The conservative leader, Mariano Rajoy, says the new government will have a “very difficult task because Spain has many problems”. Catalan nationalist Josep Antoni Duran i Lleida argues that Zapatero’s decision will bring “stability” to the economy.
Catalonia and five other autonomous communities have had their long term rating downgraded whilst the Spanish state's credit rating comes under review.
Barça’s social commitment has taken on a further global character with the agreement signed with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work towards eradicating Polio. Mr Gates expressed his personal satisfaction at working with the Club.
Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero announces that Spaniards will go to polls four months earlier than scheduled. The Spanish Parliament will be dissolved on September 26. The election will be a contest between former Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba and conservative Mariano Rajoy
Les Rambles stands out as key attraction in Barcelona connecting Plaça Catalunya to Christopher Columbus at Port Vell and the Barri Gòtic to El Raval. Yet in recent years it has increasingly gained a bad reputation amongst visitors and locals alike. CNA talks to the tourists who continue to line the street.
Visitors from the United Kingdom were the highest contributors in June, spending 1229 million. Germans follow, with a total expenditure of 900 million euros while French tourists, with 514 million euros, increased their cumulative expenditure by a surprising 16.4%
True to its principles, Nathalie Stutzmann is the guest artist in the 31st edition of the Torroella de Montgri Music Festival. The French contralto will offer two concerts during the latest edition of the festival, which despite the crisis, is still an impressive showcase for classical music.
Barça beat Bayern Munich 2-0 and won their first trophy of the season. Two goals from Thiago Alcantara in the 41st and the 74th minute decided a game that Barça dominated from the start
Toni Strubell brings together 35 interviews with some of the best known Catalan politicians –including two former presidents-, academics, sportsmen and authors of the country to explain Catalonia “to the world”. The book has been edited by Liz Castro and includes pictures by Lluís Brunet
The Minister of Public Works, José Blanco, announces his desires for the first stage of the project, linking Valencia and Barcelona, to develop in September. The train that will connect the main Mediterranean cities with Europe by rail is a "priority", says Blanco.
Barça needed a penalty shootout to beat Inter of Porto Alegre, after the 90 minutes of their Audi Cup semi-final ended 2-2. On the basis of opportunities created and control of play, Guardiola’s side deserved to win by a large margin.
Barcelona hosts what is likely to be its very last bullfighting season after the Catalan Parliament banned it last summer, but the support of the Spanish conservative party could force a moratorium until 2015
The low-cost airline has reduced its activity by half after failing to reach an agreement with the Government. This cut entails, according to the company, a 50% drop in traffic, which will decrease the number of passengers from 2.6 to 1.3 million.
Barça drew against Hajduk Split in the first pre-season game. Despite their clear superiority in terms of play, possession and chances, Pep Guardiola’s team was unable to get past Subasic in the Hajduk goal. Villa, Soriano, and Jeffren however came close on a number of occasions.
The Chilean striker has been handed his number 9 shirt and was presented on Monday as a new member of the first team. Alexis has admitted that he is very happy to have become a Barcelona player