Society

The drop is primarily in the male immigrant population, while the female population experienced a slight increase.

Aleksandra Tomanic, a German with Balkan roots, tells CNA what she thinks about Catalonia and nationalism. Muriel Casals, president of the main NGO promoting Catalan culture and expert in International Relations, responds to Tomanic.

The Catalan Government has approved a decree regulating tourist apartments. A flat rented for a period of less than 3 months is considered a “tourist” flat. As it performs an economic activity, it will now need a municipal license. Until now, tourist flats were regulated depending on the municipality.

Zapatero refused to attend the ceremonies in Santiago de Compostela and in Barcelona. This meeting was the only one they shared during the Pope’s trip. Zapatero’s decision, announced several days ago, raised controversy in Spain. The Pope himself contributed to the tension answering back and criticising what he called the “aggressive secularism” present in Spain nowadays, which reminded him of the 1930s atmosphere.

The Pope decided to politicise his visit to Spain. He made a brief speech on the plane after leaving Rome in which he attacked what he called “the aggressive secularism” in Spain nowadays, which reminded him of the situation in the 1930s. It is an attack against Prime Minister Zapatero’s policies and an answer to the individuals and associations protesting against the Pope’s visit. Benedict XVI also criticised Spanish government’s laws during the religious ceremonies.

The Pope has declared the temple a “basilica”. He has also praised Antoni Gaudí’s church and the architect’s talent. The Pope was cheered by believers along the streets of Barcelona on his way to the Sagrada Família. Protesters against the Pope and his visit also showed their disagreement as the Popemobile went by. The ceremony started on time and, as announced, Prime Minister Zapatero did not attend. Benedict XVI continued criticising liberal laws and vindicated the traditional family and its values

Barcelona is preparing the final details for the Pope’s visit. Benedict XVI is coming to Barcelona on Saturday night and will leave on Sunday evening. He is coming to declare the Sagrada Familia church a “basilica” and dedicate the temple to God.

The most prestigious choirs of Catalonia will sing at the religious ceremony inside Antoni Gaudí’s temple. The Orféo Català, the Coral Sant Jordi and the children’s choir of Montserrat Abbey will be amongst the participants.

Spanish Episcopal Conference states that dedicating the Sagrada Família temple to God was a “personal desire” of Benedict XVI. 1,673 journalists have registered for Barcelona’s visit.

Guissona, in the centre of Catalonia, has a large immigrant population, which now represents 50.08% of the village’s population. The reason is that Guissona hosts the largest company in the province, the Cooperativa Agropecuària de Guissona (CAG), a meat processing business. 90% of Guissona’s population is employed.

Emergency Medical Services of Catalonia (SEM) will be equipped with 160 people, 38 ambulances and 4 hospital tents for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Barcelona. Thousand of people, most of them old, are expected to be on the streets and in the events scheduled. Barcelona is getting ready for the Pope’s visit taking place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of November to bless the Sagrada Família church.

The Cardinal Archbishop of Barcelona responded to criticisms associated with the Pope’s upcoming visit in an interview with CNA. A controversy has been going on in Catalonia regarding the costs of Benedict XVI’s visit to Barcelona, when he will bless the famous Sagrada Família church and declare it a basilica. Public administrations will pay for the security and disturbance costs associated with the visit. Laicism groups have protested for the use of public money.

A collaborative study has shown great possibilities for economic development along the B-30 highway outside of Barcelona, in the area of Vallès. Researchers see collaboration between universities and businesses as an “essential” part of this process.

Catalonia is the autonomous community with the highest number of foreigners receiving social security benefits. The data shows a 1.23% decrease compared to September of last year.

Coastal city of Sitges, 25 km South from Barcelona, plans to become a leading pole of creativity. 'QUALIA Sitges' will dedicate 100,000 square metres to the fields of art and creativity. One of the main objectives of QUALIA is the creation of the 'Barcelona Institute of Performing Arts'.