El ministro de Cultura, Ernest Urtasun, ha advertido este domingo al presidente del Gobierno, Pedro Sánchez, que “resistir no es suficiente” ante el escándalo de corrupción que ha estallado en su partido y que Sumar “no esperará al PSOE para desarrollar una agenda contra la corrupción, en el Gobierno, en el Congreso y en todos los espacios donde se pueda”. “Vamos a liderar la regeneración democrática con toda nuestra fuerza”, ha afirmado en Barcelona, durante la clausura del congreso de Barcelona en comú, el partido fundado tras el 15M con el que Ada Colau llegó a la alcaldía de la ciudad en 2015. “Resistir e intentar alargar la legislatura sin hacer nada de forma agónica no va a ser la solución”, ha considerado el ministro el día después del Comité Federal en el que el PSOE cerró filas con Sánchez pero en el que se constató que la crisis no está finiquitada.

Urtasun ha cuestionado las palabras de “socialistas que han dicho que la corrupción cero en política no existe: y la prueba es Barcelona en comú, que en más de diez años no ha tenido un caso en sus filas”. El ecosocialista ha contrapuesto los casos de corrupción con “los que han sufrido casos de lawfare, con querellas por sus transformaciones, como Ada Colau”, que se han archivado en su inmensa mayoría. “Algunos reciben querellas y a otros les intentan sobornar”, ha dicho.

La coalición de Gobierno entre el PSOE y Sumar vive un momento de extrema tensión por el escándalo de corrupción que tiene a su último secretario de organización, Santos Cerdán, en la cárcel desde el lunes pasado. El miércoles, la reunión entre el PSOE y Sumar para intentar pactar una serie de medidas fue un fracaso, sin acuerdos y con reproches mutuos. La vicepresidenta y líder de Sumar, Yolanda Díaz, aseguró que los socialistas “no son conscientes” de la gravedad de la situación. En el PSOE, a su turno, se expresó cierto malestar por el tono de Sumar.

Un nuevo sistema de primarias en vistas a 2027

El rechazo a la corrupción ha sido uno de los dos mensajes durante el congreso de los comunes de Barcelona, junto a un llamamiento a armar un “frente amplio” de izquierdas en vistas a las elecciones municipales de 2027. En clave local, el portavoz del partido, Max Canher, ha anunciado este domingo que “en los próximos meses el partido celebrará elecciones primarias para elegir un tándem, un ticket electoral que se presentará para volver a liderar Barcelona” a las municipales.

Cahner no ha concretado la fecha, aunque fuentes del partido aseguran que se convocarán antes de final de este año y las votaciones serán a comienzos de 2026. El nuevo sistema, aprobado el sábado durante el congreso, consiste en que se presenten dos nombres por candidatura, que serán el primero y segundo de la lista, y que podrán elegir a otros tres nombres. A partir del número seis, para elegir los nombres se hará con primarias abiertas. En 2015 no hubo primarias, en 2019 se presentó una candidatura, pero ganó Colau y en 2023 solo se presentó ella.

En la clausura también han participado el portavoz Max Cahner, la jefa del grupo municipal en el Ayuntamiento, Janet Sanz, la concejal Jess González, y el diputado y miembro de la mesa del Congreso, Gerardo Pisarello, que fue concejal en el primer gobierno municipal de Ada Colau. Sanz ha afirmado: ”En 2023 tuvimos que escoger entre susto o muerte, pero en 2027 no tendremos que elegir entre extrema derecha o corruptos. En 2027 escogeremos Barcelona en comú porque volveremos a ganar y pondremos la ciudad al servicio dela gente de nuevo”.

Tras el discurso de Pisarello, algunos asistentes le han visto interesado en lanzar una candidatura. Ha asegurado que a los comunes “se les echa trabajo encima”, tras los casos de corrupción de PSOE y PP. Pisarello ha apostado, como el sábado en la primera jornada hicieron sus compañeros, por conseguir amplias alianzas con la izquierda. Y ha concretado apostando por hablar con nombres destacados de la CUP, de barrios o incluso del PSC. “Cerrar una lista implica hablar, cenar, bailar juntos, con nuestras diferencias pero poniendo en valor lo que nos une. Hagamos honor a lo que somos, comuners, sabemos que costará pero no podemos desertar”, ha dicho. Preguntado personalmente, no ha confirmado ni desmentido la idea de presentarse a primarias.

In recent years, Spain has repositioned itself as one of Europe’s leading tech hubs. Barcelona and Madrid are two of the nation’s most vibrant tech cities, with a thriving ecosystem for tech startups and continued investment being poured into their ever-evolving technology sector. 

Here is a closer look at how Spain has become the European Union’s shining light for technology.

What are the key tech sectors currently thriving in Spain?

Spain’s robust digital infrastructure and matured financial and legal framework are more favourable than ever to tech companies. The ecosystem here is constantly maturing to help Spain become a leading European tech hub. 

Some of the key tech sectors currently thriving in Spain are the following:

• Fintech
• Cybersecurity
• Renewable energy
• Artificial intelligence (AI) 
• Healthcare
• Cloud computing
• eCommerce

The iGaming sector, which relies on numerous technologies, is also showing signs of incredible growth. 

Thanks to advanced computer programming languages, AI-powered tools, better regulations, faster internet speeds, cloud computing technology, enhanced cybersecurity, more powerful PCs and mobile devices, and faster, more efficient, responsive, and dynamic websites and web browsers (and various other key technologies), this industry continues showing continued year-on-year growth. 

For example, people who play slot games, classic table & card games, and highly sophisticated live dealer games on legally permitted websites in Spain now have a safer environment to play their favourite titles, a more tailored/personalised experience, quicker transaction processing times, and a more engaging and immersive experience. 

How has Spain repositioned itself as one of Europe’s key players in the tech industry?

Despite various economic challenges, Spain is fast becoming a tech powerhouse on the European stage thanks to a strong commitment to fostering innovation and developing its dynamic startup ecosystem. 

Over 94% of the population is connected to the internet, and this high internet penetration rate creates a hospitable digital environment for online businesses. 

Spain has a well-developed ICT (Information and Communications Technology) sector, and thanks to continued investment being poured into the infrastructure, there is now widespread high-speed internet and sophisticated fiber optic networks that many digital businesses benefit from. 

Tech companies also receive plenty of government support, thanks to new policies and initiatives, such as the Startup Law, which helps to create and scale new tech companies by reducing red tape obstacles and providing various tax incentives. 

Another supportive policy that has helped tech companies thrive in Spain is the Rising Up in Spain Program, which was designed to assist foreign entrepreneurs and provide end-to-end support, including visibility assistance and market guidance. 

Additionally, High-growth tech startups specialising in key sectors, such as renewable energy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), are supported by initiatives such as the Next Tech Fund. 

Spain has a highly skilled and talented workforce, and the tech industry growth is now spreading beyond major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, creating new opportunities across the country for tech students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualifications. 

Valencia, Seville, Malaga, and Bilbao are also emerging as tech hubs in Spain and are currently undergoing a digital transformation with sustainable innovation. Many of the startup companies based in these cities focus on key areas, such as AI, biotechnology, renewable energy/climate tech, SaaS, fintech, digital health and cloud computing. 

Roles in these sectors are currently in high demand in Spain, as more people than ever are focusing on obtaining new tech skills over traditional credentials. 

Final thoughts

Some of Spain’s most notable tech companies that are helping the country become Europe’s new tech hub are Telefonica, Amadeus, Indra, and Globant. 

Other leading tech companies in Spain that are also contributing billions annually to the economy are Cabify, RavenPack, Mashape, Cookpad, Wallapop, TravelPerk, Idealista, Spotathome, and Jobandtalent, to name a few. 

Over the coming years, experts who follow the industry closely expect Spain to continue evolving into a true tech powerhouse, not just in Europe, but also on the global stage.

Click here to read more Technology News from The Olive Press.

SPANISH meteorologist Mario Picazo is warning that Barcelona could reach 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

On his El Tiempo media channel, Picazo said that summers are getting ‘hotter and hotter, with temperatures that could reach 50 degrees in the shade.’

READ MORE: Private: Weather warning for the Costa del Sol: Yellow alert for heat in Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola

“This is the scenario for which the city of Barcelona is preparing, seeking to anticipate situations of extreme heat that could cause power outages, disruptions to urban mobility, or limited access to medicines, among other consequences,” he added.

“The heat is intensifying, but it does so even more so in urban environments. In cities, we must take into account the phenomenon known as urban heat islands. The asphalt on streets and roads, along with buildings, retains heat and adds several degrees to the already high temperatures due to the arrival of warm air masses, common during the summer.”

Picazo attributes the ‘increasingly hot and muggy’ summers experienced in Barcelona and other Mediterranean cities, to rising sea temperatures.

Humidity is turning temperatures of 32 degrees into 40 degrees he said.

With a budget of 11.6 million euros, the Barcelona City Council is developing a ‘Heat Plan’ on a 2035 timeline to expand the number of ‘climate shelters,’ in response to its heating seaside city.

“The intention is to progressively implement everything installed or learned from this experience. The city is increasingly facing extreme heat waves, which tend to last longer,” Picazo said.

READ MORE: Keeping cool during hot weather in Spain with tips from health experts

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