Removing Puigdemont’s Legal Protection & more –6th July 2023

th of July: 2023

liament, the spearhead of the: 2017

Ponsatí. They fled Spain in: 2017

So, what's next? Well, as the ruling only just passed, there is time for appeal, and because the politicians aren't in Spain, Spanish judges will have to contact Belgium authorities to hand them over. Also, the crimes they are being charged with (embezzlement and disobedience) aren't equally recognized throughout the EU member states. Which brings up the question, which EU country is most tolerant of “criminal disobedience”?

Moving on to national politics, the hashtag and campaign "Stop Censorship" or "Stop Censura" is trending throughout the country.

The world of culture is denouncing right-leaning political parties Vox and the People's Popular Party on social media after cultural events and theater shows have been canceled or changed over the last few weeks.

In Bezana, in the Cantabria region, a summer cinema screening Lightyear from Buzz Lightyear has supposedly been canceled because the movie shows two women kissing. Other canceled events include a rendition of Virginia Wolf's Orlando: a biography in Valde-morillo because it talks about homosexuality.

Organizers of the Stop Censura campaign and supporters, some of whom include famous Spanish directors, actors, and singers, are outraged and demand the reversal "of censorship that threatens freedom of expression."

Continuing with public opinion, according to the latest 40dB barometer, which we mentioned last week, around 74% of people surveyed consider it "necessary" to hold election debates, and around 70% believe they should be obligatory.

In Spain, the law outlines how much time public television should dedicate to each political party to come in and discuss their policies. However, national law doesn't state whether a debate to discuss policies between different parties is obligatory. Some autonomous communities have included a clause in their respective elections where one debate must be held, like in Murcia. In Castilla y León, they have expressed that at least two public debates must be held pre-election.

eaking of elections, upon the: 2023

But what about Sánchez? Rumors had it that he might run for the NATO secretary-general job. However, Jens Stoltenberg agreed to prolong his stint for a year. Sánchez dismissed those rumors and said that in times of war, it was best not to change NATO’s leadership

In other news, on Tuesday, the 27th of June, the Council of Ministers approved new measures to combat economic instability, including a last-minute addition - up to five days a year of paid time off for family matters like emergencies, unscheduled hospital appointments, and another eight weeks for child care.

In all cases, this time off can be justified by a letter with a prior warning for longer periods. Iona Belarra joined News Outlet Veinte Minutos to answer questions about these measures on Tuesday the 4th and reminded citizens that these measures…aren't for taking a vacation.

Moving on to the environment, climate change activists from Extinction Rebellion (or XR) are protesting against water consumption in Spain amid severe droughts and water shortages across Europe.

Members of the activist group revealed this campaign on Twitter on Sunday, the 2nd. They flocked to golf courses in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, País Vasco, Navarra, and Ibiza to fill the golf holes with cement and seedlings. They also left banners saying, "Alert: drought! Golf closed for climate justice."

According to the group, "Golf has no place in a world without water," citing alarming figures from the Spanish NGO Ecologists In Action. According to the NGO, the surrounding green of just one golf course hole consumes more than 100,000 liters of water daily So, with over 437 golf courses being irrigated daily, activists argue that the quantity of water needed is excessive, especially considering only 1% of the population plays the sport. Activists are against golf as it is "irresponsible and an elitist pastime" that's drying up rural areas as many lose millions of euros a year due to lack of water for crops.

While water is scarce, tourism is booming, despite high hotel and food prices.

ending were already above pre-: 2019

talks, as visitor spending in: 2023

After leaving it on hold last week, the end is near for obligatory face mask use in pharmacies, residencies, hospitals, and health centers,

As of Tuesday the 4th, ironically, on American Independence Day, Spain scrapped the mandatory use of face masks in pharmacies, hospitals, and health centers. People can still wear masks if they want to, but they will have to in hospital ICUs.

Health released this week, in: 2022

ft in the show notes), in May: 2022

Which is why the prevention line was set up in the first place, but is it enough? Health professionals say they are concerned that Spain is way behind other European countries regarding mental health support, especially in the three months after a suicide attempt - saying more mental health professionals need to be hired to carry out appropriate follow-ups.

inhabitants since: 2021

lowest figure since September: 2008

Adding to unemployment figures, however, will be Getir's home grocery delivery service, as they announce plans to let go of their entire workforce in Spain.

d two years ago, in September: 2021

However, a year on, Getir isn't making as much money as they thought, considering home grocery delivery is less popular as people can now go out and about. The company has also announced plans to halt operations in France and close warehouses - laying off more than 500 staff.

Next. Attitudes change as time passes, and activists celebrate equality laws in Catalunya.

g pools, as set out under the: 2020

Since: 2020

Toplessness, in particular, is a hot topic of debate. At a pride event in Murcia on Saturday, the 1st of July, singer Rocío Saiz was covered with an LGBTQIA+ flag by organizers after she took to the stage topless. Local police also questioned her after the performance.

We would like to discuss this matter further. For example, what are the laws in your country?

That’s it for this week! Thanks for joining us!

This Spain Rorshok Update is one of the country-specific podcasts we do.

But we've always wanted to try some on other topics less… tangible than countries. And we finally have!

Last week we launched the Rorshok Ocean Update, about 70% of the Earth's surface covered in salt water as well as The Rorshok Multilateral Update, covering the world's major multilateral institutions. And coming soon, the Rorshok Arctic Update. You can look for them in your podcast listening app of choice or follow the links in the show notes! Tell your friends!

¡Hasta la próxima!