In Madrid, Spain, an orange weather alert was issued for the Basque Country as temperatures were expected to reach 37C on Wednesday. Southern areas could see highs of 36C to 38C, with Badajoz forecast to hit 38C. The state weather service Aemet noted that recent heat levels resembled typical July conditions and linked the pattern to climate change, stating such events have become more frequent and intense. Separately, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived at the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Leo ahead of the pontiff’s planned visit to Spain starting 6 June. That trip includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands, with multiple speeches, masses and official engagements, including the blessing of a completed tower at the Sagrada Familia basilica. Sánchez is due to speak to reporters after the meeting. The coming period appears challenging for Sánchez and his party. His brother David Sánchez faces trial tomorrow over claims he received a specially created post with the Badajoz council in 2017. A judge has also summoned Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, to appear on 9 June regarding allegations she leveraged her position to obtain sponsors for a university course and used public funds for personal assistance. Both have denied wrongdoing. The complaints originated from the group Manos Limpias. Sánchez has described the cases as harassment by opponents and questioned the impartiality of parts of the judiciary. Last week, former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero was placed under investigation in connection with the 2021 state bailout of airline Plus Ultra. He is scheduled to appear before the judge on 18 and 19 June. Prosecutors are reviewing whether the €53m rescue funds were misused, with police examining possible money laundering routes involving Venezuela. Zapatero has denied any involvement and affirmed his actions complied with the law. Spanish police, acting on a judicial order, entered the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party in Madrid to collect documents related to a suspected illegal financing scheme, according to multiple local media reports. A Guardia Civil spokesperson confirmed the operation to Reuters.
