From a global point of view, 2013 will go to history as a rather gloomy year. The economic recession worsened during the year, with unemployment and poverty in its wake. Youth unemployment reached new records. The devastating hurricanes, inundations and landslides in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean will go to history. Corruption has continued to flourish in most parts of the world. Tragic high speed train and bus crashes with hundreds of victims were reported.
But all is not negative. Many new findings in medicine and research have been reported during the year. Childhood cancer survival has continued to increase. Significant progress has been made by Chicago researchers developing prosthetic limbs that can feel and touch. The project is still undergoing animal experimentation, but the team hopes to soon be able to test their devices during clinical tests with humans.
Some events in 2013 come to my mind:
In the US, Edward Snowden disclosed up to 1,7 million classified NSA documents, telling us how our networked world really works, making it necessary to scrutinize the intelligence systems.
Pope Benedict XVI resigned, and a new, more liberal head of the catholic church, Pope Francis (Franciscus) was elected in March. Benedict was the first pope to resign since 1415.
In Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has finally been ejected from his seat in the Senate, because of his conviction for tax fraud. He got a four year prison sentence, of which three will be lopped off.
In Russia, a law was passed banning gay propaganda, creating protests all over the world.
On the royal front, there were many new developments and causes for gossip.
The Netherlands crowned a new king when Willem Alexander took over the crown after his mother Queen Beatrix, and in Belgium prince Philippe was sworn in as the new Belgian king following the abdication of his father, Albert II. In Sweden, Princess Madeleine married the American businessman Christopher O’ Neill, and crown princess Victoria´s daughter Estelle celebrated her first birthday. In Spain, King Juan Carlos has recently been discharged from hospital after his third hip operation, and the youngest Infanta, Princess Christina, moved to Switzerland with her family.
In sports, Lionel Messi won the FIFA Ballon d´Or for the third consecutive year, and Sweden became Ice Hockey Wold Champions, much to the annoyance of their worst rival, the Finns.
On the VIP front it can be mentioned that also Lady Gaga had to undergo hip surgery.
The biggest event during the year was the death of Nelson Mandela, South Africa´s greatest son,
who became one of the world´s most beloved statesmen when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa.
With this little review I wish the readers a happy and prosperous new year. Let’s be positive and look forward to a good 2014, for Spain, Scandinavia and the rest of the world.