Gerry Hadden
Europe’s New Olive Oil Law Seen by Many as Meddling
The European Union has passed a law banning unlabeled olive oil flasks and dipping bowls, the kind traditionally seen in restaurants in Spain. Instead, restaurants must offer sealed, clearly labelled throw-away oil containers.
Authorities Claim Breakthrough in Belgian Diamond Heist Investigation
Authorities in Europe say that more than two dozen people have been detained in connection with a daring, $50 million diamond heist that occurred in February. Police say some of the diamonds have been recovered, and that one of the those being held, a Frenchman, is believed to have took part in the heist.
Famed Spanish Restaurant El Bulli Reopens as Foundation and Lab
“The world’s greatest chef” Ferran Adria is back, and converting his famed El Bulli restaurant into a foundation. Its goal: To push the limits of culinary arts to the extreme.
Jobless, Some Spaniards Catch Entrepreneurial Spirit
More than half of young Spaniards are out of work and companies aren’t hiring. So the government hopes the young unemployed will go entrepreneurial and start their own businesses. But the challenges are big, both financially and culturally.
Former Nazi Torture and Detention Sites Uncovered in Germany
Researchers say that in Germany before World War II, there were many more Nazi torture and detention sites than previously thought. The evidence comes from an archive of Nazi documents that was only opened to the public in recent years.
An Alleged Chechen Terrorist Plot, Thwarted in Spain
Chechen terrorism has been mostly targeted against Russia. But a year ago in Spain two Chechens and a Turk were arrested for allegedly plotting to attack Gibraltar during the London Summer Olympics. With bombs dropped from paragliders.
A Royal Taboo in Spain Broken, as More Call for King to Quit
In Spain more and more people are openly calling for King Juan Carlos to step down. The Royal Family’s reputation has been damaged in the last couple of years by a series of scandals, from secret elephant-hunting junkets to multi-million dollar corruption investigations.
In Spain, Horses the Latest Victims in Economic Slump
When Spain was booming 15 years ago a lot of people bought horses. They were a symbol of status and wealth. Now, with unemployment at a record high and the economy sinking further, people can’t get rid of their horses fast enough. Too often they’re abandoned to die. A few sanctuaries are trying to rescue as many as they can, but they’re overwhelmed.
Spain’s Financial Crisis Sends Actors Into Homes
The bad economy and new taxes have deterred Spaniards from spending on culture and many theaters are closing, but a small group of actors may have found a way to survive.
In Spain, Everyone Assumes Corruption
Corruption is rampant in Spain. It’s so bad that even when corruption isn’t at play, people assume it is. The World’s Gerry Hadden tells the tale of a street closure in his own neighborhood in Barcelona.
Bee Populations in Decline, Debate Swarms Around Pesticides
The EU is considering a two-year ban on a widely-used group of pesticides that have been linked to bee deaths in Europe and the US. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.
Spanish Protest Evictions at Doorsteps of Political Elite
Spanish government officials, these days, are dealing with a political hot potato these days. The country has one of the highest number of residential evictions in Europe. And as The World’s Gerry Hadden says the Spaniards are “not taking it anymore.”
Need for Cyprus Financial Bailout Sparks Protests, Concern in Europe
Cyprus, like its Mediterranean neighbor Greece, needs a financial bailout. But a plan by the European Union to partially pay for the bailout with a tax of up to 10 percent on customers’ bank deposits sparked protests and a run on ATMs in Cyprus. And that’s got the rest of Europe worried about contagion.
Dinner With the Folks Who Made Chavez Possible
“We created Chavez,” he said, passing the foi gras. “We spent the last half a century building bigger walls around our properties rather than trying to improve our country. He is entirely of our making.”
How to Avoid Eviction in Spain, If You’re a Duke
Spain’s fiscal crisis has lead to hundreds of thousands of evictions. A member of Spain’s royal family is even among those having trouble paying the mortgage, but apparently the Duke of Palma doesn’t have to worry about losing his home. His bank has given him a four-year reprieve on payments.
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