Sánchez calls for full reopening of Strait of Hormuz, Spain to cap annual rent increases at 2 percent, Renfe launches Easter train ticket sale and more news on Monday March 23rd.
Spain’s PM calls for full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez demanded on Sunday the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, and the preservation of “all energy resources” in the Middle East.
Sánchez also reiterated his call for the war to de-escalate, warning of ” a long-term energy crisis for all of humanity” if the conflict continues to worsen.
“We are at a global turning point ,” he asserted on X. “The world should not pay the price for this war”.
The Spanish premier’s words came on the same day that US President Donald Trump gave Tehran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz or else the United States will “attack and destroy its power plants.”
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Spanish soldiers successfully evacuated from Iraq return to Spain
The 200 Spanish military personnel successfully evacuated from Iraq after being deployed as part of a NATO mission arrived back at Torrejón Air Base this weekend.
Both Spain’s Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Chief of the Defence Staff (JEMAD), Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, welcomed the Spanish troops at the foot of the runway following an operation which they described yesterday afternoon as “complicated” after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.
Spain to cap annual rent increases at 2 percent
The Spanish government has published a BOE stating its intent to cap rent increases at a maximum of 2 percent for properties due for a rent review this year. The measure also automatically extends the duration of tenancy agreements due to expire before 2027.
The decree provides for “an exceptional extension, in annual instalments and for up to a maximum of two additional years” of tenancy agreements due to expire before 31 December 2027.
This can only be waived if the property owner requires it for their own use or that of their immediate family, provided that this possibility was included at the time the agreement was signed.
Spain’s Renfe rail company launches Easter sale
Spain’s state-run rail company Renfe has launched a special offer for anyone wanting to travel by train this Easter.
The promotion, available from March 27th to April 6th, allows travel on high-speed AVE trains with prices starting from €33, and on low-cost subsidiary Avlo trains from €19.
Furthermore, travellers who are part of the ‘Más Renfe’ loyalty programme can benefit from accumulated points and savings.
These discounted tickets were made available March 20th and can be purchased until April 5th.
Renfe also reminds passengers that those travelling in groups receive an 8 percent discount thanks to the ‘Tarifa 4 o más’.