SpainOwnership & classification
Founded: 1976
Ownership
El País, founded in 1976, is the flagship daily of Grupo PRISA (Promotora de Informaciones). PRISA's largest shareholder is Joseph Oughourlian, founder of the activist fund Amber Capital, who holds roughly 29-30% (indirectly via Amber Capital UK / Oviedo Holdings) and chairs PRISA's board. Other significant shareholders include Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, Banco Santander and Vivendi.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising, newsstand sales and an extensive digital subscription/paywall, within the PRISA group that also owns Cadena SER radio and the Santillana education business; it carries the debt and investor structure of a listed media group.
Affiliation & stance
Centre-left and strongly pro-European in editorial stance, Spain's leading reference daily. It is owned by a publicly listed commercial group led by financial investors, with no party or state control of the newsroom, which makes it INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 923
78/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
1137
Articles
1110
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Spain and five other European countries insist on setting an extraordinary tax on the profits of oil companies
Spain and five other European Union countries, Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, and Portugal, are pushing for an extraordinary tax on the profits of oil companies generated by the conflict in the Middle East. The ministers of Economy from these six nations plan to request this measure again through a joint letter addressed to Simon Harris, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU. The letter, which has been accessed by EL PAÍS and shared by AFP and Euronews, calls for the reinstatement of such a tax, similar to the one implemented in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ministers argue that oil companies are experiencing high profitability and margins, despite rising crude oil prices, and that current measures have not sufficiently stabilized prices for both businesses and citizens. They emphasize the need for a unified approach to ensure those benefiting from the crisis contribute to alleviating public costs. This would mark the second time the EU has imposed such a tax, with the new proposal seeking more selective inclusion of foreign profits from multinational oil firms.
Government fails to fully return migrants despite flattering Morocco: 6,500 still roam unchecked through Ceuta
The Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez has failed to fully return all undocumented immigrants who entered Ceuta illegally on July 30th, despite efforts to please Morocco. The strategy of praising Morocco’s border management did not yield results, and after 22 days, over 6,500 migrants remain uncontrolled in the territory. The government shifted tactics by setting up tents to relocate those who had camped on the beach, but this approach was ineffective. This marks the second time in this legislative term that Spain has relied on Morocco and faced setbacks, including Morocco rejecting the repatriation of deceased individuals. Spain faces a complex challenge as Morocco refuses to accept many migrants, while EU rules prevent their relocation to mainland Spain. Initially, Morocco cooperated in returns, with around 72,000 of 80,000 migrants being sent back, though this occurred beyond the legal 72-hour deadline. Security forces forcibly deported migrants, including children, in trucks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to return 'every last person,' but Morocco’s stance changed, signaling potential complications.
Ten arrested after the shooting attack from a narco-lanche against a patrol boat of the Civil Guard in waters of Huelva
Ten suspected drug traffickers were arrested by Spain's National Police and Customs Surveillance Service after they opened fire on a patrol boat of the Maritime Provincial Service of Huelva during the early hours of August 17–18, 2026. The attack occurred just one day after two masked individuals shot dead two women and a minor in the town of Isla Cristina, which authorities are investigating as possibly related to family disputes among drug trafficking clans. During the pursuit, the suspects' semi-rigid boat performed evasive maneuvers deemed extremely dangerous, putting officers' lives at risk. The attackers also attempted to dump drugs into the sea to hinder the police chase and cause damage to the patrol boats. One suspect was injured during the incident and abandoned by his accomplices on the coast of Cadiz. In addition to the ten arrests, authorities seized two drug-laden boats and 5,926 kilograms of hashish, marking a significant blow against criminal organizations operating in southern Spain. The violence has intensified along the coast of Huelva, a popular tourist destination, amid reports of insufficient resources for law enforcement.
12 dead and 10 seriously injured in bus accident in Hungary
Un autobús de matrícula polaca volcó en una autopista del este de Hungría cerca de la localidad de Mezokeresztes, causando la muerte de doce personas y dejando a diez heridos graves. El vehículo, que se dirigía a la ciudad de Nyiregyhaza, se salió de la calzada, cayó en una cuneta y volcó a primera hora del domingo. Según la policía, se sospecha que el conductor podría haberse quedado dormido. El primer ministro húngaro, Peter Magyar, informó del incidente en su perfil de Facebook. El presidente polaco, Karol Nawrocki, expresó su dolor por la tragedia, mientras que el ministro de Asuntos Exteriores polaco, Radoslaw Sikorski, destacó el compromiso del gobierno polaco para proporcionar información verificada sobre los afectados.
Feijóo demands that Sánchez decree confinement in Ceuta because of the health risk of scabies and tuberculosis
The leader of Spain's People's Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to impose a lockdown in Ceuta due to 'health risks' posed by infectious diseases such as scabies and tuberculosis, which have been detected after over 70,000 migrants entered the territory at the end of July. In an interview with Europa Press, Feijóo cited concerns raised by medical professionals regarding the spread of contagious illnesses, including more than 450 cases of gastroenteritis and some cases of chickenpox. He criticized Health Minister Mónica García for taking 17 days to visit Ceuta despite having access to epidemiological records indicating health risks. Feijóo also expressed opposition to the reception of unaccompanied minor migrants, aligning his stance with the European Union's position, and advocated for their rapid repatriation to Morocco.
Morocco asks Spain to return the migrants who crossed into Ceuta as well as the dead
The Moroccan Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, has requested Spain to repatriate migrants who crossed into Ceuta since July 30th, along with the remains of those who drowned during their attempt to swim through the Tarajal border crossing. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Ouahbi called for an agreement to return both survivors and deceased individuals, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to migration between the two countries. He criticized Spain for not informing Morocco about the number of fatalities and insisted that unidentified bodies cannot be transferred without prior information and bilateral agreements. Additionally, Ouahbi reiterated Morocco’s historical and geographical claim over Ceuta and Melilla, accusing Spain of facilitating migration through campaigns encouraging young people to make the journey. The Spanish government rejected these claims, asserting that Ceuta and Melilla are part of Spain’s territorial integrity and EU membership. As of now, 18 immigrants have been buried in Ceuta’s Muslim cemetery, three weeks after a border crisis that resulted in dozens of deaths during a mass influx of over 72,000 people.
An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 shakes the Tokyo area
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Kanto region, where Tokyo is located, at 2:00 AM local time (7:00 PM on the Iberian Peninsula) on Sunday. No reports of personal injuries have been confirmed yet. The article provides basic information about the event but does not elaborate further.
Mourinho denounces "bullying" on Vinicius: "He is not a saint, but what they do to him is too much"
Jose Mourinho returned to Spanish football on August 22, 2026, coaching Real Madrid against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. During the match, Vinicius Jr. was reportedly subjected to physical abuse by Espanyol player Calatrava, who kicked him in the back while he was on the ground. Mourinho did not immediately react during the game but later criticized the treatment of Vinicius as 'bullying' during his post-match press conference. Mourinho emphasized Vinicius’s importance in his tactical setup, aligning him with other stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Bellingham performed well, scoring a goal early in the match, which Mourinho praised as evidence of his ideal positioning near the opponent's goal. The match saw some strategic decisions in defense and midfield, including placing Dumfries ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and keeping Cucurella on the bench temporarily.
Putting Yourself in Another's Place
The article discusses various political issues across different countries. In Spain, Feijóo argues that the Law of the Minor cannot apply to children in Ceuta because they 'participated in an invasion,' suggesting they are responsible for entering another country illegally. This stance contrasts with Teresa Rodríguez’s perspective, who highlights the institutionalized racism against 500 Moroccan girls compared to the 350,000 Ukrainian children welcomed into Spain. The article also notes the rise of far-right parties in Israel, including the potential threat to Benjamin Netanyahu’s power. Additionally, it mentions Israeli Minister Ben Gvir announcing plans for an execution facility for Palestinians under a death penalty law. Other topics include election controversies in Colombia and Argentina, where Milei blames feminists for societal issues, and regional politics in Spain involving Ayuso appointing former politicians to advisory roles with significant financial benefits.
Pogacar, leader to the first change in the Tour by nine hundredths
The article introduces the Vuelta cycling race and highlights Tadej Pogačar as the new leader, noting his narrow lead of nine hundredths of a second. The piece appears to focus on Pogačar’s emergence as a dominant figure in the race, setting the stage for further developments in the competition.
Canada defies Trump and will respond "dollar for dollar" to US tariffs
On August 22, 2026, the United States imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, prompting Canada to announce retaliatory measures starting September 8. The breakdown in negotiations occurred after talks extended until late Friday without reaching an agreement. Although President Trump had expressed optimism earlier and delayed the tariff implementation to give negotiators more time, Canada’s Minister of Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, claimed they were 'very close' to a deal. The U.S. tariffs would impact around 5% of Canada’s annual exports to the U.S., affecting products like hockey sticks, construction materials, alcoholic beverages, and clothing. Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, stated that retaliatory tariffs would target steel, dairy, electronics, and other goods, applying them 'dollar for dollar.' He noted Canada was willing to remove tariffs on steel, aluminum, and vehicles if the U.S. significantly reduced its tariffs, but criticized U.S. demands as excessive. The dispute threatens the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), which is crucial for trade between the three countries. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer指责加拿大未
Carlos Alcaraz and the management of his own expectations
The article discusses Carlos Alcaraz's return to professional tennis after a period away due to injury, focusing on his psychological and physical preparation for the U.S. Open. It highlights the pressure he faces as a defending champion and acknowledges the absence of Jannik Sinner, who is recovering from knee issues. The piece notes that Alcaraz has not participated in any other tournament prior to this, unlike more experienced players like Djokovic and Zverev. It praises his potential and suggests he could perform well in the early stages of the tournament but may need time to adjust to higher-level competition. The author also mentions the emergence of another strong Spanish player, J�dar, who is close to the top ten rankings.
The Government on alert for the revenue for Vox from the crisis in Ceuta: Abascal has already shot up in the polls after the announcement of the regularization of migrants
The Spanish government has raised concerns over the potential electoral gains for Vox due to the migration crisis in Ceuta. Following the announcement of an extraordinary regularization process for undocumented foreigners in early January 2026, Vox saw a significant increase in voter intention, reaching 18.3% according to a February survey by Sigma Dos. Officials at La Moncloa are aware that Vox could benefit from the crisis, which aligns with their anti-immigration rhetoric. The government's recent messaging has focused on reducing subsidies for social entities in Ceuta, citing 'alliances with the ultra-right' that the PP has in other regions. Another Sigma Dos poll conducted before the mass arrival of migrants from Morocco showed that 54.9% of Spaniards were against legalizing the administrative status of foreign residents in Spain before December 31, 2025, with Vox supporters showing the highest rejection rate at 90.6%. European Union leaders, including Italy and Denmark, warned that such decisions could attract more immigrants and linked the crisis to perceptions that irregular entry might lead to legal residency, as well as limited 'hot returns' ruled by the Supreme Court. It