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PODCAST

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2

Stanislav Piskunov

Each day, we bring you real-world news, explained clearly and simply in Spanish at an A2 level. Listen, learn, and improve your Spanish while staying informed. This podcast is brought to you by the LinguaSimplify app. Learn languages by reading real-world articles, simplified with AI to your level.

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All Episodes

00:13:54

Spain’s 2026 Social Shield: Pensions, Aid, and...

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2026/01/08

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode breaks down Spain’s new 2026 measures aimed at strengthening social protection and economic stability. We cover inflation-linked pension increases—especially for minimum pensions and the Minimum Vital Income—the extension of the “social shield” to prevent utility cutoffs and evictions, and the decision to keep current self-employed contributions. We also look at continued public transport subsidies, green tax incentives, disaster recovery support,

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00:17:12

Spain Rules Out Mandatory Military Service

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2026/01/07

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores Spain’s decision to firmly reject a return to compulsory military service, opting instead for a professional army supported by stronger voluntary reserves. While other European countries revisit conscription amid geopolitical instability, Spain is focusing on incentives, specialized training, and modern defense structures. We discuss public skepticism rooted in the legacy of the old “mili,” logistical constraints, and the rise of private

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00:11:12

Spain’s Economic Balance in 2025: Growth and Ongoing...

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2026/01/06

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode reviews Spain’s 2025 economic performance as presented by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, weighing official data against political claims. We examine strong GDP growth of 2.9%, well above the EU average, alongside persistent unemployment. The discussion covers gains in the minimum wage, increased education grants, and crackdowns on illegal tourist rentals—while highlighting housing affordability as the country’s most pressing unresolved issue and the

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00:14:26

Forty Years in the EU: Spain and Portugal’s...

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2026/01/05

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode looks at how four decades of EU membership reshaped Spain and Portugal, turning once-isolated economies into modern European nations. We explore the role of EU funds in upgrading infrastructure, boosting living standards, and deepening social integration through mobility and the euro—while also addressing the lingering challenges of past crises, demographics, and productivity.

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00:10:14

Spain’s Rental Market Hits Record Highs

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2026/01/02

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode examines Spain’s rental market as prices reach historic highs after a steady rise since early 2022. Barcelona and Madrid top the rankings, but sharp increases are now spreading to smaller regional markets. We discuss how limited supply is driving an elite-only rental landscape, widening the gap between wages and housing costs, and leaving many families locked out despite existing regulations.

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00:15:02

Christmas and Addiction: An Emotional Minefield

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/23

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores why the holiday season is especially challenging for people living with addiction. We look at how broken routines, nostalgia, and the social normalization of alcohol and gambling increase the risk of relapse. Through expert insights and personal testimonies, we discuss the pressure to justify sobriety at celebrations and why separating fun from consumption is crucial for mental health and long-term recovery.

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00:13:06

Europe’s Labor Market Slows Toward 2026

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/22

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode examines the cooling of Europe’s labor market as 2026 approaches, revealing a growing divide among major economies. While the UK posts negative figures amid rising costs and regulatory uncertainty, Spain and Italy lead in job vacancy growth. In contrast, France and Germany see declines driven by political uncertainty and weak consumer demand. Despite strong job creation, Spain still faces the EU’s highest unemployment rate, highlighting the complex

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00:13:01

Madrid Becomes a Global Hub for the Tourism Industry

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/19

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores how Madrid has emerged as a global center for tourism governance after being chosen as the new headquarters of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Beating major international rivals, the Spanish capital benefited from a favorable tax environment, strong air connectivity, and institutional support. Hosting both the WTTC and UN Tourism positions Madrid at the heart of global public–private decision-making, reflecting Spain’s shift

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00:13:04

Christmas Dinner Costs Keep Rising in Spain

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/18

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode looks at the steadily rising cost of Christmas meals in Spain, where festive food prices have climbed for more than a decade. With an average of €130 per person for Christmas dinner and total holiday spending reaching €800—€100 more than last year—we explore why inflation has pushed the Christmas basket up 57% over ten years. From surging meat and seafood prices to turrón rising nearly 16% in a single year, we discuss how families are adapting and

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00:16:00

OECD Outlook: Spain Leads Europe’s Growth

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/17

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode reviews OECD GDP growth forecasts for Europe through 2025–2027. Despite ongoing risks from trade frictions and U.S. tariffs, the eurozone is set for a gradual recovery supported by EU recovery funds and easing financial conditions. We focus on Spain’s projected leadership among Europe’s largest economies in 2026 and 2027, contrast it with Ireland’s one-off pharma-driven surge and slower growth in Italy and Finland, and discuss how AI and geopolitics

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00:13:38

Aragón Calls Early Elections After Budget...

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/16

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode examines Aragón’s decision to call early elections after failed budget talks between the Popular Party (PP) and its far-right partner, Vox. With no agreement for the 2026 budget, the regional government must dissolve the Cortes and move toward elections, tentatively set for February 8. We also look at parallels with a recent crisis in Extremadura and how political deadlock has pushed multiple regions toward unexpected elections.

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00:10:52

Ximénez Group: Spain’s Global Christmas Light Powerhouse

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/15

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode highlights how Ximénez Group, born from a small workshop in Puente Genil (Córdoba), became a worldwide leader in Christmas lighting. Now illuminating over 600 cities across 45 countries—including New York and Dubai—the company’s success comes from its fully integrated model spanning design, manufacturing, and installation. We explore its signature monumental displays, its expansion through Ilmex, and how its LED-based, energy-efficient creations

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00:16:58

Eurozone Inflation: The German Puzzle

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/05

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode analyzes the contrasting inflation trends across the eurozone in November 2025. While most economies—like France and Italy—see price pressures easing, Germany stands out with a surprising 2.6% annual inflation, its highest in nine months, driven by food costs. Spain also records a mild uptick to 3.1%. We discuss how these mixed signals shape the European Central Bank’s outlook as overall inflation nears its 2% target.

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00:13:28

The Rise of Sovereign AI in Europe

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/02

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores Europe’s push to develop sovereign artificial intelligence—homegrown systems that reduce dependence on U.S. tech giants while reflecting European values. From Spain’s Alia and Aina to Portugal’s Amalia, and Germany’s SOOFI to the Netherlands’ GPT-NL, we highlight how nations are building open, multilingual, and transparent AI models for public administration, education, and healthcare. These initiatives mark a strategic effort to reclaim

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00:14:30

Spain’s Resilience Under Climate Strain

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/12/01

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode examines an OECD report highlighting Spain’s economic strength alongside its growing climate vulnerability. Despite steady GDP growth and leadership in renewable energy, Spain faces escalating risks from droughts, floods, and heat waves—threats that could cost over €34 billion by 2029. We discuss recent climate disasters, the pressure on public health and infrastructure, and the urgent need for adaptation investments and emission cuts, especially in

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00:12:23

The Psychology of Urgency: Inside the Black Friday...

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/11/28

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores the psychology behind Black Friday and how it taps into social anxiety and emotional emptiness. Psychologist Laura Lobo explains how FOMO, influencer pressure, and low tolerance for scarcity drive impulsive shopping—especially among young people. We discuss why post-purchase satisfaction is fleeting, how constant comparison fuels overconsumption, and how mindful reflection can help resist the cycle of urgency and excess.

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00:13:56

Spain’s Global Power Stagnates, Focus Shifts to Europe

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/11/27

Try our ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode analyzes Spain’s stagnant global influence, as highlighted by the Elcano Institute’s annual report, which places the country 13th worldwide. We explore how Spain’s power remains heavily concentrated in Europe—especially within the EU—while its soft power and defense influence grow in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. The report also notes internal imbalances, with Madrid and Catalonia accounting for nearly half of Spain’s total global weight.

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00:13:29

Venezuelan Exiles in Spain: Hope and Fear Amid U.S....

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/11/25

Try our ⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode delves into the mixed emotions of Venezuela’s diaspora in Spain as U.S. military and political pressure on Nicolás Maduro intensifies. We explore how these developments spark both hope for long-awaited change and fear of greater instability or suffering for families back home. Exiled voices stress that true transformation must go beyond Maduro’s departure—requiring deep systemic reform to restore dignity, public services, and the conditions for a safe

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00:13:10

Appointment and Reform of Spain’s Attorney General

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/11/24

Try our ⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explains the process of appointing Spain’s new Attorney General following the dismissal of Álvaro García Ortiz. The government nominates a candidate—approved by the King and reviewed by the General Council of the Judiciary—who must be a highly qualified legal professional with at least 15 years of experience. We also discuss upcoming reforms to extend the term to five years and strengthen the office’s independence by limiting the government’s ability to

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00:17:18

Basque Arborglyphs in the Forests of Nevada

Simple Spanish News: Stories at A2 ·

2025/11/20

Try our ⁠⁠⁠LinguaSimplify⁠⁠⁠ app.This episode explores the forgotten history of Basque shepherds in the American West and the tree carvings—known as arborglyphs—they left behind. Etched in the ancient Basque language, these inscriptions capture moments of solitude, longing, and identity from the 19th and 20th centuries. We highlight researchers’ efforts, led by Iñaki Arrieta Baro and the Jon Bilbao Basque Library, to document and preserve these fading cultural traces before time and nature erase

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148 results

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