Spain Introduces Mandatory V-16 Beacons and Grapples with Alicante Scandal

The beginning of 2026 in Spain is marked by profound changes in traffic regulations and serious political tensions fueled by corruption scandals. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska appeared before a parliamentary committee to defend the mandatory use of connected V-16 beacons. These devices, emitting a light signal visible from a kilometer away and transmitting location data to the DGT 3.0 platform, replaced traditional warning triangles on January 1st. The minister emphasized that this system positions Spain as a European leader in road safety, minimizing the risk of drivers being hit on the roadside. According to the data presented, there are over 2,300 activations of these devices daily. However, this initiative has faced criticism from the People's Party (PP) and the Vox party, which have challenged the regulations before the European Parliament, citing arguments about discrimination against foreign drivers and the costs burdening citizens. Simultaneously, Alicante has become the center of a scandal involving protected housing (VPP) in the Les Naus development. A judicial investigation, involving the elite police unit UDEF, concerns the allocation of units to individuals connected to local People's Party structures, including officials and family members of councilors. Controversy arose from the fact that luxury apartments with sea-view pools, intended for people in difficult financial situations, ended up in the hands of wealthy individuals. Media outlets revealed footage of expensive renovations in these units, sparking mass protests from residents and neighborhood associations demanding the resignation of Mayor Luis Barcala. In the Valencian regional parliament, a special investigative committee has been established to clarify the political background of these irregularities. The Spanish system of protected housing (VPO/VPP) was created to provide access to housing for low-income individuals, but throughout the country's history, there have been repeated abuses in their distribution by local governments. In the economic sphere, the Congress of Deputies finally approved a 2.7% pension revaluation, which is the result of the average inflation level. This decision affects over 9.4 million beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the government of Aragon announced an ambitious expansion plan for the Zaragoza Logistics Platform (Plaza). The €424 million investment will cover 89 hectares and aims to strengthen the region's position as a key transport hub in Southern Europe. In the automotive sector, confusion arose regarding tax incentives for purchasing electric cars. Although initial reports suggested the deductions were being withdrawn, it was ultimately confirmed that 15% of the purchase value (up to €3,000) can be deducted in the 2025 tax return. Ryanair used these changes to announce new routes from Valencia, while simultaneously attacking the operator Aena for plans to increase airport fees by 21%. „Una vez más, nuestro país se sitúa como referente en sus políticas de seguridad vial.” (Once again, our country positions itself as a benchmark in its road safety policies.) — Fernando Grande-Marlaska