Europe too is facing the wrath of rising mercury. Spanish cities are suffering from soaring temperatures as the heat wave grips the country. According to the reports, temperatures have touched 40-degree celsius already.

Spain gripped by an intense heatwave as temperatures touch 40-degree celsius

A massive wildfire is ravaging southern Spain. Warm weather & adverse winds are causing the blaze. 200 firemen are battling the fire.

Wildfire ravages southern Spain: Warm weather & adverse winds causing the blaze

Climate calamities are becoming frequent day by day. Wildfires, droughts, famines across the world have become a major cause of worry. Recently, a wildfire in southern Spain is forcing evacuation of thousands of people, here's a report.

Wildfire in southern Spain forces town evacuation; three injured

Labour strife and staffing shortages have&nbsp;European&nbsp;airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season.

Workers at France's Charles De Gaulle&nbsp;airport&nbsp;are striking on Thursday for more pay, with a quarter of flights cancelled. In Italy, crews from budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet and Volotea walked off the job on Wednesday.

On Wednesday evening, German flag carrier Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings said they were scrapping over 1,000 flights in July, or 5 per cent&nbsp;of their planned weekend capacity, due to staff shortages amid the busy vacation period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

Ryanair cabin crew could strike in Europe this summer, after talks ended with two Spanish unions, according to a statement by unions SITCPLA and USO.

Airport&nbsp;managers are struggling to quickly recruit and process new hires, as a rebound in air travel from a pandemic-induced slump leads to cancelled flights and hours-long lines.

Airlines, battered by slumping travel during the pandemic, have been counting on a strong summer, as fares rise to offset higher fuel costs. Some countries are also banking on tourism to revive hard-hit economies.

The head of airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said heavy congestion also occurred before the pandemic and is now limited to certain&nbsp;airports, aggravated by delays to get security badges required for newly-hired staff.

In North America, Canada's busiest&nbsp;airport&nbsp;is allowing some staff who have not yet obtained their badges to work temporarily under supervision by vetted employees, said Tori Gass, a spokeswoman for the Greater Toronto&nbsp;Airports Authority.

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding the Pros &amp; Cons of EU's 'Universal Charger' move

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The temporary pass was recently introduced at Toronto Pearson International&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;in response to the large volume of appointments for restricted area identity cards (RAIC), Gass said. It takes roughly 45 days to get the cards.

Transport Canada said it received 13,722 applications nationally for clearances required for employees like&nbsp;airport&nbsp;ramp agents or baggage handlers in the first quarter of 2022, up from 5,968 requests during the same period in 2021.

Pearson is wrestling with planes stuck at gates and hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages.

Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Wednesday said he is working with partners to bring in more screening officers.

"We're acting", Alghabra told reporters.

In Europe, Dublin and Heathrow&nbsp;airports are recruiting screeners, while Schipol&nbsp;Airport&nbsp;in Amsterdam is raising wages for staff.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-lawmakers-pass-ban-on-new-petrol-diesel-cars-by-2035-486537">European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035</a>

Spain on Tuesday announced the hiring of 500 additional police to staff passport controls at busy&nbsp;airports and tourist destinations including Madrid.

In the United States,&nbsp;airports are generally avoiding such heavy congestion. Still, a staffing crunch has forced airlines to cancel flights and trim summer schedules.

Alaska Air Group Inc last month was forced to cancel 4 per cent&nbsp;of its flights because of staffing woes. Delta Air Lines, which cancelled about 700 flights over the four-day Memorial Day holiday, plans to cut flights through August.

Spain's interior minister attributed reports of congestion at border controls to multiple flights arriving at the same time. But CEHAT, the country's largest business group for hotels and lodging, said the delays could have been prevented since they are related to the end of free travel of British citizens to Spain due to Brexit.

"This situation should not have caught us off guard", CEHAT president Jorge Marichal said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Labour strife and staffing shortages have European airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season.

Labour strife and staffing shortages have European airports clamouring to find more workers, minimise cancelled flights and reduce headaches for travellers during the busy summer season. Workers at France's Charles De Gaulle airport are striking on Thursday for more pay, with a quarter of flights cancelled. In Italy, crews from budget carriers Ryanair, easyJet and Volotea walked off the job on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening, German flag carrier Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings said they were scrapping over 1,000 flights in July, or 5 per cent of their planned weekend capacity, due to staff shortages amid the busy vacation period. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey Ryanair cabin crew could strike in Europe this summer, after talks ended with two Spanish unions, according to a statement by unions SITCPLA and USO. Airport managers are struggling to quickly recruit and process new hires, as a rebound in air travel from a pandemic-induced slump leads to cancelled flights and hours-long lines. Airlines, battered by slumping travel during the pandemic, have been counting on a strong summer, as fares rise to offset higher fuel costs. Some countries are also banking on tourism to revive hard-hit economies. The head of airline trade group International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said heavy congestion also occurred before the pandemic and is now limited to certain airports, aggravated by delays to get security badges required for newly-hired staff. In North America, Canada's busiest airport is allowing some staff who have not yet obtained their badges to work temporarily under supervision by vetted employees, said Tori Gass, a spokeswoman for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. Watch | Decoding the Pros & Cons of EU's 'Universal Charger' move The temporary pass was recently introduced at Toronto Pearson International Airport in response to the large volume of appointments for restricted area identity cards (RAIC), Gass said. It takes roughly 45 days to get the cards. Transport Canada said it received 13,722 applications nationally for clearances required for employees like airport ramp agents or baggage handlers in the first quarter of 2022, up from 5,968 requests during the same period in 2021. Pearson is wrestling with planes stuck at gates and hours-long security lines due to staffing shortages. Canadian Transport Minister Omar Alghabra on Wednesday said he is working with partners to bring in more screening officers. "We're acting", Alghabra told reporters. In Europe, Dublin and Heathrow airports are recruiting screeners, while Schipol Airport in Amsterdam is raising wages for staff. Also read | European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035 Spain on Tuesday announced the hiring of 500 additional police to staff passport controls at busy airports and tourist destinations including Madrid. In the United States, airports are generally avoiding such heavy congestion. Still, a staffing crunch has forced airlines to cancel flights and trim summer schedules. Alaska Air Group Inc last month was forced to cancel 4 per cent of its flights because of staffing woes. Delta Air Lines, which cancelled about 700 flights over the four-day Memorial Day holiday, plans to cut flights through August. Spain's interior minister attributed reports of congestion at border controls to multiple flights arriving at the same time. But CEHAT, the country's largest business group for hotels and lodging, said the delays could have been prevented since they are related to the end of free travel of British citizens to Spain due to Brexit. "This situation should not have caught us off guard", CEHAT president Jorge Marichal said in a statement on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European airport labour strife, staff shortages disrupt summer travel

A&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;in mountains in southern Spain has forced evacuation of 2,000 people from the centre of the town of Benahavis and injured three firefighters, authorities said.

The blaze started on Wednesday afternoon on the slopes of Pujerra mountain in the Sierra Bermeja, above the Costa del Sol, a magnet for British tourists on the Andalusia coast, Andalusia's&nbsp;Wildfire&nbsp;Department (INFOCA) said on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/funds-needed-for-tackling-climate-disasters-up-more-than-800-in-20-years-report-485996">Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report</a>

Hot summer weather and adverse winds are stoking the blaze, it said in a post late on Wednesday.

Emergency services set up tents in the town of 7,000, but most of the evacuees found shelter with relatives or at hotels.

As many as 200 firemen from the department together with 100 military personnel and 50 firefighters from other Costa del Sol towns are battling the fire.

Spotter aircraft were over the area early on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-firefighters-control-wildfire-485750">Greece: Firefighters control wildfire</a>

"Sadly, we have to report that three firefighters from INFOCA suffered burns of different kinds and one of them has 25% of his body burned and was evacuated to Malaga hospital," Andalusia's regional president Juanma Moreno told reporters.

Another&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;ravaged that same mountain range in September, reducing at least 7,780 hectares (30 square miles) of woods and bushes to ashes in days. About 1,000 firefighters backed by some 50 aircraft worked to put out that blaze.

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A wildfire in mountains in southern Spain has forced evacuation of 2,000 people from the centre of the town of Benahavis and injured three firefighters, authorities said.

A wildfire in mountains in southern Spain has forced evacuation of 2,000 people from the centre of the town of Benahavis and injured three firefighters, authorities said. The blaze started on Wednesday afternoon on the slopes of Pujerra mountain in the Sierra Bermeja, above the Costa del Sol, a magnet for British tourists on the Andalusia coast, Andalusia's Wildfire Department (INFOCA) said on Twitter. Also read | Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report Hot summer weather and adverse winds are stoking the blaze, it said in a post late on Wednesday. Emergency services set up tents in the town of 7,000, but most of the evacuees found shelter with relatives or at hotels. As many as 200 firemen from the department together with 100 military personnel and 50 firefighters from other Costa del Sol towns are battling the fire. Spotter aircraft were over the area early on Thursday. Also read | Greece: Firefighters control wildfire "Sadly, we have to report that three firefighters from INFOCA suffered burns of different kinds and one of them has 25% of his body burned and was evacuated to Malaga hospital," Andalusia's regional president Juanma Moreno told reporters. Another wildfire ravaged that same mountain range in September, reducing at least 7,780 hectares (30 square miles) of woods and bushes to ashes in days. About 1,000 firefighters backed by some 50 aircraft worked to put out that blaze. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wildfire in southern Spain forces town evacuation; three hurt

There's an underwater winery in Spain. Several wine bottles are stored in the underwater winery that is 20 meters under the surface. The owner of the winery says it gives a unique flavour to the wine.

Underwater treasure or empty bottles, no! it’s an underwater winery!

The Spanish Parliament has voted in favour of legislation to abolish prostitution, cracking down further on pimping and introducing tougher penalties for men buying sex in a controversial initiative that has split the women’s rights movement.

Although prostitution has been illegal, brothels have operated as hotels or other lodging establishments across the country.

Under the proposed legislation tabled by Socialist Party’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, sex workers would be protected under laws where they would be treated as victims rather than criminals as they would be under any outright ban on prostitution.

The proposal was passed with a majority of 232 lawmakers, while 38 voted against it and 69 abstained.

It now faces a lengthy process during which lawmakers can suggest amendments that can be approved or rejected, reports Reuters.

After the bill undergoes discussions/debates to suggest any changes, lawmakers must vote again and only then will the law be sent to the Senate.

Prostitution boomed in Spain since it was decriminalised in 1995. Recent estimates available till 2019 put revenue from the domestic sex trade at $26.5bn a year, with hundreds of licensed brothels and an estimated workforce of 300,000.

Supporters of decriminalisation claim that it has brought benefits to those working in the trade, including making life safer for women. However, this largely unregulated market has also become infested with criminality, turning Spain into a global hub for human trafficking and sexual slavery.

The country has become known as the brothel of Europe, after a 2011 United Nations report cited Spain as the third biggest capital of prostitution in the world, behind Thailand and Puerto Rico.

(With reports from agencies)

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The Spanish Parliament has voted in favour of legislation to abolish prostitution, cracking down further on pimping and introducing tougher penalties for men buying sex in a controversial initiative that has split the women’s rights movement.

The Spanish Parliament has voted in favour of legislation to abolish prostitution, cracking down further on pimping and introducing tougher penalties for men buying sex in a controversial initiative that has split the women’s rights movement. Although prostitution has been illegal, brothels have operated as hotels or other lodging establishments across the country. Under the proposed legislation tabled by Socialist Party’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, sex workers would be protected under laws where they would be treated as victims rather than criminals as they would be under any outright ban on prostitution. The proposal was passed with a majority of 232 lawmakers, while 38 voted against it and 69 abstained. It now faces a lengthy process during which lawmakers can suggest amendments that can be approved or rejected, reports Reuters. After the bill undergoes discussions/debates to suggest any changes, lawmakers must vote again and only then will the law be sent to the Senate. Prostitution boomed in Spain since it was decriminalised in 1995. Recent estimates available till 2019 put revenue from the domestic sex trade at $26.5bn a year, with hundreds of licensed brothels and an estimated workforce of 300,000. Supporters of decriminalisation claim that it has brought benefits to those working in the trade, including making life safer for women. However, this largely unregulated market has also become infested with criminality, turning Spain into a global hub for human trafficking and sexual slavery. The country has become known as the brothel of Europe, after a 2011 United Nations report cited Spain as the third biggest capital of prostitution in the world, behind Thailand and Puerto Rico. (With reports from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish Parliament votes in favour of legislation abolishing prostitution

In Spain a winery is aging its bottles under the ocean they're calling it sunken wine, watch this exclusive report for more!

Spain: Can ocean change wine for better?

Portugal striker Ricardo Horta grabbed a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw with Spain in their Nations League opener at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the lead but Horta`s goal ensured the great rivals drew for the fourth time in a row. Portugal have not won a competitive game against Spain since 2004 and have never beaten them on Spanish soil. "It tastes good because Spain is strong and we were playing away. It was a good result for Portugal," midfielder Bernardo Silva said. "We already knew them very well, but it`s tough to play against them."

Spain made a lively start in the League A Group Two match when midfielder Gavi had a chance from outside the box in the third minute but his effort was blocked. Portugal defender Pepe did well to stop midfielder Carlos Soler who was through on goal after receiving a precise low pass.

Morata put Spain ahead from close range following a fine passing movement involving midfielders Gavi and Pablo Sarabia in the 25th minute. "We didn`t finish it off, but we played a good game," Morata said. "We`ll see each other again. Soccer is like that, we have to look ahead."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-closes-in-on-peles-record-as-brazil-send-world-cup-warning-with-dominant-win-over-south-korea-484700">Neymar closes in on Pele's record as Brazil send World Cup warning with dominant win over South Korea</a>

The 29-year-old, hoping to play his first World Cup this year, is now three goals away from Raul`s national squad record of 61 across all age categories. "He`s not a player with stratospheric numbers, but everything Morata gives us in attack and defence," Spain coach Luis Enrique said. "It was a match similar to the previous ones. We could have won, but we could also have lost."

Portugal had opportunities to equalise through forward Rafael Leao and striker Andre Silva before halftime but both narrowly missed the target. Fernando Santos` side were once more close to levelling just before the hour mark after Leao received a pass from Silva and defender Diego Llorente failed to block his strike, but goalkeeper Unai Simon stretched to deny him.

Morata, meanwhile, had another good chance which went just wide of left post in the 64th minute before he was substituted. Substitute Horta equalised for Portugal eight minutes from time, leaving the Spanish defence behind as he latched on to a precise cross from defender Joao Cancelo inside the area and placed a shot into the middle of Simon`s goal.

Fans of both sides were able to enjoy a lively game which had caused the Spanish national team`s website to crash when tickets went on sale last week. The last positive result in the fixture was Spain`s victory on penalties at the 2012 European Championship and their last two friendly meetings finished goalless.

Both sides play three more Nations League games in the next 10 days. Spain travel to Switzerland between two matches against the Czech Republic while Portugal host the Czechs and face Switzerland twice. 
Spain and Portugal will meet again on Sept. 27, in their last group fixture.

Portugal striker Ricardo Horta grabbed a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw with Spain in their Nations League opener at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday.

Portugal striker Ricardo Horta grabbed a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw with Spain in their Nations League opener at Estadio Benito Villamarin on Thursday. Alvaro Morata had given Spain the lead but Horta`s goal ensured the great rivals drew for the fourth time in a row. Portugal have not won a competitive game against Spain since 2004 and have never beaten them on Spanish soil. "It tastes good because Spain is strong and we were playing away. It was a good result for Portugal," midfielder Bernardo Silva said. "We already knew them very well, but it`s tough to play against them." Spain made a lively start in the League A Group Two match when midfielder Gavi had a chance from outside the box in the third minute but his effort was blocked. Portugal defender Pepe did well to stop midfielder Carlos Soler who was through on goal after receiving a precise low pass. Morata put Spain ahead from close range following a fine passing movement involving midfielders Gavi and Pablo Sarabia in the 25th minute. "We didn`t finish it off, but we played a good game," Morata said. "We`ll see each other again. Soccer is like that, we have to look ahead." ALSO READ | Neymar closes in on Pele's record as Brazil send World Cup warning with dominant win over South Korea The 29-year-old, hoping to play his first World Cup this year, is now three goals away from Raul`s national squad record of 61 across all age categories. "He`s not a player with stratospheric numbers, but everything Morata gives us in attack and defence," Spain coach Luis Enrique said. "It was a match similar to the previous ones. We could have won, but we could also have lost." Portugal had opportunities to equalise through forward Rafael Leao and striker Andre Silva before halftime but both narrowly missed the target. Fernando Santos` side were once more close to levelling just before the hour mark after Leao received a pass from Silva and defender Diego Llorente failed to block his strike, but goalkeeper Unai Simon stretched to deny him. Morata, meanwhile, had another good chance which went just wide of left post in the 64th minute before he was substituted. Substitute Horta equalised for Portugal eight minutes from time, leaving the Spanish defence behind as he latched on to a precise cross from defender Joao Cancelo inside the area and placed a shot into the middle of Simon`s goal. Fans of both sides were able to enjoy a lively game which had caused the Spanish national team`s website to crash when tickets went on sale last week. The last positive result in the fixture was Spain`s victory on penalties at the 2012 European Championship and their last two friendly meetings finished goalless. Both sides play three more Nations League games in the next 10 days. Spain travel to Switzerland between two matches against the Czech Republic while Portugal host the Czechs and face Switzerland twice. Spain and Portugal will meet again on Sept. 27, in their last group fixture.

Spain, Portugal share spoils in their UEFA Nations League opener

A bill has been passed in the lower house of Spain's parliament on Thursday to qualify all kinds of non-consensual sex as rape, media reports said. The move has come over social outrage after the Wolf Pack case triggered momentum to the women's rights movement in Spain. Known as "Only yes is yes", the legislation, which is proposed by the government, has qualified the crimes of sexual abuse and sexual assault as rape. When it becomes a law, the victims will not have to prove violence or resistance. &nbsp;

In Congress, Equality Minister Irene Montero told lawmakers, "The (mottos) 'only yes is yes' and 'sister I do believe you' finally turn into a law. From now on, Spain is a freer and safer country for all women." &nbsp;

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The legislation, which was being worked out for over two years, was passed in the parliament with 195 votes and three abstentions. The bill will now be tabled in the upper house. If it gets passed after the vote, it will enter into force. The minority leftist government of the country has been looking to combat gender violence for a long time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A bill has been passed in the lower house of Spain's parliament on Thursday to qualify all kinds of non-consensual sex as rape, media reports said. The move has come over social outrage after the Wolf Pack case triggered momentum to the women's rights movement in Spain.

A bill has been passed in the lower house of Spain's parliament on Thursday to qualify all kinds of non-consensual sex as rape, media reports said. The move has come over social outrage after the Wolf Pack case triggered momentum to the women's rights movement in Spain. Known as "Only yes is yes", the legislation, which is proposed by the government, has qualified the crimes of sexual abuse and sexual assault as rape. When it becomes a law, the victims will not have to prove violence or resistance. In Congress, Equality Minister Irene Montero told lawmakers, "The (mottos) 'only yes is yes' and 'sister I do believe you' finally turn into a law. From now on, Spain is a freer and safer country for all women." WATCH WION LIVE HERE The legislation, which was being worked out for over two years, was passed in the parliament with 195 votes and three abstentions. The bill will now be tabled in the upper house. If it gets passed after the vote, it will enter into force. The minority leftist government of the country has been looking to combat gender violence for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Spain parliament’s lower house passes bill to term all non-consensual sex as rape

Every year wildfires tear down parts of Spain, it is like foreboding Flora and Livestock burn. Workers rescue those affected and then the process of rebuilding starts all over again. But this year Barcelona is preparing for wildfires with a pilot project

Barcelona's pilot scheme to fight wildfires

Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history.

In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead.

Officers in the western&nbsp;Paderborn city, which has a population of about 150,000, said the winds, which meteorologists warned could reach up to 130kmph (81mph), blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles.

"Thirty to 40 injured, at least 10 of them seriously," Paderborn police said, according to Sky News.

People have been urged to remain in their houses so that the rescue efforts are not hampered, otherwise they could endanger themselves.

As heavy rain and hail swept across the country, the western German town of Lippstadt was also heavily damaged by a tornado, officials said.

A 38-year-old man also died in severe storms which lashed the region on Friday.

Images on social media showed that in nearby Hellinghausen, a steeple had been ripped off the roof of a church tower, with the rubble scattered in the churchyard.

Whereas contrasting conditions were witnessed in Spain with temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places, making May the hottest month.

The state weather agency, AEMET, issued heat warnings in 10 regions for Saturday, saying it could be “one of the most intense” heatwaves in years.

The city of Jaén in southern Spain recorded its highest ever May temperature of 40C on Friday.

Meteorologists say that Spain's unseasonably warm spring weather is due to hot air coming from North Africa, causing temperatures to rise by up to 15C above average for this time of year.

The worst-hit regions are Andalusia in the south, Extremadura in the south-east, Madrid and Castilla La Mancha in the centre and Aragon in the north-east, BBC reported.

Spain's health ministry urged residents to drink plenty of water and to stay in cool places when possible. It also advised people to reduce physical activity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history. In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead.

Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history. In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead. Officers in the western Paderborn city, which has a population of about 150,000, said the winds, which meteorologists warned could reach up to 130kmph (81mph), blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles. "Thirty to 40 injured, at least 10 of them seriously," Paderborn police said, according to Sky News. People have been urged to remain in their houses so that the rescue efforts are not hampered, otherwise they could endanger themselves. As heavy rain and hail swept across the country, the western German town of Lippstadt was also heavily damaged by a tornado, officials said. A 38-year-old man also died in severe storms which lashed the region on Friday. Images on social media showed that in nearby Hellinghausen, a steeple had been ripped off the roof of a church tower, with the rubble scattered in the churchyard. Whereas contrasting conditions were witnessed in Spain with temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places, making May the hottest month. The state weather agency, AEMET, issued heat warnings in 10 regions for Saturday, saying it could be “one of the most intense” heatwaves in years. The city of Jaén in southern Spain recorded its highest ever May temperature of 40C on Friday. Meteorologists say that Spain's unseasonably warm spring weather is due to hot air coming from North Africa, causing temperatures to rise by up to 15C above average for this time of year. The worst-hit regions are Andalusia in the south, Extremadura in the south-east, Madrid and Castilla La Mancha in the centre and Aragon in the north-east, BBC reported. Spain's health ministry urged residents to drink plenty of water and to stay in cool places when possible. It also advised people to reduce physical activity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate change grips Europe: Tornado in Germany, heatwave in Spain

Europe too facing the wrath of rising mercury. Spanish cities are suffering from soaring temperatures as the heat wave grips the country. According to the reports, May could be one of the most intense episodes of heat in the last 20 years.

Spain sizzles under unusual early heatwaves, May could be the hottest month

Juan Carlos I, the former king of Spain returned to the country on Thursday (May 19) after an exile of two years. In 2020, he departed for Abu Dhabi in the aftermath of shocking financial scandals.&nbsp;

News agency AFP reported that Juan Carlos I arrived on a private jet in the northwestern city of Vigo. Pedro Campos, who is a long-time friend, revealed the expected itinerary to state broadcaster TVE.&nbsp;

Campos said that the former king will visit the city of Vigo on Spain's northwest coast on Thursday evening. After that, he will go to a nearby resort of Sanxenxo to participate in a sailing regatta.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-italy-pm-silvio-berlusconi-accused-of-keeping-sex-slaves-at-infamous-bunga-bunga-parties-480688">Former Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi accused of keeping 'sex slaves' at infamous 'bunga bunga' parties</a>

"He is very glad to come and be here to recover after two years away and do something he likes so much, which is sailing," Campos said, adding that the 84-year-old will sail on a ship adapted to his situation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the king's official residence said in a statement that Juan Carlos will not stay in the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.&nbsp;

After the probe into alleged financial fraud was opened, the former king left Spain for Abu Dhabi and keeps his permanent there. The investigations were opened in Spain and Switzerland.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnsons-pro-brexit-father-stanley-becomes-french-480658">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French</a>

He had said that he would visit Spain frequently after prosecutors dropped the investigations.&nbsp;

The problems are not over yet, he might face trial in Britain in a harassment case.&nbsp;

The case was brought against him by his former lover Danish national Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Juan Carlos I, the former king of Spain returned to the country on Thursday (May 19) after an exile of two years. In 2020, he departed for Abu Dhabi in the aftermath of shocking financial scandals.

Juan Carlos I, the former king of Spain returned to the country on Thursday (May 19) after an exile of two years. In 2020, he departed for Abu Dhabi in the aftermath of shocking financial scandals. News agency AFP reported that Juan Carlos I arrived on a private jet in the northwestern city of Vigo. Pedro Campos, who is a long-time friend, revealed the expected itinerary to state broadcaster TVE. Campos said that the former king will visit the city of Vigo on Spain's northwest coast on Thursday evening. After that, he will go to a nearby resort of Sanxenxo to participate in a sailing regatta. ALSO READ | Former Italy PM Silvio Berlusconi accused of keeping 'sex slaves' at infamous 'bunga bunga' parties "He is very glad to come and be here to recover after two years away and do something he likes so much, which is sailing," Campos said, adding that the 84-year-old will sail on a ship adapted to his situation. Meanwhile, the king's official residence said in a statement that Juan Carlos will not stay in the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. After the probe into alleged financial fraud was opened, the former king left Spain for Abu Dhabi and keeps his permanent there. The investigations were opened in Spain and Switzerland. ALSO READ | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French He had said that he would visit Spain frequently after prosecutors dropped the investigations. The problems are not over yet, he might face trial in Britain in a harassment case. The case was brought against him by his former lover Danish national Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain's exiled ex-king Juan Carlos returns home after two years

Spain government has approved a historic bill which makes it the first European nation to offer paid menstrual leave for the women of the country, this is a major breakthrough a start to destigmatizing menstruation in the country.

Spain: First European country to offer paid menstrual leave

'Menstrual leave' has always been a topic of debate. Some argue that it's a good step while others say it could hold women back. What do you think?

Spain to allow menstrual leaves: Which other countries are doing so?

The Spanish government are currently in the process of drafting a law that will allow women over the age of 16 to have abortions without taking permission from their parents or guardian.

This will make abortion more accessible to the women who use the public health system in Spain.

According to the draft, it will remove the measures introduced in 2015 which did not allow women aged between 16 and 18 years to have an abortion without the permission of their parents. It will also do away with the three days of ‘reflection’ before any abortion, The Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-end-contempt-of-court-order-us-judge-tells-donald-trump-to-meet-conditions-pay-110000-in-fines-478258" hreflang="en">To end contempt order, US judge tells Trump to meet conditions, pay $110,000</a>

“It is this government’s duty and its intention to safeguard the right to abortion in the public health system and do away with the obstacles that prevent women from deciding when it comes to their bodies and their lives,” Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, said in February.

The major issue in Spain when it came to abortions was to find hospitals or doctors willing the perform the procedure. But, under the new law, there will be a register which will contain the name of all the willing doctors – allowing the others to opt out of the procedure completely.

Another significant point in the proposed law, which is expected to get cabinet approval in the coming weeks, is the introduction of menstrual leave up to five days every month and there is hope among supporters that this can lead to menstruation being treated as a major health issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-sanctions-russian-ruble-is-the-worlds-top-performing-currency-in-2022-478370">Despite sanctions, Russian ruble is world's top performing currency in 2022</a>

“When there’s a problem that can’t be solved medically, we think it’s very sensible to have temporary sick leave,” Angela Rodríguez, the secretary of state for equality, told El Periodico.

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The Spanish government are currently in the process of drafting a law that will allow women over the age of 16 to have abortions without taking permission from their parents or guardian.

The Spanish government are currently in the process of drafting a law that will allow women over the age of 16 to have abortions without taking permission from their parents or guardian. This will make abortion more accessible to the women who use the public health system in Spain. According to the draft, it will remove the measures introduced in 2015 which did not allow women aged between 16 and 18 years to have an abortion without the permission of their parents. It will also do away with the three days of ‘reflection’ before any abortion, The Guardian reported. Also read | To end contempt order, US judge tells Trump to meet conditions, pay $110,000 “It is this government’s duty and its intention to safeguard the right to abortion in the public health system and do away with the obstacles that prevent women from deciding when it comes to their bodies and their lives,” Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, said in February. The major issue in Spain when it came to abortions was to find hospitals or doctors willing the perform the procedure. But, under the new law, there will be a register which will contain the name of all the willing doctors – allowing the others to opt out of the procedure completely. Another significant point in the proposed law, which is expected to get cabinet approval in the coming weeks, is the introduction of menstrual leave up to five days every month and there is hope among supporters that this can lead to menstruation being treated as a major health issue. Also read | Despite sanctions, Russian ruble is world's top performing currency in 2022 “When there’s a problem that can’t be solved medically, we think it’s very sensible to have temporary sick leave,” Angela Rodríguez, the secretary of state for equality, told El Periodico. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain to ease abortion rules for over-16 women, introduce menstrual leave up to five days

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister&nbsp;Pedro&nbsp;Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.&nbsp;

"It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news.&nbsp;

"We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-of-spain-presents-grenades-to-ukraine-sends-sausages-with-victory-letter-475249">Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter</a>

"In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention.&nbsp;We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said.

He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza

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Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year.&nbsp;

"A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added.

"There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates."&nbsp;

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The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-show-solidarity-village-in-spain-renames-itself-to-ukraine-471509">To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' &nbsp;</a>

The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft.

Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.&nbsp;

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.

Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention. "It is not a supposition, they are facts of enormous gravity," the minister of the presidency, Felix Bolanos, said, confirming the news. "We are absolutely certain that it was an external attack... because in Spain, in a democracy like ours, all such interventions are carried out by official bodies and with judicial authorisation," he said. Also read | Queen of Spain presents grenades to Ukraine, sends sausages with victory letter "In this case, neither of the two circumstances prevailed, which is why that we have not doubt that it was an external intervention. We want the justice to investigate," Bolanos said. He did not say whether the Spanish authorities had any indication yet where the attack originated from or whether another country was behind it. Watch | After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza Bolanos said that Sanchez's phone had been tapped in May 2021 and Robles' in June of the same year. "A determined amount of data" was extracted from both phones, he added. "There is no evidence that there was other tapping after those dates." WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Israel-based NSO Group, which owns Pegasus, claims the software is only sold to government agencies to target criminals and terrorists, with the green light of Israeli authorities. Also read | To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine' The company has been criticised by global rights groups for violating users' privacy around the world and it faces lawsuits from major tech firms such as Apple and Microsoft. Catalan separatists have accused Spain's intelligence services of using spyware to snoop on their mobile phones, reviving tensions with Sanchez's minority leftist government, which relies on their support to pass legislation.

Spain says mobile phones of PM, defence minister tapped

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, partygoers are returning to Ibiza. Spain is expecting a rapid recovery in international tourist arrivals.

After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic, partygoers return to Ibiza

In Pics- Spanish cops confiscate $32 million worth of endangered taxidermied animals

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol".

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russia-steps-up-offensive-in-cities-ukraines-richest-man-vows-to-rebuild-mariupol-471456" hreflang="en">As Russia steps up offensive in cities, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol</a>

From offering weapons to aid, countries have come forward to help Ukraine, however, as per a Reuters report a small Spanish village located&nbsp;thousands of kilometres away from the conflict has shown its solidarity in a unique way&nbsp;by changing its name.

Formerly known as "Fuentes de Andalucia", it is now known as&nbsp;"Ukraine", the village has not only changed its name but has also renamed its streets.

Watch |&nbsp;Czech designer comes up with Zelensky's portrait pillows to raise funds for Ukrainians

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In the village of around 7,100 people, just east of Seville, streets are now called City of Kyiv, Mariupol, and Odesa.

The village has also raised 3,500 euros&nbsp;i.e., about $3,780 for a refugee centre within just two days, they have plans to offer homes and refuge to up to 25 refugees at the&nbsp;centre and more with the village’s families.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fleeing-war-russian-and-ukrainian-travel-thousands-of-kilometres-to-get-married-at-mexico-border-471171" hreflang="en">Fleeing war, Russian and Ukrainian travel thousands of kilometres to get married at Mexico border</a>

Earlier, a&nbsp;Czech designer had come up with a novel way to generate donations for Ukrainians afflicted by the country's crisis he designed pillows depicting the president's portrait, Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Many people, mostly of the fair sex, see him as some kind of a sex symbol, so I got the idea to make a pillow which would look like he is actually in their bed," the designer Tomas Brinek had told Reuters news agency on Friday.

Yet another amazing fundraising technique was employed by a small&nbsp;firm&nbsp;in&nbsp;Chicago. Using&nbsp;Lego&nbsp;mini-figures&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;and&nbsp;Motolov&nbsp;drinks,&nbsp;they&nbsp;raised&nbsp;over&nbsp;$160,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol". As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces.

In a small, peaceful village in southern Spain, there exists a white wall with a board that holds the sign "Square of Mariupol". As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages on even after fifty days, countries around the world have stood up in solidarity with Kyiv amid aggression by Putin's forces. Also read | As Russia steps up offensive in cities, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol From offering weapons to aid, countries have come forward to help Ukraine, however, as per a Reuters report a small Spanish village located thousands of kilometres away from the conflict has shown its solidarity in a unique way by changing its name. Formerly known as "Fuentes de Andalucia", it is now known as "Ukraine", the village has not only changed its name but has also renamed its streets. Watch | Czech designer comes up with Zelensky's portrait pillows to raise funds for Ukrainians In the village of around 7,100 people, just east of Seville, streets are now called City of Kyiv, Mariupol, and Odesa. The village has also raised 3,500 euros i.e., about $3,780 for a refugee centre within just two days, they have plans to offer homes and refuge to up to 25 refugees at the centre and more with the village’s families. Also read | Fleeing war, Russian and Ukrainian travel thousands of kilometres to get married at Mexico border Earlier, a Czech designer had come up with a novel way to generate donations for Ukrainians afflicted by the country's crisis he designed pillows depicting the president's portrait, Volodymyr Zelensky. "Many people, mostly of the fair sex, see him as some kind of a sex symbol, so I got the idea to make a pillow which would look like he is actually in their bed," the designer Tomas Brinek had told Reuters news agency on Friday. Yet another amazing fundraising technique was employed by a small firm in Chicago. Using Lego mini-figures of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Motolov drinks, they raised over $160,000. (With inputs from agencies)

From a village renaming itself to Zelensky pillows, amazing methods people used to show support for Ukraine

In solidarity with the citizens of the eastern European nation, a village has changed its name to 'Ukraine', a Reuters report said. &nbsp;

The peaceful white-walled village seems to be around 4,000 km (2,500 miles) away from the European country, Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is located in southern Spain and was earlier called 'Fuentes de Andalucia'. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russia-steps-up-offensive-in-cities-ukraines-richest-man-vows-to-rebuild-mariupol-471456">As Russia steps up offensive, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol &nbsp;</a>

At the village's entrance, one can see a sign at a roundabout saying its new name 'Ukraine'. The country's blue and yellow flag can also be seen painted alongside. &nbsp;

The village houses around 7,100 inhabitants and is located east of Seville. &nbsp;

The streets in the village have also been renamed the City of Odesa, Kyiv and Mariupol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Threat of Russia launching 'Nuke' attack on Ukraine can't be taken lightly: US

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"The main objective is to raise awareness about the conflict in Ukraine but also about where countries are at war in current times," Francisco Martinez, a resident told Reuters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Not just this, the villagers have also raised 3,500 euros ($3,780) in two days to come up with a refugee centre. It also wants to offer homes to around 25 refugees at the centre or with the families. &nbsp;

A 68-year-old pensioner Rafael Osuna told Reuters, "The people of Fuentes are very proud of what we are doing. As I live alone and have a big house, I have thought of taking in a Ukrainian couple for a while." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In solidarity with the citizens of the eastern European nation, a village has changed its name to 'Ukraine', a Reuters report said. The peaceful white-walled village seems to be around 4,000 km (2,500 miles) away from the European country, Ukraine.

In solidarity with the citizens of the eastern European nation, a village has changed its name to 'Ukraine', a Reuters report said. The peaceful white-walled village seems to be around 4,000 km (2,500 miles) away from the European country, Ukraine. It is located in southern Spain and was earlier called 'Fuentes de Andalucia'. Also Read: As Russia steps up offensive, Ukraine’s richest man vows to rebuild Mariupol At the village's entrance, one can see a sign at a roundabout saying its new name 'Ukraine'. The country's blue and yellow flag can also be seen painted alongside. The village houses around 7,100 inhabitants and is located east of Seville. The streets in the village have also been renamed the City of Odesa, Kyiv and Mariupol. Watch | Threat of Russia launching 'Nuke' attack on Ukraine can't be taken lightly: US "The main objective is to raise awareness about the conflict in Ukraine but also about where countries are at war in current times," Francisco Martinez, a resident told Reuters. Not just this, the villagers have also raised 3,500 euros ($3,780) in two days to come up with a refugee centre. It also wants to offer homes to around 25 refugees at the centre or with the families. A 68-year-old pensioner Rafael Osuna told Reuters, "The people of Fuentes are very proud of what we are doing. As I live alone and have a big house, I have thought of taking in a Ukrainian couple for a while." (With inputs from agencies)

To show solidarity, village in Spain renames itself to 'Ukraine'  

Biggest cannabis plantation of Europe, which was spread in&nbsp;166 acres,&nbsp;has been destroyed by the authorities in Spain, the police said on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After a massive seizure of over 1,000 taxidermised animals worth $31.5 million some days back, the police in Spain are back in action. It has damaged around 415,000 hemp plants. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The plantation seems to have been worth 100 million euros ($108 million), a Reuters report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-90-italian-woman-scripts-history-takes-lessons-for-middle-school-diploma-470780" hreflang="en">At 90, Italian woman scripts history, takes lessons for middle school diploma</a>

Not just this, around 50 tonnes of the plants were also being dried to come up with cannabidiol (CBD). It is a compound, which is not psychoactive and is used to treat insomnia, anxiety and other ailments. It was being created in a warehouse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, the Guardia Civil force said that the plantation was spread across 11 fields in the rural northern region of Navarre. It occupied a combined area of 67 hectares (166 acres). &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;France completes installation of first offshore wind turbine

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The sale and consumption of CBD is, however, lawful in Spain and most of Europe. &nbsp;

The law in Spain forbids the plantation of cannabis for anything other than industrial uses, as per the Agriculture Ministry.&nbsp;And growing hemp to later convert it into CBD is also an offence. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the operation, three people were also arrested. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Biggest cannabis plantation of Europe, which was spread in 166 acres, has been destroyed by the authorities in Spain, the police said on Wednesday. After a massive seizure of over 1,000 taxidermised animals worth $31.

Biggest cannabis plantation of Europe, which was spread in 166 acres, has been destroyed by the authorities in Spain, the police said on Wednesday. After a massive seizure of over 1,000 taxidermised animals worth $31.5 million some days back, the police in Spain are back in action. It has damaged around 415,000 hemp plants. The plantation seems to have been worth 100 million euros ($108 million), a Reuters report said. Also Read: At 90, Italian woman scripts history, takes lessons for middle school diploma Not just this, around 50 tonnes of the plants were also being dried to come up with cannabidiol (CBD). It is a compound, which is not psychoactive and is used to treat insomnia, anxiety and other ailments. It was being created in a warehouse. In a statement, the Guardia Civil force said that the plantation was spread across 11 fields in the rural northern region of Navarre. It occupied a combined area of 67 hectares (166 acres). Watch: France completes installation of first offshore wind turbine × The sale and consumption of CBD is, however, lawful in Spain and most of Europe. The law in Spain forbids the plantation of cannabis for anything other than industrial uses, as per the Agriculture Ministry. And growing hemp to later convert it into CBD is also an offence. In the operation, three people were also arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

Cops destroy Europe's biggest cannabis plantation worth $108 million in Spain

A businessman is being probed for owning a private taxidermy collection in the eastern Valencia region by Spain's Civil Guard, reports said citing the officials on Sunday. &nbsp;

The collection includes over 1,000 stuffed animals, which includes more than 400 from protected species. And at least one specimen is of a North African oryx, which is already extinct. &nbsp;

In a statement, Civil Guard said that on the black market, the collection could be worth 29 million euros (USD31.5 million). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-wildlife-overpass-begins-construction-this-month-469956" hreflang="en">Construction of world’s largest wildlife overpass to begin this month in US</a>

The owner could be charged with trafficking and other crimes against the environment, it added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The seizure seems to be the largest of protected stuffed specimens ever found, it said. &nbsp;

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Police in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a> seized over 1,000 stuffed endangered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/animals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#animals</a>. Heart breaking💔💔 
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The stuffed animals were found in two warehouses by investigating agents. These facilities, which extended over 50,000 square metres, were on the outskirts of Bétera. It is a small town located north of the eastern coastal city of Valencia. &nbsp;

In total, 1,090 stuffed animals were found. Around 405 of these belonged to specimens, which are protected by the CITES convention on wildlife protection. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion

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The stuffed specimens of lion, leopard, lynx, cheetah, snow panther, polar bear and white rhinoceros, among others, were found by the agents. &nbsp;

It included scimitar oryx or Sahara oryx, which has been declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2000. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two more species, which are nearly extinct, the addax or white antelope and the Bengal tiger, were also found. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A businessman is being probed for owning a private taxidermy collection in the eastern Valencia region by Spain's Civil Guard, reports said citing the officials on Sunday.

A businessman is being probed for owning a private taxidermy collection in the eastern Valencia region by Spain's Civil Guard, reports said citing the officials on Sunday. The collection includes over 1,000 stuffed animals, which includes more than 400 from protected species. And at least one specimen is of a North African oryx, which is already extinct. In a statement, Civil Guard said that on the black market, the collection could be worth 29 million euros (USD31.5 million). Also Read: Construction of world’s largest wildlife overpass to begin this month in US The owner could be charged with trafficking and other crimes against the environment, it added. The seizure seems to be the largest of protected stuffed specimens ever found, it said. Police in #Spain seized over 1,000 stuffed endangered #animals. Heart breaking💔💔 pic.twitter.com/6Y4GDNhbwm — Auron (@auron83591234) April 10, 2022 × The stuffed animals were found in two warehouses by investigating agents. These facilities, which extended over 50,000 square metres, were on the outskirts of Bétera. It is a small town located north of the eastern coastal city of Valencia. In total, 1,090 stuffed animals were found. Around 405 of these belonged to specimens, which are protected by the CITES convention on wildlife protection. Watch: Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion × The stuffed specimens of lion, leopard, lynx, cheetah, snow panther, polar bear and white rhinoceros, among others, were found by the agents. It included scimitar oryx or Sahara oryx, which has been declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2000. Two more species, which are nearly extinct, the addax or white antelope and the Bengal tiger, were also found. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Spain cops seize over 1,000 taxidermised animals worth $31.5 million

Lindsey Vonn, the greatest women's skier of all-time, will be the host of the 2022 Laureus Awards Show in the picturesque Spanish city of Seville on Sunday, April 24, when the winners of this year's Laureus World Sports Awards are revealed.

First staged in 2000, the Laureus Awards celebrates the greatest achievements of individuals and teams across all sports.

The winners are chosen by the votes of the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy: the greatest sportsmen and women of today being saluted by the most illustrious legends of the past.

Lindsey Vonn was honoured by the Laureus Academy in 2019 when she was presented with the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award to mark the end of her remarkable career.

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In 2021 she became a member of the Laureus Academy.

"When I received the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award on my retirement in 2019, I remember saying I was sad to be leaving my sport but I was looking forward to the next chapter of my life and doing something incredible. That's exactly how I feel now to be the host for the 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards in the beautiful city of Seville. This is going to be an incredible night for myself and for all the winners of these very special awards," said Lindsey Vonn as per an official release.

"I know how emotional and uplifting it is to receive a Laureus Award and it's going to be so exciting to be part of the awards show in Seville. Although we can't host the nominees and winners in person this year, I have seen all the preparations for the virtual event. It's going to be a wonderful evening," she added.

In her career, Lindsey won four Overall World Cups - one of only three female skiers to do so - and a record eight World Cup Downhill titles.

In 2016, she won her 20th World Cup title, the overall record for men or women, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden.

Her total of 82 World Cup race victories is a women's record. She was a winner in all five Alpine skiing disciplines.

She won the downhill gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2010, where she also won bronze in the super-g, which led to her receiving the 2011 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Despite breaking her right arm three months before and also suffering a back injury, she won a bronze in the downhill at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

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The Laureus Awards, which reflects sporting achievement during 2021, is the premier honours event on the international sporting calendar. The winners, in a variety of different categories, will be revealed in a 'virtual'&nbsp;format as a result of continuing uncertainty over the COVID pandemic.

Among the nominees, selected by a panel of more than 1,200 of the leading sports journalists and broadcasters in the world, are Tom Brady, Robert Lewandowski, Max Verstappen, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Emma McKeon, Emma Raducanu, Pedri, Simone Biles, Sky Brown, Mark Cavendish, Tom Daley, Marc Marquez, Diede De Groot, Marcel Hug, Carissa Moore and Momiji Nishiya.

Among those shortlisted for the Laureus Team of the Year Award are three football teams: European Championship winners Italy, Copa America winners Argentina, including Lionel Messi, and the Barcelona Women`s team which won the Champions League.

Lindsey Vonn, the greatest women's skier of all-time, will be the host of the 2022 Laureus Awards Show in the picturesque Spanish city of Seville on Sunday, April 24, when the winners of this year's Laureus World Sports Awards are revealed.

Lindsey Vonn, the greatest women's skier of all-time, will be the host of the 2022 Laureus Awards Show in the picturesque Spanish city of Seville on Sunday, April 24, when the winners of this year's Laureus World Sports Awards are revealed. First staged in 2000, the Laureus Awards celebrates the greatest achievements of individuals and teams across all sports. The winners are chosen by the votes of the 71 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy: the greatest sportsmen and women of today being saluted by the most illustrious legends of the past. Lindsey Vonn was honoured by the Laureus Academy in 2019 when she was presented with the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award to mark the end of her remarkable career. ALSO READ: Argentina legend Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' shirt likely to fetch $5.23 million at auction In 2021 she became a member of the Laureus Academy. "When I received the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award on my retirement in 2019, I remember saying I was sad to be leaving my sport but I was looking forward to the next chapter of my life and doing something incredible. That's exactly how I feel now to be the host for the 2022 Laureus World Sports Awards in the beautiful city of Seville. This is going to be an incredible night for myself and for all the winners of these very special awards," said Lindsey Vonn as per an official release. "I know how emotional and uplifting it is to receive a Laureus Award and it's going to be so exciting to be part of the awards show in Seville. Although we can't host the nominees and winners in person this year, I have seen all the preparations for the virtual event. It's going to be a wonderful evening," she added. In her career, Lindsey won four Overall World Cups - one of only three female skiers to do so - and a record eight World Cup Downhill titles. In 2016, she won her 20th World Cup title, the overall record for men or women, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden. Her total of 82 World Cup race victories is a women's record. She was a winner in all five Alpine skiing disciplines. She won the downhill gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2010, where she also won bronze in the super-g, which led to her receiving the 2011 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. Despite breaking her right arm three months before and also suffering a back injury, she won a bronze in the downhill at the 2018 Winter Olympics. ALSO READ: Korea Open 2022: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth march into second round with easy wins The Laureus Awards, which reflects sporting achievement during 2021, is the premier honours event on the international sporting calendar. The winners, in a variety of different categories, will be revealed in a 'virtual' format as a result of continuing uncertainty over the COVID pandemic. Among the nominees, selected by a panel of more than 1,200 of the leading sports journalists and broadcasters in the world, are Tom Brady, Robert Lewandowski, Max Verstappen, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Emma McKeon, Emma Raducanu, Pedri, Simone Biles, Sky Brown, Mark Cavendish, Tom Daley, Marc Marquez, Diede De Groot, Marcel Hug, Carissa Moore and Momiji Nishiya. Among those shortlisted for the Laureus Team of the Year Award are three football teams: European Championship winners Italy, Copa America winners Argentina, including Lionel Messi, and the Barcelona Women`s team which won the Champions League.

Olympic great Lindsey Vonn to host Laureus Awards Show 2022 in Seville

Jorge Alejo, a child with cerebral palsy, who earlier used to be confined to a wheelchair, has been able to play with his friends nowadays, courtesy of a state-of-the-art exoskeleton. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Jorge was surrounded by friends, teachers and Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez as he fulfilled the ambition of standing up and playing with classmates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The exoskeleton seems to have changed his life over the past two years. It could also offer the same freedom to people facing the same issues. &nbsp;

Eva Muñoz-Torrero, Jorge’s mother, has told the Guardian that she can never forget the first time he had adorned the exoskeleton. “He said, ‘You can keep the wheelchair. I’m having this now and I’m taking it home’,” she added. &nbsp;

Since then, he has been begging to take the equipment out of the therapy room in his school where he used to visit&nbsp;twice a week. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-eating-more-avocados-improves-heart-health-468873" hreflang="en">Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health</a>

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Finally, Jorge could fulfill his wish on his 12th birthday. &nbsp;

Marsi Bionics has designed the exoskeleton. It describes the kit as “the only paediatric exoskeleton in the world that allows the child to move around freely”. The company has also said that it is unique because of the elastic technology, which adapts to the user’s body. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jorge Alejo, a child with cerebral palsy, who earlier used to be confined to a wheelchair, has been able to play with his friends nowadays, courtesy of a state-of-the-art exoskeleton.

Jorge Alejo, a child with cerebral palsy, who earlier used to be confined to a wheelchair, has been able to play with his friends nowadays, courtesy of a state-of-the-art exoskeleton. On Tuesday, Jorge was surrounded by friends, teachers and Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez as he fulfilled the ambition of standing up and playing with classmates. Also Read: Robot-cum-artist Ai-Da uses AI algorithms to create drawings, self-portraits The exoskeleton seems to have changed his life over the past two years. It could also offer the same freedom to people facing the same issues. Eva Muñoz-Torrero, Jorge’s mother, has told the Guardian that she can never forget the first time he had adorned the exoskeleton. “He said, ‘You can keep the wheelchair. I’m having this now and I’m taking it home’,” she added. Since then, he has been begging to take the equipment out of the therapy room in his school where he used to visit twice a week. Watch | Study: Eating more Avocados improves heart health × Finally, Jorge could fulfill his wish on his 12th birthday. Marsi Bionics has designed the exoskeleton. It describes the kit as “the only paediatric exoskeleton in the world that allows the child to move around freely”. The company has also said that it is unique because of the elastic technology, which adapts to the user’s body. (With inputs from agencies)

Exoskeleton helps 12-year-old child with cerebral palsy to stand, walk, play in Spain

Spain seizes Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht on behalf of the US authorities making it the first time the US has seized property of a Russian oligarch.

Spain seizes Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg's superyacht for US

Spain's opposition&nbsp;Popular Party&nbsp;(PP) on Saturday overwhelmingly voted for Alberto Nunez Feijoo as&nbsp;leader&nbsp;in the hope the calm, experienced moderate with a pragmatic outlook will return the&nbsp;right-wing&nbsp;faction to power.

After&nbsp;13 years governing Galicia in northwestern&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;with an impressive track record of four absolute majorities, the party is hoping the 60-year-old will be able to translate his regional success to a national level.

In a vote on Saturday morning, he was elected with 98.3 percent of the ballots at a two-day party conference in the southern city of Seville.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/large-protest-in-madrid-against-spains-position-on-western-sahara-465799">&nbsp;Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara</a>

"I have come here to win and to rule," he told delegates on Friday at a two-day party conference in the southern city of Seville.&nbsp;

"I am not running just to lead a party, but to serve&nbsp;Spain... Because&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;needs us more than ever. I will work tirelessly to pave a path that most Spaniards can walk along," he later tweeted.&nbsp;

The Galician&nbsp;leader&nbsp;was the only candidate running to take over from Pablo Casado, who was edged out following a bitter internal dispute with one of the party's rising stars.&nbsp;

When Casado took over as&nbsp;PP&nbsp;chief in July 2018, he was a young hardliner who promised to breathe&nbsp;new&nbsp;life into a party snarled in corruption and bleeding votes.

But barely four years later, he was left fighting for his political life&nbsp;after&nbsp;a very public confrontation with Isabel Diaz Ayuso, whose success as Madrid regional&nbsp;leader&nbsp;threw his own lacklustre leadership into sharp relief.

In a parting address on Friday, Casado told delegates he was also giving up his seat in parliament and all "positions of responsibility" in the&nbsp;PP, with party barons thanking him for his time as&nbsp;leader.

Two former&nbsp;PP&nbsp;prime ministers, Jose María Aznar (1996-2004) and Mariano Rajoy (2011-2018), urged the party to rally around Feijoo.

"We must be totally committed to his success, because it will mean success for all of us and for&nbsp;Spain," said Aznar, speaking by video link because he has Covid-19.&nbsp;

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Feijoo v. Vox and the Socialists&nbsp;

Feijoo is the only one of&nbsp;Spain's regional leaders to govern with an absolute majority in a region where the Socialists pose no threat and the far-right Vox has made no headway despite growing popularity across&nbsp;Spain.

But at a national level, the situation is the opposite, and Feijoo will have to contend with a Socialist-led government, its hard-left partner Podemos and Vox in the ascendency.&nbsp;

During his long political career, Feijoo has steered clear of scandal, despite the emergence of photos from the mid-90s showing his friendship with a cigarette smuggler later jailed for drug trafficking.&nbsp;

While admitting they were friends at the time, Feijoo said he had no idea about the illegal activities.&nbsp;

During a national tour to present his candidacy, Feijoo made a few slips, including a reference to the government as "autistic" for which he later apologised to those with the condition.&nbsp;

General elections are due by the end of 2023 but Pedro Sanchez's left-wing coalition is already worn out by the pandemic, soaring inflation and social unrest over spiralling prices as well as the global uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

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The far-right has also been a headache for the&nbsp;PP, which has watched how Vox has, within eight years, managed to obtain 52 of the 350 seats in&nbsp;Spain's parliament as its own showing has fallen from 186 to 88.

Feijoo's job is now "to attract the centrist voters" that brought the&nbsp;PP's Aznar and Rajoy to power, said Ernesto Pascual, a political scientist at Barcelona's Autonomous University.

Even if the&nbsp;PP&nbsp;does succeed in next year's election, recent polls suggest it could need the support of Vox to govern.&nbsp;

Alarm bells sounded last month when the&nbsp;PP&nbsp;made a coalition deal with Vox, letting the far-right faction into a regional government for the first time, raising fears it could be a blueprint for future power-sharing, both regionally and nationally.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Protests in Spain: Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez under pressure to cut taxes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-in-spain-spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-under-pressure-to-cut-taxes-464037/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Spain's opposition Popular Party (PP) on Saturday overwhelmingly voted for Alberto Nunez Feijoo as leader in the hope the calm, experienced moderate with a pragmatic outlook will return the right-wing faction to power.

Spain's opposition Popular Party (PP) on Saturday overwhelmingly voted for Alberto Nunez Feijoo as leader in the hope the calm, experienced moderate with a pragmatic outlook will return the right-wing faction to power. After 13 years governing Galicia in northwestern Spain with an impressive track record of four absolute majorities, the party is hoping the 60-year-old will be able to translate his regional success to a national level. In a vote on Saturday morning, he was elected with 98.3 percent of the ballots at a two-day party conference in the southern city of Seville. Also read | Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara "I have come here to win and to rule," he told delegates on Friday at a two-day party conference in the southern city of Seville. "I am not running just to lead a party, but to serve Spain... Because Spain needs us more than ever. I will work tirelessly to pave a path that most Spaniards can walk along," he later tweeted. The Galician leader was the only candidate running to take over from Pablo Casado, who was edged out following a bitter internal dispute with one of the party's rising stars. When Casado took over as PP chief in July 2018, he was a young hardliner who promised to breathe new life into a party snarled in corruption and bleeding votes. But barely four years later, he was left fighting for his political life after a very public confrontation with Isabel Diaz Ayuso, whose success as Madrid regional leader threw his own lacklustre leadership into sharp relief. In a parting address on Friday, Casado told delegates he was also giving up his seat in parliament and all "positions of responsibility" in the PP, with party barons thanking him for his time as leader. Two former PP prime ministers, Jose María Aznar (1996-2004) and Mariano Rajoy (2011-2018), urged the party to rally around Feijoo. "We must be totally committed to his success, because it will mean success for all of us and for Spain," said Aznar, speaking by video link because he has Covid-19. Also read | Three generations of women flee war in Ukraine for Spain Feijoo v. Vox and the Socialists Feijoo is the only one of Spain's regional leaders to govern with an absolute majority in a region where the Socialists pose no threat and the far-right Vox has made no headway despite growing popularity across Spain. But at a national level, the situation is the opposite, and Feijoo will have to contend with a Socialist-led government, its hard-left partner Podemos and Vox in the ascendency. During his long political career, Feijoo has steered clear of scandal, despite the emergence of photos from the mid-90s showing his friendship with a cigarette smuggler later jailed for drug trafficking. While admitting they were friends at the time, Feijoo said he had no idea about the illegal activities. During a national tour to present his candidacy, Feijoo made a few slips, including a reference to the government as "autistic" for which he later apologised to those with the condition. General elections are due by the end of 2023 but Pedro Sanchez's left-wing coalition is already worn out by the pandemic, soaring inflation and social unrest over spiralling prices as well as the global uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine. Also read | Spain to ban influencers promoting unhealthy foods to children The far-right has also been a headache for the PP, which has watched how Vox has, within eight years, managed to obtain 52 of the 350 seats in Spain's parliament as its own showing has fallen from 186 to 88. Feijoo's job is now "to attract the centrist voters" that brought the PP's Aznar and Rajoy to power, said Ernesto Pascual, a political scientist at Barcelona's Autonomous University. Even if the PP does succeed in next year's election, recent polls suggest it could need the support of Vox to govern. Alarm bells sounded last month when the PP made a coalition deal with Vox, letting the far-right faction into a regional government for the first time, raising fears it could be a blueprint for future power-sharing, both regionally and nationally. Watch | Protests in Spain: Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez under pressure to cut taxes

After crisis, Spain's right-wing Popular Party appoints new leader

The United States will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E. 
 
Holders France will meet Denmark and Tunisia in Group D while the tournament will kick off on Nov. 21 with hosts Qatar playing Ecuador. 
 
For the U.S., the draw pits them against their former colonial rulers England and the Iranians, a country they have had long-running political disputes with.

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The U.S. faced Iran at the 1998 World Cup in France, losing 2-1 to the Gulf nation. 
 
Group G was one of the toughest, pitting five-times World Cup winners Brazil against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. 
 
The draw came after a 45 minute musical and video show as FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised the event would "simply be the best tournament ever".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-bcci-likely-to-go-ahead-with-50-percent-capacity-in-stadiums-from-next-week-467470" hreflang="en">IPL 2022: BCCI likely to go ahead with 50 percent capacity from next week</a> 
 
The decision in 2010 to hand the hosting rights to Qatar was heavily criticised and there has been intense scrutiny of the human rights situation in the country. 
 
Qatar`s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani welcomed the guests who included national team coaches, World Cup-winning players and football officials all waiting to discover the group stage match-ups during a ceremony presented by British actor Idris Elba and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury. 
 
The tournament will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 -- the first time soccer`s top prize has been competed for in the Middle East and there was a distinct Arabian feeling to the show.

The United States will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E. Holders France will meet Denmark and Tunisia in Group D while the tournament will kick off on Nov.

The United States will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E. Holders France will meet Denmark and Tunisia in Group D while the tournament will kick off on Nov. 21 with hosts Qatar playing Ecuador. For the U.S., the draw pits them against their former colonial rulers England and the Iranians, a country they have had long-running political disputes with. Also read | Bruno Fernandes signs new contract extension with Manchester United till 2026 The U.S. faced Iran at the 1998 World Cup in France, losing 2-1 to the Gulf nation. Group G was one of the toughest, pitting five-times World Cup winners Brazil against Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. The draw came after a 45 minute musical and video show as FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised the event would "simply be the best tournament ever". Also read | IPL 2022: BCCI likely to go ahead with 50 percent capacity from next week The decision in 2010 to hand the hosting rights to Qatar was heavily criticised and there has been intense scrutiny of the human rights situation in the country. Qatar`s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani welcomed the guests who included national team coaches, World Cup-winning players and football officials all waiting to discover the group stage match-ups during a ceremony presented by British actor Idris Elba and broadcaster Reshmin Chowdhury. The tournament will run from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 -- the first time soccer`s top prize has been competed for in the Middle East and there was a distinct Arabian feeling to the show.

U.S. to face England and Iran, Spain meet Germany in FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage

On Sunday, around 1,000 local choirs in towns and cities across the world have gathered to sing together for peace in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Spanish choirs lead global singalong for peace in Ukraine

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

“We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate.

Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries.

Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale."

The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations.

In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise.

Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard.

Hundreds of protesters opposed Spain's new position on the fate of Western Sahara as an autonomous region of Morocco. The protesters gathered outside Spain's Foreign Affairs Ministry to make their voices heard. “We feel betrayed because he said that he gives sovereignty over the Saharawi territory to the Moroccans and we do not feel equal to them," said protester Fatu Abahai, who came from Basque Country to Madrid to demonstrate. Morocco considers Western Sahara its own but an Algeria-backed independence movement demands a sovereign state. For years most countries, including Spain, had advocated for an independence referendum to determine its fate. Madrid told Rabat last Friday (March 18) that it regarded its autonomy proposal for Western Sahara as "serious, credible and realistic," in a move expected to help patch up sour relations between the two countries. Waving Saharan flags, protesters claimed “Sanchez, traitor” and “free Sahara” while holding a banner reading "Sahara is not for sale." The change of position - led by Sanchez's Socialist Party - came as a surprise to the coalition government's junior partner, the far left Podemos party, which criticised the move. They were joined by dissenting voices from experts, media and non-governmental organisations. In recent years the prospect of an independence referendum has waned and even the United Nations has ceased referring to a vote, speaking instead of seeking a realistic, mutually acceptable solution based on compromise. Relations cooled between Spain and Morocco last year after Rabat accused Madrid of not telling it about admitting a Western Sahara independence leader for medical treatment using Algerian documents. (With inputs from agencies)

Large protest in Madrid against Spain's position on Western Sahara

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