Buenos días! Here’s your news roundup for Monday, 5 May.
Nationwide Blackout and Energy Concerns
This Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to address parliament about the cause of last week’s nationwide blackout.
A Punt – Sanchez to explain blackout
In the meantime, Iberdrola has announced scheduled electricity cuts this week for maintenance. A full list of affected areas and times can be found here:
Las Provincias – Iberdrola announces temporary electricity cuts
The New York Times has reprinted a moving editorial by Spanish journalist Paco Cerdà about how Valencia came together during the blackout:
New York Times – Spain in the dark is safer than elsewhere with power
A new study urges Spain to expand its electric grid’s storage capacity and reconsider plans to phase out nuclear energy.
Valencia Plaza – FEDEA warns against closing nuclear plants
More than half of Valencia’s electricity comes from outside the region, prompting calls to reassess local energy production and resilience.
Las Provincias – Valencia’s energy dependency
Politics in Valencia
President Carlos Mazón traveled to the United States to promote Valencian business, but his visit drew controversy when a giant billboard in Times Square criticized his handling of the October flood disaster.
El Pais – Compromis sends a message to Mazon via Times Square
Mazón also announced a cultural deal to bring 100 works by Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla from the US to Valencia in a special exhibition—though the cost could reach several million euros.
Levante – Operación Sorolla
Meanwhile, the investigation into the October flood continues. Here’s a useful overview of the main figures and charges involved in the Catarroja case:
Valencia Plaza – Who’s who in the DANA court case
Flood Recovery
The flood significantly altered the course of the Turia River, which remains at risk due to accumulated silt and debris.
Levante – The dangers of the Turia after the DANA
A recent study found that the most damaging floodwaters on 29 October came from downstream of official water gauges, possibly delaying early warnings.
Valencia Plaza – The flows of the Poyo came downstream of water meters
Housing Shortage
Valencia is seeing a shift from tourist apartments to a new trend called “flex living”—short-term housing designed for digital nomads and young professionals.
Las Provincias – Boom in ‘flex living’ creates 3000 new homes
One notable example: a former drug hub in El Grao is being converted into a high-end flex-living complex.
Levante – A drug supermarket transforms into flexliving
Changing City
The number of homeless encampments in the Turia River park has surpassed 100 and continues to grow. More than half are now camped under bridges between Puente Real and Puente Glorias Valencianas.
Las Provincias – Homeless exceed 100
In a related case, the trial of a homeless man accused of murder and attempted assault in the Turia River park ended with a ruling of mental unfitness. Prosecutors seek a 25-year sentence in a psychiatric facility.
Levante – Riverbed killer deemed mentally unfit
Separately, the city has ordered the closure of four restaurants near the Marina’s Veles e Vents esplanade, citing expired licenses and a rethinking of future use for the space.
Levante – Four restaurants closing at the Marina
Spain’s Chinese community is also undergoing a shift: facing competition from online retail, many are closing traditional bazaars and transitioning to the service sector.
Las Provincias – The Chinese community says adiós to bazaars
Crime and Corruption
A violent brawl between clans in Nazaret over the weekend resulted in one death and several injuries. Police say the dispute began over loud music.
Las Provincias – Fear, pain, and revenge at dawn in Valencia
A new phone scam is targeting WhatsApp and Bizum users in Valencia. Be cautious with suspicious messages requesting private information for voting in online competitions or unexpected requests for transfers.
Las Provincias – Massive scam on Bizum
In Oviedo, three children were rescued from a home where they were allegedly confined for years by their parents, reportedly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Euronews – The house of horrors
Climate and Environment
Due to extreme fire risk, Valencia’s city council has activated water cannons in the El Saler forest area to keep vegetation damp and prevent wildfires.
Las Provincias – El Saler water cannons deployed
A man has been sentenced to nine months in prison for deliberately setting fire in the protected Dehesa nature reserve.
El País – El Saler arsonist convicted
To prepare for rising summer temperatures, the city is rolling out a network of “climate refuges”—shaded outdoor spaces designed to stay below 27°C even during extreme heat.
Valencia Plaza – What are climate refuges?
Public Information Campaign
The city council is relaunching its public awareness campaign for the 010 phone/text service. Residents can use it to request municipal services without visiting the Ayuntamiento in person. Although the service is already available, only a quarter of residents currently use it.
Valencia.es – Promotional campaign for 010
