Latest Spanish News In English
Ambitious port maintenance project
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 09:31:23Marbella town hall and the Virgen del Carmen marina have agreed a five-year, one-million-euro maintenance programme for the port facilities. Works will cover quay and pontoon resurfacing, electrical system upgrades, urban furniture replacement, masonry repairs and general cleaning.The council describes the marina as a strategic asset, noting that Marbella has four ports, which play a significant role in the town's economy and international reputation. The contract-based programme is designed to ensure continuous maintenance across the facility, keeping it fully operational throughout the year while allowing rapid response to any structural or functional issues as they arise.
Malaga's Metro reaches 100 million travellers
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 09:26:17Málaga Metro marked a historic milestone on Tuesday, registering its 100 millionth passenger since launching in July 2014. The landmark traveller, a regular user named Mercedes, was presented with a leisure and culture prize package.The network, which covers 13.6 kilometres across Malaga, recorded another record in 2025 with 19.22 million passengers.
Today in Spain: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-05 08:09:25US Treasury Secretary claims Spain putting 'American lives at risk'
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said Spain's stance regarding the Rota and Morón air bases is \"unacceptable\", with the Spanish government doubling down on its reluctance to let the US launch attacks on Iran from there.
\"The Spanish have been very uncooperative regarding the US bases and what we could do with our aircraft right as we were launching the operation.
\"Anything they do that delays our ability to conduct this war as quickly and effectively as possible puts American lives at risk. The Spanish put American lives at risk,\" he reiterated in an interview on CNBC .
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Madrid had \"agreed to cooperate with the US military\", without providing details on what the cooperation would entail.
But Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Cadena SER radio shortly afterwards that \"our position on the use of the bases, on the war in the Middle East, on the bombardment of Iran, has not changed at all\".
Tourism numbers drop in Catalonia so far in 2026
Although Catalonia registered a record 20 million+ foreign tourists in 2025, 2026 has with a decrease in the number of visitors, according to data published on Wednesday by Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE).
During January, 1.01 million tourists visited Catalonia, a 6.2 percent decrease compared to the previous year.
That's despite the fact that the number of foreign tourists increased across Spain as a whole to 5.12 million, 1.2 percent more than a year ago.
More Spaniards repatriated from Middle East
A Spanish Air Force plane carrying 171 Spaniards repatriated from the Middle East landed early Thursday morning at Torrejón Air Base near Madrid.
This marks the second evacuation operation of Spanish citizens carried out by the Spanish government following the outbreak of the war in Iran initiated by the US and Israel.
There are at least 30,000 Spaniards living in the Middle East, with it still unclear if the focus will be on repatriating Spanish tourists or also these overseas residents.
Foreign correspondents frustrated by lack of workspace in Spain
Foreign correspondents have nowhere to work in Madrid, despite the commitment of the State Secretariat for Communication (SEC) and the personal promises of the Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to enable an International Press Centre for them to carry out their correspondence work.
Previously they were able to carry out their duties at a headquarters at Calle María de Molina in Madrid, but this was closed in 2019.
In a statement obtained by Spanish news site El Confidencial, the Board of the Foreign Correspondents in Spain has denounced its \"frustration\" and \"feeling of helplessness\" in the face of the government's excuses and broken promises.
Row in Spain over claims foreign language assistants are used as 'fake interns'
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 09:18:30Spain’s Ministry of Education's programme for language assistants from abroad is under threat from inspections by the Ministry of Labour.
The department led by Yolanda Díaz has been investigating and fining several Spanish regions because it claims that these young foreigners - who come to Spain to help children to improve their English and other languages - are being used as \"fake interns\".
The Labour Ministry argues these auxiliares de conversación should have employment contracts and be contributing to social security system.
According to Spain's Education Ministry, most language assistants in public schools work between12 and 16 hours a week.
So far, the regions of Aragón, Galicia, Andalusia, Extremadura, Murcia, Castilla y León, Madrid, and Valencia (which all happen to be governed by the opposition People's Party) have raised \"concern\" over the complaint.
They are demanding \"coordination\" between the ministries of Labour and Education, because they claim they are being inspected and fined by Labour officials for simply implementing a programme and conditions established by the Socialist-led national Ministry of Education.
READ ALSO: Spain approves new draft law to ensure interns aren't exploited
Galicia currently has 700 language assistants, and Aragón has 101, yet both regions have already stated they will not continue with the programme during the next academic year if the \"lack of legal certainty\" persists.
Andalusia already left the programme last year after it was fined €5 million for having 1,806 language assistants.
Other regions are also considering dropping out of the programme if the problem is not solved.
In 2025, a total of 7,140 native-speaking language assistants came to Spain to help students improve their speaking skills in English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.
The language assistant programme has been running for the last 20 years and allows final-year university students from up to 30 countries - including the US, UK, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and Brazil - to come to Spain and help schoolchildren improve their fluency in foreign languages.
This is a blow to young foreigners from non-EU countries, whose only chance to come and live in Spain for a period may be programmes like these.
READ ALSO: The pros and cons of being an English-language assistant in Spain
Spain's Ministry of Education stipulates that this is a \"cultural exchange,\" and does not consider that these young foreigners should be subject to the same employment regulations or have an employment contract.
Sources within the department explain that they have a letter from the State Attorney's Office that \"provides them with legal certainty\" on the subject.
According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the ruling states that \"no employment relationship exists\" and that therefore a contract salary should not be demanded.
\"The relationship of the assistants does not have the characteristics of employment; it is more akin to a voluntary one, considering primarily the objective of this role, which is closer to that of a kind of 'cultural ambassador,' and not the provision of services in exchange for remuneration,” the document reads.
These language assistants do however receive some financial compensation for their services of around €800 - €1,000 per month. In some cases, they also get accommodation or meal vouchers. Crucially, this is considered to be a grant, not a salary.
READ ALSO: Fun-seeking French students travel to Spain...to learn English
Sources from the Ministry of Labour argue that “there are problems in some regions because language assistants are exceeding their functions and are maintaining an employment relationship”.
Strangely though, sources claim that the Ministry of Labour has only issued fines for language assistants paid by the regional governments, but not for those funded by the Ministry of Education.
\"Those funded by the Ministry and those funded by Andalusia have been working in the same schools, and despite performing the same functions, only those funded by Andalusia have been sanctioned,\" sources from the southern region told El Mundo.
\"The teaching assistants cannot work as teachers; they are not teachers. They are university students. They do not replace teachers under any circumstances and are always in the classroom with a teacher. They are here to learn. They do nothing else,\" say sources from the Andalusian Regional Government said.
A similar case occurred in Aragón, where a fine of €199,000 was issued.
The auxiliares fiasco will be discussed this Friday March 6th at Spain's Sectoral Conference, the highest body for dialogue on educational matters between the central government and the regional authorities.
READ ALSO: How to survive as a language assistant (auxiliar de conversación) in Spain
Spain sees war-fuelled petrol price hike ' with long queues spotted at gas stations in Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-05 15:47:44FUEL prices in Spain have recorded their steepest rise in eight months following the outbreak of the Iran war, new figures show.
Petrol averaged €1.486 per litre on Monday, according to the EU’s Weekly Oil Bulletin, with diesel trailing at €1.441 ' the highest prices since December.
The figures, which represent a 1% jump compared with last week, mark the sharpest increase since June last year, when the US targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in the first bombing campaign of Donald Trump’s second term.
READ MORE: Long queues at petrol stations on the Costa del Sol amid fears Iran war could push gas prices in Spain to hit €2 a litre
Prices could climb even higher next week, experts warn, as the EU data released on Thursday only includes prices up to March 2.
Since then, the price of Brent crude ' Europe’s main oil benchmark ' has continued to surge, trading above $83 per barrel after rising around 8% this week alone.
The spike comes after Iran moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
Tehran has fired missiles at three oil-carrying ships since, warning that any vessels (apart from Chinese ships, which are free to pass) attempting to cross the Strait could be at risk.
US President Donald Trump said on social media: “Whatever happens, the United States will guarantee the FREE FLOW OF ENERGY to the WORLD.”
READ MORE: EU leaders close ranks around Spain after Trump’s furious threat to cut trade over Iran tensions
Despite Trump’s reassurances, the war sent Spanish drivers scrambling across the country, with many flocking to petrol stations in a bid to avoid price hikes.
Long queues were seen in Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Asturias ' with several petrol stations also facing increased demand on the Costa del Sol.
An X user reported a sudden and eye-watering price increase at a Petropix station in Andalucia, with side-by-side photos (pictured) showing petrol costing €1.439 per litre at 8.30am on Wednesday, before skyrocketing to €1.519 at 1.30pm on the same day.
The latest development also extends a wider trend already under way in Spain, with fuel prices now rising for seven weeks in a row, according to EU data.
READ MORE: Spanish forces in Turkey supplied critical data to the US frigate that shot down Iranian ballistic missile
Despite the recent jump, filling up a typical 55-litre tank still costs slightly less than it did a year ago ' around €81'€82 for petrol cars and about €79 for diesel vehicles.
Compared with the rest of the European Union, Spain currently sits around the middle of the price table, with both petrol and diesel still cheaper than the EU average.
However, economists warn that the conflict in the Middle East could begin to push up inflation again if energy prices keep rising.
Spain’s annual inflation rate stood at around 2.3% in February, and a prolonged surge in oil prices could place fresh pressure on both households and policymakers.
Click here to read more Business & Finance News from The Olive Press.
3 bedroom Townhouse for sale in Marbella with pool garage – € 850,000
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 09:01:24Elevated above the coastline in the prestigious enclave of Elviria, this extraordinary residential collection redefines refined living on the Costa del Sol. Comprising elegant four storey townhouses, it has been conceived for those who value light, privacy, wellness and a lifestyle that rises above the ordinary. Set in a privileged hillside position, the development captures sweeping open views while remaining just minutes from Marbella's vibrant energy. Only 3 km from the iconic shores and beach clubs of the coast, residents enjoy effortless access to championship golf courses, Michelin… See full property details
Marbella, Málaga
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(SP)AUSTRALIA-MELBOURNE-F1-GRAND PRIX 2026-PRACTICE
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 00:00:00(SP)AUSTRALIA-MELBOURNE-F1-GRAND PRIX 2026-PRACTICE
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(260306) -- MELBOURNE, March 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Ferrari's Charles Leclerc of Monaco drives during the practice session of the Formula One Australia Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Ma Ping)
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Discover excellence at Laude San Pedro International College
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 09:00:00Nestled in the scenic surroundings of San Pedro de Alcántara, near Marbella, Laude San Pedro International College offers a world-class education for students from 3 to 18 years old. With a sprawling 18,000 m² campus and breathtaking views, the school combines modern facilities, expert teaching, and a supportive community to ensure every student thrives academically, socially, and personally.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our campus is designed for active and inspiring learning. Sports enthusiasts enjoy an artificial turf football pitch, multipurpose courts, and an indoor gym with seating for over 400 spectators. Students also have access to innovative digital classrooms, science laboratories, a multimedia lab, a graphic design studio, and dedicated spaces for drama, music, and food technology. A spacious dining hall with an on-site kitchen and a well-stocked library further support students’ holistic development.
A unique and comprehensive curriculum
Laude San Pedro is proud to be the only school in the region offering both the English National Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSEs and A‑Levels) and the Spanish Secondary Curriculum (ESO and Bachillerato). This dual system provides families with unparalleled flexibility and choice, allowing students to pursue the educational path that best fits their goals. In addition, our Extended Curriculum includes enrichment subjects, extracurricular opportunities, and peripatetic music, sports clubs, creative mindfulness, languages, and STEM-focused programs, helping students explore interests beyond the classroom.
Supporting every student
We pride ourselves on personalised support and regular teacher feedback, enabling students and families to track progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth. Small class sizes, pastoral care, and mentoring ensure each student receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed.
A vibrant, inclusive community
Our school community is international, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds. Students learn not only academic skills but also values such as resilience, creativity, and collaboration. Cultural events, sports competitions, and community initiatives enrich school life and foster lifelong friendships.
Preparing for the future
At Laude San Pedro, we aim to develop confident, well-rounded young people ready to thrive in further education and beyond. With a combination of academic excellence, innovative learning, and broad personal development opportunities, our students are equipped to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Discover more about our school and join a community where learning is an inspiring journey: www.laudesanpedro.com
Chaos in the skies: Vueling flight diverted to Lanzarote due to six disruptive passengers
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 08:55:45A worrying trend for air travel in Spain, as a Vueling flight en route from Malaga to Tenerife was forced to make an emergency diversion to Lanzarote on March 5 after six passengers exhibited extremely disruptive behaviour. The incident reveals growing issues with conflictive passengers on flights that call for police intervention and raises questions about passenger safety protocols.
Details of the mid-air disruption
The flight, operated by low-cost carrier Vueling, departed Malaga on Thursday morning bound for Tenerife. Midway through the journey, the crew reported problematic behaviour from six individuals on board, described as “conflictive” by air traffic controllers. Sources indicate the passengers’ actions posed a potential risk to the safety and comfort of others, leading the crew to request immediate police assistance upon landing.
To mitigate the situation, the decision was made to redirect the aircraft to Lanzarote’s César Manrique Airport, the nearest suitable alternative. The move was coordinated efficiently by Enaire’s control centre in the Canary Islands, making sure the aircraft could proceed without further escalation.
La tripulación del vuelo procedente de Málaga con destino Tenerife nos comunica que necesitan desviarse a #Lanzarote y presencia policial a su llegada por 6 pasajeros conflictivos a bordo.
Desde el centro de control de Enaire en #Canarias les facilitamos descenso continuado y… pic.twitter.com/80wWGvgaRY
— \uD83D\uDE09Controladores Aéreos \uD83C\uDDEA\uD83C\uDDF8 (@controladores) March 5, 2026
Efficient coordination and safe landing
Air traffic controllers at Enaire’s Canary Islands facility played a pivotal role in managing the diversion. They authorised a continuous descent and a direct approach to the airport’s runway, allowing the plane to land smoothly and without any reported incidents.
While the exact nature of the passengers’ behaviour remains undisclosed for the moment, as it could prejudice court processes, but we can imagine. The priority was clear: safeguarding everyone on board. The diversion is said to have prevented any potential worsening of the situation during the flight.
Police action on the ground
Upon arrival at Lanzarote, officers from Spain’s National Police and security forces were already waiting on the tarmac, ready to intervene. The six disruptive passengers were promptly detained for identification and further action. Although no additional details have been released about the individuals or the specific consequences they face, the police presence diffused the situation on the ground as the individuals were taken into custody.
Recent similar incidents in Spain: February 2026 disruptions
This is not an isolated event. Spain has seen at least two other flights affected by disruptive passengers in February alone:
February 1: A Vueling flight from Valencia’s Manises Airport to Amsterdam faced a 2.5-hour delay after a 24-year-old man in a mental health crisis climbed onto the roof of the Airbus A320 with a backpack. Guardia Civil officers persuaded him to descend, and he was hospitalised for evaluation. The disruption briefly impacted airport operations.
February 6: A flight from London to Marrakesh was diverted to Madrid-Barajas Airport due to unruly passengers. The crew requested police assistance, and air traffic controllers enabled a direct approach to runway 18R for a safe landing without further issues.
These cases point to a potential increase in flight disruptions, pushing airlines and authorities to review strategies for handling conflictive passengers.
Mallorca faces nursing crisis as healthcare staff struggle to stay
PUBLISHED: 2026-03-06 08:53:57Healthcare professionals in Mallorca are sounding the alarm as a growing number of nurses and physiotherapists leave the island’s public health system for other parts of Spain or abroad, prompting fresh calls for urgent action. The Satse trade union in the Balearic Islands has launched a campaign advocating for the immediate introduction of a hardship allowance to make working and living on the island more viable for medical staff.
Satse’s strategy includes a petition and series of planned activities aimed at pressuring IbSalut, the Balearic public health service, to adopt structural changes that will improve staffing stability. The union’s messaging reflects deep frustration with current conditions ' under slogans like “Easy to come, difficult to stay” and “Do you live in Mallorca or survive in Mallorca?” officials argue that the island’s cost of living and work pressures are driving professionals away.
According to union leaders, Mallorca has become an increasingly unsustainable posting for healthcare workers, discouraging both new arrivals and experienced staff from remaining. While not formally quantified by Satse, broader health sector data suggest that thousands of additional nurses and hundreds of physiotherapists are needed to meet European standards in the region. The union has cited Ministry of Health figures estimating that between 3,000 and 3,500 more nurses, and over 800 additional physiotherapists, are required just to bring staffing up to par.
Impact on patient care and seasonal strain
The shortages are reportedly having a tangible impact on hospital operations. Union representatives point out that staffing gaps make it difficult to maintain consistent care, particularly during peak tourist seasons, when the number of patients surges and recruitment pools run dry. This creates intense pressure on emergency departments, where wait times and patient loads spike.
For example, last summer at Son Llàtzer Hospital in Palma, emergency services reportedly handled an average of 300 patients per day, with admission waits stretching from one to three days ' even as many cases were considered minor. These bottlenecks highlight the operational strain caused by insufficient staffing and make the case for enhanced incentives, such as hardship pay, more compelling to union advocates.
Satse’s campaign, while still in its early stages, signals a broader concern about the sustainability of public healthcare provision in the Balearic Islands. Without meaningful action, union leaders warn, the cycle of departures could worsen, undermining not only service quality but also the region’s reputation as a place where healthcare professionals can build long-term careers.
If adopted, the hardship allowance would join a suite of proposed measures aimed at addressing the structural factors driving the exodus ' from housing costs to workplace conditions. With the union preparing to escalate its efforts in the coming weeks, healthcare staffing in Mallorca is set to remain a high-profile issue in local government and public debate.
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