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Valencia News: Housing protest, a major drug bust, Semana Santa, and prize-winning burgers

Buenos días! Here is your news update for Monday. Have a good start to your week!

Politics in Valencia

Mayor María José Catalá has restructured and stabilized her administration after recent political fallout between her party, the Partido Popular, and its far-right coalition partner, Vox. Two previously ousted officials, Badenas and Herrero, have been reinstated following negotiations with Vox.
Valencia Plaza has the full story

Housing Crisis

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Valencia on Saturday to protest skyrocketing house prices, part of a coordinated national movement.
More from Valencia Plaza

In response, local and national governments are cracking down on tourist rentals. New rules allow homeowners’ associations to impose conditions and higher community fees—up to 20% more—on properties with tourist licenses.
Details from Spanish News Today

Valencia Plaza reports that foreign buyers—mainly from the U.S., France, Germany, and Italy—now dominate the high-end real estate market, especially in Ciutat Vella.
Read more

Flood Recovery

The Paiporta metro bridge, destroyed in last October’s torrential floods, has finally been restored. The bridge served 12 million passengers annually.
More from El País

Meanwhile, the Generalitat has billed the central government €917,000 for the cost of cleaning beach debris left behind by the flooding.
Read more at Valencia Plaza

Crime & Corruption

Police are investigating a suspected serial attacker in Valencia after multiple women reported being sexually assaulted late at night or early in the morning outside their homes.
Full story at Las Provincias

Authorities have also dismantled a major drug-smuggling ring at the Port of Valencia, seizing over a thousand kilos of cocaine. The suspects include dock workers and a well-known MMA fighter.
Levante has the details. The gang reportedly used “spidermen” to climb stacked shipping containers and retrieve the drugs. More from Las Provincias

Semana Santa Marinera

Valencia’s Holy Week (Semana Santa Marinera) processions begin this week in the Cabanyal neighborhood, leading up to Easter.
See the full schedule from the Ayuntamiento

Valencia’s Burger Makes Global List

Hundred Burgers, a local favorite, has been ranked among the world’s best burgers by the so-called “Michelin guide for hamburgers.”
Story from Las Provincias

Valencia News: Muddied bank notes, Golden Visa ends, and the “next Miami of Europe”.

Good morning! Here is your Thursday news roundup. Weekend highlights will be out on Friday.

Politics in Valencia

  • Police have detained a 30-year-old man for threatening Generalitat President Carlos Mazón on social media. He has been released with the condition that he reports to the court every 15 days for three months. Read more from El Pais

Flood Recovery

Changing City

  • Six lots of properties in Cabanyal are up for public auction. Despite some being in poor condition, interest is high. Las Procincias has more
  • The renovation of Joaquin Sorolla train station will be done by 2028 and work will begin in a few weeks, says Spain’s Transport Minister. El Pais reports.
  • American citizens are increasingly moving to Valencia, with one real estate agent calling it “the next Miami of Europe.” Read more at El Español
  • Valencia’s mayor is cracking down on squatting and illegal occupations, requiring large property owners to install security alarms. El Español has more
  • Short-term rentals have increased by 70% in the past year due to changes in housing laws favoring seasonal rentals. Read more at Las Provincias
  • Housing protests are expected this weekend in cities across Spain, including Valencia.
    The Local has more

Climate & Environment

From anti-ageing creams to shoe soles, how Albufera farmers are testing new ways to dispose of rice stalks as an alternative to burning. Las Provincias has more.

Business & Economy

Life & Logistics

  • Tax season has begun in Spain, and the tax office has introduced new measures to simplify filing. Las Provincias has more
  • A new digital ID for residents is now available, allowing people to carry their ID on their phones.
    More from Levante

History & Heritage

The restoration of Santos Juanes Church will be finished by the end of the year. The facade is already complete and restorers are using innovative techniques to recover frescoes inside. Las Provincias reports.

Thanks for reading today’s update! ? Check back tomorrow for weekend highlights.