Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy

Episode: La mirada | Luis García Montero: “Los patriotas vuelven a traicionar los intereses de la sociedad española”
Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló, SER Podcast

Main Theme

This episode of "Hoy por Hoy" centers on the contested idea of ‘patriotism’ in Spain, especially in its historical and political contexts. Through a reflective editorial segment, Àngels Barceló and her co-hosts critique the ways in which certain groups use patriotism not for the betterment of Spanish society but to serve entrenched interests, often at the expense of national unity, social progress, and international cooperation—specifically regarding recent diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Ambivalent History of “Spain”

• The episode opens with a discussion about how the word "España" has been, and continues to be, interpreted differently by progressives and reactionaries.
• Quote:

  “Cuando un intelectual o un político progresista escribe la palabra España trata de defender una Constitución o comprometerse con los servicios públicos del Estado y la dignidad social de la ciudadanía.”
  —Àngels, (00:08)

2. Patriotism as a Tool of Division

• Barceló points to historical instances where the so-called patriots have betrayed democratic or progressive values:
  • The absolutists who jailed Jovellanos and ‘sold’ the nation to the French to destroy the Constitution of 1812.
  • The Francoist patriots responsible for the assassination of Lorca and exile of Machado, and their alliance with Hitler and Mussolini during Spain's civil conflict.
• Quote:

  “Los falsos patriotas han sido siempre la mayor amenaza para España.”
  —Co-host, (01:00)

3. Contemporary Issues: Spain’s International Relations

• The current controversy over the Spanish Foreign Minister’s efforts to strengthen ties with Mexico is used as an example of how ‘patriots’ block Spain’s best interests.
• These critics refuse to recognize the violence of the Franco dictatorship and deny negative aspects of Spanish colonial history, especially in Latin America.
• Quote:

  “…consideran una ofensa nacional admitir que en el siglo XVI, durante la conquista, hubo actos violentos que no conviene olvidar a la hora de sostener la historia compartida por México y España.”
  —Àngels and co-host, (01:23-01:29)

4. Indifference to Shared Cultural and Political Futures

• The segment underlines that these groups ignore important facts:
  • Mexico is the world’s largest Spanish-speaking country.
  • Spain’s international future depends on relationships with Latin America.
  • Even symbols like the Princess of Asturias show interest in connecting with Mexican society.
• Quote:

  “Les da igual que el futuro internacional de España en Europa dependa de la fraternidad política con México y Latinoamérica.”
  —Co-host, (01:41)

5. Core Critique: Betrayal of Societal Interests

• The hosts contend that these so-called patriots act in the interests of traditional power brokers and foreign figures, namely Donald Trump, rather than ordinary Spaniards.
• Quote:

  “Los patriotas vuelven a lo suyo, a traicionar los intereses de la sociedad española y a trabajar como siervos para Donald Trump y los caciques de siempre.”
  —Àngels and co-host, (01:55-02:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Progressive Patriotism:
  “...defender una Constitución o comprometerse con los servicios públicos del Estado y la dignidad social de la ciudadanía.”
  —Àngels, (00:08)

• On False Patriots:
  “Los falsos patriotas han sido siempre la mayor amenaza para España.”
  —Co-host, (01:00)

• On Denial of History:
  “…consideran una ofensa nacional admitir que... hubo actos violentos que no conviene olvidar...”
  —Àngels and co-host, (01:23-01:29)

• Final Critique:
  “Los patriotas vuelven a lo suyo, a traicionar los intereses de la sociedad española...”
  —Àngels and co-host, (01:55-02:02)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:08 – Introduction: The meaning of ‘Spain’ for progressives versus conservatives.
• 00:45 – Historical betrayals by ‘patriots’: From the absolutists to Francoists.
• 01:10 – Current controversy: Foreign Minister’s outreach to Mexico.
• 01:23 – Denial of historical violence in Spanish history.
• 01:35 – Indifference to Spain’s international and cultural ties with Latin America.
• 01:55 – Conclusion: Accusation of ‘patriots’ betraying society for old and foreign powers.

Episode Tone and Style

The segment is incisive, reflective, and critical, using pointed historical examples to illustrate the dangers of a narrow, exclusionary patriotism. The language is direct, occasionally ironic, and meant to provoke critical thought about who truly represents Spain’s interests.

For listeners:
This episode challenges prevailing notions of patriotism, calling for a more honest, inclusive, and outward-looking approach to Spain’s identity and its role on the world stage.