Spanish economy grows
The Spanish economy grew 0.6% between April and June 2014, compared to the previous quarter, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This is higher than the Bank of Spain's estimate and would put the annual growth rate at 1.2%.
Jordi Pujol resigns his privileges
Former Catalan leader, Jordi Pujol, who led the Generalitat for 23 years until 2003, has resigned all his honorary privileges after confessing to holding an undeclared fortune in a tax haven. 84-year-old Pujol's fall from grace comes as a blow to current President of the Generalitat, Artur Mas, and his drive for independence.
Fall in crimes on the metro
Crimes on the metro have fallen by 32% in three years thanks to an increased presence of the Guardia Urbana and the Mossos d'Esquadra. In 2010 there were 26,300 robberies compared to 17,000 in the last year.
Free parking
Parking in the blue zones (àrea blava) on Barcelona's streets will be free during the month of August with the exception of some tourist zones, such as the Sagrada Familia and Barceloneta.
Megabus doubles journeys
The low fare bus service, Megabus.com, which launched in Barcelona a month ago will double the number of journeys on its route Barcelona-Toulouse-Paris-London. Thanks to the huge response to its campaign, offering tickets from one euro, the new services will be running from August 12th.
New businesses on the Ramblas
The Ajuntament wants to promote the opening of art galleries, music shop and and bookshops on the Rambla. To achieve this, it will allow any new business of this type to also have a bar in order to make it more economically viable.