 2% until 2028, revising the 2025 forecast upward to 2.9%. This sustained growth, driven by domestic demand, is expected to reduce the unemployment rate (tasa de paro) to 9% by 2028, nearing levels prior to the financial crisis. The Council also approved a 2026 spending ceiling of 212,026 million euros.

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture ordered the confinement of all outdoor poultry farms starting Thursday to prevent avian flu, citing the notable increase in outbreaks across Central and Northern Europe and the risk posed by migratory birds heading toward Spain.France authorized the extradition of former ETA leaders Juan Antonio Olarra Guridi, Ainhoa Múgica Goñi, and Javier García Gaztelu, 'Txapote,' to Spain. They will be tried for the 2001 murder of Army Lieutenant Colonel Pedro Antonio Blanco. Txapote also faces judgment for a 1996 car bomb attack in San Sebastián.The sources also detail "early exhumations" (beginning during the Transition period) of Civil War and Francoism victims. These efforts were led by family members and neighbors (such as Felisa Casatejada in 1978) who sought a dignified burial for their loved ones, often facing threats and harassment. This movement, which included the 'operación retorno' in Navarra/La Rioja and 'exhumaciones al alba' in Extremadura, is considered the precursor to current democratic memory efforts. A new phase began in October 2000 with the professional exhumation promoted by Emilio Silva in Priaranza del Bierzo, leading to the creation of the ARMH and adopting a human rights focus. Over 17,000 bodies have been recovered since 2000.Politically, the Sánchez government anticipates a temporary relief from the pressure exerted by Junts due to the upcoming parliamentary recess extending until early 2026. Although Junts has declared the "relationship is over," they are expected to approve certain previously negotiated laws. However, the government faces immediate vulnerability if Junts aligns with the PP to pass an amendment favoring the prolongation of nuclear power plant lifespans.

EU Migration Pact and Spain's Pressure

The European Commission has included Spain among four EU countries identified as being under greater migratory pressure. Spain, alongside Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, is noted for a "disproportionate" number of irregular arrivals, particularly through search and rescue operations at sea. This classification makes them "eligible" to appeal for solidarity from other partners and activate the mechanism planned in the new Pact of Migration and Asylum.The solidarity mechanism, slated to take effect in June 2026, aims to transfer at least 30,000 migrants each year. Member States can choose to decline receiving re-located migrants by offering compensation of €20,000 for each rejected transfer or providing equivalent means or funds. The agreement seeks to "reconstruct" lost confidence between Member States. The Commission also identifies a dozen other countries, including Germany, France, and Belgium, as being at "risk" of suffering future migratory pressure. Eligibility for the re-location mechanism is linked to responsibility, meaning eligible states must comply with Dublin rules regarding incoming migrants.

Political Confrontation and Corruption Allegations

The political debate in Spain saw strong criticism directed at President Pedro Sánchez from the opposition leaders.Opposition Criticism (PP and Vox): PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused Sánchez of "disloyalty," saying he is only "loyal to himself". Feijóo warned Sánchez not to count on the PP "for anything" and demanded he call elections. Feijóo alleged that Sánchez remains in power out of fear related to judicial action and attempts to control institutions like the State Attorney's Office and the Public Prosecutor's Office. Feijóo also questioned if Sánchez was the "president of the sewer" ("presidente de la cloaca") after recalling the case of Leire Díez, a former PSOE militant accused of offering favors from the Prosecutor's Office.Vox leader Santiago Abascal called Sánchez a "narcissist without scruples" and demanded that he "return the voice to the Spanish people" by calling general elections. Abascal accused both the PSOE and the PP of "surrendering our borders" and promoting an "invasion of millions of people".Sánchez's Response: Sánchez charged the opposition with being "absolutely destructive," "grotesque," and "surrendered to the far-right". He appealed to parliamentary groups for a "spirit of agreement". Sánchez maintained a message of "zero tolerance against corruption" and total collaboration with the justice system. He criticized PP-governed autonomous communities for using central government funds improperly, alleging they use the money to satisfy "elites" and for "immoral" business. Sánchez specifically attacked the healthcare management in Madrid under Isabel Díaz Ayuso, asserting that "one out of every three euros of Madrid's health expenditure goes to agreements with private clinics".

Valencian Dana Crisis and Mazón's Resignation

Carlos Mazón, the former President of the Valencian Generalitat, appeared before the commission investigating the severe October 2024 Dana flooding tragedy. Mazón, who resigned following the crisis, defended his actions, stating he assumed "political responsibilities" despite having "no operational responsibility" in the emergency management on the day of the disaster. He argued that his resignation was deemed "insufficient" by those whose priority was to "finish off a legitimate Government". Mazón pointed the finger at the Spanish Central Government, holding it responsible for the lack of information on the day of the Dana. Vox supported Mazón, while the Socialist spokesperson warned Mazón that the PSOE reserved the option to denounce him for false testimony.