Hoy por Hoy – “Claves del día | Mariola Urrea: ‘Estamos casi inmunizados contra el disparate’”

Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló (SER Podcast)
Segment: Claves del día
Guest: Mariola Urrea

Episode Overview

In this episode’s opening editorial, Mariola Urrea delivers a sharp analysis on the current state of political discourse in Spain. Reacting to the appointment of a new fiscal general del Estado (Attorney General), Urrea critiques the opposition’s reaction and reflects on how political rhetoric has become so excessive that society, she argues, is now "almost immune to nonsense." The segment, rich in critical thought, urges for a return to respect and due process, away from reactionary politics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Analysis of PP’s Reaction to Attorney General Appointment

• Context: The Spanish Partido Popular (PP) took time to respond to the government’s nomination of the new Attorney General.
• Observation: Urrea notes that the PP appeared caught off guard by the nominee’s profile.

2. Critique of Opposition Rhetoric

• Memorable Moment: Urrea recites and dissects a statement given by the PP’s spokesperson in Congress, who questioned whether the Prime Minister would ask the new Attorney General to "commit crimes to attack political rivals."
  • Quote: “He dejado la arquitectura de la frase tal y como fue enunciada a riesgo de que el despropósito de la sintaxis impida advertir la estupidez que encierra su contenido.” (00:37)
• Insight: She highlights not only the content but also the confused syntax of the statement, emphasizing the level of absurdity being normalized.

3. Societal Fatigue and “Immunity” to Political Nonsense

• Theme: Urrea argues that the public has become so exposed to verbal excess and outrageous political claims that there is now a form of societal numbness.
  • Quote: “Estamos tan acostumbrados ya a escuchar excesos verbales que casi estamos inmunizados contra el disparate.” (00:49)

4. Plea for Due Process and Respect

• Proposal: Suggests that appointees to high offices deserve at least basic courtesy and the opportunity to be heard before judgment.
  • She calls for waiting for the Consejo General del Poder Judicial to assess the nominee’s qualifications and for the nominee herself to appear before Congress before passing judgment.
  • Quote: “¿Acaso quien acumula una larga carrera profesional no se ha ganado el derecho a ser oída antes de ser juzgada? Lo aconseja el decoro y un mínimo sentido de la vergüenza.” (01:18)

5. Critique of Political Culture

• Reflection: Urrea laments that such calls for decency might be too much to ask in a political climate defined by confrontation and “garrotazos” (cudgel blows).
  • Quote: “Aunque quizás esto sea demasiado pedir para quien vive la política a garrotazos.” (01:32)

Notable Quotes

• Mariola Urrea:
  • “Estamos tan acostumbrados ya a escuchar excesos verbales que casi estamos inmunizados contra el disparate.” (00:49)
  • “¿Acaso quien acumula una larga carrera profesional no se ha ganado el derecho a ser oída antes de ser juzgada?... Aunque quizás esto sea demasiado pedir para quien vive la política a garrotazos.” (01:18-01:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:09] – Introduction of PP’s delayed reaction to the Attorney General appointment
• [00:37] – Analysis of the PP spokesperson’s controversial statement
• [00:49] – “Estamos casi inmunizados contra el disparate” – societal numbness to outlandish rhetoric
• [01:18] – Call for respect and due process in public appointments
• [01:32] – Critique of political culture and closing reflection

Tone and Language

Mariola Urrea maintains a critical, incisive tone—direct yet formal—often employing irony and rhetorical questions to underscore the absurdities she observes. Her language moves fluidly between sharp critique and a call for restoration of decorum in public life.

Summary

In this segment of Hoy por Hoy, Mariola Urrea uses the PP’s reaction to the new Attorney General to reflect on the broader normalization of excess and disrespect in Spanish political life. Through memorable quotes and well-crafted argumentation, she makes a case for listening, critical judgment, and the reinvigoration of political decency.