Breaking News English

A mayor in a small Spanish town has become a after helping steal food from supermarkets to give to the poor. The -day Robin Hood is Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo, 59, the leader of the southern town of Marinaleda in Andalusia. Mayor Gordillo has immunity prosecution under Andalusian law and so can the law without being arrested. He has so orchestrated several raids on supermarkets to out the stolen food to poor families. Unfortunately, helping him are not immune from prosecution and seven have been arrested for theft. Gordillo has been mayor for 30 years and his recent have seen his popularity skyrocket, with crowds to see his food grabs.

Many Spaniards are severe economic conditions. A quarter of Spain’s workforce is and austerity measures mean many now live in . Things are even worse in Andalusia where unemployment is over 30 per cent. Mr Gordillo defended his in stealing food for the less well-off. He said: "There are people who don't have to eat. In the 21st century, this is an disgrace." Spain’s conservative government has criticised Gordillo, him of taking part in publicity stunts to his own popularity. The mayor retaliated by saying he would accept being arrested. He is currently leading a three-week anti-austerity protest to Spain’s capital Madrid.