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13 January 2019 2.00 h

In the news

WHAT HAPPENED IN DECEMBER

Barcelona bans bicycles from pavements

From January 1, bicycles are no longer allowed on Barcelona pavements measuring between 3 and 4.75 metres in width. The move comes after an expansion of the city’s cycle lanes, which now make up over 200 kilometres, according to the council.

Plan to reduce university tuition fees by 30%

The government is looking into reducing university tuition fees by 30% over three years, which could begin in the next academic year, depending on the budget passing in parliament. The Minister for Universities, Francesc Xavier Grau, estimated the cost at some €60m.

Pioneering operation on pancreatic cancer

Surgeons from Vall d’Hebron Hospital successfully operated on patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma using a pioneering technique consisting of inserting a needle into the tumour and burning the cancer cells. The patients who have received the new treatment will now be monitored to study whether it offers a longer life expectancy than other methods.

Tax on polluting vehicles not to begin until 2020

The new tax on polluting vehicles, part of climate change legislation passed three years ago, will be applied from 2020. The tax has run into obstacles delaying its application, such as a court suspension that was lifted in April. The government hopes the tax will bring in €70 m in annual revenue.

Cancer donations to TV3’s Marató break records

The TV3 Marató telethon celebrated its 27th edition, this time to raise money for cancer research. The sums raised are a new record for the Catalan charity initiative, at almost €11 million by the end of December.

New legislation aims to boost winemaking sector

The government will go ahead with legislation for the winemaking sector. The aim is to bring a Catalan law from 2002 into line with European rules and improve the competitiveness of Catalan wines, promote their diversity and quality, improve safety, and boost their international reputation. The new regulations could come into force at the start of 2019.

Government rail service to get ecological trains

The FGC railway is to get new ecological and sustainable trains from 2020. Some 15 new trains will be introduced, which will be made from recyclable materials and comply with noise pollution rules. The trains are part of a plan to improve the environmental management of the system.

Environmental impact of the tourist industry

Researchers from Barcelona’s Autonomous University have calculated the environmental impact of tourist activity on the city for the first time. The study found that each visitor to Barcelona produces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 96.9 kg of CO² a day.

WHAT THE FOREIGN PRESS SAYS ABOUT CATALONIA

Protests at cabinet meeting
The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions. The timing of the cabinet meeting – a year after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region’s bid for independence – offended some. Far from reducing tensions it appeared to have the opposite effect, with 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; “Let’s topple the regime”. Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place. A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers, authorities said.
Dec 21
A row born in Catalonia
The crisis of the monarchy took a significant turn on October 1, 2017. The attempted secession referendum in Catalonia was seen by most Spanish parties as an attack on the constitutional order. Two days later, King Felipe VI, appeared on TV to support Spain’s unity, backing the government’s decision to suppress the vote. Many in Catalonia — and elsewhere in Spain — felt the monarch was taking sides, betraying a tradition of political neutrality. A year later the Catalan parliament approved a declaration urging abolition of the monarchy. The declaration has no legal consequences, but the central government has asked the Constitutional Court to nullify it, a move that would be unprecedented. Since then, similar initiatives have been put forward in city halls all over the country, with some approved.
Dec 10
Catalan leader under fire
Catalan president Quim Torra has been accused of wanting to spark a violent conflict with Spain after calling on his region’s people to emulate Slovenia’s bid for independence. “There is no way back on the road to freedom,” Mr Torra said after a visit to Slovenia. “The Slovenians decided to push ahead with all the consequences. Let’s do the same as them and let’s be willing to do anything to live freely.” Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after the so-called 10-Day War in which several dozen people died. Allies of Mr Torra subsequently insisted that they back a peaceful independence process. However, the comments drew widespread condemnation, with Spanish government spokeswoman Isabel Celaá describing them as “senseless”, adding “Catalonia is not Slovenia, nor is Spain Serbia.”
Dec 11

FACES IN THE NEWS

Isaki Lacuesta
Filmmaker
The Girona-born cinema director received the most nominations for the Gaudí film awards on January 27. His film, Entre dos aguas, has also been nominated for the Goya Spanish film awards.
Jordi Montaña
New head of FAD
The ex-rector of the University of Vic took over the presidency of the FAD design school, with the aim of broadening the organisation’s support for professionals in arts and design.
Lluís Pasqual
Theatre director
Until recently the head of the Lliure theatre, Pasqual was awarded the main publishers’ prize at the annual edition of the Nit de l’Edició, recognising his contribution to reading and books.
Fina Puigdevall
Chef
Catalonia’s Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition awarded Puigdevall the National Gastronomy Prize 2019. The prize recognises the Michelin-starred chef’s contribution to Catalan cuisine.
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