English Time with Yves

  JOSÉ MANUEL VILLAREJO Power, Secrets and the Shadows of Spanish Politics Level: C1 1. READING — THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH José Manuel Villarejo is one of the most controversial figures in recent Spanish history. For many years, he worked as a police officer, but he also developed a successful private business investigating people and companies. His career eventually placed him at the meeting point between policing , politics, business and the media. Villarejo joined the Spanish police in the 1970s. During his career, he worked on sensitive investigations and became involved in intelligence and counter-terrorism activities. He later developed connections with powerful people in politics, business and the security services. But Villarejo was not simply a police officer. He also became involved in private investigations through companies connected to the Cenyt business group. These companies offered services to wealthy clients who wanted information about other people or organisati...

  MORAD: FROM LA FLORIDA TO EUROPE Morad El Khattouti El Horami, known professionally simply as Morad , was born in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, in 1999. He is of Moroccan descent and grew up in La Florida, a densely populated neighbourhood where immigration, economic difficulties and a strong sense of community have shaped everyday life. Morad began making music as a teenager. Rather than presenting an idealised version of Barcelona, his songs often focus on street life, friendship, family, money, police encounters and the desire to escape difficult circumstances. His music became particularly popular among young people who recognised aspects of their own experiences in his lyrics. His rise was remarkably rapid. Songs such as "Pelele" helped transform him from a local artist into an international urban-music phenomenon. His concerts have attracted thousands of young people, while his music has reached audiences across Europe. In 2024, thousands of fans attended ...

English is one of the most widely used languages in the world. You can hear it in airports, hotels, offices, universities, restaurants and on the internet. You do not need to be a native speaker to use English successfully. In many situations, being able to communicate clearly is more important than speaking perfectly. English is especially important in the business world. Many international companies use English when employees from different countries work together. Emails, meetings, presentations and online conferences are often conducted in English. Good English can therefore create new career opportunities and help people work with international clients and colleagues. English is also extremely useful when people travel. A tourist may need English to check into a hotel, order food, ask for directions, speak to airport staff or solve a problem. Even in countries where English is not an official language, many people use it to communicate with visitors. The internet has made Englis...

 Barcelona is approaching its next municipal election, scheduled for 23 May 2027. The campaign is expected to be dominated by questions about what kind of city Barcelona should become and how its limited space and resources should be managed. The current mayor, Jaume Collboni of the PSC , is expected to seek another term. Other major candidates include Jordi Martí Galbis of Junts, Elisenda Alamany of ERC, Gerardo Pisarello of Barcelona en Comú, Daniel Sirera of the PP and Jordi Aragonès of Aliança Catalana . Vox had not yet finalised its candidate in the latest reports. One of the most pressing issues is housing. Barcelona has experienced intense pressure on the housing market, while access to affordable accommodation has become a major concern for many residents. Candidates disagree about how much the government should intervene in the market, whether more regulation is necessary and how much new housing should be built. Tourism is another contentious issue. Barcelona benefits e...