This week in Spain saw a diverse range of business news, from the recovery of historical artifacts to significant financial and corporate maneuvers. Here's a roundup of the key developments:
Royal Treasures Recovered
Eight historical documents have been recovered from the General Archive of the Royal Palace of Madrid, including royal decrees from the reign of Felipe II. A Barcelona auction house had offered some of these documents, which also included booklets detailing the funerals of Carlos I and María Tudor. The recovery marks a significant win for cultural heritage preservation in Spain.
Moody's Sounds Alarm on Debt Forgiveness
Rating agency Moody's has issued a warning about the Spanish government's debt forgiveness policies. While forgiving regional communities' debt might provide short-term relief, Moody's believes it creates a “moral hazard” without conditional measures. This could negatively impact Spain’s long-term solvency and credit rating. As Moody's noted, "It triggers moral hazard." This sentiment highlights the delicate balance between immediate financial assistance and long-term fiscal responsibility.
VAT Cut on Bread: A Win for Consumers
In welcome news for consumers, the Spanish Treasury has lowered the VAT rate on all types of bread, including sliced bread, "regañás," and gluten-free options. The rate has dropped from 10% to 4% following a Supreme Court ruling. This means all breads, both common and specialty, will now be subject to the super-reduced VAT rate, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers.
Corporate War at Prisa
A power struggle is brewing at Prisa, the media conglomerate. Partners aligned with the government have declared their intention to challenge Oughourlian's control of the group. They plan to launch a new, independent television channel if they fail to secure a majority shareholding. According to sources, "We are going to try to remove his control of the group." This statement underscores the intensity of the battle for control of Prisa and its potential impact on the Spanish media landscape.
Warehouse Fire in Fuenlabrada
Finally, a large fire broke out in a warehouse in the Cobo Calleja industrial area of Fuenlabrada, Madrid. The fire started early in the morning and produced a large plume of smoke, burning tons of clothing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.