Pedro Sánchez’s government issues an ultimatum to Giorgia Meloni: “Reopen by Sunday or we will take proportionate measures.” Palazzo Chigi stands by its decision and responds: “We do not accept impositions on national security. We will see after 15 August.”

Sanchez, British prime ministers and French ministers are discovering the rule of the digital age: politicians may well work whilst on holiday, but they must not appear to be on holiday. In the past, politicians used to go on holiday wearing Moro’s coat or staying with Andreotti’s nuns. Today, all it takes is a summer playlist on Instagram to spark accusations of irresponsibility

After some initial caution, Spain has called on the Moroccan government to investigate the influx of migrants. The semi-official response contains accusations against criminal organisations and the ‘occupied’ Ceuta

Meloni is bringing excise duties into line with EU requirements, whilst Sánchez lacks the votes to do so: yet the broad coalition continues to point to Madrid as a model, even on high fuel prices and military spending

Algerian novelist Daoud explains how the Spanish Prime Minister became an idol in the Arab world (his legal troubles also play a part)

Using rather undiplomatic methods, the Foreign Secretary has made a forceful entry into the Spanish debate: he has branded the regularisation of migrants as "demagogic" and the Catalan amnesty as "unfair" 

In chats between MPs and leaders of the Democratic Party, support was being voiced for Sánchez’s Spain against Milei’s Argentina. Meanwhile, Franco Gabrielli’s name is once again being mentioned as a possible candidate for Prime Minister for the progressive alliance

Sánchez scores two partial victories: his wife will stand trial on only two charges, whilst the CJEU has ruled that the amnesty for Catalan leaders is compatible with EU law. However, one year on from the vote, the political problems remain