The first quarters are traditionally not good for employment, as they are heavily marked by the end of the Christmas campaign. This year, Catalonia added 84,400 unemployed in absolute terms between January and March, 24% more than the previous quarter, the worst quarter-on-quarter increase since 2009. It is the second autonomous community with the highest increase, only behind the Balearic Islands, where the number of unemployed people soared by 76.55%.According to the active population survey (EPA) published this Tuesday, the Catalan unemployment rate in the first quarter stood at 10.12%. The National Institute of Statistics (INE) estimates that in Catalonia there were 435,600 people who wanted to join the labor market and could not. At the end of last year, however, unemployment stood at 8.24%.If we compare it to the first quarter of 2025, then the number of unemployed in Catalonia increased to a lesser extent – by 15.71% –, but it also grew because the beginning of the year is complicated in terms of employment. Last year Catalonia already experienced the worst start to the year since 2012, adding 47,200 new unemployed people, but this year it has broken new records and surpassed that threshold. The professor of labor law at the University of Barcelona (UB), Jordi Garcia, assured l?ARA that these EPA results show a "change in trend" regarding the dynamism of the labor market observed since 2011. "What is happening is no longer a slowdown in growth, but rather a decrease, a drop," he explained, and he contextualized it within a loss of dynamism in the economy in general.More employment

Despite the increase in the unemployment rate, in Catalonia this first quarter there were 16,900 more workers than in the same period last year, an increase of 0.44%. The explanation is that the volume of the active population – that is, of people who work or want to work – grew more than that of the employed population – people with a paid job –. Therefore, in proportion, those who entered to form part of the unemployed grew more than the group of workers, who represented a smaller percentage of the total.Between January and March, 46,300 jobs were destroyed, causing a 1.18% decrease in employment. In absolute numbers, this means that in Catalonia there were 3.87 million employed people, fewer than the almost four million in the last quarter of last year.Concern among social agents

Social agents have made a negative reading of the data. While Catalan UGT has opined that they show a "worrying evolution" of the Catalan labor market, CCOO de Catalunya has lamented that "they cannot be explained solely by the weight of seasonality". From the employers' associations, Foment has opined that the data are "especially negative" and Pimec has argued that the rise in unemployment "is not explained by a change in economic expectations".For their part, the Minister of Business and Labor, Miquel Sàmper, has committed to studying the data with "diligence". "In the registered unemployment so far, the trend is not this", stated the Secretary of Labor, Paco Ramos. They will analyze "whether trade or the tourism sector has had an impact" or if, on the other hand, the de-seasonalization strategy needs to be "strengthened". In parallel, however, Sàmper has not wanted to fail to highlight that the increase in the active population to record figures is "positive news because it shows that more people want to work in Catalonia", where there is "a dynamic market that works".Unemployment rises by 9.34% across the State

In the State as a whole, the unemployment rate was 10.83%, the lowest level in a first quarter since 2008. The number of employed people broke a new record, exceeding the threshold of 22.5 million people for the first time, after adding 532,300 workers in the last year. In contrast, Spain counted 2.7 million unemployed, 9.34% more than last quarter, but 2.89% less than in the same period last year.In absolute terms, however, between January and March, 170,300 jobs were destroyed in the State compared to the last quarter of last year. In seasonally adjusted terms, the balance was positive, showing a net incorporation of 96,800 people into the labor market, a 0.43% growth in the employment rate. Professor Jordi Garcia has warned that, "whenever someone looks for an excuse, they use the concept of seasonally adjusted", and finds it "difficult to understand that there are very different trends in Catalonia compared to the State". He recalled that Catalonia is a territory "with a lot of economic activity, and that means that if there is a general slowdown, it will probably be felt even more in Catalonia".The year-on-year increase in employment advanced in parallel with the active population, which in the State also reached a new historic high, standing above 25 million people. In the last year, Spain added 447,000 people capable of entering the labor market.

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The Pentagon is reportedly considering suspending Spain from NATO, among other proposals to punish countries that have not supported American operations in the war with Iran. This is indicated by an email that has circulated among senior officials of the War Department —formerly the Department of Defense— of the United States, as a funcionario has assured the Reuters agency on condition of anonymity.

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Mariona Caldentey, Jana Fernández, Laia Codina, Lucía Corrales… These are just a few names of footballers who in recent years have swapped Barça for England. A phenomenon that is becoming increasingly frequent among Spanish female footballers. The conditions and opportunities in the Women’s Super League (WSL) – the name given to the English top division – are becoming increasingly attractive for players, who decide to embark on a new adventure in search of more competitive projects.

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It's not just the sun and the beach. Nor the gastronomy. Nor Gaudí. Barcelona is now also showing its magnetism to representatives of world progressivism. Pedro Sánchez has summoned them, and one cannot deny him either cunning or the gift of timing, making the aura of an international anti-Trump leader eclipse his domestic version, which is much grayer and more questioned. If the game board is the world, I am with Sánchez and against Trump, for the record. I am with him completely (the choice is not that difficult). But the view from within is different. Sánchez reminds me of Gorbachev during perestroika, acclaimed in the West, unpopular in Russia. Sánchez can play with better cards than old Gorby, who managed a ruined empire; but he has justice breathing down his neck, and the PP-Vox duo lurking him in the polls. It is understandable that he prefers to exploit his statesman profile. With what ease he acts as spokesman for world pacifism, and installs himself on the “right side of History” with Xi Jinping (Thursday) and Lula (Friday). Meanwhile, in the domestic sphere, the right grows on the shoulders of the ultras, the true left becomes smaller and smaller, despite Rufián's efforts, and the center does not exist. A Russian roulette scenario.If nothing else, the Catalan issue (which occupied the headlines last decade) is no longer causing problems. The proof: This weekend of progressive tourism in Barcelona. Because Barcelona, like Catalonia, has outsourced the management of its brand and its role in the world. The Spanish government now takes care of it, while Illa and Collboni act as cheerleaders. For Sánchez, being seen in Barcelona is very useful, not only to show that we have returned to the fold, but also because ours is a much more left-wing city than Madrid (and than Spain as a whole). Barcelona is the great refuge of the PSOE, which appropriates it, uproots it, isolates it from its hinterland, and turns it into an alternative capital. Of Spain, of course. A more plural Spain than that of the PP? Undoubtedly! But let's not kid ourselves: This weekend's spectacle is designed from Madrid to project the PSOE's Spain around the world. Primarily from the Latin American world. This is why all these summits use Spanish orally and in writing, ignoring the native language and the lingua franca. Barcelona, needless to say, looks divine, but it is only a backdrop. And the Generalitat, a silent guest. Did you know, by the way, that the Generalitat has a Ministry of Foreign Relations?Readers of a certain age may recall, although it may seem incredible now, when King Juan Carlos I entered the Olympic stadium to inaugurate the 1992 Games while Els segadors was playing over the loudspeakers. Internal balancing acts were being performed in those days. Olympic diplomacy emerged from a creative tension between the city council and the governments. Independence was an abstraction, almost like now, but we were playing at appearing to be a country, and Barcelona could act as the capital of Catalonia, and the capital of the Catalan language, because for many of us it was much more than a backdrop. This weekend, Catalans find themselves at the epicenter of world politics, but we have been reserved the role of butlers and ushers.I imagine that to the more cosmopolitan readers this kind of complaint will seem unbearably provincial. I apologize. With a final plea: Next week, let us at least enjoy Sant Jordi in peace. We already know that all over the world April 23rd is Book Day, plain and simple. But it turns out that in Catalonia – only in Catalonia – we call this day Sant Jordi, and it is also the day when Barcelona and Catalonia, hand in hand, project themselves to the world. It is only one day; we will see to it that it passes quickly.

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For weeks, Pedro Sánchez has been working to crown himself the architect of anti-Trumpism. And this weekend he will be its graphic image in Barcelona. The Spanish president will bring together several world leaders from the progressive space to confront the reactionary wave that continues to grow globally. The first handshake was with the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both have starred in the first Spain-Brazil summit, held at the Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona, to strengthen relations between both countries and sign several strategic and commercial agreements. They will subsequently appear at a press conference.

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For weeks, Pedro Sánchez has been working to establish himself as the architect of anti-Trumpism. And this weekend, he will be the graphic image in Barcelona. The Spanish president is bringing together various world leaders from the progressive sphere to confront the reactionary wave that continues to grow globally. The first handshake was with the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both have led the first Spain-Brazil summit, held at the Palau de Pedralbes in Barcelona, to strengthen relations between the two countries and sign various strategic and commercial agreements. The two leaders have highlighted the alliance and sent an international message in defense of multilateralism and peace in the face of Donald Trump's warmongering confrontation.

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In the regal auditorium of Tsinghua University, one of China's most prestigious, the Spanish Prime Minister has initiated the official visit to the Asian giant with a clear statement of intent in the form of a speech. Pedro Sánchez has advocated for strengthening multilateralism and, at the same time, reforming it to have a more representative and democratic UN Security Council that gives more power to southern countries. Although he has acknowledged China's efforts in defending international law, he has assigned it homework, for example, to get involved in ceasing conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, and also in Ukraine. He has not forgotten about the economy and has demanded more balanced relations, recalling the large trade deficit with the Asian giant: "We need China to open up so that Europe does not have to close itself off".

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Southeastern Spain, one of the driest areas in Europe, has established itself as one of the continent's main agricultural hubs. Despite having a climate marked by minimal rainfall and long periods of drought, this region has become the heart of the so-called “european vegetable garden.” Thanks to state policies, desalination plants, artificial reservoirs, and complex water transfer systems between river basins have been built, allowing vast previously unproductive areas to be irrigated.

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FIFA has opened a disciplinary proceeding against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after the racist chants produced in the friendly match between Spain and Egypt last week at Espanyol's stadium. “FIFA has initiated today a disciplinary proceeding against the Spanish Football Federation for the incidents that occurred during the friendly match against Egypt,” can be read in a statement. This is a preliminary step by the body that controls world football to decide on the sanctions imposed on the RFEF.

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"I know that [the chants] were directed at the opposing team [Egypt], but as a Muslim person, it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable [...]. To those who sing these things: using religion as a mockery leaves you as ignorant and racist people," published the Barça star and pillar of Luis de la Fuente's team on his social media on Wednesday. On Tuesday, after the match against Egypt and the globally shameful scene that occurred in the confrontation against the North African team, the footballer left the Espanyol stadium with his head down and without greeting the local fans. Afterwards, he passed through the mixed zone hastily, absorbed, looking at his mobile phone, barely wanting to look up to see the press who were interviewing some of his teammates. Lamine Yamal was restless.

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Lamine Yamal has broken his silence over the Islamophobic chants this Tuesday at Cornellà-El Prat, on the occasion of a friendly between Spain and Egypt, with a publication on Instagram. "I know [the chants] were for the opposing team [Egypt], but as a Muslim person it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable [...]. To those who sing these things: using religion as a mockery leaves you as ignorant and racist people," wrote the Barça star and the main star of Luis de la Fuente's team. The footballer left the Espanyol stadium with his head down and without greeting the local fans.

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Joan Garcia has debuted with the Spanish national team and has been at the stadium that until last June was his home, the RCDE Stadium. The Spanish men's national team has returned to Catalonia four years later in a friendly against Egypt (0-0). One of the great attractions of the match was knowing whether the blue and red goalkeeper would debut with the senior national team. The Sallent-born player was dropped from the squad last Friday in Vila-real, but came on in the 62nd minute in Cornellà-El Prat with more applause than whistles – despite being booed by some fans during the warm-up due to his past with Espanyol–. Luis de la Fuente was also booed after not calling up Joan Garcia when he was with the white and blue team. If he had been called up before signing for Barça, his release clause would have increased by five million more, up to thirty.

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Amidst the war in the Middle East and its consequent impact on the global gas and oil market, many countries have entered into a long-distance race to find who can guarantee them the supply of these fossil fuels, or ensure that the link with their main suppliers is robust. This is the case of Spain, which has just announced the "reinforcement" of the energy partnership with Algeria, on which the supply of natural gas to the State depends because it is its main source. For example, between January and December 2025, 34.5% of the natural gas that arrived in Spain (128,504 GWh) came from the African country, while this year Algerian gas already accounts for 29.2% of this fossil fuel (19,243 GWh). In fact, this reinforcement will translate into nothing more and nothing less than an "expansion" of the gas volumes arriving in the State from Algeria. The same happened in 2022, when the war in Ukraine and the consequent decisions of the West regarding its ties with Moscow, including starting to detach from Russian gas in the long term, increased the capacity of the pipeline connecting Spain with the Algerian country: from 8,000 million cubic meters to 10,000 million.

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The public silence of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the face of the recent Criticism and threats from US President Donald Trump in Spain Not only has it outraged the Spanish government, but it has also perplexed the Germans. The question being asked by the German press these days is: should the Chancellor have defended Spain against Trump? Should he have responded on camera, or was he right to defend Spain afterward, behind closed doors?

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A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III landed Wednesday afternoon at the Rota military base and departed a few hours later for Sicily. The route of this military transport aircraft You can check it on the flightradar24 website This has sparked controversy, given that the Spanish government has vetoed the use of American military bases for any operation related to the Iran-Contra conflict. What control does Spain have over what happens at the Rota naval base and the Morón air base? What can the United States do there?

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That all the focus is on the Iran war This doesn't make us forget the ongoing negotiations between the Catalan government and Esquerra Republicana (ERC) regarding the approval of this year's budget. We'll explain the current situation shortly. But first, a few points about the war.

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The day after Pedro Sánchez's "No to war"The Spanish government has announced it will send military support to Cyprus and is becoming involved for the first time in the Iran-Iraq War. Spain's participation will be strictly defensive, aimed at protecting a European Union member state. Furthermore, it will collaborate jointly with other European partners, such as Italy and the Netherlands. This aid will be in addition to that already sent this week by France, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Specifically, the Spanish government will send a warship. Christopher Columbus, which will accompany the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and other ships of the Greek Navy. The frigate joined the Naval Group on March 3 to perform escort, protection, and advanced training duties in the Baltic Sea. Now, the group will head towards the Eastern Mediterranean to reach the coast of Crete around March 10. In addition to the Christopher ColumbusThe supply ship will also briefly put to sea. Cantabriato supply fuel and provide logistical support during the Naval Group's transit through the Gulf of Cádiz.

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In Spain, the destabilization of the Persian Gulf countries does not go unnoticed by the economic and business world, which in recent years has seen trade ties with the Arab monarchies of the region grow steadily. The US and Israeli attack on Iran not only "looks like it will last quite a while," in the words of Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, but could also have unforeseen "repercussions." And it is these repercussions that are already affecting this region of the Middle East, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates—the two largest economies in the region—Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. All of them form the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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Vox has a short-, medium-, and long-term plan to put Santiago Abascal in La Moncloa (the Spanish Prime Minister's official residence). The first step in this strategy is being taken these days in negotiations with the PP (People's Party) for the regional governments of Extremadura and Aragon, which will coincide with the elections in Castile and León and Andalusia. All of this is with an eye on the 2027 general elections. According to information obtained by ARA, the far-right's plan hinges on an initial demand: to enter the government of Extremadura. The excuse is that they don't trust the president, María Guardiola, but the reality is more complex; Vox intends to corner the Extremaduran leader while simultaneously making things easier for others. males Populars, for example, Jorge Azcón in Aragon.

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The gender pay gap is one of the clearest examples of inequality between men and women in the labor market. In Catalonia, this disparity resulted in women earning 16.75% less than men in 2023: the average annual earnings for men were €32,721.58, while for women it was €27,240.93. With these figures, the monthly difference amounts to €456.72 less for women. These are the latest available data explaining this structural phenomenon, presented in a report this Friday by the UGT (General Union of Workers) of Catalonia. The wage gap between men and women is greater in Catalonia than in Spain as a whole, where the gap stood at 15.74%.

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