Entertainment

Barcelona – Xavier Trabado Farré, president of the Taula d’entitats del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya, is advocating for a universal child benefit of €200 per child as a key strategy to combat poverty in Spain. Trabado argues that such a measure, implemented through a tax credit within the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) system, could significantly alleviate financial hardship for families across the country. His call comes as Spain continues to grapple with some of the highest poverty rates in Europe.

Trabado expressed concern over Spain’s persistent struggle with poverty, stating that the nation has “for years had the highest poverty rates in Europe and is the territory that least reduces poverty generated by the market.” He attributed this issue not to a single entity, but to a collective failure of political leadership, civil society, and social agents to prioritize poverty reduction, according to a recent interview with Ara reported by Europa Press. He believes a direct investment in children through this benefit is a societal responsibility.

“This benefit per child is a way of understanding on the part of all of society that social rights imply all of us,” Trabado stated. “We must understand that social cohesion is not only a matter of generating opportunities but also essential to having a more productive, more innovative society.”

The economic impact of child poverty in Spain is substantial, estimated at a cost of €60 billion annually, according to Trabado. He also challenged the notion that Spain is facing a “fiscal hell,” asserting that the country’s tax burden remains several points below the European average. This suggests, he argues, that there is fiscal space to implement such a social program.

Xavier Trabado Farré has a long history of involvement in the third sector. He currently serves as president of the Taula d’entitats del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya, a position he assumed in May 2025, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Enric Morist Güell. Trabado, an industrial engineer and activist, was previously vice president of the organization, having been involved with the board since 2017. He also held leadership roles in organizations such as Salut Mental Catalunya and AREP per la salut mental. His LinkedIn profile shows connections within the Catalan third sector platform.

The call for increased social spending comes at a time when the Generalitat, the Catalan regional government, is operating under a budget extended from 2023. Trabado emphasized the need for the third sector to secure additional resources and prioritize key areas. He acknowledged the growth of Spain’s GDP but cautioned that social progress is being undermined by increasing social complexity.

The proposed universal child benefit is intended to address not only immediate financial needs but also to foster long-term social cohesion and economic productivity. Trabado’s advocacy highlights a growing debate within Spain about the most effective strategies for tackling poverty and ensuring a more equitable society.

Looking ahead, the feasibility of implementing this benefit will depend on ongoing discussions between policymakers and social stakeholders. The debate over fiscal priorities and the allocation of resources will likely continue as Spain seeks to address its persistent poverty challenges. Further analysis of the potential economic impact and administrative challenges of the proposed benefit is expected in the coming months.

What are your thoughts on universal child benefits as a poverty reduction strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below.

The ambitious cinematic project bringing the story of The Beatles to the sizeable screen is continuing to expand its cast, adding several notable names to the ensemble. Among the latest additions is Morfydd Clark, known for her role as Galadriel in Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, who will portray Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of John Lennon.

Sir Sam Mendes is directing the four-part biopic, a unique approach that will see each member of the iconic band – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – take center stage in their own individual film. These narratives will intersect to create a comprehensive portrayal of The Beatles’ rise to fame and their lasting impact on music, and culture. The films mark the first time Apple Corps Ltd. And The Beatles themselves have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film, a testament to Mendes’ vision and the trust placed in him to inform their story.

Clark joins a cast that already includes Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The newly announced cast also features Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody) as Jane Asher, Paul McCartney’s former fiancée, and Harry Lawtey (Industry) as Stuart Sutcliffe, the band’s original bassist who left in 1961. Rounding out the additions is Farhan Akhtar, a prominent figure in Bollywood, who will portray Indian composer and sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.

The casting of Akhtar as Ravi Shankar is particularly noteworthy, given Shankar’s profound influence on George Harrison and, by extension, on The Beatles’ music. Shankar introduced the band to Indian classical music, a pivotal moment that broadened their musical horizons and led to the incorporation of Indian instrumentation and philosophical concepts into their work. Forbes details the depth of this relationship and its lasting impact.

Morfydd Clark’s portrayal of Cynthia Lennon will likely explore the complexities of her relationship with John Lennon, from their early days as art students in Liverpool to their eventual divorce in 1968. Their marriage, and its dissolution following Lennon’s affair with Yoko Ono, was a significant event in the band’s history and a deeply personal one for all involved. Clark, who grew up in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, is well-known for her role in The Rings of Power and has even incorporated a Welsh word into a scene, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity.

Production is currently underway in the United Kingdom, with an accomplished team behind the camera. Academy Award-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser (Dune) and editor Lee Smith (Dunkirk) are among the key crew members bringing Mendes’ vision to life. The films are being produced by Neal Street Productions and Sony Pictures.

The addition of these actors promises to bring depth and nuance to the already compelling narrative of The Beatles’ story. The films are expected to offer a fresh perspective on the band’s journey, exploring the individual experiences and creative forces that shaped their unparalleled success.

As filming continues in the UK, anticipation builds for the release of these four interconnected biopics. The project represents a significant moment in music history, offering an unprecedented look into the lives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Fans and music enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how Mendes and his cast bring this iconic story to the screen.

What are your thoughts on the casting choices? Share your excitement in the comments below!