The R2 Nord and R11 lines of Rodalies have been interrupted between the stations of Maçanet-Massanes and Riells and Viabrea-Breda (Girona) in both directions due to a collision, Civil Protection reported in a tweet this Tuesday.
According to another Adif tweet, the accident occurred at an “unauthorized crossing point” near Hostalric (Girona), which affected the medium-distance trains that run between Barcelona and Figueres-Portbou (Girona)..
Early warning #FERROCAT 🚂
Traffic cut between Maçanet and Riells and Viabrea in both directions on the @rod2cat and @rod11cat lines due to a collision near Hostalric
— Civil protection (@emergenciescat) July 25, 2023
At the moment, the circulation between Riells and Vilabrea-Breda and Maçanet-Massanes is interrupted, which only affects the convoys that circulate between Barcelona and Figueres-Portbou.
The general secretary of the PSOE-A, Juan Espadas, has assessed this Tuesday that his party has recovered “pulse” in the general elections this past Sunday, July 23, after touching “ground” in the result of the regional elections of 2018 and 2022 —the latter elections in which the PP-A won by an absolute majority—, and has announced that it will maintain its task of “useful opposition” to the Government of the Board chaired by Juanma Moreno, although it will be “more demanding “.
This is how Juan Espadas has transferred it in a media attention before presiding at the regional headquarters of the PSOE-A, in Seville, a meeting of the Regional Executive Commission of the Andalusian socialist federation to analyze what happened in said elections and prepare the work of the next course.
In line with the result of 23J, Espadas has defended that the Andalusian PSOE —the second force with the most votes in that appointment with the polls in Andalusia, with 21 seats, four from the PP— is “step by step recovering the confidence” of the citizens regarding the 2022 regional elections, and that “means that we are going in the right direction”, as he opined before adding that “this does not mean that we are exultant, but it does not mean that we are completely exultant either. disappeared”.
Espadas has shown journalists a “very conclusive” graph on the evolution of the Andalusian PSOE since 2011 in electoral results, which “demonstrates” that, in the 2018 and 2022 regional elections, the party registered its “voting ground” in this community, as highlighted.
He added that now, as happened after the regional elections of 2018, “we have regained our pulse” in the form of votes, and that allows the PSOE-A “to be an alternative to the government right now”, and on this task “we are going to work for the next three years” of the legislature, as he wanted to make clear.
In this regard, he has advanced that the party will start “in September very strong, after a first year of opposition in which we have tried to make a useful and constructive opposition” that he will continue to exercise, although “increasing our level of demand” to the Andalusian Government so that, as he has pointed out, it “complies with what it promised” and that “management improves very significantly” which, in his opinion, “is currently and continues to be very deficient”..
Analysis of 23-J
When asked by journalists about the result of the general elections last Sunday, Espadas opined that, when “the moment of truth” had arrived and “it was necessary to decide which direction the country was taking, whether to advance or go backwards”, the people “has mobilized and many more citizens who remained silent in the municipal elections” in May have come out to vote, hence the 23J registered an increase in the participation data, as he has assessed.
“This means that many more citizens have been involved in the future of their country,” added Espadas before pointing out that, “when people get involved in a massive or majority way in the elections, they generally value many more things than what the PP, in a persistent way, has wanted to project in all this time”.
This “increase in participation” has allowed in these general elections “a scenario of adequate assessment of the management of the Government of Spain and of the figure” of its president, the general secretary of the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez, “very different from what the right had done and what the polls showed”, said Espadas, for whom on 23J “the 'anti-Sanchismo' bubble has been completely punctured”, and to ratify it “you only have to see the faces and the frustration of expectations of the People's Party”.
Regarding the specific case of Andalusia, Espadas has defended that, in the first year of the new legislature, the citizens have seen the PSOE-A “working every day, every month, every week, in a quite humble way and sometimes in an absolutely invisible way”, but it has served them to “grow” in citizen support.
“That does not mean that we claim victories that do not correspond to us”, the leader of the PSOE-A wanted to specify, although he has considered that this last “year of work” of the party exercising as opposition in Andalusia “will somewhere compute in the confidence of the Andalusians”, and “it will have to be taken into account in a positive way”.
Regarding what happened in the Andalusian elections of 19J compared to what happened on 23J, Espadas has opined that, last year on that date, “there was an idea on the part of the Andalusian citizens of what could happen or wanted to happen or was going to happen in June 2022, and a very different one when what is at stake is the Government of Spain”, and also people have seen the central Executive being for four years “a Government of progress, taking this country forward, and They have continued to trust it”.
In this way, Espadas has pointed out that the circumstances surrounding some elections and those of 23J are “completely different”, and in the last general elections, “if there is a big loser, apart from” the PP and its president, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, “even if they won the elections, it is the extreme right”..
In this regard, the general secretary of the PSOE-A has said that he feels “proud” that “the extreme right does not govern in Andalusia”, although that could be “as a consequence of the fact that they voted less for us”, for the Socialists, as he has pointed out before insisting on defending that, on the last election day, the citizens “have been very clear that the PP was going to govern with Vox if they gave the numbers”, because “they have seen” that these pacts between both forces have just been closed in various communities autonomous after the elections of May 28, so this “was no longer that the wolf is coming”, as he has highlighted before settling that the Spanish have said “clearly and clearly” on 23J that they do not want there to be “a government with the extreme right”
The girl who this Monday had been injured in an accident registered in Vigo after crashing a motorcycle against a terrace has already received a medical discharge, as well as another of the injured, as reported to Europa Press by health sources.
Only the motorcyclist, a 39-year-old man who answers to the initials JDA, remains hospitalized at the Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital, while a 64-year-old woman with the initials FGM remains hospitalized for observation at the Vithas de Vigo hospital, but does not present a vital risk.
For his part, along with the minor, a 72-year-old man, with the initials MCL, who had polytraumatism, was also discharged on Monday.. The accident occurred when a motorcycle collided with a terrace on Gregorio Espiño street, for which four ambulances traveled to the point of the accident..
The National Police has arrested a fugitive in the heart of Madrid for whom there was a European arrest and extradition order filed by the Italian authorities for alleged crimes of drug trafficking and money laundering.
The detainee is an extremely violent person who has sometimes used firearms. Likewise, the agents have arrested his sentimental partner, accused of documentary falsification, as reported by the National Police in a statement.
They arrested him this Monday at twelve noon, while he and his partner were walking their pets. When the agents identified themselves, the fugitive threatened to flee, forcing the police officers to reduce him.. Then there was a strong struggle in which two of the agents were injured with bruises and slight abrasions, since the detainee did not stop turning around and kicking..
The investigations began last June, when the specialized search team for fugitives in Italy, which is part of the European Network of Active Search Teams for Fugitives (ENFAST), informed the Spanish National Police about two “dangerous criminals” who had evaded arrest in a police operation and had escaped from Italian territory..
The Italian Police verified that the two fugitives had organized the sale of three kilograms of cocaine in a hotel in the Italian city of Cagliari and that, at the time of the transaction, they shot the buyers, causing them serious injuries.. Then they quietly left the hotel and seized both the drug and the money from the buyers..
Multiple languages and fake documentation
ENFAST Italia investigators tracked down the criminals and found indications that one of them might be hiding in Spain, so they worked together with the National Police to find the place where he was hiding.. The fugitive spoke several languages fluently and carried false documentation of different nationalities, which made it difficult to locate him.
🚔 We arrest in #Madrid a very violent fugitive wanted by #Italy for #drug trafficking
❌Organized the sale of 3kg of #cocaine in a hotel in #Cagliari (Italy)
👉 At the time of the transaction, they shot the buyers, causing serious injuries pic.twitter.com/X000jYVGwj
– National Police (@policia) July 25, 2023
After various efforts in the provinces of Alicante, Barcelona and Malaga, it was in mid-July that significant progress was made in the search for the fugitive, who was finally located in a central Madrid hotel with his sentimental partner.. Both used Spanish documentation.
At the time this fugitive escaped from Italy, the Italian Police dismantled an organization allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking and money laundering in an operation involving 25 detainees.. Its members were very violent and used firearms to steal drugs and settle scores with other gangs..
Once arrested, he was transferred to police stations and the agents have intervened: 3,800 euros in cash, three telephones, a Dominican passport and a Spanish driving license, both forged with the fugitive's photograph, and different affiliations, as well as a Spanish national identity document, also forged, with the photograph of his partner.
Behold the captivating city of Córdoba (Spanish: Córdoba) nestled in the southern expanse of Spain, where it proudly stands as the esteemed capital of its eponymous province. Gently cradled within the autonomous region of Andalusia, this gem of a city graces the slopes of the majestic Sierra Morena, overlooking the right bank of the Guadalquivir River.
Photo: Sierra Morena. Córdoba. Spain.
Córdoba’s rich history imbues it with an air of antiquity, and it boasts a unique Moorish ambiance, earning it the endearing title of the “Mecca of the West.” A delightful labyrinth of narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses adorned with blossoming flowers, and breathtaking Muslim architectural marvels create an enchanting tapestry that sets Córdoba apart.
Photo: Mecca. Córdoba. Spain.
It is no wonder that this city was founded by the Romans and, during the Middle Ages, stood tall as one of Europe’s largest and most illustrious capitals, surpassing even the grandeur of Rome and Paris.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
Nestled at the heart of Andalusia in Southern Spain, Córdoba is embraced by the picturesque hills (aptly referred to by some as mountains) of the Sierra Morena, whose average height reaches about 400 meters. Its location within the basin of the Guadalquivir River adds to the city’s allure, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
The Mediterranean climate graces Córdoba with mild winters, though frost may occasionally make a fleeting appearance due to its distance from the coast. In stark contrast, summers bring a fiery embrace, with significant diurnal temperature fluctuations and some of Europe’s highest recorded temperatures.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
To experience the city’s splendor at its best, plan your visit during the months of April to June and September to October when the weather is most pleasant. However, be forewarned that the summer months can be scorching, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
Practical information about Córdoba reveals that the city hosts a population of approximately 325.9 thousand people, ranking it as the third most populous city in Andalusia and twelfth in Spain. With an expansive area encompassing 1253 square kilometers, Spanish serves as the language of communication, and the Euro is the currency in circulation.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
For travelers from Schengen countries, a warm welcome awaits, with Central European Time (UTC + 1) as the local time. During daylight saving time in summer, the clocks spring forward to Central European Summer Time (UTC + 2). Tourist information centers stand ready to assist eager explorers at strategic locations, including C/ Rey Heredia, 22 – Antiguo Colegio Julio Romero de Torres and C/ Torrijos, 10.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
Diving into the annals of history, the origins of Córdoba date back to the time of the Phoenicians, and its narrative unfolds with Roman conquests in the 3rd century BC, when it became the bustling center of the Roman province of Baetica, under the reign of Emperor Serpni. With the decline of the Roman Empire, the city witnessed a series of conquests by the Vandals, Visigoths, and Byzantium.
Photo: Byzantium Art. Córdoba. Spain.
A pivotal turning point in Córdoba’s history arrived in 711 when Arabs and Berbers conquered the Iberian Peninsula. In 756, the city ascended to become the coveted capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, a time when it reached the pinnacle of its power and development. By the 10th century, Córdoba proudly took its place among Europe’s largest cities, a shining beacon of Arab science and culture, with its population nearing one million.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
Yet, like chapters in a book, the Córdoba caliphate ultimately met its end in 1031, followed by the city’s capture by the Emir of Seville in 1070, leading to a decline in its significance. Eventually, Córdoba became an integral part of the Kingdom of Castile in 1263. Today, the city stands as one of Spain’s best-preserved ancient treasures, boasting a magnificent historic center, peppered with multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
To set foot in this awe-inspiring city, one must navigate the intricacies of travel options. While Córdoba Airport hosts limited regular commercial flights, many travelers opt for the major airports in Seville, Malaga, or Madrid, from which they can effortlessly journey to Córdoba via train or bus.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain. Beach
The railway station, strategically located in the northern part of the historical center, sits conveniently across from the bus station. High-speed trains whisk visitors to destinations such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga, and even Barcelona, while regular bus services connect Córdoba to almost every city in Andalusia, as well as the vibrant capital of Spain.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
A journey through Córdoba promises delightful surprises at every corner. For those eager to indulge in retail therapy, the city’s main shopping area awaits near Plaza de las Tendillas, offering a delightful array of traditional products, including ceramics and jewelry, to satiate the most discerning shopper.
Photo: Plaza de las Tendillas. Córdoba. Spain.
Córdoba’s culinary offerings are nothing short of divine, and it proudly claims its place as one of the gastronomic capitals of Andalusia. Embracing the delightful fusion of traditional Spanish and oriental cuisine, Córdoba’s menu features an array of must-try dishes.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
From the refreshing delights of salmorejo and gazpacho to the hearty flavors of beans and asparagus paired with scrambled eggs, lamb casserole, roast pig, braised oxtail, and the tantalizing flamenquins (slices of ham stuffed with cheese), not to mention the delectable artichokes served with pork loin—every dish promises a burst of flavor. And what better way to complement this culinary journey than with a sip of excellent local wine and the smoothness of olive oil?
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
As explorers venture into the enchanting old city of Córdoba, a treasure trove of unique landmarks from the Arab period unfolds before them. One monument stands grander than the rest—the Mesquite, or the Great Mosque. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, it proudly stands as one of Spain’s most remarkable symbols of Moorish heritage.
Photo: Islamic architecture. Córdoba. Spain.
With construction commencing in the 8th century, the mosque underwent multiple expansions before its transformation into a Christian cathedral in 1523. Despite this metamorphosis, the building retained many original elements and structure, serving as a captivating reminder of Córdoba’s multicultural past.
The awe-inspiring “forest” of columns, totaling over 800, adorned with red and white stripes and arches in the Arabic style, provides an ethereal sight. The gate of Puerta del Perdon leads to the picturesque Patio de los Naranjos, where orange trees and palm trees sway gently in the breeze. Adding to the grandeur, a massive bell tower graces the north side of the building, standing as a testament to the passage of time.
Photo: Patio de los Naranjos. Córdoba. Spain
The Roman Bridge, or Puerto Romano, serves as yet another iconic symbol of Córdoba, an ancient bridge of 16 arches, its origins tracing back to Caesar’s victory over Pompey the Great. During the reign of the Umayyads, a medieval bridge was built upon the foundations of its Roman predecessor, weaving together the city’s rich history.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos: A Majestic Citadel Resonating with History
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, proudly standing near the iconic Roman bridge, stands as a castle that once hosted Christian monarchs, serving as a cherished piece of the city’s ancient heritage. Immerse yourself in the past as you traverse this venerable site, where echoes of the ancient Roman era still linger.
Photo: Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. Córdoba. Spain
Once the regal abode of Moorish rulers in Córdoba, it witnessed a significant turning point when the city succumbed to the Castilian kings’ conquering might. The square in front of the main building holds a poignant history, where Christian martyrs met their fate during the caliphate.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain
Within the castle’s storied walls, you’ll encounter remnants of the Moorish era, with some ancient defensive walls and towers dating back to that illustrious time. However, most of the architectural wonders, including the Inquisition Tower, were added later, when the Castilian monarchs graced the citadel with their improvements. An exemplary representation of Andalusian architecture, the Alcázar boasts an array of halls and picturesque courtyards, each exuding its unique charm.
Photo: Andalusian architecture.
Venturing into the fortress museum, you’ll be captivated by a mesmerizing collection of antiquities, including awe-inspiring Roman mosaics, which stand as testaments to the city’s historical splendor. Amidst the ancient walls, Arabic-style gardens beckon with their serene beauty, complete with decorative pools and enchanting fountains, offering a tranquil sanctuary within the bustling citadel.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
Cordova’s San Lorenzo: A Medieval Marvel of Spiritual Grandeur
Behold the mesmerizing San Lorenzo, an exquisite medieval church nestled in the heart of Córdoba. Like many ancient religious buildings in Andalusia, this splendid edifice was rebuilt from an ancient mosque, blending history and spirituality in perfect harmony.
As you approach the main entrance, a graceful portico adorned with three arches welcomes you, setting the tone for the grandeur that awaits within. A standout feature of San Lorenzo is its tower, ingeniously constructed on the former mosque’s minaret, displaying the captivating style of the renowned Seville Giralda.
Photo: Seville Giralda. Córdoba. Spain.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by a stunning baroque altar, an artistic masterpiece that evokes reverence and awe. Adorning the walls, you’ll find a multitude of paintings by celebrated Italian artists, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the sacred space.
The Church of San Miguel: A Testament to Harmony and Resilience
Testifying to the resilience of history, the Church of San Miguel stands tall, a beacon of hope and unity, born after the Reconquista on the site of a Muslim mosque. This remarkable structure showcases Romanesque elements fused seamlessly with the enchanting Mudejar style, a beautiful marriage of architectural influences.
Photo: San Migue. Córdoba. Spain.
Within the walls of the church, a tapestry of history unfolds, inviting visitors to witness the interwoven threads of diverse cultures and traditions that have shaped the city over the centuries. As you explore its hallowed halls, you’ll be transported through time, gaining insight into the enduring spirit of Córdoba and its capacity to embrace change while preserving its cherished heritage.
Photo: Córdoba. Spain.
In the city of Córdoba, history stands as a living testament, where the old and new seamlessly intertwine, creating a mesmerizing tableau of cultural richness and human resilience. Explore the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, San Lorenzo, and the Church of San Miguel, and you’ll discover the soul-stirring beauty that defines this enchanting Spanish city.
The ancient gem of Southern Spain, the City of Cadiz, proudly stands on the coastal shores of the Andalusia region. With its roots tracing back over three millennia, it proudly claims the title of the oldest city in Western Europe, a place where history and culture weave together harmoniously.
Photo: Spain, the City of Cadiz.
Once known as Gades in Latin and Cádiz in Spanish, this captivating city holds significant historical importance as it served as the launching point for Christopher Columbus’ transformative voyages. The Pearl of the Costa de la Luz, Cadiz boasts a captivating Mediterranean atmosphere, boasting an abundance of historical landmarks and cultural wonders.
Photo: Spain, the City of Cadiz.
Blessed with a mild subtropical climate, Cadiz enjoys an average annual temperature of 18.6 °C. The summers radiate with warmth, inviting beachgoers to indulge in the embrace of its stunning coastlines, while the winters remain pleasantly mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below +10 degrees.
Spain, the City of Cadiz.
Speaking of beaches, Cadiz takes pride in its pristine shores, unique among Spanish resorts. Unlike their high-rise counterparts, the city’s beaches, such as La Caleta Bay and Playa de la Caleta, provide a more authentic coastal experience.
Photo: Cádiz. Playa de la Caleta. Spain.
Stretching away from the city center, Playa de Santa Maria del Mar’s long sandy coast beckons, while the elegant promenade of Playa de la Victoria charms visitors. Among them, the largest beach, Playa de la Cortadura, serves as an excellent destination for beach lovers.
Photo: Playa de Santa Maria del Mar’s. Spain
History echoes through the streets of Cadiz, which was established by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. Throughout the ages, the city witnessed the rise and fall of empires, experiencing the prospering reign of the Romans and later the Visigoths. Captured by the Arabs in 711, it eventually became a part of the Kingdom of Castile.
Photo: Cadiz. Spain.
Cadiz became a gateway to the New World, with Christopher Columbus embarking on his momentous expedition from its shores. However, tragedy struck in 1755, when a devastating earthquake claimed a third of the city, challenging its prosperity. Remarkably, during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, the resilient city stood firm, evading capture by the French.
Photo: Cadiz. Spain.
Today, reaching Cadiz is easily accessible. The nearest airport, Jerez de la Frontera, offers convenient connections to Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Frankfurt. Additionally, the city acts as a major transport hub in Andalusia, ensuring seamless travel by train or bus from various large cities.
Photo: Airport Cadiz. Spain.
Once in Cadiz, visitors can relish in the joy of shopping along charming streets like Calle Pelota, Calle Compañía, Calle San Francisco, and Plaza de Candelaria, where souvenirs and traditional goods make delightful keepsakes.
Photo: Cadiz streets Calle Pelota. Spain.
A culinary paradise, Cadiz tantalizes taste buds with its delectable cuisine. The gifts of the sea and bounties of nature blend seamlessly with excellent wines, creating a delightful gastronomic journey. From fresh seafood to game caught in the mountains, each dish promises to be a delightful revelation.
Photo: Cadiz. Spain.
For the avid traveler seeking an enchanting blend of history, culture, and breathtaking beaches, Cádiz stands as an unrivaled destination. A city that embraces its past while embracing the present, offering a timeless experience like no other.
Discover the Enchanting Sights of Cádiz!
Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through time as you explore the ancient city of Cádiz, where antiquity and the Middle Ages merge seamlessly, offering a tapestry of historical monuments and stunning Mediterranean landscapes.
Photo: Cadiz. Spain.
Strolling along the charming promenades north of Plaza de España, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque Alameda de Apodaca, adorned with graceful palm trees and vintage street lamps, an ideal spot for enchanting evening promenades. But the real gem lies in the northwest, where the magnificent park of Cadiz-Genovés beckons with its natural splendor.
Photo: Alameda de Apodaca. Spain.
Gazing upon the skyline, you can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking Catedral-Nueva (New Cathedral), a masterpiece of baroque architecture, gracing the city since the 18th century. Its grand gilded dome, measuring an impressive 52 meters in diameter, stands proudly, reminiscent of the iconic Pantheon in Rome. Step inside, and you’ll be awestruck by the church’s interior and dimensions, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor.
Photo: Catedral-Nueva (New Cathedral). Spain.
Delve into the ancient heart of the city by exploring El Populo, the oldest district of Cadiz, tracing its origins back to the Roman era. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of narrow cobbled streets and stunning palaces, all steeped in history. Don’t miss the extraordinary ruins of the ancient Roman theater, a living testament to the city’s rich past.
Photo: El Populo. Spain.
As you wander through this district, you’ll encounter the medieval gate of Arcos de los Banco, a portal to the city’s storied past, commissioned by King Alfonso X in the 13th century. Art enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the Church of Santa Cueva on Rosario Street, where Goya’s masterpieces await.
Photo: Church of Santa Cueva. Spain.
Amidst the historical treasures of El Populo, the Casa del Almirante emerges as one of the most captivating palaces. Dating back to the 17th century, it enchants visitors with its splendid gate and a mesmerizing facade crafted from Italian marble. No exploration of the historic center would be complete without visiting the lively Plaza de San Juan de Dios, a vibrant hub of activity. Be sure to wander through the atmospheric squares of Topete and San Martin, where the essence of Cadiz comes alive.
Photo: Plaza de San Juan de Dios. Spain.
For panoramic views that will take your breath away, ascend the Tavira watchtower, an architectural marvel from the late 18th century and the highest point of the historic center, towering at an impressive 45 meters. From its terrace, the beauty of Cádiz unfolds before your eyes. But here’s a fascinating tidbit—did you know that there used to be a staggering 129 watchtowers in Cadiz? A testament to its strategic importance throughout history.
Photo: Tavira. Spain.
Journey north to the Chapel of San Felipe, a small yet profoundly significant religious building nestled near Torre del Vigia, tracing its origins back to the 17th century. As you traverse the city, you’ll encounter the formidable Puerta de Tierra, a 16th-century fortress standing guard at the southern border, reminding visitors of its storied past as a stronghold of defense.
Photo: Torre del Vigia. Spain.
Venture further to the northwest, where the San Sebastian Castle awaits, an 18th-century fortress with a history shrouded in tales of imprisonment. But the spirit of celebration takes over every year in February-March as Cadiz comes alive with its vibrant carnival, one of Europe’s largest festivals.
Photo: San Sebastian Castle. Spain.
Witness over 100 groups participating, and be part of the spectacle that draws more than 100,000 jubilant souls. In Cádiz, history, culture, and festivities blend harmoniously, offering a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you captivated and longing to return to its timeless embrace.
Pedro Sánchez will have to find the way out of the labyrinth emanating from the polls on 23-J to be able to govern, but there is already a first stop, a contact not without risks that will be crucial to decide who gets the keys to the Congress of Deputies in the XV Legislature. The Lower House must be constituted on August 17, so the 11 formations and coalitions with parliamentary representation have a few weeks to negotiate the composition of the governing body, the Table, as well as to decide who should preside over it. The movements have already begun.
Socialist sources assure that Sánchez has delegated these conversations to the until now socialist spokesman, Patxi López, who already presided over the Chamber in the failed legislature of 2016. López will be the one who takes the pulse of the independence and nationalist formations that are essential to them to have the option of revalidating the Government, but also to seize the reins of Congress. It will try to forge agreements so that the PSOE and Sumar block (153 seats) have the 19 seats of ERC, Bildu, PNV and BNG, to add more than the PP and Vox block (169).. The role of Junts per Catalunya (seven deputies) has yet to be defined. In any case, among other functions, the president interprets the regulations, is in charge of the plenary session, as well as the meetings of the Bureau and the Board of Spokesmen, and plays a crucial role in managing the progress of parliamentary activity..
If López manages to forge a new alliance, the new parliamentary arithmetic would allow the PSOE to caress the presidency of Congress, and would also foreseeably distribute the four vice-presidencies and the four secretariats between the two blocks, two and two for the left, and the other two vice-presidencies and secretariats for the right.. In the last legislature, PSOE and Unidas Podemos controlled six of the nine seats, the PP two and Vox, only one.
The first shock may occur, however, when the PP conveys to Sánchez its desire to preside over the Chamber, since it was the force with the most votes in the general elections. Genoa sources acknowledge this will, although they say that they have not yet maintained contact with the PSOE or Vox to address it..
The calendar is devilish, but the first screen to overcome is precisely the constitutive session. It will be chaired by the oldest elected deputy, assisted by the two youngest parliamentarians. The regulation specifies that, to elect the president, each deputy will write a name on the ballot, which will be inserted in the ballot box, and, therefore, the vote will be secret.. The person who obtains the absolute majority in a first vote will be elected; If a second round is necessary, they can only bet on one of the two parliamentarians elected with the most votes previously, and the one who achieves the most votes will be elected..
The four vice presidents will be elected simultaneously, writing a single name on the ballot. The four most voted will be appointed, and the process will be repeated with the secretaries. That is why it is essential, given the balance that emerged from 23-J, to concentrate the vote.
The second screen, even more important, but further back in time, will come immediately after the constitutive session. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, winner of the elections, but unable to join Vox and other parties, will transfer to Felipe VI his will to present himself for an investiture that is expected to fail. There is no set time interval for the head of state to transfer his candidate proposal to the president of Congress, nor for him to set the date of the plenary session. It could be held in the last week of August or already at the beginning of September.
This date is important because, after a first session in which it does not obtain an absolute majority (176 seats), a second session will be held 48 hours later, in which it will be enough to have more yeses than noes, something that does not seem possible in this case either.. If the confidence of the Chamber is not achieved, the period of two months will begin to run, in which the same candidate or other candidates will be able to run again, at the proposal of the King. And if none of them can form a government, the president of Congress will submit the decree of dissolution of the Cortes for the monarch's signature: 47 days later, new elections will be held.
If the script planned by Feijóo is fulfilled, and in the event that Sánchez appears, but does not achieve support that is difficult to obtain -Junts' abstention is necessary-, new general elections will be held three and a half months after the failed investiture. Feijóo and Sánchez have it in their hands to activate the stopwatch that, if they cannot stop, will lead to a new appointment with the polls at the end of the year, or at the start of 2024.
The great elephant of Spanish politics is still Catalonia. And the results on Sunday have once again raised Carles Puigdemont to the rump of the pachyderm. If the Carthaginian Aníbal crossed the Alps on the back of such an extravagant company, the former president of the Generalitat will have to decide in the coming months if he is encouraged to cross the Pyrenees, even if for now only symbolically, to promote the re-election of Pedro Sánchez as president of the Government. That's how diabolical are the caroms that occur in the billiards of politics
The worst results of Catalan nationalism —now sovereignism— since 1982 (42.7% of the vote in 2019, 28.1% on Sunday) are paradoxically those that give it the most weight when it comes to avoiding a situation of blockade of the governability of Spain that leads to new elections. Discounting the ERC's support for Pedro Sánchez, and knowing that Bildu will not bet on electoral repetition either, everything depends on how Aníbal-Puigdemont decides to behave with the bridles of his elephant.
The invoice that Carles Puigdemont announced in the campaign to make Pedro Sánchez president is unaffordable for the PSOE. Amnesty and self-determination (referendum) seem too bitter pills even for a sanchismo energized by Sunday's results. However, nothing is impossible in politics.. Yesterday, the general secretary of Junts, Jordi Turull, stated that right now he did not see the investiture of Pedro Sánchez anywhere. We italicize right now because time is always the key ingredient of politics. And what today is not, maybe it will be tomorrow. The fruit must always ripen on the tree. And along the way save added difficulties, such as yesterday the Prosecutor's Office asking Judge Llarena to reactivate the search and arrest warrant for the former president of the Generalitat or that Clara Ponsatí forced her arrest in Barcelona. It will not be easy to solve this puzzle.
Puigdemont, who is the one who will end up deciding the negotiation conditions and the result of this by Junts, has Spain in his hands. That, as long as we assume that Pedro Sánchez wants to speed up his re-election chances by negotiating with the former Catalan president installed in Waterloo and not settle for a blockade that leads us back to the polls in the second round.. Subscriber to the impossible, it is normal to think that Sánchez will continue to militate in the Yankee logic that if life gives you lemons, it is time to make lemonade. In other words, if Junts is part of the equation, then we will have to try our luck with them.
The truth is that the former president of the Generalitat cannot be satisfied with the price that Oriol Junqueras' republicans have already set and that it does not represent a problem for the socialists. not today at least. The ERC proposal to Sánchez to make him president (new financing, transfer of commuter services, shielding of Catalan and maintenance of the Government-Generalitat negotiating table) has been repeatedly ridiculed by Junts. So to twist the will of Carles Puigdemont something more should be added to the balance. But the truth is that there is not much more that can be accepted by the PSOE, which presumably will remain firm in refusing the self-determination referendum.. New forms of pardon could be part of a secret pact with Junts, as happened in 2019 in the negotiation with ERC, in which pardons did not appear as a condition of the investiture pact. This is the easiest assignment for Pedro Sánchez, since he has already put it into practice once.
Junts has acted with skill once the results were known and after becoming aware of the key role that it is in a position to play. The first thing he has done is set as a priority that the negotiations start with ERC, to agree on a common negotiation strategy for the independence movement with Pedro Sánchez. Gabriel Rufián, by order of Oriol Junqueras, had also requested the same thing on the night of the scrutiny.
Notice to all the “experts” who always know what @JuntsXCat needs to do (and always talk bad about it, or belittle their position): Junts owes nothing to anyone but its voters. Neither to clever political scientists, nor to various talk shows, nor to Twitter pseudonyms, nor to…
— krls.eth / Carles Puigdemont (@KRLS) July 23, 2023
This negotiation between independentists to determine the price of the new investment could make ERC's price more expensive due to Junts' pressure and at the same time make the latter's price cheaper. Or simply mark the differences again between some Republicans prone to investing Sánchez with a certain ease and some firm Puigdemontists in the maximalism of the blockade. Too early to make statements and venture hypotheses.
If there is something that plays in favor of Pedro Sánchez it is the Catalan electoral map of this 23-J. The PSOE, the first force in Catalonia with 19 seats (+7) and Sumar, second with seven deputies, have swept away the independence movement. The whole of Catalonia has been painted red and the results of sovereignty —disguised by the key to the governability of Spain, in the hands of republicans and puigdemontistas— have been a disaster. The CUP has disappeared from the map and even the PP (six deputies, +4) has surpassed both ERC and Junts in absolute votes (seven deputies each), although this superiority has not been transferred to the numerical number of seats.
An electoral repetition is unknown in Catalonia. But Puigdemont is not in a position to ensure that new elections will not mean even greater damage to the independence movement. This element plays clearly in favor of the aspirations of Pedro Sánchez. To this we should add that in the ranks of Junts there will not be unanimity regarding what must be done if the socialist candidate for re-election does not open the door of amnesty and self-determination. The discrepancies between the most pragmatic and the most irredeemable will surface again. But neither one thing —uncertainty in the face of new elections— nor the other —internal disagreements— are going to be a serious problem for Carles Puigdemont who, with a simple raise or drop of his thumb, will decide what he considers appropriate..
The waiting compass opens. What must be cooked in one way or another will require its cooking time. But the paradox is simply phenomenal: at the moment of Carles Puigdemont's greatest legal weakness, after the last sentence of the TGUE, parliamentary arithmetic has placed the governability of Spain in his hands, also coinciding with the elections in which the parties of Catalan obedience have deflated the most since 1982.. that's the policy.
For the rest, Puigdemont aside, it must be noted that the PSOE has hit the jackpot in Catalonia. It is this community that has acted as a stopper for a PP-Vox government that was already taken for granted. Sánchez took a risk with pardons and the reform of the Penal Code. But what he could have lost in Spain as a whole due to these decisions, he has compensated with votes and deputies in Catalonia.
In fact, if today we are talking, discussing and writing about these issues in particular, it is precisely because of the operation to save soldier Sánchez that the majority of the Catalan electorate has carried out. Abascal's threat a few days before the elections, announcing greater tension in Catalonia in 2024 than in 2017 if PP and Vox governed jointly, helps to understand a good part of what happened.
The fugitive Carles Puigdemont has given orders to Junts per Catalunya (JxCat) to resist counting all the attempts of the PSOE and Pedro Sánchez to negotiate a hypothetical support for his investiture after the results of 23-J. There will be no green light for a PSOE government with Sumar nor a hypothetical abstention to allow a left-wing government in Madrid. “There are two red lines that cannot be crossed: referendum and amnesty. Without these two concessions, there will be no green light, ”sources from the Junts leadership explained to El Confidencial.
In the executive that the post-convergent party held this Monday afternoon, an attempt was made to camouflage the bad result of these elections with parliamentary arithmetic. Aware that these are the worst results in history, including the Convergència era, the defeat is sweetened by the fact that numerically Puigdemont's formation could be crucial to form a government and, if he votes against either of the two options (right block or left block), Spain may be doomed to repeat elections, as happened in 2019..
In the party they are aware that the 392,634 votes obtained by Junts this 23-J are far from the 483,488 obtained by the Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC) in 2016. Until now, those had been the worst results in all of history.. In all the other electoral events, the formation, especially when it had not opted for independence, always exceeded 500,000 votes and in 2011 it exceeded one million votes.. The reflection made by some post-convergent circles is that ERC, despite the sharp drop from 874,859 votes in November 2019 to the current 462,883 votes, had already obtained worse results in other electoral events.. Therefore, the hit of JxCat is worse than that of ERC, despite the fact that both have tied seats on 23-J.
In some post-convergent sectors, it is warned that, in the event of going to new elections, the party could lose many more votes and leave half of its deputies along the way, but that is a price that Puigdemont and his closest circle are willing to pay.. “What has to be lost? We have lost more by not negotiating the councils of Barcelona, Lleida and Tarragona with the Socialists. Therefore, the seats that we can leave in Congress are hardly important. Actually, not much is lost, only two or three seats. But we gained vote loyalty and, above all, it leaves the party prepared for the ravages of the European and regional elections next year”, explain the sources consulted by El Confidencial. In other words, Puigdemont prefers to go to the immolation in Congress and then recover ground in the autonomous.
A medium term strategy
The strategy takes into account the premise that the two or three deputies that it may lose in new legislation will later be largely amortized with the regional and European elections of 2024. The intention is to present itself to the electorate next year as the only party that is clearly pro-independence, non-pactist and that keeps what it promises, regardless of the consequences: in this case, it will assume the blockade of State institutions despite exposing itself to reducing its seats.
The maneuver has another hidden reason: to mark its own profile and launch a missile at the waterline of ERC, which it presents as a “submissive” party and subservient to the powers of Madrid. In summary, the accounts of the Junts leadership are that the three or four seats that they may lose in Madrid due to the repetition of the 23-J elections would later be offset by an increase in representatives in the European and regional elections, possibly recovering the first place in the independence spectrum, which is currently in the hands of ERC. It is, therefore, a strategy designed to bear fruit in the medium term.
That is why the slogan is to toughen the line of action. A letter distributed this Monday afternoon in the party bears a significant title: The price: self-determination and amnesty. In it, an allusion is made to Esquerra and they distance themselves from the Republicans, betting on their own confrontational and radical strategy that denies bridges with Madrid and rejects pacts with the Socialists.. “The disappearance of the four PDeCAT deputies confirms that this was the line to follow. Despite the correct decision to leave the Government of the Generalitat, the last municipal campaign was excessively soft from a national point of view. Only the refusal to agree with the PSC in the councils has redirected the path that in these general elections seems to have been consolidated with a much clearer message to the electorate. If Gabriel Rufián represents the symbol of demobilization due to his policy of pacts in Madrid (budgets, trap-reforms, dialogue table), Junts should stay as far away as possible. The results clearly demonstrate this.”.
Defend the First of October
After the crash of this month of July, according to the aforementioned text distributed this Monday, “perhaps a greater firmness would be necessary to defend the political derivatives of October 1st”. This commitment to hardening the proposals also aims to corner ERC in the spectrum of sovereignty, presenting Junts as the quintessential patriotic party and once again dominating the pro-independence discourse, retaking control of the situation.
Remember the letter that the head of the list in these elections, Míriam Nogueras, said this Sunday, after knowing the results, that “we have indeed understood the electoral result”. Therefore, “now is the time to prove it and Junts will be subject to all possible pressure from those who say they want to 'save Spain'. let them do. It is our duty to show, in the words of President Puigdemont, 'a high degree of responsibility, coherence and fidelity'. If we want to be coherent with the people of Catalonia, with ourselves and with what we have affirmed in this campaign, there is no other price than self-determination and amnesty.”.
Puigdemont's formation will try to take advantage of the situation and attract again civic entities and platforms that demand unilateralism. The allusion to October 1 in the text addressed to the party cadres is what they recognize as “a reflection on the current situation of the Movement, beyond the partisan realities of each one”. The 'Movement' is nothing other than the 'procés' or, in a broader term, the road to independence. For this reason, the text ends with an almost warlike harangue: “Now is our moment. General Patton said that it was the enemy who had to hold the position, because his troops only had the objective of advancing.
The escape of the former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont added two new chapters this Monday. On the one hand, the general elections yielded a result in which his party will play a determining role in the possible governance of Pedro Sánchez and, on the other, the Prosecutor's Office asked the Supreme Court to issue a new international search and arrest warrant against him. “One day you are decisive in forming a government in Spain and the next day Spain orders your arrest,” Puigdemont himself ironized. The Government will have to face this crossroads on the political level, but also through the State Lawyer in the Supreme.
Legal sources explain that two scenarios are now open to Llarena. The one that they point out as the most probable would consist of notifying the rest of the parties, including the Lawyers, so that they can rule on the suitability of ordering the capture of Puigdemont again.. The second would mean skipping this step and launching the new order based on the writings of Vox and the Prosecutor's Office, which would allow the legal services of the State to move away from the focus at first. In any case, the same sources indicate that Llarena's decision would be appealable, so if they remain silent, they would be giving their approval indirectly..
In the absence of Llarena making a move, Sumar has just recovered the leader of En Comú Podem Jaume Asens to try to channel the negotiations with Puigdemont and carry out a new investiture of Pedro Sánchez. “For our space, it is a luxury to have someone of the career of Jaume Asens, who has shown in the past his ability to agree,” said the party led by Yolanda Díaz in a brief statement.. “We believe that with your knowledge of the Catalan political reality, as well as your good relationship with many of the spaces called to understand each other, it will be easier to reach an agreement”.
back with immunity
The Prosecutor's Office has asked Llarena to issue a new order against Puigdemont after the General Court of the EU (TGUE) withdrew his immunity as a European parliamentarian at the beginning of the month. The resolution of the TGUE is still appealable and, therefore, it was possible to wait for it to be final, but the Prosecutor's Office defends that the capture should be reactivated now because the appeal would not have “suspensive effect” on the loss of immunity.
“Consequently, the Public Prosecutor's Office is interested in the search and capture and imprisonment of Carles Puigdemont Casamajó and Antoni Comín Oliveres being agreed again by the investigator, and that an international search and capture order be issued in case it is necessary to process an extradition request, as well as a European arrest and surrender order,” he defends in the letter sent this Monday to the Supreme Court..
In this way, the Prosecutor's Office does not even wait for Llarena to notify him of the matter, but rather follows in the footsteps of Vox and asks to launch a new international order now. As pointed out by the Public Ministry, it is “a mandatory procedural action” after the TGUE ruling at the beginning of the month, since they themselves had requested that Euro-orders be issued against the fugitives before they achieved parliamentary immunity as MEPs.
The new arrest warrant would now be issued on the basis of the crime of aggravated embezzlement, which includes penalties of up to 12 years in prison and between 10 and 20 years of disqualification.. While the Government tries to obtain the support of Junts per Catalunya or, at least, its abstention, that is the fundamental request that forces the State Lawyer to take sides.
