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Check FAQAbout Albert
I am a journalist from Barcelona now based in Madrid with years experience in media and other roles involving communications. I have reported for several newspapers based in Barcelona (La Vanguardia, DiariARA) and for the pan-European news outlet Euronews. I can do reporting in Spanish, English and Catalan. I also work in communications for Club de Madrid, an international non-profit working in topics related to development and democracy promotion. I am available for work in Madrid and occasionally in Catalonia. I can offer expertise both in Spanish and Catalan current affairs. My preferred topics are social and economic issues, politics and technology. I also have a knack for European affairs, as I hold a Master's Degree in European Integration. In my latest role, I have worked in communications for the Division for Social Policy and Development at the United Nations Headquarters (New York). There I wrote articles in English, designed promo material and edited videos. As an individual curious by nature, I love traveling and meeting new people. That is why I participate in funded projects abroad where I meet like-minded journalists and credible sources. These include a video production workshop in Berlin, a radio training at the European Parliament, a conference at Yale University and a forum in Turkey. For more information, check my website: ******.com
Portfolio
'Sports Illustrated', the iconic US sports magazine, is saved from closure at the last minute
Sports Illustrated, the iconic US sports magazine, was saved from closure thanks to an editorial agreement announced by Authentic Brands Group. The magazine faced turbulent times with journalist layoffs, an artificial intelligence news-making scandal, and the departure of top executives. The Area Group stopped paying licensing fees to Authentic, leading to the withdrawal of the license and potential closure in May. Minute Media, which owns brands like The Players’ Tribune and FanSided, will continue the print edition and aims for a profitable digital future. The deal includes the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, which has been known to boost models' careers, such as Judith Mascó in 1990.
From joy to the necessary cleansing
The article discusses the contrasts in Spanish society and football, highlighting the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia and the joy of competition against the backdrop of economic ambition. It critiques the Spanish Football Federation, intermediaries, and clubs for their financial dealings, and the potential match-fixing to favor Real Madrid and FC Barcelona reaching the final. The article also examines the pressures on FC Barcelona's coach, Xavi, and the national embarrassment of the Negreira scandal, calling for a thorough cleansing of corruption in Spanish football.
A Real Murcia in flames
Real Murcia's poor performance is attributed to the club's owner, Felipe Moreno, who is criticized for his decisions, including the hiring of an inexperienced sports director and coach Pablo Alfaro. The team, which has not won since December 3, is described as lacking coherence and strategy, with a fractured locker room and a squad that does not fit together well. The article details the team's latest match, a draw against Melilla, highlighting issues such as the injury of Imanol, the expulsion of Rofino, and the ineffective changes made by Alfaro.
Águilas B Resurges Against Molinense B with a Brace from Andresito
In the fifteenth round of the Preferente Autonómica of the Region of Murcia, the competition remains open, with Mazarrón FC leading. Mazarrón drew with Algezares, while Minerva defeated Calasparra with two goals from Sergio. Águilas B moved up to third place after a challenging win over Molinense B, thanks to a brace from Andresito, who now has ten goals in the competition. Abarán and Churra lost their matches, which helped the chasing pack. Bala Azul secured a win, and Santa Cruz defeated Cabezo de Torres with goals from Gregorio and Morales, while Aljorra surprised with a victory over Yeclano B.
Hector Hevel terminates contract and leaves FC Cartagena
Hector Hevel has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with FC Cartagena, leaving the club after four months. During his time, he played 15 out of 21 matches, providing two assists but no goals. His performance did not meet the expectations set for him, despite his previous key role in Andorra's rise to professional football and his contributions in the Second Division last season. FC Cartagena acknowledges the need for new signings to improve performance and secure their challenging bid for permanence.
Feyenoord-Roma and Milan-Rennes, star matches of the Europa League
The Europa League conducted its playoff draw, marking the first knockout phase after the group stage. Notable matches include Feyenoord vs. Roma, a rematch of the 2022 Conference League final won by Mourinho's team, and AC Milan vs. French side Rennes. Other pairings involve French clubs such as Shakhtar vs. Olympique de Marseille, Lens vs. Freiburg, and Benfica vs. Toulouse, with additional matches featuring Young Boys vs. Sporting Portugal, Galatasaray vs. Sparta Prague, and Sporting Braga vs. Qarabag.
Piotr Dukaczewski, a blind man who challenges the greats of chess
Piotr Dukaczewski, a nearly 59-year-old blind chess player from Poland, has challenged sighted players at the Llobregat Open Chess in Sant Boi, considered the strongest open tournament in Europe. Despite being the lowest-ranked and the only blind participant, Dukaczewski, who has a world title and several national championships for visually impaired players, finds the competition tough but good training. He learned chess from his father at age 7 and continued playing after losing his sight to toxoplasmosis at age 9. Dukaczewski uses a special tactile board and requires more time to analyze moves, acknowledging that blind players cannot reach the level of grandmasters due to the speed and precision required.
Netflix Bombshell: Will Broadcast Live Tennis Match Between Nadal and Alcaraz in Las Vegas
Netflix will broadcast live 'El Slam de Netflix', a tennis match featuring 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal against world number 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The event, organized by MGM Resorts, is scheduled for March 3, 2024, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and will be streamed in English and Spanish. Nadal expressed excitement for his first visit to Las Vegas, while Alcaraz felt honored to share the court with Nadal. Netflix's Vice President of Non-Fiction Sports, Gabe Spitzer, and MGM Resorts International's Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorships, Lance Evans, both anticipate a spectacular event for tennis fans worldwide.
Megan Rapinoe's footprint: the last match of the women's football icon
Megan Rapinoe, the iconic pink-haired star of women's soccer, is set to play her final match in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) final in San Diego. At 38, Rapinoe has announced her retirement following a decorated career including two World Cups, an Olympic gold medal, and two FIFA Player of the Year awards. She has been instrumental in the growth of women's soccer, from a mere 2000 spectators at her first match with Seattle's franchise to a league-record 34,000 saying farewell in October. Rapinoe's activism for equal pay and LGBTQ rights, as well as her support for Spanish players against the RFEF, has made her a social reference. The NWSL's recent $240 million broadcasting rights deal with ESPN, CBS, Amazon, and Scripps Sports marks a significant milestone in the sport's commercial value, partly attributed to Rapinoe's legacy.
Podemos criticizes the proliferation of 'PP ninis' among the new general directors
Podemos has criticized the appointment of new general directors in the Murcia regional government, accusing them of lacking training and work experience in their respective fields. Víctor Egío highlighted the issue, particularly in the department of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports led by Carmen Conesa. He described the regional government as a job placement office for the New Generations of the PP. Newly sworn-in officials include Patricio Sánchez López for Tourism Competitiveness and Quality, Carmen María Muñoz Espallardo for Youth, and José Francisco Lajara for Cultural Heritage, among others. Egío emphasized the importance of qualified individuals managing day-to-day politics, not just those with a PP party membership.
Terrorism's Impact on Spain's Thriving Tourism Industry
The article discusses the impact of the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils on Spain's tourism industry, particularly in Catalonia, which is a significant contributor to the country's GDP. Despite the attacks, there have been few cancellations of hotel bookings. The article cites Thomas Baumert, a professor of economics and statistics, who suggests that tourism tends to recover quickly after such incidents unless there is a high frequency of attacks or a persistent threat. The resilience of the tourism sector and the desensitization of the public to terrorism are also mentioned. Spain's competitive position in global tourism, its heritage, and security measures are highlighted, along with the historical context of dealing with terrorism from groups like ETA. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of tourism to Spain's economy and the potential risks if the sector is weakened.
The Rebirth of Cata Coll: A 'Now or Never' Plan
Cata Coll, who had been sidelined for eleven months due to a serious knee injury, made a remarkable comeback to professional soccer. After her contract with FC Barcelona ended in June, her future was uncertain, but a plan devised with her agent, Carlota Planas, set her on a path to recovery and success. Despite limited playtime during her recovery, Coll renewed her contract with Barcelona, a sign of the club's confidence in her. Her dedication to training and mental preparation paid off when she returned to the field in March, playing a few minutes against Valencia and later completing full matches. Her performance led to a call-up for the World Cup by coach Jorge Vilda, where she made her debut in the knockout stages and showcased her skills, particularly in the semifinals against Sweden, securing her position as a prominent goalkeeper.
Spain's Rental Market Crisis: Social Discontent and the Search for Stability
Spain's housing market continues to struggle, with the rental sector now causing social unrest, particularly in major cities like Barcelona where rents have soared. A 2013 law change, which reduced tenancy contracts from five to three years, has led to insecurity for tenants facing steep rent increases upon contract renewal. The cultural preference for home ownership in Spain is shifting due to economic pressures, pushing more families into the rental market. Young professionals and local tenants are being priced out, while the city also grapples with the impact of tourism and holiday rental sites like Airbnb. Barcelona's city council, led by Mayor Ada Colau, is considering measures to control rent hikes, including a reference index for rent prices and increasing social housing, drawing inspiration from cities like Paris and Berlin.
Spain's Ambition to Become Europe's Natural Gas Hub Faces Challenges
Europe is seeking to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas by looking for alternative sources, including increased LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar. Spain, with its six LNG regasification terminals, aims to become a key hub for natural gas distribution in Europe. However, Spain's ambition is hindered by inadequate pipeline connections to Central Europe and recent diplomatic tensions with Algeria, its primary gas supplier, over Spain's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. Algeria has previously used gas supplies as leverage in political disputes and could prioritize its gas relationship with Italy over Spain. The shelved MidCat pipeline project between Spain and France is being reconsidered, but financial and diplomatic challenges persist. Spain's potential as a natural gas hub is significant, but it is currently unable to resolve Europe's energy crisis on its own.
The viral campaign that saved Rahaf
Rahaf al-Qunun, an 18-year-old Saudi Arabian girl, escaped family abuse and fled to Australia, only to be detained in Bangkok, Thailand. Her passport was confiscated by immigration authorities, but she used Twitter to alert the world to her plight, gaining significant support. The hashtag #SaveRahaf went viral, and with the help of Human Rights Watch and the UNHCR, she avoided deportation to Saudi Arabia and was granted asylum in Canada. This case highlights the power of social media as a tool for human rights advocacy, especially in situations where authoritarian governments attempt to suppress such rights.
Brexit: Friends Until the End
The article discusses the impact of Brexit on the European Union, marking it as the first time a country has decided to leave the Union. After the 2016 referendum, EU leaders accepted the UK's decision, despite the challenges of losing a major economy. The EU maintained a firm stance during negotiations to discourage other members from leaving. The negotiations, which lasted two years, culminated in a summit on November 25, 2018, to ratify the withdrawal agreement. European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker are quoted, with Tusk suggesting the UK reconsider Brexit and Juncker calling the deal the best possible outcome. The article concludes by emphasizing the enduring cultural and economic ties between the UK and continental Europe.
The Armistice of World War I
On November 11, 1918, the armistice ending World War I was signed in a train carriage in the French forest of Compiègne. Marking 100 years since this historic day in 2018, countries across continents continue to commemorate Armistice Day. The Allied governments of France and Britain set the terms for Germany's surrender. Despite early 1918 advances, Germany faced a stalemate and internal collapse, leading to Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication and exile. The armistice took effect at 11 a.m. on November 11, symbolically noted as 'the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.' Remembrance events and the poppy flower symbolize the honoring of those who fell in the war, inspired by John McGrae's poem 'In Flanders Fields.'
The Faces of the Far-Right in Europe
The rise of far-right parties in Europe has brought politicians to power who popularize anti-immigration and anti-European Union ideas. These politicians often use populist rhetoric, exploiting public discontent and offering simple solutions to complex problems. Far-right parties have gained representation in nearly all European parliaments, with some politicians holding government positions, as in Italy, and others leading governments, as in Hungary and Poland. Key figures include Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, known for his tough stance on immigration; Marine Le Pen of France's National Rally, who maintains radical positions on immigration; Hungary's President Viktor Orbán, who has curtailed democratic rights; and Jaroslaw Kaczynski of Poland's Law and Justice Party, who defends traditional values and has limited press freedom and judicial independence. The European Union has taken legal action against Poland for a law that undermines judicial independence, marking the first time a member state could lose its voting rights in the European Council.
Historic demonstrations for equality on International Women's Day
Cities across Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona, saw massive demonstrations in support of women's equality on International Women's Day. Protesters demanded an end to the gender pay gap, violence against women, and called for shared domestic responsibilities. The feminist strike was reportedly supported by six million workers. Politicians like Pedro Sánchez faced criticism during the marches. The demonstrations concluded with calls for state funding against gender violence, equal pay, and adequate pensions. Barcelona's march was led by feminist movements and included a festive atmosphere with various slogans and banners. The manifesto read in Plaza de Catalunya highlighted the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the need to address domestic labor recognition and workplace discrimination.
An article written for UNSDN during my internship at the United Nations
An article written for UNSDN during my internship at the United Nations
An article written for UNSDN during my internship at the United Nations
Automated machines are disrupting labour markets and threatening mass unemployment
The article discusses the impact of automation on labor markets, highlighting the concerns of European labor unions as automated systems like those at the Port of Rotterdam threaten jobs. A study from the University of Oxford and research from the OECD offer differing views on the potential job losses due to automation. Unions have negotiated job guarantees and early retirement schemes, but job security remains uncertain. The banking sector, particularly ING, is also facing job cuts due to digital transformation. Unions are advocating for measures such as a robot tax and universal basic income to manage the social consequences of automation. The article suggests that while some jobs may be lost, others could change or emerge, as seen with the introduction of ATMs in the 1970s.
Long article written with journalist Lucian Balanuta was awarded status of Selected Contribution at the Writing for CEE Journalism Prize
In the sharing economy, is sharing still caring?
In this podcast, the reporters Dilyana Vlaeva, Andreas Charalambous, and Albert Guasch discuss the nuances of the sharing economy, focusing on the company Airbnb. They explore whether the sharing economy, which aims to monetize unused assets, maintains its philosophical roots of sharing and community or if it has become akin to traditional business models. The discussion includes insights from top experts who attended the sharing economy seminar at the European Youth Event 2016. The podcast seeks to understand the ethos of the sharing economy in the context of its growing commercial success.
Six things you did not know about North Korea - As the Congress of the Worker's Party in North Korea takes place, an unprecedented amount of journalists have been allowed to enter the hermit country. Here's what we have learned from North Korea, as explained by some journalists via social media.
US court blames Chilean lieutenant of Victor Jarra's death - The well-known Chilean songwriter, assassinated right after Pinochet's coup, was killed by the military in 1973. A US civil court has found lieutenant Pedro Pablo Barrientos, who fled to the US after the Pinochet's regime fell, to be liable for the singer's death. As of now, the US has not extradited Barrientos.
Guide (educational) to understand 'Brexit'
The article provides an educational guide to understanding the key aspects of the Brexit referendum. It discusses the referendum question, voter eligibility, the timeline with the vote set for June 23, and the implications of a potential UK exit from the EU. It outlines the deal negotiated by David Cameron to defend EU membership, covering immigration, economy, competitiveness, and sovereignty. The article presents the polarized opinions of politicians and the public, with notable figures like Boris Johnson and Michael Gove supporting Brexit, while Cameron, George Osborne, Theresa May, and Jeremy Corbyn advocate for remaining. Business perspectives, campaign points, and the potential impact on the UK's economy, immigration, and global influence are examined. Polls predict a close result favoring remaining in the EU. The article also touches on the territorial question related to Brexit.
Political Storm in Iceland Following the 'Panama Papers'
The Panama Papers have implicated members of the Icelandic government, including Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, Finance Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, and Interior Minister Ólöf Nordal, for having offshore companies managed by Mossack Fonseca. Gunnlaugsson created Wintris Inc with his wife in the British Virgin Islands and transferred his shares to her before becoming a member of parliament, failing to declare the company. The opposition is considering a motion of no confidence, and protests are being called for Gunnlaugsson's resignation. The scandal highlights potential conflicts of interest, especially since Gunnlaugsson's government benefited creditors like Wintris with its capital control policies.
Lena Dunham: The most daring nude
Lena Dunham, the creator and star of the HBO series 'Girls', is a New York native who has become a trendsetter and a millennial icon. Known for her wit, humor, and brutal honesty, Dunham has been recognized by Time magazine as the coolest person of the year and one of the most influential people in the world. Despite criticisms of narcissism and exhibitionism for her on-screen nudity and portrayal of her character Hannah Horvath, Dunham continues to be a feminist voice, discussing personal topics such as her struggle with weight and an experience of sexual assault. Her autobiography 'Not That Kind of Girl' has been successful, and despite threats on Twitter, she remains a prominent figure in the media.
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