Week in News: Gaza Protests Shake Spain, Valencia Steps Up Clean-Up
Bon dia! Here is your Monday weekly news update. After a last burst of summer this weekend, Aemet says there may be some rain on the way. By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to cool again. Autumn is on the way!
National Politics: Gaza protests grow, cancel La Vuelta race
Protests against Israel’s war in Gaza disrupted the Vuelta a España cycling race, forcing the cancellation of its final stage. Before the cancellation, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the demonstrators, sparking a national debate among politicians. In Valencia, students and faculty at the University of Valencia have launched an open-ended sit-in at La Nau, demanding the institution cut ties with Israeli universities and companies. Protesters told El País they want “concrete and severe measures” against collaboration.
More reading in English:
AP – Authorities say over 100,000 at pro-Palestinian protests that forced early end to Spanish Vuelta
Local Politics: Mazón’s cabinet reshuffle
Valencia’s Generalitat president Carlos Mazón will reshuffle his cabinet in November, his third reorganization this term, reports El País. Under pressure from both opposition parties and members of his own ranks after criticism of his handling of the October 29 floods, Mazón has refused to resign. The shake-up includes the departure of Gan Pampols, the retired general appointed to oversee reconstruction.
More reading in Spanish:
El País – Mazón anuncia una remodelación de su gobierno
Economic News: Foreign buyers, digital nomads flock to Valencia
Foreign demand for housing in the region now surpasses that of Madrid and Barcelona, accounting for more than 12% of all purchases, according to Levante. In Valencia city, l’Eixample remains the most expensive neighborhood, while Benimaclet has seen the sharpest price increases, notes Las Provincias. A recent survey also ranks Valencia second in Spain and 16th worldwide as a hub for digital nomads, ahead of Seoul, Paris, and Montreal, according to Valencia Plaza.
More reading in Spanish:
Valencia Plaza – Valencia, la segunda ciudad más valorada para nómadas digitales
Volkswagen bets on Sagunto
Volkswagen announced it will begin producing solid-state batteries at its Sagunto factory next year, a major boost for Valencia’s economy, reports El País.
Valencia’s new fines to clean up the city
From next year, fines of up to €3,000 will apply for leaving trash outside containers, urinating in public, posting illegal flyers, organizing noisy botellones, or using overly loud megaphones. The measures are part of a wider clean-up campaign by Mayor María José Catalá, reports Valencia Extra.
More reading in Spanish:
Valencia Extra – Por estos motivos pueden multarte en Valencia
Investing in emergency readiness
Mayor Catalá also unveiled 55 new initiatives to prepare for emergencies, including €120 million for water infrastructure, more firefighters and police, flood-monitoring cameras, and a new siren in La Torre, reports El País. However, experts warn the city’s aquifer is already under strain, notes Levante.
Bike lanes expand in San Vicente
Work also begins this month to extend bike lanes along Calle San Vicente, improving links between Valencia’s south and the city center, reports Las Provincias.
Big names at the Roig Arena
Ed Sheeran and Suede will headline concerts at the new Roig Arena, bringing international attention to Valencia’s newest cultural and sports venue, reports Las Provincias.
That’s it for this week’s update. I’ll be updating the City Calendar, including World Paella Day, this weekend!
