SPAIN

Latest Polls- The PP (35.5%) slows down its rise but maintains the advantage over the PSOE (29.6%) and right-wing Vox (12.3%) overtakes communist/left Sumar (12%): Source, Spanish: https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pp-frena-ascenso-mantiene-ventaja-psoe-vox-adelanta-sumar_1_10766425.html

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusia is last in GDP per capita in Spain for the third consecutive year, with Málaga the worst off province- Would we be better off following the Catalan model into independence?: {Translation, summary}
– The wealth produced by each inhabitant of Andalusia (GDP per capita) stood at 21,091 euros in 2022, a figure that is a record in the historical series and rises 9.2% compared to 2021. In addition, the region exceeds the level of 2019 (which was 19,522 euros) after two years, 2020 and 2021, below, according to data published this Monday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
– However, despite the strong growth and the maximum levels recorded, Andalusia still does not converge with Spain. At the national level, GDP per capita stands at 28,162 euros in 2022 (7,071 euros more than the region) and the progress compared to 2021 is identical, 9.2%. This means that the GDP per inhabitant of the community remains 74.9% of that of Spain, the same as in 2021. And what is worse, this percentage – which is the indicator most used to measure the convergence of a territory with respect to others – is, for the third consecutive year, the lowest of all the autonomous communities.
– By province, the INE publishes the data one year late, and therefore refers to 2021. And there is a very surprising figure: the Spanish province that generated the least wealth per inhabitant that year was Málaga. Specifically, it stood at 18,044 euros, 69.9% of the national price. That has a lot to do with the pandemic, since Malaga was one of the most affected by the weight of tourism in its economy, and 2021 was still a tough year. But it is also related to the fact that the general GDP grew by 2.5% that year and the population by 3.6%. That is, the economy advances, but the number of inhabitants does more, which causes GDP per capita to suffer. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/economia/Andalucia-PIB-Espana-segundo-consecutivo_0_1858314498.html

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Andalucia has been experiencing drought for almost 8 years in a row: {Translation, summary}
– The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has warned this Monday that the drought that Andalucia is currently suffering is the longest drought since Aemet began collecting specific drought records in 1961.
– November has been characterized as a ‘very dry’ month with only 28 mm collected on average, which represents only 37% of the average for the month of November in the reference period 1991-2020. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/malaga/1468106/andalucia-lleva-casi-8-anos-seguidos-con-sequia/
Additional ref: https://www.aemet.es/en/serviciosclimaticos/monitor_sequia_met

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The Board defends its management in Doñana after the expulsion of the natural park from the global Green List: {Translation, summary}
– After the irrigation agreement was finally reached between the Junta and the central government, Doñana is once again at the centre of controversy after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has expelled the natural park from its prestigious Green List, an extreme decision confirmed by the State, but about which the Executive of Juanma Moreno claims to have no official notification.
– The Minister for Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, confirmed on Monday that her department was informed of the expulsion by letter on 1 December, just four days after the Ministry and the Junta signed the protocol for the sustainable territorial development of the Doñana area at the Palacio de San Telmo. According to the Junta, the document states that the park has been on the Green List since 2015.
– Last July, this body warned that it was considering expelling the park from the list – the world’s first standard of good practice for protected areas – after releasing a report prepared over two years by ten experts. In the text, 50 indicators were evaluated, of which Doñana only passed 17, all corresponding to the design block. At the time, the organisation referred to the “lack of specific actions” to manage the threats facing the park. Now, the IUCN alleges “poor management” of the area, although it maintains that, despite the expulsion, Doñana is still a candidate to be included again, as is the Sierra Nevada natural area, as can be seen on the organisation’s website. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5199919/0/donana-excluida-lista-verde-mundial-por-mala-gestion-parque/ 

MALAGA PROVINCE

Unions Claim Train Wreck Not Driver’s Fault: {Translation, summary}
– The first investigations made public by Renfe and Adif point to human error, to the possibility of having jumped a red light by the driver. These are preliminary conclusions because there are still days of field work for the technicians. In any case, they have not been liked at all by the CGT union, which has issued a harsh statement pointing out that Renfe is to blame for having allowed a double composition train with a length of 149 meters to be parked in a place prepared for 100. The highest union representative, Miguel Montenegro has assured SUR that the train driver is very affected: “He is having a very bad time because they are already pointing him out as responsible.” Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/sindicatos-apuntan-renfe-estaciono-tren-149-metros-posible-causa-accidente-20231218122111-nt.html

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Lemon production biz is a disaster- Malaga farmers consider not picking them from the tree: {Translation, summary}
– As far as prices at source are concerned, general secretary of UPA Málaga Moscoso explained, “the ruin is total”, because they have gone from being paid 48 cents per kilo on average last year to 18 cents this year. “The maximum is 30 cents, depending on the quality and category, but the problem is when you find the same kilo of lemons on the shelves for three euros. It’s a real nonsense”, the farmer comments.
– It should be said that this season lemon production has improved considerably compared to last year, increasing by approximately 34%, although it is lower than the average of the last four harvests. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/produccion-limones-ruina-agricultores-Malaga-recogerlos_0_1858315569.html

TORROX

The platform against the electricity substation in Torrox criticises the “lack of transparency and truthfulness” on the part of the town hall who insists on the logic defying approach of finishing the project before doing tests to see if it is a safe location or not: {Translation}
– Last Friday 15th December, a very important meeting took place in Torrox Park, convened by the residents who are part of the platform against the electricity substation. The meeting brought together members of Endesa and representatives of the municipal political groups in an attempt to elucidate the growing controversy surrounding the installation.
– Since August, a group of neighbours united in an initiative to advocate a change of location for the Torrox electricity substation, arguing possible health risks to nearby residents. This platform carried out demonstrations, independent investigations and urged the Town Hall on multiple occasions to consider their concerns. However, the position of both the Town Hall and Endesa remained constant: the works will continue until a report from the UMA proves otherwise.
– On the other hand, in view of the complaints lodged by the neighbours, the Malaga Environmental Prosecutor’s Office is carrying out further investigations into the location and the corresponding licences, as this newspaper has learned.
– At the meeting, the platform presented in detail their investigations and the reports supporting the alleged negative implications that the electricity substation in its current location could have on the health and wellbeing of residents. However, the response they received from the City Council generated deep dissatisfaction among the residents.
– The representatives of the movement highlighted the refusal of the municipal government representative to review the file, despite the indications of irregularities presented. They consider that this procedure is vitiated by a lack of veracity and nullity. They also criticised the attempt to put the responsibility for the electricity coverage of the municipality on the collective, “when it is the responsibility of the political leaders to guarantee the legality of the processes, as well as the wellbeing of the inhabitants of Torrox”.
– According to municipal sources, the Town Hall spokespersons listened to and carefully considered each report presented by the residents. After analysing the situation, it was determined that the works will continue until the substation is fully operational and a detailed report can be carried out by the UMA (University of Málaga), which will assess whether the substation represents a detrimental impact on the community. Furthermore, it was stressed that stopping or closing the electricity substation could result in Torrox lacking viable electricity options for its future urban development.
– “We see this position as a clear disregard for our work and demands,” said a spokesperson for the platform. “It is yet another example of the lack of transparency and the nullity that affects this process. The residents of the platform consider that the only viable way forward is through the available legal channels and other procedures that they can initiate to reverse this situation.
– Ultimately, the conflict persists and the gap between the residents and the authorities seems to be widening, suggesting that the resolution of this problem is still far from being reached. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/plataforma-subestacion-electrica-torrox-critica-Ayuntamiento_0_1858315228.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

The last section of the Coastal Path that connects Rincón de la Victoria and Vélez-Málaga completed: {Translation, summary}
– The Malaga municipalities of Rincón de la Victoria and Vélez-Málaga are now completely linked by the Coastal Path after work was completed on the last remaining section of the path connecting the two towns, from the Chilches stream to the end of the El Cañuelo housing development.
– This new section of 1,200 metres is a path three metres wide, although in some areas it can only reach a metre and a half, and which has two footbridges over stream beds. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/malaga/1466101/finaliza-el-ultimo-tramo-de-la-senda-litoral-que-une-rincon-de-la-victoria-y-velez-malaga/

TORREMOLINOS

Torremolinos town hall claims, without providing any evidence, that “the public demanded” big brother surveillance system:
– Torremolinos town hall has begun installing video cameras and a vehicle number plate recognition system that will be used for traffic surveillance and control in different areas of the municipality. The council said that the measure is being undertaken due to “public demand” and with which the aim is to improve mobility, while providing the Local Police with a new tool to improve response to possible emergencies.
– The first phase of the initiative, which involves an investment of more than 240,000 euros, includes the installation of 21 cameras, which will be increased to 45 in the coming months. {Remember, this data is saved on the often-hacked cloud. Cloud saved data is not secure so should be considered public knowledge. Where and when you travel is nobody’s business but your own. Auto & health insurance companies will have access to this data. This surveillance is a public intrusion that should not be tolerated. To implement this without a public referendum is pure tyranny. -Ed.} Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/benalmadena-torremolinos/torremolinos-gets-video-surveillance-and-vehicle-number-20231218170541-nt.html

EUROPE

Germany Will Deploy Troops for First Time Since World War II:
– A new agreement between Germany and Lithuania will lead to German troops’ first permanent foreign deployment since World War II. The announcement was made Monday in Lithuania, where Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas met with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, to outline a multiyear “Roadmap Action Plan” involving approximately 4,800 permanently stationed German soldiers. Both officials called the move a historical moment not just for their nations but for NATO as well. Pistorius said the move was a positive step in defense relations, considering the lengthy war between Ukraine and Russia, the latter of which borders Lithuania. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, also borders Lithuania.
– German troops, including those with families, will be stationed in the Lithuanian cities of Kaunas and Vilnius beginning in 2024, with most troops deployed in 2025 and 2026 and full-operation capability expected by 2027. In turn, Lithuania has committed to providing all necessary civilian and military infrastructure. Full article: https://www.newsweek.com/germany-will-deploy-troops-first-time-since-world-war-ii-1853409

UK

Met Office issues huge 600-mile long weather warning for 80mph winds and flying debris:
– The Met Office has issued a huge weather warning covering three-quarters of Britain, extending all the way from the tip of the Shetland Islands down to Cambridge.
– Winds reaching speeds of up to 80mph are expected to strike across a mammoth 600-mile area of the country later this week. The warning comes into place overnight Wednesday into Thursday and could last until Friday in parts. The national weather agency says “strong west to northwesterly winds” are brewing, while exact areas and timings “are yet to be fully confirmed”.
– It comes as the Met Office has also forecast hail and snow for the week ahead for parts of the country, though others may see mild temperatures and calmer weather in a festive split. Thursday especially is set to be grim as swathes of the UK will see wet weather. Wales, the Midlands and parts of the East of England will see rain. But the north, and large parts of Scotland are due to see hail and bits of snow as well. Full article: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/breaking-met-office-issues-huge-31696803

HEALTH

Candida Parapsilosis, this is the super-resistant fungus that has at least seven hospitals in Spain on alert: {Translation}
– The Madrid Society of Clinical Microbiology (SMMC) has raised the alarm this weekend about the appearance of the fungus known as ‘Candida Parapsilosis’ {pic} in at least seven hospitals in the Community of Madrid, although its presence has also been noted in other centres in Spain.
– It is a pathogen that is difficult to treat due to its resistance to fluconazole, the toxin used to prevent and cure fungi. It is also highly transmissible and especially affects hospital patients who are in a weakened state. What is known so far about this new outbreak?
*What is ‘Candida Parapsilosis’?*
– This type of fungus is a common cause of candidiasis, which can appear on the skin of healthy people, on the genital mucous membranes or in the gastrointestinal tract. Where it occurs in hospital settings, it is often caused by the use of medical implants, as well as catheters and other injection routes. Those most at risk of suffering symptoms from this fungus are people who are immunocompromised, hospitalised or treated with antibiotics for a long period of time. Mild infections may occur, but if left untreated, complications may develop.
*Where has this pathogen appeared?*
– For now, SMMC has reported its presence in seven of the centres in the region, although it has not been detailed in which ones exactly. Even so, before arriving in Madrid, the first cases have been detected in the Son Espases Hospital in Palma de Mallorca and also in one in Barcelona. As the organisation explains, one hospital in the capital is managing to halt its spread, but in the others there is a very high incidence. Moreover, it is already spreading to other parts of Spain, such as Burgos and Ávila.
*Why is it dangerous?*
– As detailed by microbiologist Patricia Muñoz García, president of the SMMC, about this new strain of ‘Candida Parapsilosis’, its main characteristic is its high power of transmission. In addition, it is a fungus that is generally super-resistant to antifungal treatments, those dedicated to eliminating fungi.
*Why has this happened?*
– As Muñoz García also stated, the origin of these strains in the different cities is unknown, as they are mutations that have nothing to do with each other: “The clones that have occurred in Mallorca, Barcelona or Madrid are independent clones”, explained the president of the SMMC, who reiterated that it is important to locate it in time: “It is crucial to detect the first patient who enters our hospital very early and thus prevent its spread. Once it enters the hospital, it is difficult to get rid of it”.
*What are its symptoms?*
– This pathogen presents itself in the body in many different ways and, although the symptoms are mild, they can quickly become severe if not treated properly. It manifests itself in the form of red, painful rashes that can occur in the eyes, mouth, vagina or nails. It can also cause irritation of the digestive system, accompanied by abdominal pain, as well as irritation of the body’s internal membranes.
*Treatment*
– The first thing to do is to stop taking antibiotics, and intravaginal contraceptive treatments if a woman is concerned. Once infected, treatment for patients must be intravenous as a matter of course. Under medical supervision, voriconazole can also be used when the infection is in the eye. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/salud/candida-parapsilosis-asi-es-hongo-superesistente-que-amenaza-siete-hospitales-espana-5200074/ 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Danish Researchers develop an AI that can predict a person’s death within four years with 78% accuracy: {Translation}
– An artificial intelligence trained on personal data covering the entire population of Denmark can predict people’s chances of dying more accurately than any existing model, even those used in the insurance industry. The researchers behind the technology say it could also have a positive impact in early prediction of social and health problems – but must be kept out of the hands of big business. (Oh, you mean the same big business that is financing the project? No one is that naive. Can you imagine being denied a loan, a job, an operation, or health/life insurance, because a computer says you will probably die within 4 years? Yikes! Mark my words…AI will be Orwell in overdrive. -Ed.)
– In experiments, Life2vec was trained on all but the last four years of the data, which was held back for testing. The researchers took data on a group of people aged 35 to 65, half of whom died between 2016 and 2020, and asked Life2vec to predict which who lived and who died. It was 11 per cent more accurate than any existing AI model or the actuarial life tables used to price life insurance policies in the finance industry.
– The model was also able to predict the results of a personality test in a subset of the population more accurately than AI models trained specifically to do the job. Full article: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408480-ai-trained-on-millions-of-life-stories-can-predict-risk-of-early-death/

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Humour Section