Catalonia
Hundreds of protesters attempted to block roads and train tracks in Catalonia this morning while students marched in Barcelona to mark the one-year anniversary of an ill-fated referendum on independence.
regional leaders gave speeches and people queued to re-enact the vote that was banned by Madrid and the courts for being against Spain’s constitution.
The protests were much smaller than last year and demonstrators later called off the attempted blockages. Traffic was circulating normally now police said.
Robberies
A COURT has bailed a man and a woman charged in connection with allegations of several thefts which saw robbers riding mopeds snatching people’s belongings in Alicante City and Benidorm.
National Police officers seized more than €600 in cash from the 24-year-old man and 38-year-old woman during their arrest. Four mobile phones and 42 national lottery tickets were also seized in searches in two homes.
Officers said their investigation began after they received several reports of robbers riding on scooters who would pull bags and other items off people as they rode past them.
Three of the victims had to be taken to hospital as a result of the injuries they suffered in the course of the thefts. The case continues.
Latest Traffic Checks
Starting today the Guardia Civil traffic department will be out in force to ensure the correct use and operation of seat belts and child restraint systems in vehicles.
In 2014 the number of unbelted deaths accounted for 24% of the total, with some 194 of the 822 people in cars and vans who lost their lives, not wearing a seat belt.
In addition to the officers on patrol new cameras and detectors are in place across the country watching for seat belt use, and the Pegasus equipped helicopters will be watching form the sky..
traffic officers can immobilize a vehicle if a child is found to be traveling without the correct restraint system in use.
Healthcare
SPANISH healthcare is the most efficient in Europe and ranks third in the world, according to statistics released by Bloomberg.
This is the second year running the country has come out on top when pitted financially against its European counterparts, and sits behind only Hong Kong and Singapore globally.
Of the 56 systems assessed, the UK lies in 35th position.
The study also takes into account life expectancy, which in Spain is on average 82.8 years.
Franco
The family of former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco has said it would have his remains buried in the crypt of the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid if a process to have them exhumed from his mausoleum within the Valley of the Fallen goes ahead.
The cathedral is located in the heart of Madrid, next to the Royal Palace.
Spain’s parliament voted to approve a government decree in favor of having Franco’s remains exhumed on Sept. 13.