Podcast Summary: "La Audiencia Nacional ignoró audios y un informe policial sobre la supuesta implicación de Cospedal en la Kitchen"

Hoy por Hoy - SER Podcast (December 9, 2025)
Host: Àngels Barceló

Overview

This episode of Hoy por Hoy, hosted by Àngels Barceló, uncovers new revelations about the judicial handling of the "Operación Kitchen" case. The focus is on the alleged cover-up by the Audiencia Nacional concerning evidence that could implicate María Dolores de Cospedal, former Secretary General of Spain's Partido Popular, in this political scandal. The conversation includes on-the-ground reporting from SER journalist Miguel Ángel Campos and features the actual leaked audios that have reignited political and judicial debate.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Government Response to Political Pressure

• [00:00] The episode opens by discussing the government's resolve to stay in power despite a public perception that new elections might be preferable. The government signals that it will focus on social issues and highlight corruption cases related to the Partido Popular (PP).

2. New Developments in Operación Kitchen

• [00:24] Àngels Barceló introduces new information alleging that the Audiencia Nacional ignored both police audios and key reports linking Cospedal to the Kitchen case.
• [00:32] According to Miguel Ángel Campos, the PSOE (serving as a popular prosecution in the case) claims the court hid evidence—specifically recordings implicating Cospedal.

3. Details of the Supposedly Ignored Evidence

• [00:40] Campos recounts how in 2022, audio surfaced of Cospedal apparently discussing "pararlo de la libretita de Bárcenas." The prosecution then requested her indictment, but the court dismissed this on grounds that the audio was “descontextualized and of unknown origin.”
• [00:52] Critical revelation: "Lo que no se sabía es que para entonces la policía había incorporado al juzgado los audios completos e identificado Villarejo como su autor.”
  • The police had already provided the full audios to the court, confirming ex-commissioner Villarejo as the author.
  • Furthermore, by October 2023, both judge and prosecutor were aware of a police report linking Cospedal to the case but supposedly failed to act on it.

4. The Villarejo-Cospedal Connection (Audio Clip)

• [01:27] Broadcast of a conversation presumably between Villarejo and Cospedal:
  • Villarejo thanks Cospedal for appointing Francisco Martínez as Secretary of State, indicating Martínez’s key role in organizing the alleged illicit operation against Bárcenas (the former PP treasurer).
  • Quote [01:33]:
    • Villarejo (C): “Y es un tío listo, como te agradezco mucho además, que entendieras que el nombramiento de este pollo... es un tío echado para adelante y creo que por lo menos intentará poner un poco de orden.”

5. New Accusations and Reactions

• [01:47] Campos reports that other audios point to the existence of a plan “contra los catalanes” (against Catalans), as per Cospedal’s own words.
• The PSOE claims to have "stumbled upon" the ignored report just a month ago, and now alleges deliberate concealment meant to protect Cospedal and the Partido Popular.

6. Legal and Political Implications

• [01:55] PSOE is demanding the reopening of the investigation and the indictment of Cospedal, her husband, and the Partido Popular as a whole.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Miguel Ángel Campos on the evidence ignored by the court [00:40]:

  "Lo que no se sabía es que para entonces la policía había incorporado al juzgado los audios completos e identificado Villarejo como su autor..."
  (Highlights the critical concealed evidence.)

• Villarejo, in conversation with Cospedal [01:33]:

  “Y es un tío listo, como te agradezco mucho además, que entendieras que el nombramiento de este pollo este es un tío echado para adelante y creo que por lo menos intentará poner un poco de orden.”
  (Implies coordination and foreknowledge of illicit operations.)

• Miguel Ángel Campos on the potential cover-up [01:47]:

  “La acusación popular del PSOE ha hallado de forma casual el mes pasado este informe ignorado por la Audiencia más de dos años. Sostiene... que ha sido ocultado deliberadamente a las partes para proteger a Cospedal y a su partido...”
  (Foreshadows a renewed political and legal battle.)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00-00:24 – Political context; government's strategy and PP scandals
• 00:24-00:40 – Introduction of new revelations in the Kitchen case
• 00:40-01:27 – Details of the ignored police evidence and court's alleged inaction
• 01:27-01:47 – Broadcast of Villarejo-Cospedal audio and its implications
• 01:47-02:11 – PSOE’s discovery, accusations, and legal demands

Conclusion

This episode delivers new allegations about judicial irregularities and the concealment of evidence in the Operación Kitchen case, potentially reshaping Spain's political landscape. It underscores the ongoing tension between political actors, the judiciary, and public opinion regarding corruption and accountability within the Spanish state.