Bon dia! Here is your news update for Monday, 16 June.
Politics in Valencia and Spain
Sánchez government rocked by corruption scandal and cabinet reshuffle
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is under mounting pressure after Santo Cerdán, the PSOE’s number three, was directly implicated in an alleged kickback scheme involving public contracts. Several Valencian companies are involved, and police have searched the home of former minister José Luis Ábalos in Valencia. Following the revelations, Ábalos’s properties were vandalized with paint. In response to the growing scandal, Sánchez has reshuffled his cabinet to contain the political fallout.
“What is the UCO and what do they investigate?” – El País
“The PSOE faces its worst crisis as Sánchez reshuffles to avoid early elections” – Valencia Plaza
“The Valencian company linked to the Koldo case” – Valencia Plaza
“Home of former minister Ábalos defaced following new corruption reports” – Las Provincias
Gibraltar accord reached
Spain and the UK have finally reached a political agreement on integrating Gibraltar into the EU’s border-free zone.
“A new chapter for Gibraltar?” – El País
Pride flag stokes controversy at Ayuntamiento
The rainbow flag has become a political football for the feud between Valencia’s Socialist party and the governing Partido Popular. The PP’s alliance with the far-right party, Vox, has attempted to roll back laws protecting trans rights. Now the Socialist party is demanding that the mayor’s office display the rainbow flag during the 28 June Pride Day parade to show its commitment to LGBTI rights.
“The rainbow flag renews tension at Ayuntamiento” – Levante
Changing City
Metro reopening in L’Horta Sud delayed again
Repairs to Metro Line 1 in the flood-damaged Zona Cero area have been delayed once more, now expected to reopen in late June.
“Metro delays frustrate commuters in southern Valencia” – Valencia Extra
Valencia becomes Spain’s busiest—and most congested—airport
Despite record-breaking passenger numbers, airport expansion plans in both Valencia and Alicante remain on hold.
“Valencia Airport is Spain’s most congested” – Levante
“Airport expansion projects on hold despite record numbers” – Valencia Extra
Noise complaints lead to new restrictions
The city is cutting back terrace hours in student-heavy zones like Plaza del Cedro and Honduras due to rising nighttime noise complaints. Meanwhile, residents near the City of Arts and Sciences presented evidence that summer music festivals are producing decibel levels well above the legal limit.
“Valencia shortens terrace hours in student-heavy neighborhoods” – Valencia Plaza
“Decibel levels near Les Arts more than double the legal limit, residents say” – Las Provincias
Port plan opens for public comment
A new zoning proposal for the southern zone of Valencia’s port is now available for public consultation.
“Public can weigh in on port development plan” – Valencia Plaza
Crime and Policing
Armed robbery cases spark concern — but violent crime overall is down
Police made arrests in two separate violent robbery cases: one at Malvarrosa beach, where three suspects nearly beat a man to death over a phone; and another in Monserrat, where a gang broke into homes and threatened families with knives. Despite the headlines, police say violent robberies have fallen nearly 15% this quarter.
“Three arrested for attempted murder at Malvarrosa beach” – Las Provincias
“Police dismantle home-invasion gang that threatened families with knives” – El País
School violence cases spark outrage
A school is under scrutiny for its handling of a 2023 assault case during a class trip, in which several minors were accused of gang sexual assault. The alleged victim left the school, while those accused remained with little apparent oversight.
“Minors accused of gang sexual assault remain in school under vague ‘non-explicit’ surveillance” – El País
In another incident, six students were arrested for ambushing a peer with sticks and makeshift weapons outside a school.
“Six minors arrested for assault with sticks” – El País
Second Turia River drowning in a week
Police are searching for the body of a young man who is believed to have drowned at the Acequia de Tormos dam in the Turia River. It is the second incident in a week in the same area. The river used to be a popular place to cool off in the summer heat. The area is no longer safe for swimming, however, with flood debris and wreckage still piled up on the banks and bed of the river.
“Turia disappearance: Police searching for young man where another drowned 7 days ago” — Levante
Environment and Climate
Mediterranean sea temperatures soar
Sea surface temperatures have already reached 25ºC—more typical of mid-summer—raising alarm about marine life and potential heatwaves.
“Mediterranean already at peak summer temperatures” – Las Provincias
Mysterious white spill closes La Safor beaches
Seven beaches in La Safor were closed after a viscous white substance washed ashore. Although tests found no toxicity, red flags were raised as a precaution.
“No toxicity found in mysterious white beach spill” – Valencia Plaza
Tourist arrested for damaging stalactite
A tourist was arrested for breaking off a natural stalactite during a guided tour of Les Coves de Sant Josep, a major underground river and protected natural site near Castellón.
“Tourist arrested for stalactite break” – El País
El Perellonet to be the first district powered by solar
The Valencia City Council has greenlit a pilot project to make the beach community of El Perellonet the first district in Valencia to be completely powered by renewable energy. The photovoltaic panels will provide shade for municipal parking while powering the area.
“El Perellonet to be first in solar power project” — Valencia Plaza
Housing and Economy
Valencia’s housing market gets global spotlight
A New York Times feature highlighted Valencia’s surging demand for high-end housing, showcasing a $1.4 million property as an example of the city’s shifting real estate market.
“A $1.4 million home in r, Spain” – The New York Times
Elon Musk vs. Amancio Ortega over Valencian land
Two billionaires are vying for strategic industrial land near Valencia, potentially for a battery plant.
“Battle over industrial land heats up” – Las Provincias
Sports News
Valencia Basket makes Endesa League finals
The men’s team has defeated Tenerife to reach Spain’s Endesa League finals for the third time in club history.
“Can Valencia Basket win the Endesa League?” – Sport
Teen tennis star from Valencia becomes world number one
A Valencian teenager has taken the top spot in international tennis rankings, following in the footsteps of Alcaraz and Nadal.
“Valencian tennis player reaches global #1 ranking” – Las Provincias
100 days of silence from Valencia CF’s owner
Fans grow increasingly frustrated as Kiat Lim, the club’s new owner, has yet to make any public statements or appearances.
“100 days of silence from Valencia CF’s owner” – Las Provincias
Culture News
“Spaniards speak in sounds”: Uruguayan influencer breaks it down
A viral video by a Uruguayan content creator based in Valencia has sparked laughs — and recognition –among Spanish speakers, poking fun at how Castilian Spanish often replaces words with expressive but ambiguous sounds.
“They’re from another world” – Las Provincias