The number of new mortgage transactions in May fell by 29% compared to the same month last year.
Record tourist numbers in June 2013
According to a survey of tourist movements published today by FRONTUR, the number of foreign tourists visiting Spain during June 2013 was up by 5.3% on last year at 6.3 million and represents an historical record for this month.
Record public debt
Figures issued on Wednesday by the Bank of Spain show the results of two recessions within four years and a European bailout of the banks to be a record public debt in May 2013 of €937,334 billion, equivalent to €20,000 for every single person in the country.
Corruption in Spain
The Global Barometer of Corruption 2013, a survey carried out by Transparency International Spain (TI-Spain) makes for interesting, if predictable reading.
Ten people killed on the roads over the weekend
A total of ten people, including two motorcyclists, lost their lives on the roads in Spain over the weekend. A further en people were injured.
Tobacco and alcohol taxes to go up on Sunday
The special tax increase on alcohol and tobacco comes into force on Sunday, with the price of cigarettes expected to rise on average by €0.15 per packet. Rolling tobacco is likely to rise by even more.
Tax increases on alcohol and tobacco
The Council of Ministers is expected to approve a special tax increase on alcohol and tobacco during today’s meeting as well as outline spending limits for 2014, support and encourage entrepreneurship, approve electronic invoicing and provide yet more funds for local authorities to pay outstanding debts to suppliers.
Spain 3-0 Nigeria
Spain will face Italy in the Confederations Cup semi-finals after they beat Nigeria 3-0 to top Group B. Jordi Alba scored twice and Torres, on as a substitute, grabbed one. Although Spain dominated possession, Nigeria caused problems for Spain’s defence but were let down by some poor finishing in front of goal. Brazil will play Uruguay in the other semi-final.
Savings without job losses
The government will save at least €37.7 billion (4% of GDP) over the next three years under its restructuring of public administrations, and this will be achieved without job losses, according to Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría.
House prices continue to fall
House prices in the free sector continue their downward trend, falling by over 6€ during the first quarter of 2013 when compared to the previous quarter. It is the largest decline since 2007, the first year that the National Statistics Institute (INE) began monitoring such statistics.