In Spain today, Madrid has until today to explain impact of mascleta fireworks to judge, retrial ordered for carer accused of force-feeding autistic child, wind produced majority if electricity in Spain for fourth consecutive month, and banks must protect clients from scams of face compensation payouts
Spanish News
Madrid City Council has until today to detail to the judge the environmental impact of the mascletá scheduled in Madrid Río for this Sunday. The Contentious Administrative Court number 8 awaits the allegations of the council after a complaint from the animal association Salvando Peludos, which has requested the precautionary suspension of the event due to the damage it will cause to the environment and its species, close to Manzanares, renatured for many years, and the Casa de Campo, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC).
The Provincial Court of Ourense has ordered the repetition of the trial held in May 2023 against a cafeteria caretaker at a public school in which she was acquitted of a crime against moral integrity for forcing a three-year-old boy with autism to eat. The Court sees “serious defects” in the acquittal. The first sentence ruled out the crime and considered the facts “malpractice”, for which the woman was fined administratively. Now the Court upholds the appeal of the minor’s family and invalidates the sentence, so another trial must be held with another magistrate.
National electricity demand experienced an increase of 1.1% in January compared to the same month of the previous year, once the effects of temperature and work hours were discounted. In gross terms, a demand of 22,185 GWh is estimated, 0.9% higher than that of January 2023. During this month, 52.1% of the electricity produced in the country has been of renewable origin, up to 12,202 GWh. Wind power has been, for the fourth consecutive month, the leading source of the Spanish generation structure, registering 24.6% of total electricity production (5,755 GWh).
Fraudulent activities which obtain user data in order to obtain money are increasing, with the likes of phishing, smishing, and variations becoming common place, but what is also increasing is the onus on banks to protect clients from the fraudulent acts or pay compensation for the consequences. In the latest ruling, the Provincial Court of Alicante rejected an appeal filed by Caja Rural Central against a first instance ruling after they were obliged to refund 4,985 euro to a client which was lost in such a fraudulent activity, and, although she did not remember having received any communication where they asked for her password, the magistrates concluded that “it is up to the defendant to prove that the operation ordered was authentic.”
Things to Do
Saturday sees Orihuela Costa Carnival in which no less than 27 troupes have already agreed their participation, with the route around Playa Flamenca and Los Dolses. Unbroken is in Torrevieja, an urban endurance sports competition, and lots of sporting events this weekend in the town, from handball to football, and more races.
Traffic and Travel
Farmers are expected to block numerous roads again on Friday, so it is always best to check the official DGT traffic map before you set off and plan your journey accordingly.
On the roads of Spain, coinciding with the weekends of the winter months, an increase in traffic is expected on the main routes, national roads, and motorways towards rest areas, second homes and mountain areas for practicing winter sports.
FRIDAY
Movements out of large urban centres and increased circulation on the main communication routes towards rest areas, second homes and mountain areas, the least favourable time being between 7 and 9 p.m.
SATURDAY
Travel out of large urban centres, many of which will be short trips to recreation and leisure areas close to large towns, as well as increased circulation on the main communication routes to rest areas, second homes and mountain areas, the busiest times being between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
SUNDAY
Movements in the entrance direction to the large urban centres along the main communication road axes that channel the entire return movement, in particular on motorways, as well as along the access roads to areas of mountain with winter sports practice, at an unfavourable time between 6 and 10 p.m.
If you are going to the mountains, remember to take snow chains (click this link to browse snow chains on Amazon). Winter tyres are also permitted. If you come across a blue circular sign showing snow chains, it is obligatory to have them fitted on your wheels before passing the sign. In accordance with Spanish Traffic Law, you are not permitted further without having them installed. It is both dangerous, and illegal.
For information and updates about driving in Spain, visit N332.es
For live traffic reports, visit the DGT traffic map
Flight Information
There are delays anticipated around Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport on Friday due to capacity issues. If you´re flying or meeting someone, keep an eye on the airport flight boards.
