Rafael Nadal and hotel entrepreneur Abel Matutes Prats have partnered up to develop two large luxury residential projects on the Costa del Sol. 

The Junta de Andalucía has just approved one, the licence for the urban development in the Los Llanos sector, in Estepona, for its attention to environmental sustainability. This approval suggests that the Estepona council plans to approve the development in its next Plenary, scheduled for January.

The initiative includes Palya Invest, based in the Balearic Islands, which owns Palya Casa del Mar, whose board includes Abel Matutes Prats and Sebastián Nadal Homar, Rafa Nadal‘s dad. The project aims to reduce the area of construction for better urban management. The road leading to the project includes a design to create better access to the beach for everyone.

The new remodelled concept is to construct detached homes and semi-detached houses reducing considerably the footprint of each construction, which is estimated to be some 50 houses with 3 floors, and adding many more trees as well as maintaining as many existing ones as possible.

The Los Llanos plot was purchased by Mabel Casa for about €20 million at the end of 2019, making it one of the last virgin real estate developments by the sea on the Costa del Sol.

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The Region of Murcia finished 2024 on a high note, achieving its lowest unemployment figures since 2007.

December saw a reduction of 1,087 jobseekers, bringing the total number of unemployed to 78,956. This marks a 5.87 per cent drop compared to the previous year, reflecting a strong and steadily improving job market.

December brings positive results

In the final month of 2024, unemployment decreased by 1.36 per cent from November’s figures. The services and agriculture sectors were the biggest contributors to this decline, with significant reductions in jobless numbers. On the other hand, the construction and industrial sectors experienced slight increases in unemployment, highlighting areas where more targeted strategies may be needed.

Consistent growth over four years

This marks the fourth consecutive year of declining unemployment in Murcia. The current figure is the lowest recorded since 2007, showcasing a robust recovery and resilience in the region’s labor market. Murcia’s performance also continues to outpace the national average, demonstrating a dynamic and forward-moving economy.

Regional government efforts pay off

The regional government’s initiatives to stimulate job creation have been instrumental in this progress. Programs aimed at supporting women, young people, and first-time job seekers have driven much of the positive change. The emphasis on these groups not only broadens economic participation but also strengthens long-term employment stability.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

Despite overall progress, there was a slight uptick in temporary contracts, pointing to ongoing challenges in achieving fully secure employment for all. However, Murcia’s labor market remains resilient, and the outlook for 2025 is optimistic. Continued efforts to balance growth across all sectors will be key to maintaining momentum.

With strong foundations and clear growth strategies, Murcia is poised for another year of opportunity, further enhancing its reputation as a region of economic vitality and resilience.

Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here

Tensions flare as Extinction Rebellion protests fuel fears of a climate disaster:

In a huge move, climate activists from Extinction Rebellion brought traffic in the Dutch city of The Hague to a screeching halt on January 11, causing chaos throughout the city. Despite the fact that the protest had been officially banned by the Dutch Government, hundreds of demonstrators stormed the A12 motorway, preventing cars from entering or leaving the city, all in a fiery stand against the government’s controversial fossil fuel subsidies.

This is not the first time something like this has happened. Thousands of Extinction Rebellion activists previously protested against fossil fuel subsidies by blocking the A12 motorway in 2023.

This time, despite police efforts to block the protest, including erecting screens and fences along the road, several groups of passionate protesters made their way past the barriers, turning the busy highway into their battleground for change. The government had already banned the protest, but it went ahead anyway.

The Dutch government’s decision to reintroduce fossil fuel subsidies, once scrapped, is stoking the flames of public outrage. According to climate protestors ‘It’s a long-term protest to stop fossil subsidies,‘ not a spur-of-the-moment initiative. According to some protestors, the fires in Los Angeles are direct evidence of climate change caused by fossil fuels. There were angry shouts against the €47 billion a year given to ‘the most polluting businesses in the Netherlands’. What is really happening? Is the government funding fossil fuels despite scientific evidence that these fossil fuels are leading to worldwide disasters? Are the protestors’ claims accurate, or is this just populism?

Anger and controversy over fossil fuel subsidies in the Netherlands

In 2023, the Dutch government admitted that fossil fuel subsidies in the country amounted to a staggering €39.7 to €46.4 billion annually. And now, the new right-wing government has decided to reintroduce these subsidies, much to the anger of environmental campaigners.

Authorities responded by deploying water cannons in an attempt to disperse the protesters, but several demonstrators were detained – though police have yet to release the exact number.

But the message from Extinction Rebellion couldn’t be clearer: The fight for the planet’s future is heating up, and they’re not backing down any time soon.

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