A newly authenticated Caravaggio painting, "Ecce Homo," is now on display at the Prado museum in Madrid. Initially misattributed and nearly sold at auction for €1,500, the painting was withdrawn from sale by the Spanish government in 2021. Experts later confirmed its authenticity, calling it a significant discovery. The painting will be exhibited until October and then move to the Prado's permanent collection for four months. It reportedly sold for €36 million and will remain on loan to public collections.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who recently secured an absolute majority in parliament, now faces the challenge of maintaining his government's stability and keeping a diverse group of supporters satisfied. To secure the necessary endorsements, Sánchez made a controversial agreement to push through an amnesty for individuals involved in Catalonia's failed secession attempt. While analysts acknowledge the difficulties ahead, they believe it is unlikely for the government to be toppled through a parliamentary maneuver. Sánchez's government relies on the support of Catalan separatist parties, and the completion of a four-year term may be challenging. However, Sánchez has the option to call a snap election if he believes it would benefit his party. The Popular Party's alliances with the far-right Vox party make it unlikely for Sánchez's supporters to switch sides. The separatist parties have warned that they expect more than just an amnesty and desire a binding referendum on independence for Catalonia. The competition between the two Catalan parties and the waning support for the independence movement could work in Sánchez's favor.
The Spanish island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands has seen a sudden influx of 1,200 migrants in just 48 hours, bringing the total number of arrivals to 3,300 in recent weeks. The island, with a population of only 11,000, is struggling to cope with the situation and has called for help. The migrants, many of whom are in shock and exhausted, are being moved to nearby islands due to a lack of capacity. Local authorities feel abandoned by the Spanish government and have declared a social emergency. The Canary Islands route is one of the most dangerous routes to Europe, with a high death rate.
Colombian pop star Shakira has been charged with tax evasion for the second time by the Spanish government, with prosecutors alleging that she defrauded the state of €6.7m ($7.1m, £5.8m) in 2018 by failing to declare millions in advance payments for her El Dorado World Tour. Shakira's legal team in Miami has not yet been informed about the new charges, as they are currently focused on preparing for the trial for the 2012-2014 fiscal years, which will begin on November 20. She faces trial over six separate alleged tax crimes in Barcelona and has denied any wrongdoing in both cases.
The Spanish government's attempt to suspend soccer chief Luis Rubiales over an unwanted kiss he gave to Spain star Jennifer Hermoso has suffered a setback. The Court of Arbitration in Sport (TAD) agreed to open a case against Rubiales but rejected the government's argument that his offenses were "very serious," preventing his immediate suspension. Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days and could face suspension by the government's High Council of Sport. Pressure is mounting on Rubiales to step down, with all 19 of the Spanish federation's regional presidents calling for his resignation.
