Podcast Summary:

Hoy por Hoy – Claves del día | Elisa de la Nuez: "No hay auténtica voluntad en la clase política para acabar con todas las corruptelas"
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló
Podcast: SER Podcast

Episode Overview

This episode of "Hoy por Hoy" provides a critical look at the persistent issue of political corruption in Spain. Host Àngels Barceló reflects on recent and historical corruption cases, voicing concern over the enduring nature of these problems and questioning whether there is genuine political will to enact meaningful change. The segment encourages listeners to exercise critical judgment while underscoring the disappointment that many citizens feel regarding the unbroken cycle of political scandals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Enduring Nature of Political Corruption

• Barceló highlights the repetitive cycle of corruption scandals that have plagued Spanish politics for decades, referencing both recent cases and historical patterns.
  • Mentioned cases:
    • The UCO (Unidad Central Operativa) report concerning Santos Cerdán and public contracts of the Government of Navarra involving a prominent Spanish company.
    • Corruption in a provincial council (Diputación Provincial) presided over by the Partido Popular (PP).
  • Broader implication: The host emphasizes that these are not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing tradition within Spain’s political landscape.

Institutional Responses vs. Outcomes

• Despite significant legislative, procedural, and electoral efforts to address corruption—described as "toneladas ingentes de papel, de normas, de leyes, de planes, de proyectos, de promesas electorales"—true progress appears largely elusive.
  • Critical observation: The proliferation of rules and promises is contrasted with the ongoing reality of corruption.

Public Disillusionment and Critical Attitude

• Barceló expresses empathy for public frustration, noting how persistent scandals erode trust in political institutions and foster public cynicism.

The Fundamental Issue: Willpower for Change

• The host articulates the core concern that the Spanish political class lacks "auténtica voluntad" (genuine will) to eliminate corrupt practices completely, suggesting systemic inertia rather than just individual failings.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the constant recurrence of corruption:

  • "Pasa el tiempo y nos enfrentamos de nuevo con la corrupción política de siempre... Se van acumulando, pero no ahora, sino a lo largo de toda la historia de nuestra democracia."
    — Àngels Barceló (00:08)

• On the failure of years of reform:

  • "Pese al tiempo transcurrido, pese a las prácticamente ingentes toneladas de papel, de normas, de leyes, de planes, de proyectos, de promesas electorales, de propuestas, sigamos viendo cómo nuestra política siempre al final tiene estos problemas de corrupción…"
    — Àngels Barceló (00:45)

• On the lack of genuine political will:

  • "No parece, quizá esto es lo más grave, que haya una auténtica voluntad en la clase política de acabar de una vez con todas estas corruptelas."
    — Àngels Barceló (01:16)

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• 00:08–01:16 — Main Commentary:
  Àngels Barceló introduces the topic, contextualizes current and historical corruption scandals, and questions the effectiveness of institutional responses.

• 01:25 — [Ad/Outro — Skipped]:
  Standard podcast subscription reminder, not included in content summary.

Tone & Language

• The tone is critical and reflective, echoing widespread dismay among the public regarding systemic corruption.
• Barceló uses vivid metaphors ("toneladas ingentes de papel…") to emphasize the futility and exhaustion created by futile reform efforts.

Takeaway

Listeners are left with a sobering assessment: Spain’s chronic political corruption persists not for lack of rules or reforms, but because, as Barceló bluntly states, there is a profound absence of "auténtica voluntad"—the genuine, collective political will required to eradicate it.