Zelensky in Spain for talks with world leaders, Toledo Cathedral to host funeral for victims of Urda train accident, and more news from Spain on Thursday November 5th.
Zelensky in Spain for talks with world leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to Madrid on Wednesday to drum up fresh military support against Russia during a summit of Latin American leaders in Spain.
Madrid is hosting a two-day summit of the Ibero-American Community, a 22-nation group of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries that are mainly in Latin America, where support for Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion has divided opinion.
After the summit finishes on Thursday, Zelensky will meet Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and “several leaders to exchange views on the situation of his country, its global repercussions and the main challenges for international peace and security”, Spanish government sources said.
Zelensky confirmed his arrival on social media, saying “our top priority is strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, protecting our people, and expanding defense cooperation and production.”
“Further support steps are being prepared,” the president added, without providing detail on the measures or the leaders he would meet.
The far-right presidents of Argentina and Chile, Javier Milei and Jose Antonio Kast, as well as Bolivian conservative Rodrigo Paz are among the Latin American heads of state in the Spanish capital.
King Felipe VI will host Zelensky at his Zarzuela residence outside Madrid, the royal palace confirmed.
Toledo Cathedral to host funeral for the victims of Urda train accident
Toledo Cathedral will host the funeral for the victims who lost their lives in the high-speed train accident in Urda.
A high-speed express operated by state-owned Renfe ploughed into the back of a stationary train belonging to the private company Iryo last Wednesday outside Urda, around 130 kilometres (80 miles) south of Madrid.
The service, scheduled for Tuesday 10th November, will be presided over by the Archbishop of Toledo and will take place at 7.00 pm.
The King and Queen of Spain and the President of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, will also be in attendance, according to information obtained by TVE.
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TIE appointment shortage worsens in Pamplona
Spanish media reports that immigration offices in the northern city of Pamplona are in “chaos” as people queue to apply for residence permits, known as a TIE, despite a lack of available appointments.
As in many parts of Spain, a lack of available appointments is leading to waiting times that can last for months, which hinder access to employment and the completion of everyday administrative tasks.
READ ALSO: Spain’s migration offices start to stamp out appointment scam with new system
The situation has reportedly worsened following the extraordinary regularisation of migrants, which has increased demand.Appointments available online are scarce and book up quickly, which is causing a bottleneck in the processing of documents for foreign nationals who already hold residence and work permits.
As The Local has reported in the past, criminal gangs across the country have long capitalised on desperate foreigners in scams selling appointments.
Brussels call Spanish train accidents “very worrying” and urges roll-out of new safety system
The European Commission has described the two train accidents in Spain this year as “very worrying” and urged the rapid roll-out of the European safety system ERTMS, with the aim of bringing the country into line with other Member States.
The Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, has also confirmed that the European Railway Agency will provide on-the-ground support in Urda, where 69 were killed.
READ ALSO: Spain’s PM names temporary transport minister after deadly crash
“We have been working for two years to make the rail system faster, safer and easier to use. That is why two accidents in the same year is not something we want to see. And even less so when those accidents result in tragedies involving the loss of human life”, the Commissioner stated at a press conference.
Real Madrid set to appoint tennis great Nadal to board
Real Madrid plan to appoint retired tennis superstar Rafael Nadal to their board of directors, the club said on Wednesday.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, has been an honorary club member since 2011 and shares a strong relationship with Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
“For Real Madrid and for all Madrid supporters, it is a source of immense pride that a figure of his sporting and human stature — a benchmark of Spanish and world sport — should become part of our board of directors and, in this role, contribute to the present and future of our club,” Los Blancos said in a statement.
Real Madrid’s socios – members – are expected to ratify Nadal’s appointment at the club’s general assembly on November 21.
“I want to thank president Florentino Pérez and the board for proposing that I join the board of directors of Real Madrid,” wrote Nadal on social media platform X.
“I have accepted this proposal with great excitement, I’m eager to learn and to contribute everything I can.”
Nadal, 40, won a record 14 French Open singles titles in a glittering career.
In 2023 Nadal said one day he would like to be Madrid president, but did not know if he was qualified for the post.
With additional reporting by AFP.
