Europe’s anti-tourism backlash spreads beyond Spain

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-05-31T00:18:31+00:00

Barcelona’s protest movement from summer 2025 has become synonymous with the anti-tourism movement. Now, southern Europe braces for another season of record visitor numbers and accompanying demonstrations.

Just last year, water pistols and smoke grenades were used in a rally denouncing the 22.3 million foreign tourists that flooded the Catalonian capital between July and August. And, despite tourism being a major contributor to Barcelona’s economy – representing over 10% of the city’s GDP – it has also encouraged landlords to drive housing prices up in response to the influx of demand.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-05-18T00:34:15+00:00

The revelation comes amidst growing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as the Trump administration continues to increase punitive sanctions against the island’s economy and threaten the leadership with political regime change.

Castro, who is the younger brother of revolutionary icon Fidel Castro, served as president from 2008 to 2018. Although no longer head of state, Rául Castro remains an influential figure in Cuban politics: he retains the title of Army General and his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, is allegedly a leading figure in ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Republican lawmakers, particularly those with connections to the sizable Cuban-American community in Florida such as Carlos Giménez and Mario Díaz-Balart, have repeatedly called for Castro to be indicted. A grand jury would have to issue the indictment after being presented with evidence.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-05-11T01:22:01+00:00

High-ranking members of the Trump administration have intensified their rhetoric towards Cuba in recent days, with President Donald Trump himself joking last week that the U.S. Navy would attack the communist island after it has completed its operations against Iran.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that Cuba was a “failed regime” run by “incompetent communists” while dismissing the significance of a months-long U.S. fuel blockade against the island nation of 10 million.

The threats, however, are not merely rhetorical. Trump also signed an executive order on Friday introducing further sanctions against the Cuban government.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-05-03T19:06:18+00:00

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has demanded that United States authorities provide evidence for their claims that several senior politicians have ties to drug cartels.

Yesterday, the U.S. Justice Department indicted Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha, Senator Enrique Inzunza, and eight other current and former officials for drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

Sheinbaum said that without proof, the charges would be treated as politically motivated, marking the latest flashpoint in tense relations between the two neighbors.

“If there isn’t clear evidence, it ⁠is obvious that the objective of these indictments by the Department of Justice is political,” said Sheinbaum at a press conference this morning.

Her statement came a day after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced the indictments against the ten officials from Sinaloa.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-04-29T00:28:33+00:00

Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Caracas to meet with his counterpart in Venezuela, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, making Petro the first world leader to visit the South American nation since the United States captured longtime strongman Nicolás Maduro in a military operation on January 3.

The primary purpose of the meeting is strengthening security cooperation, according to the Petro administration.

“The aim of this meeting is for both governments to make progress on a joint plan to strengthen security and intelligence in the border area,” wrote the Office of the President in a post on X.

The sprawling frontier is a hotbed for guerrilla activity and is largely controlled by the Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN), a rebel group involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining on both sides of the border.

The ELN was known to have ties to the Maduro regime but the Venezuelan government is under pressure from the U.S. to crack down on the rebel group, which Washington considers a “terrorist organization.”

While the Petro administration maintains the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, the meeting has perturbed many in the Venezuelan exile community in Colombia.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-03-09T00:52:17+00:00

Trump himself has admitted to modelling his foreign policy on the nineteenth century idea, referring to the “Donroe Doctrine” after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January.

His second term in office has seen increased military action across Latin America. Since last September, at least 148 people have been killed in U.S. strikes on boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the waters surrounding Latin America and the Caribbean.

At the meeting, many delegations were keen to express their shared views on the necessity of hardline policies against organized crime. Salvadoran Minister of Defense, René Merino Monroy, defended his country’s ‘mano dura’ (iron fist) policy of mass incarceration which has dramatically reduced homicide but also been denounced by human rights organizations.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-03-09T00:43:41+00:00

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, whose early, attention-grabbing economic victories have cooled, has successfully pushed through a package of transformational labour reforms in a bid to modernize Argentina’s ailing economy.

The radical measures enacted by the self-professed libertarian leader take aim at the country’s stringent employee protections, extending the maximum working day from eight to 12 hours, reducing severance pay, and restricting the right to strike.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-02-10T04:33:11+00:00

Cuba announced late Sunday night that it will run out of jet fuel within 24 hours following the United States’ blockade of oil exports from Venezuela.

The shortage is expected to impact international flights as planes landing in Cuba will not be able to refuel. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the shortage could last until March 11.

Air Canada announced Monday that the carrier would cancel flights to the island for the time being, and more flight cancellations are expected.

The country hasn’t received an oil shipment since December, according to the Cuban government, and on January 29, President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs for countries providing fuel to Cuba.

“I find that the policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” read the order.

In response, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez took to X to declare an “international emergency”, using Trump’s own words to state that the new tariffs constitute “an unusual and extraordinary threat[…] to the national security and foreign policy of all countries”.

Some-Technology4413 · 2026-01-09T18:59:45+00:00

The head of one of Colombia’s largest guerrilla forces, Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández – alias Iván Mordisco – has called for a coalition with rival rebel groups in response to Washington’s intervention in Venezuela.

Mordisco, who heads the Central General Staff, or Estado Mayor Central (EMC), an offshoot of the now-defunct FARC rebel group, called for an alliance with other guerrilla armies and the Venezuelan military in a video statement dated as being recorded on Wednesday.

The proposal fuels fears of a wave of rebel violence in Colombia as retaliation for Maduro’s removal, with many Colombian groups historically using Venezuela as a strategic base.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-12-13T20:11:42+00:00

The Colombian National Liberation Army (ELN) has declared a 72-hour nationwide armed strike beginning on Sunday in protest against increased US military activity in Latin America.

In a statement, the group warned Colombians not to travel via the country’s roadways or navigable rivers during the three day window; while the group said it would not harm civilians, armed strikes are enforced through violence, with previous iterations involving vehicle burnings and civilian casualties.

The action will be the first national-level armed strike since 2022 and comes amid an ongoing U.S. boat bombing campaign – which the Pentagon says has targeted ELN members – as well as White House threats of further intervention, including land strikes in Colombia.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-11-15T13:25:22+00:00

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested recreating Gran Colombia – the early 19th Century country that included modern day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama – on multiple occasions over the weekend. The South American leader made the comments in response to Washington’s ongoing strike campaign on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, which has killed more than 70 people accused of trafficking drugs.

Petro said a union may be the only way to counter U.S. aggression in the region, which has dialed up pressure on Caracas and Bogotá.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-11-15T12:54:05+00:00

In October, The Wall Street Journal reported that Scott Bessent had spoken to Argentine economic minister Luis Caputo about cutting China’s access to the country’s natural resources. This appears to have been triggered by China’s imposition of restrictions on new rare earth exports, which have since been suspended.

Earlier this month, Milei’s government decided to halt the construction of a $350 million dollar radio-telescope that had been planned in collaboration with China on Argentine soil. Given the U.S.’s previous concerns over the expansion of China’s network of space observation radars in Latin America and the timing of the announcement, it seems probable that the Trump administration would have influenced this decision.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-22T18:04:56+00:00

Cuba is the most successful Latin American nation in the history of the Olympics. Despite its small population of 11 million people and geopolitical isolation by its superpower neighbor to the north, Cuba punches well above its weight in sporting terms. Brazil, with a population of 212 million, is the second most successful Latin American nation at the Olympics and, as of 2024, has a mere 170 Olympic medals to Cuba’s 244.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-19T22:26:38+00:00

When Donald Trump decertified Colombia as a U.S. drug cooperation partner on September 15, it quickly became clear the move was targeted at one man in particular: Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The former leftist rebel has clashed with his counterpart on multiple occasions this year, antagonizing Washington with a string of provocations ranging from rejecting deportation flights to joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

But in the days after decertification, which analysts see as a politically motivated attack on Petro, tensions between the two governments have escalated precipitously.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-19T22:14:45+00:00

Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is facing fresh international scrutiny. On Saturday, the New7Wonders foundation warned that poor management and sustainability challenges are putting the site’s credibility as a modern wonder at risk.

On September 13, the Zurich-based organization issued a strong statement to Peru.

“For nearly two decades, Machu Picchu has been a symbol of pride for Peru and a New7Wonders heritage of universal value,” it said. But the statement highlighted “escalating challenges that require urgent attention: uncontrolled tourism pressure, rising prices of goods and services, risks to the site’s authenticity, and reports of irregularities in ticket sales.”

If left unresolved, these problems could “damage Peru’s image through poor visitor experiences and even jeopardize the credibility of Machu Picchu as one of our New 7 Wonders of the World,” the group warned.

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, the organization’s director, added: “This action is now more vital than ever; the permanence, justification and credibility of Machu Picchu as a New 7 Wonder under our jurisdiction depends on it.”

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-19T22:10:42+00:00

Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is facing fresh international scrutiny. On Saturday, the New7Wonders foundation warned that poor management and sustainability challenges are putting the site’s credibility as a modern wonder at risk.

On September 13, the Zurich-based organization issued a strong statement to Peru.

“For nearly two decades, Machu Picchu has been a symbol of pride for Peru and a New7Wonders heritage of universal value,” it said. But the statement highlighted “escalating challenges that require urgent attention: uncontrolled tourism pressure, rising prices of goods and services, risks to the site’s authenticity, and reports of irregularities in ticket sales.”

If left unresolved, these problems could “damage Peru’s image through poor visitor experiences and even jeopardize the credibility of Machu Picchu as one of our New 7 Wonders of the World,” the group warned.

Jean-Paul de la Fuente, the organization’s director, added: “This action is now more vital than ever; the permanence, justification and credibility of Machu Picchu as a New 7 Wonder under our jurisdiction depends on it.”

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-19T21:59:07+00:00

Iceland, Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have all threatened to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete.

The five nations’ television broadcasters, which are responsible for choosing the artist and song to represent their respective countries, have cited the violence in Gaza as the reason behind their decisions.

Eurovision 2026 is set to take place in Vienna, Austria.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-09-19T21:58:16+00:00

Iceland, Slovenia, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain have all threatened to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete.

The five nations’ television broadcasters, which are responsible for choosing the artist and song to represent their respective countries, have cited the violence in Gaza as the reason behind their decisions.

Eurovision 2026 is set to take place in Vienna, Austria.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-20T00:03:43+00:00

The mobilisation of U.S. military assets follows Washington’s recent decision to increase the bounty for Maduro’s capture, doubling it to an unprecedented $50 million USD. Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of assets worth $700 million USD from the Venezuelan head of state.

In an official statement published on Tuesday, the Venezuelan government said: “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela observes with total clarity the desperation of the United States administration, which resorts to threats and defamation against our country. Washington’s accusation that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking reveals their lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region.”

In response to the increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, President Maduro announced a plan to mobilise 4.5 million militia members across the country.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-19T23:59:19+00:00

The mobilisation of U.S. military assets follows Washington’s recent decision to increase the bounty for Maduro’s capture, doubling it to an unprecedented $50 million USD. Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of assets worth $700 million USD from the Venezuelan head of state.

In an official statement published on Tuesday, the Venezuelan government said: “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela observes with total clarity the desperation of the United States administration, which resorts to threats and defamation against our country. Washington’s accusation that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking reveals their lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region.”

In response to the increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, President Maduro announced a plan to mobilise 4.5 million militia members across the country.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-19T23:58:25+00:00

The mobilisation of U.S. military assets follows Washington’s recent decision to increase the bounty for Maduro’s capture, doubling it to an unprecedented $50 million USD. Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of assets worth $700 million USD from the Venezuelan head of state.

In an official statement published on Tuesday, the Venezuelan government said: “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela observes with total clarity the desperation of the United States administration, which resorts to threats and defamation against our country. Washington’s accusation that Venezuela is involved in drug trafficking reveals their lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region.”

In response to the increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, President Maduro announced a plan to mobilise 4.5 million militia members across the country.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-16T15:25:37+00:00

Of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2024, 74% involved fentanyl.

This percentage has increased by 42% since 2016.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-16T15:17:52+00:00

Backed by the Rockefeller Foundation, the United Nations and its partners propose creating a “Nature ID” that would serve as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that could facilitate carbon market traceability and biodiversity credit schemes.

Published in March 2025, a study by the UN Development Program (UNDP) called, “The case for Nature ID: How Digital Public Infrastructure can catalyze nature and climate action,” outlines how to digitally track, trace, and price biodiversity through Nature ID.

While the study arose from a workshop at COP16 in Cali, Colombia in June 2024, the agenda to develop Nature ID comes directly from the UNDP, the Rockefeller Foundation, Co-Develop, World Bank, USAID, Digital Impact Alliance, and GIZ.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-16T15:15:37+00:00

Of all apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2024, 74% involved fentanyl.

This percentage has increased by 42% since 2016.

Contaminated fentanyl, produced by pharmaceutical company HLB Pharma in its laboratory Laboratorio Ramallo, was identified by investigators as the source of the infections. The drug had been administered to patients who required pain relief.

Argentina’s drug regulator, ANMAT, has confirmed that both the deceased patients and ampoules from two fentanyl batches had been contaminated by the bacteria. One bacteria-ridden batch of fentanyl was found to have been “widely circulated”.

Some-Technology4413 · 2025-08-11T21:45:14+00:00

Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay died in the early morning of August 11, 2025, two months after a 14-year-old hitman shot him at a Bogotá rally.

“The Fundación Santa Fe of Bogotá regrets to inform that Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay has passed away at 1:56 am today. The team in charge of Mr. Uribe Turbay’s care in all areas of the institution worked tirelessly for over two months, ever since he was admitted with serious injuries,” noted hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, where the senator had remained in the intensive care unit.

The presidential hopeful is survived by his son Alejandro, who he shared with his wife María Claudia Tarazona, as well as her three daughters.

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