VAT to go up next year, and alcohol and tobacco and fuel and ... you name it

De Guindos, de Santamaría and
Báñez, ministers various

SPAIN Friday used to be a good day. Not any more. It is the day of the Cabinet's weekly meeting, which now seems to bring nothing but bad news. Just some of it from today: unemployment is now up to 5.6 million, 24.55% of the working population; inflation has reached an official 2%, though anyone in the street will tell you it's more than that; VAT to go up next year, probably to 20% or more; all that, plus all kinds of other measures announced a week ago and about which we are trying to get a grip so we can tell you about them (Watch out for Adiós black money and No more cash under the counter coming soon to your favourite website - THIS ONE, DAMMIT!) 

What's the strike all about?

(Photo: AP)

Tomorrow's General Strike is against the Reformas Laborales (Labour Reforms) set out by the new PP government. There are many details, but the cutbacks are expected to scythe through the entire working population, in private and public entities. Briefly, it is much easier now to hire and fire, cut wages, force early retirement, etc. The reform is not as drastic as in Greece, but closer to Britain's (i.e. mainly benefiting business). The byword for strikers is akin to "What happens to the Welfare State?" There is as yet no answer.

How will tomorrow's General Strike affect you?

In case you'd forgotten, there is a General Strike called for tomorrow, Thursday, March 29, beginning at midnight tonight. So, you ask, how will it affect me? In general, most offices and businesses are open, though some may be at minimal staff level. The following is an attempt at warning you of possible consequences: Schools: Your child should have a notice from his/her teacher advising him/her (or you) of the fact that the teacher may or may not turn up for work. In any case the school is open for business, though there may only be a skeleton staff on duty. Universities: Probably not worth going to class, as trouble is expected as usual. Hospitals/Medical Centres: Staff are expected to back strike as cutbacks will impact here particularly. Expect skeleton nursing and administrative staff, but not particularly from doctors and specialists. Shops: they are all open, though smaller ones in larger towns and cities may choose to close because of pickets. Banks/Post Offices: open as usual with just a few on strike if at all. Airports: open but probably understaffed, so expect delays. Public Transport: Minimally staffed, expect delays. Petrol stations: open for business as usual. No regional trains or buses will be operating. PICKETS & DEMOS: These may be present just about anywhere (e.g. the Frontier in La Línea, in front of the larger stores such as Carrefour), so be prepared for delays. If you choose to cross the picket line, which you are free to do, expect abuse. Just be careful.

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Why will one of Jimena's three banks have to close?

Jimena branches

News yesterday confirmed that three months' worth of negotiation has ended with an agreed share swap whereby Banca Cívica is taken over by CaixaBank. Banca Cívica owns Cajasol since a previous rush to convert and conjoin building societies into banks. La Caixa became CaixaBank in the aforesaid M&S panic. Jimena has a branch of each. The question, alas, is which one is going to be closed, and will we know any of the faces taking over? The same will apply wherever there is a duplication of these two entities. Sadly, unemployment looms for many people in the banking business - more likely, of course, in the lower echelons without golden parachutes.

Happy Father's Day, José! ¡Viva La Pepa!

Friday was ... we forget what. Saturday was St. Patrick's, yesterday was Mothering Sunday (in the UK) and today is San José, which makes it Father's Day in Spain and, this year, the 200th anniversary of the 1812 Constitution signed in Cádiz (and about which more later on), known as La Pepa (Pepa is short for Josefa, the feminine version of José - don't ask). If you think we were going to spend all weekend writing about, or had time to do so before, you'd be wrong, so get over it. (We'll tell you what we were doing, though.)

General strike called for March 29

Union special magazine, this morning

Labour reforms 'suicidal, say unions

SPAIN (Agencies) The two major unions, Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO.) and Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) yesterday announced they are calling a General Strike on March 29. The date coincides with nationalist unions in the Basque Country and Navarre, as well as being the day before the Budget. The strike is called in protest against the severe labour reform the PP Government has approved unilaterally thanks to its absolute majority in Parliament. The unions call them "the most regressive" since the first elections in democracy, in 1977. They accuse the government of destroying the "social architecture", adding that no government has done so much to break down the rights of workers in such a short time. Far from "correcting the failures of the previous PSOE government," says a joint communiqué, the labour reforms "are suicidal" and might well be unconstitutional. This is the sixth general strike to be held in the democracy that came after the Franco era. It is as well to remember, too, that the last one was called last September but was widely seen a a failure. Also, the unions are heavily subsidised by the government, which has caused much controversy inside and outside of their structure - there have been many complaints about the large salaries paid to many union leaders.

WARNING: ARE THESE 'BOGUS PLUG-INS' BEING SOLD IN SPAIN?

(Photo: UK Trading Standards Authority)

(EXCLUSIVE) An article in The Guardian last year pointed out that the claims about these plug-in devices claim to save users anywhere between 15% and 40% on energy bills, but actually pose a risk of fire and electrocution. They were being sold over the phone by 'rogue fraudsters targeting older people', it said. (See similar reports on BBC, Moneywise, and the UK Trading Standards Authority (TSA), the source of the original warning.)  Various trading standards authorities in Britain had received complaints about them; one of these came to the conclusion that the companies involved in these scams are not actually located in the UK and that the call centres they use are based abroad and the appliances appear to be distributed by a number of individuals in the UK. Among the companies mentioned in the article are 1 Stop Marketing Solutions, ITC Development Corp, Power Saver, and Athico Ltd, but the fraudsters could be using other names as well, according to the TSA. There is no way of knowing whether these or any other such companies are operating in Spain, but there seems to be a surge of these so-called 'energy-saving' devices appearing in the English-speaking press in Spain, often in full page colour ads. We did come across a Spanish forum about Power Saver, though, with much the same derogatory comments as we mention below.>>>

Electricity bills to return to 'normal'

You will be able to choose to stay as it is now

SPAIN (Agencies) The country went up in arms in 2008 when the power companies were allowed to bill monthly, with meters being read every other month - and thus causing enormous confusion about 'estimated' bills in between. Now the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism is planning to allow consumers to pay 'only for what they use' (their words, not ours!). The project is in the hands of the National Energy Commission for review. Included in it is the possibility that some consumers might want things to stay as they are, in other words, a reading every other month but monthly bills. What's more, the project also includes the possibility of consumers providing their own reading from their own meters - which used to happen if the meter reader was unable to access the meter. The ministry explained that there had been a 'significant increase in the number of complaints' about estimated bills. IF YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE INTERESTING, USEFUL OR ENTERTAINING, PLEASE CONSIDER THE WORK, EFFORT AND COST IT TAKES TO BRING IT TO YOU. WE WOULD APPRECIATE A DONATION TO CONTINUE A FREE SERVICE.

Municipalities look to fines as cash cows

JEREZ The municipality of Jerez has just given notice that it is prepared to lower costs without lowering income. One of the ways it is proposing to do this particular bit of financial gymnastics is via fines. Although the report mentions only traffic fines, we would bet on them and every other municipality in deep doo-doo, finding a way of fining us for everything from painting a tiny spot on the house without a licence to following one as we walk the dog (did he pick it up?). In other words -and we are getting increasingly cynical- we are warned. Needless to say, there are other moves from the Government after today's Cabinet meeting (held usually on Friday but tom tomorrow's a national holiday).

SPAIN DECLARES BANKRUPTCY - OFFICIAL!

(Illustration only)

SPAIN In  a move aimed at outmaneuvering  the banks and ratings agencies, which are on skeleton staff for the holidays, Spain's newly-appointed Secretary of State for Finance, Miguel Ángel González Alfonso-Díaz, made a surprise announcement last night - after the main newscasts - declaring that the country is officially bankrupt. The statement may not be a complete surprise to other members of the EU, but it comes in the wake of a tiny if significant glimmer of optimism in the world markets, which are expected to plunge once more following this announcement. Reaction has not been slow in coming, even in the early hours of this morning. One disheveled PSOE spokesperson (whose name we were unable to catch in time on the radio just a few minutes ago) said that her party was determined to>>>

King's Christmas address - reactions

(Photo: casareal.es)

MADRID His Majesty King Juan Carlos gave his traditional Christmas speech at 9pm on Christmas Eve (which is when most Spaniards are sitting at the table for their celebration). It was watched by 7.16 million people, according to the ratings. Most of the reactions by politicians and the media refer to the fact that the speech included a reference to the Royal Household's problems with the King's son-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarín, who is being investigated for 'deviating public funds' and has been 'demoted' from Royal appearances and found a job in the US. Practically the only criticism of the speech is that there was too little reference to the fact that the terrorist group ETA says it has abandoned 'violence'. There was, certainly, much referring to the economy and how 'we must all pull together in the same direction' (not HM's words, just our conclusion).

How to choose your jamón this Christmas

One of the most expensive jamones
in the world

We choose to use the Spanish word for ham to avoid any possible confusion. Not that there can be much confusion about the taste. For the most part, foreigners use the words jamón serrano to mean what amounts to a large variety of, literally, 'mountain ham'. This is the variety one usually gets in a tapa in a bar. But there are three factors that determine not only the quality, but also the taste and, especially, the price. Finding the right one, or one that is best value for money, is about as easy as winning El Gordo lottery. In this item we will be using some denominations that even the Spaniards are confused about, but since prices can vary from €18 a kilo to €750 (paid in Japan in October), it's probably a good idea to get some knowledge on the subject. But, as we said in another item on this delicious subject (Let's Ham it Up, JimenaPulse, June 2007), it all starts with the pig.>>>

Are you due to pay your Non-Resident Property Income Tax?

'Modelo 210'

SPAIN This is not a new tax (see our item of November 2009) but the Tax Man (a.k.a. as Hacienda, or Inland Revenue) is getting hotter in the chase for funds. Foreign property owners have been receiving letters from Hacienda 'reminding' them that they need to pay the tax. What to do if you know nothing about it? First, we urge you to read the article mentioned above, then, if your Spanish is limited, head for a Gestoría, or a lawyer, or someone who can help (e.g. TranslationHELP , new number 685 052 684). Your bank can also help. The tax is due for payment by December 31, so you need to get moving. Below, you will find some FAQs on the subject that might be helpful, and Form 210 is available from the Hacienda website (in English!). In any case, do not allow anyone to overcharge you, as it can also be done online.>>>

PP landslide sinks PSOE

SPAIN The Popular Party lead by Mariano Rajoy swept into power at yesterday's General Elections in an unprecedented landslide. Only a few provinces, including Sevilla, went to another party. On the map, the red is for PSOE and the orange, for CiU (Convergencia i Unió), the Catalan nationalists. Blue is for PP, which managed to obtain almost 45% of the total vote against a mere 28.73% for PSOE. Or, 186 seats against 110 in a chamber total of 350. That is a very comfortable absolute majority, so no need for coalitions or pacts and agreements. Also noticeable is that several minority parties, including IU, Amaiur (Basque Nationalists) and UPyD increased their seats in the Chamber of Deputies. In the Senate, the PP humiliated their Socialist rivals: 136 seats v. 49, from a total of 208.

How many people does it take to paint a single fence?

JIMENA This photo was sent in by a friend with the following comment: "Passing the school, just thought this was quite funny. How many people does it take to paint a single fence? Apparently a lot... A very expensive fence if you ask me..." Indeed it is, but what is not evident is that all these employment scheme/training school people belong to a welding class. They made the fence - and quite a few more around the village - so now they are painting it. Naturally, the story doesn't end there. They are each earning around €1,000 per month>>>

Guy Fawkes and the Spanish connection

Guy Fawkes
by George Cruickshank (1840)

Many of our Spanish readers have no idea who Guy Fawkes was, and why he was important to British history. On the other hand, many of our English readers don't know that Fawkes has a strong connection with Spain. Born on April 13, 1570 (and died on January 31, 1606), Guy Fawkes was also known as Guido Fawkes, the name he adopted while fighting for the Spanish in the Low Countries. He belonged to a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Fawkes was born and educated in York. His father died when Fawkes was eight years old, after which his mother married a recusant Catholic. Fawkes later converted to Catholicism and left for the continent, where he fought in the Eighty Years' War on the side of Catholic Spain against Protestant Dutch reformers. He travelled to Spain to seek support for a Catholic rebellion in England but was unsuccessful. He later met Thomas Wintour, with whom he returned to England>>>

National election campaigns begin tonight

Candidates Rajoy (l.) and Rubalcaba

SPAIN The official election campaign gets under way at midnight tonight, although in fact it has been going on for months. The truth is that the PP has them won for some time. The PSOE Government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero leaves a record 5 million unemployed and the economy in chaos and polls show that Mariano Rajoy, 56, the PP candidate for President of the Government (the official title for what is otherwise a Prime Minister), leads by anything between 12 and 16 points, depending on who pays the pollster. Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, 60, the PSOE candidate, has little chance of success, even with the announcement that the Basque terrorists of ETA have declared a ceasefire, a negotiation instigated by him when he was Minister of the Interior.>>>

Rain in Spain marks beginning of Autumn

SPAIN The rain in Spain is pretty much everywhere today. Marking the real beginning of Autumn and a Winter close behind, the large front travelling from West to East has almost the entire country in an alert of one colour or another. No need to take it personally, then, because Cantabria, Navarra, Álava, Vizcaya, Guipúzcoa and Asturias is on an orange alert for heavy wind, while almost the entire remainder of the country (Madrid, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, Sevilla, Huesca, Zaragoza and Cantabria) is on yellow for both rain and wind. As we have said before, it is notoriously difficult to get an accurate forecast for the Campo de Gibraltar because the 'spine' of mountain ranges cuts through the area, ending on the Rock (though in fact continuing through to Africa and the mountains across the straits). For a fairly accurate daily forecast you can check our WeatherWidget on the sidebar:

ETA announces end to violence

SPAIN (El País) The Basque terrorist group ETA, which for 43 years has been responsible for a campaign of terror that has cost the lives of more than 820 people in Spain and France, announced on Thursday that it has decided to put an end to its violent struggle and called on the governments of both countries to begin a dialogue for a peaceful political solution for a Basque independent state. In a statement published online by the pro-independence newspapers Gara and Berria, ETA said that it has taken "a clear, firm and definite commitment" to "end the armed confrontation." The move comes just four days after an international panel led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, meeting in San Sebastián, issued a recommendation calling for ETA to give up the armed struggle and for the Spanish government to discuss the possibility of moving the estimated 700 ETA prisoners closer to their families in the Basque country. Mediators also want ETA to agree to a verifiable ceasefire. ETA has been dealt a series of blows by the governments of Spain and France. Four of the group's military leaders were arrested in succession in a string of busts between 2008 and 2009. Leaders of the outlawed Batasuna party, along with radical abertzale left members, also joined the call on Tuesday for ETA to lay down its arms.

EC approves new Mediterranean Railway Corridor: Algeciras-Bobadilla line to be upgraded

An approximation, no details

SPAIN (Agencies) The Campo de Gibraltar came alight yesterday when the European Commission announced its decision on the future design of what is being called the Railway Corridor (though it involves more than just railways). The new design, which will probably end up being called the Mediterranean Corridor by the media, is scheduled to link Algeciras with the East coast of Spain and on to the rest of Europe, for which plans are also in the making. According to one Costa del Sol paper, the redesign does nothing for them as it bypasses the coast, which has disappointed the mayors there, who had hoped to use European finance to link up their towns, particularly Marbella and Estepona by rail. But the plan approved yesterday by the EC starts in>>>