Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop. Header photo: LucasAlbuquerque/Unsplash
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Your contacts can read DigameXtra on the website without a subscription. They may also subscribe for free to receive daily issues by email. Subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” of at least €20 in the current year to make posts. Refer to the submission rules page for more info regarding how to make donations & post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/
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Sincere thanks to all the Holiday Fundraiser donors! Donations continue to be accepted, info here: https://digamextra.com/donation-information/
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Next Public Holiday: Día de Andalucía
In 2026, Andalucia Regional Holiday falls on Saturday, 28 February.
When an Andalucia Regional Holiday falls on a weekend, many businesses and people will observe the previous Friday, or the following Monday, as a day off in order to create a three-day weekend. Ref: https://publicholidays.es/andalusia-regional-holiday/
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Editor’s Holiday – DigameXtra Will Be Closed Friday, 27 Feb, 2026
Items scheduled for posting in the Friday, 27 Feb. Weekend Edition, will appear one day early, Thursday, 26 Feb.
Time your submissions appropriately. To be included in the long weekend Thursday issue submissions must be received by 6pm Wednesday.
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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PHOENIX CLUB
Phoenix Club: The Phoenix Social Club is open to all nationalities but the lingua franca is English.
We offer an opportunity to make friends, help each other & share information but primarily to have fun in a friendly and inclusive association. You do not have to be a member to join us on our trips.
Our handmade greetings cards are for sale weekly with all proceeds to the Red Cross. We would be happy to accept any greeting cards you may have to re-cycle into fantastic cards.
We meet every Thursday between 12 and 2 pm at Chine in Caleta, just off the coast road to/from Algarrobo.
*Trips/Events*
~All trips/events include a driver’s gratuity~
March
– 19th – Table Top Sale – Call if you have something to sell, doors open 12 noon, all welcome!
– 27th – Trip to IKEA/Plaza Mayor & Guzmans Garden Centre €20pp. If you prefer to stay at IKEA or Plaza Mayor we will pick you up on the way home
April
– 7th – Easter trip to Gibraltar, €20pp
– 26th/29th April – Mini break to Cadiz. Staying in the 4* Senator Spa Hotel (this hotel could change if we get a better deal). 3 nights, 4 days. Price includes ½ board Accommodation, wine with meals, drivers tip and 2 trips to Medina Sidonia and Jerez. €415 pp based on 2 sharing a double room. Single Occupancy €585. Deposit €150 pp non refundable unless the club cancels the trip. Travel Insurance required.
May
– 15th – Trip to the Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins with lunch in Tarifa. Price €35 pp excludes lunch
June
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 10th – Trip to Estepona on Market day and a visit to the Orchid House. Price €25. Entry to the Orchid House is 3€ pp not included
July
– 3rd – Visit to the Victoria Brewery AM, Car Museum PM. Lunch in the port area of Malaga not included in the price.
Price 32€pp includes entry to both Museums
For information call Gail on 951067723/626370695 (Whatsapp) email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk.
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Dozens of MVA Jazz Series concerts star in the huge “varied” cultural agenda of the Malaga Provincial Council this week:
See the full schedule here, Spanish: https://www.malaga.es/delegacioncultura/487/agenda?com1_md3_pg=1
Spanish article explaining events: https://www.teleprensa.com/articulo/malaga/…
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XIV Torre del Mar Tapas Route: Tapa + Drink for €4
From February 27 to March 22.
28 participating establishments.
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Coming Concerts at Almuñécar House of Culture: Cuban Jazz & Bob Marley Tribute
– Thurs, 26 Feb, 7pm, €18. La Bernáldez Latin Jazz Orchestra presents “Una Noche en La Habana”.
Come and experience an authentic ‘Cuban Party’ where the audience sings, dances, and vibrates to immortal classics such as El Bodeguero, Rico Vacilón, Anacaona, Lágrimas Negras, Guantanamera, El Manisero, and El Cuarto de Tula. Info & tix: https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/2357…
– Thurs, 5 March, 7pm, €15. Leroy Onestone & the Fireballs, a Bob Marley tribute. Info & tix: https://lacocheraentradas.com/shows/details/2358…
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Villa de Torrox Cross Country Run: Sun, 1 March
From 10:30 a.m. on the Torrox River, next to the lighthouse.
Info: 952539927
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Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 13.00.
Info tel. 952543334 Website: http://www.lux-mundi.org
**March etc. events & excursions**
– Monday – Monday Club. Please contact the Centre. 11.00.
– Wednesday- Art group, with the crochet & craft group 10.00 – 13.00.
– Shop Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00 – 13.00.
– Thursday – NA English 19.00 to 20.30.
– Friday – Conversation group 10.00 – 11.00.
– Friday – Coffee Morning 10.00- 13.00.
– Monday 9th March – Monthly Lunch. 1.30 for 2.00.
-Tuesday 10th & 24th March- Axarquia Business Networking group 07.30 to 09.00 also on 17th March 18:00.
– Friday 27th March – Excursion to see Chicago at Salon Varietes.
**Coming excursion**
– Monday 18th to Sunday 24th May- Excursion to Asturias with an overnight stop in Salamanca and Merida on the way.
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast with more details
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Latest Weather Alerts & Advisories For Andalucia: https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/avisos?k=and
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NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town
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SERVICES WANTED / OFFERED
Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
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REDWELL INFRARED HEATING SYSTEMS
Redwell Infrared Heaters for Inside
Manufacturer warranty 10 years
ONLY products from Germany and Austria
Product Range:
– Wall and ceiling infrared heaters
Mirror, Pictures, Glass, white & color
– Mobile Heaters, free standing on wheels
– Under table Heaters
– Analog & Digital Controlling Systems, Thermostats Systems
– LED Light Frames, 2 year warranty
For 20 years we have supported clients in Spain with the highest quality Infrared Heating Systems available on the market.
Request information without any obligation.
Location:
Axarquia Service-Center, Postbox 028
Dipl.-Ing. Svend Scharler
29793 Torrox Park, Malaga
E-mail: sscharler@gmx.de Web: https://redwell.com/
Office: 952539742 ; Mobil: 606423869. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
Hanningtons Kitchens and Bathrooms: We have been installing kitchens and bathrooms here on the Costa for 13 years. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, highest standards of work and customer service.
Whether you are thinking of updating an existing kitchen or bathroom, or whether you wish to create the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of, we are here for you, every step of the way.
With an unrivalled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.
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MANDY’S PAINTBOX
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 34 years in Nerja area. NEW JOB PHOTOS.
Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside, large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted. Call for advice. WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.
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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED
Click on pics to enlarge
How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/
Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.
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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE
BluCee Real Estate – Your Property Experts in Southern Spain:
Why stay local when you can go…to Texas!
BluCee Real Estate
International buyers, local expertise.
We’re excited to announce that on 28th-29th March 2026, we’ll be in Texas, introducing local properties to a brand-new audience of American buyers.
Local homes. Global marketing.
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk. Contact us before 20th March 2026 and we’ll saddle up and promote your property in Texas.
A free, honest property valuation. No pressure, just professional advice.
Email: info@blucee.com Web: www.blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27
Office: +34 951 55 38 90
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738, Málaga
BluCee Real Estate – Helping You Sell with Confidence
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra – our contact details can be seen everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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AXARQUIA SILVER & GOLD TRADE
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade– Unique Handcrafted Coin Rings & Much More:
***Services Offered***
– Buying all kind of Silver and Gold:
Silver coins and Gold coins, bullions and bars.
Jewellery and cutlery (no collector prices!).
– Selling handcrafted Coin Rings and Jewellery: Handcrafted rings, made from silver or gold.
There are many options possible– I will handcraft your individual silver or gold ring. Choose, for example: a coin from your year of birth; a custom present for a friend; choose a JFK ½ Dollar coin; or a $1 Dollar coin from 1921 is available. I have silver from Spain; 100 Pesetas coins from 1966 for something special; and many more. You can get it shiny or black or a mix. I look forward to creating something very special for you. You want big sizes for men? No problem!
– General Metals Markets Information:
I am trading now more than 10 years in physical silver and gold. If you are interested, make an appointment.
– Make an appointment by mail or phone.
Mail: sscharler@gmx.de
Call Svend Scharler: +34-606423869
I have my office and meeting point at the Axarquia Service Centre, local 101, 29793 Torrox Park. We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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These 2 laptops are great deals as laptop prices skyrocket. I bought from pre-Christmas “flash sales” and pass the savings on to you. Only 3 remain in stock. Discounts of €100 & €220 off current prices !!! I do not anticipate restocking until autumn so get one while you can !!!
For Sale: Brand New Powerful Business Grade Laptop
HP 15-FD0079NS
Special features for seniors: Large characters on keys + extra large touchpad.
15.6″ premium FHD Intel iRISxe display, 250 NIT.
Windows 11 Pro installed in English; Keyboard is Spanish.
1000Gb SSD M.2 hard drive, lots of room for large media collections.
16Gb ram, extra fast at 3200MHz.
Intel i5-1334U processor, 10 cores/12 threads, up to 4.6GHz!
Wifi 6, USB 3.2 x 2; USB-C x 1; HDMI; Dual speakers.
Battery, 7hrs, with fast-charge. Weight 1.59kg, 18.6mm thick. Factory warranty upon registration.
Price €450 cash. (€670 on Amazon.es, without Windows!), https://www.amazon.es/-/en/HP-Laptop-i5-1334U-Graphics-Operating/dp/B0D1YGX2NC/ Only one left in stock. DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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For Sale: Brand New Powerful Laptop- Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15
Windows 11 Pro. System, UK English. Keyboard, Spanish.
15.6″ Full HD IPS LCD (1920 x 1080) display with Acer BluelightShield to reduce blue light exposure.
512Gb SSD MVMe; 16 Gb RAM
AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (up to 4.3GHz), 6 core, 12 threads
3x USB 3.2; 1x USB-C; Wifi 6; HDMI 2.1; Bluetooth 5.1; Ethernet
Weight: 1.8kg. Mfg. date: 15Mar25 (Win 12 ready). Factory warranty upon registration.
Ref: https://store.acer.com/en-gb/acer-aspire-go-15-laptop-ag15-42p-silver
Price: €420 cash (£549.99 on Acer UK website, ) a great price for a solid, mid-line laptop! Only 2 left! DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS, COMMENTS & SUBSCRIBER SOAPBOX
When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them. Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.
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NEWS & ARTICLES
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
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News Note: It’s a strange news day. Another Monday with little local news. It seems they no longer work at our regional newsrooms on weekends– not much fresh reporting on weekend developments– mostly old stories, political propaganda, opinion pieces, and Olympics minutiae. I’ve done my best to keep it interesting, but it did require some editorial comments for me to get thru it all without screaming. I am now highlighting all editorial comments in blue, easier to focus on, or skip, your choice.
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SPAIN
Police officers and civil guards take to the streets to demand the resignation of Marlaska and Director Pardo: {Translation, summary}
– Police and civil guards will protest in Madrid, demanding the resignations of Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska {pic} and National Police director Francisco Pardo Piqueras. The protest follows a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by an officer against now dismissed senior commander José Ángel González, with officers accusing officials of failing to provide adequate explanations. Separate long-standing grievances concerning leadership decisions and allegations of cover-ups within institutions responsible for upholding the law have also prompted other associations to join the demonstration, insisting that authorities must be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/policias…
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Despite being the hosts, Spain left out of negotiations on the Sahara in Madrid: {Translation, summary}
– Spain is excluded from US-led talks on Western Sahara’s future, despite the Madrid summit and its UN-designated role as administrative power of the former colony. Representatives from Morocco and the Polisario Front will meet at the US Embassy, with Algeria and Mauritania as observers.
– The US, aiming for an agreement before the UN mission’s mandate expires in October, is accelerating negotiations through secret meetings, including recent talks in Washington and Madrid. Positions remain divergent, with Morocco proposing an autonomy plan requiring constitutional reform, while the Polisario Front insists on a long-promised self-determination referendum.
– The absence of Spain’s foreign minister from these crucial talks highlights its diminished role since Pedro Sánchez’s controversial 2022 reversal of traditional policy, endorsing Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most realistic solution. This shift, made without parliamentary consultation, followed a diplomatic crisis with Rabat over issues including the Pegasus spyware affair and the entry of a Sahrawi leader into Spain. {Let’s get this straight– Morocco spied on Sanchez’s and other diplomat’s phones, and that is followed by Spain capitulating to Moroccan territory grabs. Is Sanchez rewarding nefarious activity, or submitting to more ever more blackmailers? -Ed.} The US frames negotiations around a UN resolution seeking a “mutually acceptable” solution for the territory, a Spanish colony until 1975, which remains under UN supervision as a non-self-governing territory largely occupied by Morocco. Source, Spanish: https://theobjective.com/espana/2026-02-22/espana-mesa-negociacion-sahara-madrid/
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Spain still has not spent 38 billion EU funds ten months before the end of the term: {Translation, summary}
– Spain has still not spent 37.686 billion euros of European funds — 47.2 per cent of the allocated transfers — with ten months remaining until the legal deadline for execution of the Recovery Plan, set for 31 December 2026. To date, 42.168 billion of the 79.854 billion granted have been effectively paid out, according to official records of payments actually made under the programme financed by the European Union, analysed by THE OBJECTIVE. This figure reflects the money that has reached the real economy, once the administrative and accounting process has been completed. Source, Spanish: https://theobjective.com/economia/2026-02-22/fondos-europeos-espana-millones-sin-gastar/
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The Sanchez Funding Mirage– Billions Announced, Nothing Delivered: {DigameXtra Editorial}
– Spain has not passed a budget since 2023, yet the government continually announces billions in funding for new “solutions” to contrived problems that are not really new, but have become critical due to being ignored for a long time: trains, roads, dams, healthcare, jobs, housing & etc. The money, however, is largely illusory– promises and shell-games without new, real funding.
– EU recovery funds—meant for pandemic relief projects—are being repurposed (stolen from the Covid era recovery it was intended for) for new long-term industrial projects, massive progressive social engineering schemes, and a new sovereign wealth fund– well beyond their original intent. Meanwhile, the €140 billion promised from Brussels moves at a snail’s pace, trapped in Spanish bureaucracy, and a good portion will end up returned from lack of use before expiration deadlines.
– Employment figures touted as record-breaking rely on statistical tricks: “fijos discontinuos” (permanent part-time workers) counted as employed while actually out on benefits– not working, and public sector jobs masking private sector collapse. Small businesses close daily under inflation’s weight, yet macro-level data tells a story of growth.
– When funds are announced, they rarely reach small to mid-sized businesses—structured as inaccessible loans, re-directed from old projects, or lost to administrative bottlenecks. Corruption scandals like the Koldo case reinforce the perception of a system rotten at multiple levels.
– The result is a house of cards- a government that funds press conferences, not people. Billions exist in headlines, not bank accounts, leaving citizens and small businesses to bear the real cost of an illusion.
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Managing success, Editorial by David Fernández (MalagaHoy): {Translation}
– When Emiliano García-Page was asked this week on El Hormiguero about the lamentable state of the roads and a rail network that inspires fear, the president of Castilla-La Mancha didn’t think twice: “We have to manage success.” After modernising our country’s infrastructure at the end of the last century, the homework required to maintain it simply hasn’t been done. Five years after a road is inaugurated, a significant sum must be invested each year in its upkeep. And it’s obvious that neither the road network nor the trains have been the object of such attention, unfortunately. On the contrary, what we have done is to increase their use and push them to the maximum with the elimination of tolls and free travel passes. Tourists didn’t need any encouragement. And this cocktail now forces us to take our foot off the accelerator and drive with a knot in our stomach, praying not to be travelling in either the first or the last carriage. What use are motorways if traffic jams due to the appalling state of the traffic flow and the road surface are the norm? We knew how to reach the summit, but since then, it’s been a free fall.
– Perhaps it’s in our blood to live beyond our means, from listening too much to our leaders. The most modest town boasts of its padel tennis courts, its municipal theatre, and even an artificial turf football pitch with stands and changing rooms, even if for infrastructure it only has an aging road and some crumbling pipelines. They are like us. No matter how small the flat, and no matter how insufficient the pension, we wouldn’t be without our 55-inch plasma screen or the best car at the door. We subsidise the income of those who go to the gym and take their pets to the vet. We promise the best hospital we could ever dream of. But Primary Care still doesn’t work properly, waiting lists continue to bleed, and doctors have been protesting for months for better salary conditions. Perhaps we shouldn’t think so much about inaugurating hospitals and health centres as about improving what we already have, which is a lot, not a little. We announce the construction of thousands of flats. But housing is impossible, even though the economy is going gangbusters and the Ibex is growing at an extraordinary rate, only comparable to the speed at which inequality is widening. We have more airports without planes than anyone else and a third-world electricity grid that steals investment opportunities from us. Who do we blame for the Administration’s blackout? Does anyone know how to manage so much success with humility? Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/opinion/articulos/gestionar-exito_0_2005977059.html
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Inside the Sánchez alt-reality bubble, declares himself a permanent candidate- claims fictitious mandate until 2027 and beyond: {Translation, summary}
– {“The trouble with people is not that they don’t know, but that they know so much that ain’t so.” – Josh Billings, aka Henry Wheeler Shaw, 19th century American humourist.}
– In Ponferrada, Pedro Sánchez {pic} delivered a campaign-style rally with the scope of a national address. He highlighted recent economic data, 2.8% GDP growth and nearly 22 million people employed, and declared: “Spain is doing better than ever and the opposition is lying as always.” On his political future, he stated: “When they ask me if it is worth it: it is worth it until 2027 and beyond.”
– He detailed the recent minimum wage increase, signed at the Labour Ministry, though protesting business leaders were absent after negotiations stalled. Sánchez called on employers to negotiate wage rises above inflation. On housing, he urged application of the Housing Law to contain prices and curb sales to vulture funds—despite seven years of housing policy being widely described as a “rotundo fracaso” , with rental prices up 52% since 2018 and 30% fewer properties available. He also announced the €120bn “Spain grows” fund {while failing to explain the funding source when he has no budget}, reproached PP leader Feijóo for “seven years announcing collapse,” defended taxes on banks and energy companies, and positioned Spain as a progressive counterweight to a global far-right trend.
– Meanwhile, Sánchez has avoided Senate control sessions for two years—last appearing there in March 2024—prompting the PP to accuse him of “parliamentary rebellion”. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/espana/sanchez-candidato-permanente-merece-pena-2027-mas-alla_20260222699b1fe69243cc133c5d57ba.html
COSTA TROPICAL
Sport fishermen will hold a vehicle demonstration against the ban on self-consumption fishing– More insane restrictions by repressive leaders pushing Agenda 2030 goals: {Translation, summary}
– The Costa Tropical Sports Fishermen’s Association has announced “the calling of a peaceful protest by car on 1 March, against the ban on recreational and subsistence fishing in the Punta de la Mona Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in Granada, an order imposed by the government of the Andalusian Regional Government, presided over by Juanma Moreno, without any scientific basis to justify it.” {The justification comes from progressive attempts to follow Agenda 2030 mandates to classify and control all natural resources. Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and the gov’t will find a way to stop him. -Ed.}
– The protest will begin at 11:00 am, setting off from La Herradura, travelling along the main road towards Almuñécar, and will finish around 2:00 pm at Ensenada del Berenguel, near the car parks of the Marina del Este harbour.
– “We want to make it clear that what the mayor has publicly stated—that it is not possible to apply a suspension or moratorium on Article 2 of the order—is not true. Our lawyer maintains that it is both legal and viable to apply, as a precautionary measure, a suspension and moratorium on Article 2, and that it must be done, as there is no scientific justification for expelling recreational fishers from this area. This order creates an obvious disparity in treatment between two activities which, according to the Regional Government’s own study, have the same level of environmental impact: recreational diving and recreational subsistence fishing. However, while fishing has been banned, diving continues unrestricted, with more than 23,000 dives recorded, which demonstrates a real situation of overcrowding. There has never been a comparable overcrowding of persons fishing.
– Our proposals for fair and balanced regulation are backed by more than 5,000 signatures and the support of political parties such as the PSOE, PODEMOS, VOX, CONVERGENCIA ANDALUZA, and the non-attached councillor Daniel Barbero. Added to this is the support of UNESPRA and the discontent of more than 250,000 fishers in Andalucia, all united against the ban imposed by Juanma Moreno. For all these reasons, we invite the entire population to take part in this peaceful protest, in defence of the sea and a management model based on regulation, not prohibition.” Source, Spanish: https://www.almunecarcomunicacion.com/los-pescadores-deportivos-celebraran-una-manifestacion-en-coche-contra-la-prohibicion-de-la-pesca-de-autoconsumo/
ENERGY CRISIS
The Government loses €3bn of European funds to keep €1.15bn in tax income for not removing the double tax on electricity generation: {Translation, summary}
– Spain has lost access to €3 billion in EU funds due to the Government’s refusal to abolish the IVPEE, a 7% tax on electricity generation. The funds, approved by the European Investment Bank and Commission, were intended to help households decarbonise heating and transport under the new ETS2 emissions system. Access requires transposition of the relevant EU Directive into national law.
– Spain had a draft Bill ready in December 2024, but it included an opposition amendment to scrap the IVPEE. Rather than accept the amendment, the Government withdrew the Bill. The IVPEE, introduced in 2012 to address a tariff deficit, now raises around €1.15bn annually—just 0.2% of the state budget. The sector argues the tax inflates electricity prices, harms renewables, and undermines electrification goals. Portugal has already abolished its equivalent levy. The decision prioritises marginal revenue over European funding, household support, and competitive alignment with Spain’s Iberian market neighbour. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/economia/gobierno-renuncia-3000-millones-fondos-europeos-quitar-impuesto-generacion-electrica_20260222699a63332f00a04688211238.html
HEALTH
Strawman Argument– Doctors modify their announcement of last week that the expired test chemicals problem didn’t exist– now they assure that there are “no deliberate actions to alter the analytical results”: {Translation, summary}
– {Excuse me. I saw no mention anywhere that the medical technicians use of the expired test chemical were deliberate actions to “alter the analytical results”. The doctors just made that up. The claim, widely reported, was that technicians were being forced by their superiors to use these expired test chemicals. Nothing to do with altering results. -Ed.}
– The medical staff of Axarquía Hospital have denied deliberately misusing reagents to alter test results, asserting they follow all quality protocols. This follows a union’s call for an investigation into an alleged widespread practice, ordered by management, of using reagents past their discard date, potentially affecting thousands of patients. The union is preparing a legal complaint. However, the hospital’s doctors and nursing supervisors have publicly backed the laboratory’s leadership, praising their rigour and commitment to patient safety. They acknowledge that technical issues can occur in complex environments but maintain that robust internal controls and corrective measures exist to address them. They insist all incidents are handled cautiously, prioritising clinical safety without shortcuts, and see no reason to doubt the unit management’s good faith and integrity. -Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/axarquia/2026/02/19/denuncia-csif-facultativos-actuaciones-alterar-resultados-analiticos-127042182.html
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Scamming the public with a ‘new’ fake crisis- officials warn of the danger of the ‘paracetamol challenge’ in minors: {Translation, summary, explainer}
– The Paracetamol Challenge, a competition among young people to see how many doses of this painkiller they can take, has become a topic of discussion following reports of its spread on social media. Laura Redondo, a pharmacology professor, has outlined the severe medical risks, including liver damage and potential death. The challenge reportedly aims for hospital admission, with a fatal case in an 11-year-old in the US cited, and several adolescent poisonings in Spain potentially linked to the trend.
– However, much of the concern appears to be amplifying what is fundamentally a long-standing, low-level issue among minors, repackaging decade-old behaviour as a new viral crisis. While the pharmacological dangers of exceeding the 2-3 gram daily limit for young people are real, due to their immature liver function, the current alarm largely stems from reframing minor, isolated incidents into a widespread social media menace. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/farmacologa-laura-redondo-alerta-peligro_0_2005977582.html
{This is an old “panic” story from 2015. I suspect it is being resurrected in the EU by officials who desire to place controls & limits on paracetamol purchases, as they did recently with Ibuprofen. Just because a few dozen stupid teenagers fell for this over the past 10 years is no reason to inconvenience every adult in the EU. Authorities want us to be obligated to get a prescription to make ANY pharmacy purchases, and they will keep records of it all. Did you notice how fast AI took over, in just a year it is now in searches, emails, chatbot, it’s ubiquitous. These digital controls of your pharmacy purchases are just the next step, and may happen just as fast…Oh, but it is for your benefit they will say– does your doctor and gov’t really need to know how often you take an aspirin, I think not! Do not accept this trend, push back. -Ed.}
TECH
“They can clone your voice in just 30 seconds with artificial intelligence”– a criminologist’s latest warning about cybersecurity: {Translation, summary}
– Criminologist María Aperador warns that cybercriminals can now clone anyone’s voice using just 30 seconds of audio obtained from social media videos. Artificial intelligence makes the replicated voice almost indistinguishable from the original, enabling scammers to impersonate victims when calling family members to request money. These fraudsters often combine voice cloning with personal information about relatives also found online.
– To counter this threat, experts recommend establishing a secret keyword with family to verify identity during unexpected money requests. If a call seems suspicious, hanging up and calling back on the person’s known number is advised. Asking questions only the real person could answer provides additional verification. Aperador urges sharing this information immediately with loved ones, emphasising that awareness and digital education are essential defences. The key message is that prevention and family communication are the most effective protection against this emerging form of fraud. Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/pueden-clonar-voz-solo-30-segundos-inteligencia-artificial-ultimo-aviso-criminologa-ciberseguridad-b50m_20260222699b05161817b41eb65cd825.html
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Lack of qualified IT workers is holding back Andalucian companies: {Translation, summary}
– The Andalusia and Extremadura Digitalisation Barometer reveals that 62% of companies now plan AI investments, double the 2023 figure. However, the report warns of a critical obstacle: half of businesses identify lack of qualified talent as the main barrier to technological evolution, up from 40% two years ago. This “acute unavailability of technological talent” threatens to nullify companies’ capacity to scale digitally against competitors. While 67% of firms now view technology as the primary factor conditioning their activity—surpassing economic concerns—and eight out of ten acknowledge digital transformation as key to competitiveness, the shortage of skilled IT workers frustrates implementation. Over 60% of companies remain at experimental or initial AI adoption stages, not from lack of budget or willingness, but because they cannot find personnel with necessary expertise. This talent gap undermines regional, national and international competitiveness precisely when digital investment intentions are highest.
– {This is directly related to the medical worker shortage. No young talent wants to come work in Andalucia with such a lopsided income to expense ratio. If the majority of typical local young people move away from Andalucia as soon as they are able, to more prosperous conditions in the north, why would anyone think Andalucia could attract the truly talented ones with less than competitive wages and sky-high rents?}
Source, Spanish: https://www.larazon.es/andalucia/falta-perfiles-tecnologicos-frena-empresa-andaluza_20260222699a6c8a1817b41eb65c2d9f.html
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
AI Admits It May Be Rejected By The Masses For Unfulfilled Promises: Of all the AIs out there, DeepSeek appears to have the most reliable, fair and balanced responses. -Ed.
OTHER
Pick of the Pics: Reuters images from this week
Full 22 image gallery: https://www.reuters.com/pictures/week-pictures-2026-02-19/
SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES
*Click links to read the English language articles*
– Malaga water update: Guadalhorce and Guadalteba reservoirs merge as capacity hits 99%
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/another-historic-image-after-the-storms-guadalhorce-20260220144035-nt.html
– Malaga health: storms bring mosquito season forward
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/beware-mosquitoes-malaga-squalls-bring-forward-the-20260220103706-nt.html
– Fuengirola to become the epicentre of jazz during international festival 26 February to 1 March
https://www.surinenglish.com/what-to-do/fuengirola-become-the-epicentre-jazz-during-international-20260220130335-nt.html
– Almuñécar town hall seeks to reassure residents over rise in water levels in Roman remains {pic}
https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/costa-tropical/almunecar-reassured-the-occasional-rise-the-water-20260220100832-nt.html
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
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Fun & Games
National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Click Here
Word of the Day: Click Here
Quote of the Day: Click Here
Fact of the Day: Click Here
Born Today: Click Here
Today in History: Click Here
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Daily Mail UK- Daily Sudoku: Click Here
Cinesur El Ingenio Films schedule: You can find the film schedule at this link. Films tagged as (VOSE) are in the original language with Spanish subtitles.
https://www.cinesur.com/es/cine/mk2-cinesur-el-ingenio
Useful Links, Info & Numbers
2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view: (Will be updated to 2026 when the town halls get around to posting them)
Algarrobo
Competa
Malaga
Nerja
Rincon
Torrox
Velez-Málaga
For other towns in Malaga Province, visit this website, click your town, then look for the post named “Calendario Laboral de ‘Your Town‘ 2026 “, click that to see calendar.
https://www.foro-ciudad.com/malaga.html
Petrol Prices, updated daily: These are the fuel stations in Malaga province with the lowest prices. The price data for 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel fuel is updated every day. See it here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/updated-daily-these-20220314114157-nt.html
Andalucia Reservoir Data, updated daily: The direct link to the old familiar chart page no longer works. Here is the new way to access it. This link takes you to the map version.
https://www.redhidrosurmedioambiente.es/saih/visor/visorE ; to see the chart version click this link, then in the menu bar click Data (Datos) > Reservoirs (Embalses) > Breaking News (Datos de ultima hora)
Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Nerja Car Boot
Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231
Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112
Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238
Local/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/our-destinations/regional
Currency Converter: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
Local Bank Holidays: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/spain/index.php UK Newspaper Front Pages and Worldwide Newspapers All On One Site: https://www.thepaperboy.com/uk/front-pages.cfm
Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily.
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Malaga Province: New, updated link (Aug, 2023). Info in English with list of English speaking meetings. https://aacostadelsol.com/
DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/
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