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News, January '0426 January, resumé.(Church and Sport news click more) Elections called for 14th March, politics warming up with promises and attacks, 77% believe PP (government) will win according to an Internet survey by El Mundo; Civil Guard major serioulsy injured by bullet in brain in Iraq anti-terrorist operation -now home, not expected to live; international 'victims of terrorism' congress opens in Madrid - 1000 attend, including victims of ETA, IRA, GIA, 9/11, etc.; accused Costa del Sol killer-rapist Tony King to apear today before magistrates more >> Religious education under review.16 January The government has recently made important changes in the law about religious education in schools. The Catholic Church in response has adapted its curriculum, while Evangelicals also debate how they should respond. (Evangelical RE is also available in a few schools) Click to read an article reproduced from AC Press, resuming others in the national dailies: more >> 'The Kingdom of Heaven' comes to Spain12 January. Ridley Scott, cinema director, is making in Loarre castle, Aragón a film by the name of 'The kingdom of heaven', a love story set in the 12th century, starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, Eva Green y David Thewlis more >> News Theme: general electionIn March it is expected that a general election will be held. The main parties contesting it will be the Partido Popular (conservatives, currently in government) and the Socialist PSOE. The current president (prime minister), José María Aznar, will not stand again more >> News theme: Basque politics and ETADuring July and August (2003) many of us were concerned by the numerous attacks by ETA terrorists, for foreigners and Spaniards at large,most notably the hotel bombings in Alicante and Benidorm. In early December, four of the band's top military leaders were arrested in France, thwarting an imediate pre-Christmas campaign of murders and possibly limiting ETA for the future. However, while concern will remain about the threat of ETA attacks, political interest is now mostly directed at the regional president's proposals for extending autonomy to become a 'free associated state', rather like Puerto Rico. more >> News theme: weather and winter travelSpain is not, contrary to its image, permanent summer! The tourist season is limited, even at coastal areas, except in the Canary Islands, to half the year. Winter, especially inland, is far harsher than it is in mild Britain, so far further north. more >> News theme: Spain and IraqSpain is particularly in the news due to its position on Iraq, closely linking itself with Washington. Recently the International Donor Conference took place in Madrid, underlining Spain's commitment to ongoing support for a new Iraq. more >> News Theme: Big events in 2004, Holy Year for Santiago and Forum of the Cultures in BarcelonaThis year, two major long-running events will dominate the Spanish 'cultural diary'. They are the Año Jacobeo, or Holy Year of Pilgrimage to Santiago in Galicia and the Forum of the Cultures in Barcelona. Both will draw many thousands of visitors, curious to see what is going on or perhaps committed to a particular expression of spirituality. more >> More NewsA few more news items and where to find more news about Spain: more >> |