Podcast Summary: "La mirada | Ignacio Peyró: 'Andamos ya como si se fuera a votar mañana'"

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy
Host: SER Podcast
Date: October 3, 2025
Guest commentator: Ignacio Peyró (A)
Main theme: Exploring the rising political tension and pre-electoral nervousness in Spain, highlighting the psychological and societal effects of long political campaign seasons and speculation about possible early elections.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ignacio Peyró delivers his weekly editorial with his signature wit and critical insight, capturing the restless mood that grips Spain months before any official elections are set to occur. Using vivid metaphors and topical references, Peyró examines how the Spanish public, media, and political elites are behaving as if elections could happen any day, despite the reality that the next major votes in Castilla y León are months away. This segment dissects the origins of this collective nervousness, its impact on political discourse, and the ongoing speculation about early elections and emerging political movements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Atmosphere of Anticipation and Anxiety

• Opening Observation:
  • Peyró sets the tone by comparing the current mood to nervous anticipation before something delightful:

    “Andamos todos nerviosos, como si algo delicioso estuviese a punto de ocurrir.” [00:08]

• Draws a parallel between the thrill of elections and this ambient unease, noting that nothing matches the excitement and nervousness brought on by approaching elections.

2. Reality Check: Official Election Timeline

• Spain is not slated to hold major elections until Castilla y León in March, leaving nearly half a year until real voting begins.
• This long wait, according to Peyró, “nos condena a casi medio año de hiperventilación”—condemns us to months of anxiety and overexcitement.
• He humorously notes the mounting restlessness:

  “Nuestra ansiedad pide campo para correr, no morderse las ganas hasta 2027.” [00:40]

3. Premature Activation of Electoral Tensions

• Despite the delay, the entire country is already in an “activated” state, acting “como si se fuera a votar mañana.”
• Early speculation is rampant, with commentators even discussing a potential “superdomingo autonómico” that could dramatically shift the political landscape.

4. Political Speculation and Manipulation

• Peyró points out how political commentary is fueling anxiety:
  • Commentators speculate whether a coordinated election day could leave Prime Minister Sánchez vulnerable.
• Polling is now used not to reflect public opinion, but to shape it:

  “Las encuestas... ya no se emplean para describir la intención de voto, sino para orientarla.” [01:10]

5. Party Maneuvering and New Forces

• Vox’s position (hovering but not breaching the 20% line) is mentioned as a source of tension on the right.
• Reference to nervous movements in the political center and right, including:
  • The so-called “operación Macron” led by Miriam González.
  • The think tank of Espinosa de los Monteros, “que todavía no ha publicado ni un papel.”

6. Peyró’s Prescription for the Nation

• Despite the fever pitch, Peyró ends with a sage, tongue-in-cheek recommendation:

  “Yo recomiendo beber tila y valeriana y respirar hondo, que aquí no se vota hasta 2027. Feliz viernes.” [01:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Anticipation Metaphor:
  “Andamos todos nerviosos, como si algo delicioso estuviese a punto de ocurrir.” (Ignacio Peyró, 00:08)

• On Tension and Anxiety:
  “Nuestra ansiedad pide campo para correr, no morderse las ganas hasta 2027.” (Ignacio Peyró, 00:40)

• On the Role of Polling:
  “Las encuestas... ya no se emplean para describir la intención de voto, sino para orientarla.” (Ignacio Peyró, 01:10)

• Wry Closing Advice:
  “Yo recomiendo beber tila y valeriana y respirar hondo, que aquí no se vota hasta 2027. Feliz viernes.” (Ignacio Peyró, 01:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:08 — Episode opens with Peyró’s reflection on the collective nervousness
• 00:40 — Commentary on the looming, prolonged period before actual elections
• 01:10 — Discussion of how polling influences, not just reflects, public opinion
• 01:50 — Peyró’s calming final recommendation and farewell

Tone & Closing Thoughts

Peyró’s editorial balances irony and insight, capturing both the absurdity and the gravity of Spain’s hyperactive pre-election climate. Through humor and metaphor, he invites listeners to take a step back, breathe, and not let themselves be swept away by the perpetual electoral anxiety—a message both timely and timeless for an ever-anxious electorate.