Euthanasia
The PP has decided to unblock a bill to regulate euthanasia that was introduced in Congress by the Socialist PSOE earlier this year.
But the move does not mean the conservatives agree to help patients end their lives. On the contrary, the PP’s new president, Pablo Casado, wishes to showcase his complete opposition to the Socialist bill with a congressional debate and an alternative proposal.
There is a majority of lawmakers in favor of regulating euthanasia
The deadline for amendments ends today, and the PP is planning to propose a substitute text to wholly replace the PSOE’s bill, which views euthanasia as an individual right.
According to the Socialist bill, euthanasia would be available both through public and private healthcare, although doctors could declare themselves conscientious objectors. There would be changes to the criminal code, which currently makes euthanasia and physician-assisted death a crime.
Car Theft
A British man has spoken of his shock at finding out his car had been used in ‘at least 38 crimes’ across Europe, after a Spanish couple stole it from him.
Elliot Higgins’ Ford Mondeo was stolen by two prospective buyers while they were taking it for a ‘test drive’ near his home in Cadiz.
Mr Higgins, got the vehicle back three weeks later – only to be told by police it had been driven 9,000 miles all over the continent and linked to dozens of crimes.
The car was linked to 38 crimes in Spain alone, including armed robbery, drug-dealing and a sex attack.
According to Spanish police the ‘Bonnie and Clyde’-couple are known for ‘running a motorbike theft ring’.
The woman is reportedly active on social media, where she brags about making money by posting images of 50 Euro notes.
The couple have not yet been arrested.
Ryaniar
Industrial action looks set to continue at Ryanair as an apparent internal war is declared between the company and unions.
In what experts see as a direct impact on losses resulting from the action this summer, Ryanair are looking to close bases and reduce their fleet as a punishment for industrial actions by pilots and cabin crew.
The Presidents of European pilot unions and associations met last week in Vienna. Seen as an aggressive move by Ryanair management, it has come at a time when relationships are already stretched with stalling negotiations in numerous countries.
The President of the Dutch pilots’ association said “If Ryanair management thinks that closing bases is a quick and cheap fix for the employee unrest, they would appear to be naïve at best and antagonistic at worst. He called on the company to maintain their base in the Netherlands, to face their responsibilities, and to come back to the negotiating table.
State Visit
Japan’s prime minister began a tour of Europe today .. starting with a visit to Spain, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Shinzo Abe will meet King Felipe VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez later before heading to Paris tomorrow.