Yesterday an announcement was made about the recommendations proposed by a special committee of “experts” (whose credibility is a cause for much discussion), set up to look into the Valle de los Caidos (the Valley of the Fallen), the massive, sinister mausoleum…
A cosy night in Cortes
This weekend my family and I took a well-earned break from the usual monotony of me not being able to tear myself away from the computer, and my son not being able to tear himself away from the television, too…
The Day After
See that little red spot at the bottom? That’s us! It’s now just over 24 hours since we knew for sure that our next Prime Minister would be Mariano Rajoy, leader of the PP – the Conservative Popular Party. With…
20N: some handy statistics
Here are some (very) quick facts and figures about the Spanish Election: which takes place today. Main parties Percentage of vote PP (Partido Popular, Conservatives) are expected to win: 45% Seats expected to win: 190-195 Percentage of vote PSOE (Partido…
Fear and repression in Franco’s Spain
Last week I saw two new films about Spain under Franco’s dictatorship. Both were dominated, predictably, by the recurrent themes of injustice, incarceration, abuse and human suffering. Both had a strong Andalucian connection: one was set and filmed here; the…