Despite the current economic difficulties, Catalunya remains one of the most expensive areas of Spain in terms of certain taxes, including inheritance tax (article in Castilian, La Vanguardia). A study by the Financial Advisors and Economists Register (REAF) found that a middle-class family here would pay over €7,000 euros inheritance tax on a flat whereas in Asturias there would be no tax to pay and in Valencia just €33. Similarly, the Generalitat has introduced limited reductions on income tax but none on the autonomous community tax, whereas other parts of Spain have lowered the latter by up to one percent.

In the face of growing problems with tourists getting robbed in the areas around high-class hotels close to the Fòrum, private security firms have been hired (article in Castilian, El Periodico). A network has developed between receptionists and the security guards at various four-star hotels in the Fòrum, Diagonal Mar and seafront (Front Marítim), so that they share information and images regarding suspected bag-snatchers who have targeted tourists entering and leaving their hotels. Apparently, the thieves pose as police officers as a way to steal documentation and belongings from victims.

Also in the news: More than 40,000 dependents waiting for financial aid (Avui); Generalitat paid €30,000 for a crisis ‘manual’ (La Vanguardia); Barça defeat Dynamo Kiev at Camp Nou to lead their Champions League group (El Periodico). Click on video link to see the goals; Spain was sixth biggest exporter of arms in the world last year (La Vanguardia)