Podcast Summary: Las 8 de Hoy por Hoy | Demoledor informe de la UCO sobre Santos Cerdán

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy
Host: Àngels Barceló, SER Podcast
Date: November 19, 2025

Overview

This episode centers on a devastating report from the Spanish Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO) implicating Santos Cerdán, the Secretary of Organization of Spain’s ruling Socialist party (PSOE), in a major public works corruption scheme. The show also covers related political fallout, parallel cases of public corruption, key developments in international politics—including Trump’s interactions with the Saudi crown prince and the latest on Ukraine—and societal issues such as the rise in ultraprocessed food consumption in Spain.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The UCO Report on Santos Cerdán and the “Public Works” Scandal

• [00:11] The report accuses Santos Cerdán of a central role in a corruption network whereby he, as PSOE’s Secretary of Organization, acted as liaison with Acciona. Acciona allegedly received public contracts in exchange for paying 2% commissions—orchestrated through the company Servinábar, linked to Cerdán.
  • These commissions yielded nearly €7 million to Servinábar—75% directly from Acciona.
• [01:07] The scheme dates back to 2016 in Navarra, expanding nationally when PSOE came to power.
• [02:11] According to the UCO:
  • Cerdán exerted pressure on officials for contract awards.
  • He used connections to insert himself into key governmental trips (e.g., with ex-Minister Ábalos to Morocco to secure contracts).
  • His company hired close family members, and he personally benefited from lavish personal spending, even up to the day before key arrests in the case.
  • Not just Cerdán but also his wife, sister, and brother-in-law gained substantially, with criticism even from within the company over their spending ("A la Paqui la conocen todas las vendedoras del Corte inglés").
• [03:16] The episode distinguishes between two major corruption networks: one allegedly led by Cerdán likely with Ábalos' collaboration, and a second (Ábalos-Coldo-Aldama) that at times clashed over overlapping interests.
• [04:15] The probe isn’t over; searches at Acciona’s offices in Madrid, Bilbao, Seville, and San Sebastián yielded key documents and digital evidence, with several senior Acciona officers named as official suspects.

2. Political Reaction & Fallout

• [01:14] Prime Minister Sánchez attempts to distance the PSOE leadership, emphasizing immediate political accountability, collaboration with justice, and respect for judicial timing:

  “Hemos colaborado con la Justicia, actuado con contundencia... Ahora tenemos que dejar a la Justicia trabajar…”
  — PM Sánchez [01:22]

• [05:20] While the party tries to contain damage, off-record PSOE voices admit major electoral anxiety; the opposition renews calls for Sánchez’s resignation.
• [06:12] María Chivite, Socialist leader and President of Navarra, makes a pointed public condemnation:

  “A la política se viene a servir, no a servirse. Por tanto, creo que estos comportamientos tienen que estar alejados de la política...”
  — María Chivite [06:12]

• [06:27] Pressure also comes from the left: Podemos criticizes PSOE’s explanations as insufficient and pushes for faster, stronger action against corporate corruptors—referencing anti-corruption reforms still pending.

3. Parallel Corruption Case: The Almería Masks Scandal

• [06:53] The Civil Guard also arrests top officials (president and vice president) in Almería’s provincial government (PP) for another (COVID-era) corruption case involving €2 million in overpriced mask contracts—proceeds laundered via Hong Kong and spent on luxury goods.
• [08:28] The PP suspends its local president; the case adds new pressure ahead of looming elections in Andalucía.

4. Political Developments in the Valencian Community

• [08:44] The episode follows urgent negotiations for the succession to Carlos Mazón as President of the Valencian Community, highlighting the PP's precarious need for Vox’s support and the secrecy around their negotiations and political cost.

5. International Affairs & Notable Moments

• Trump and MBS Meeting ([10:32])
  • Donald Trump is confronted by a journalist (ABC News) about potential conflicts of interest with Saudi business deals and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged role in Jamal Khashoggi’s murder:

    “Noticias falsas, uno de los peores. Lo que hace mi familia está bien. Son negocios en todas partes.”
    — Donald Trump [11:21]

  • On Khashoggi, Trump minimizes the murder:

    “Te gustara o no, son cosas que pasan. Pero él no sabía nada de eso.”
    — Donald Trump [12:06]

  • Trump also insults a Bloomberg reporter asking about Jeffrey Epstein:

    “Cállate, cállate, cerdita.”
    — Donald Trump [12:27]

• Spain’s Military & Reconstruction Aid to Ukraine ([12:48])
  • PM Sánchez and Zelensky agree on €800 million in new aid (incl. arms purchases from the US).
  • Russia boycotts Turkey-hosted peace talks; new Russian attacks target Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

6. Vatican Response to Cadiz Abuse Case

• [14:23] Pope León XIV gives his first public comment after abuse allegations against the bishop of Cádiz, promising full investigation and possible consequences:

  “Hay que permitir que la investigación vaya adelante y según los resultados habrá consecuencia.”
  — Pope León XIV [14:43]

• He underscores safety for victims and the need for due process.

  “Espero que encuentren siempre un lugar seguro donde puedan hablar…”
  — Pope León XIV [15:27]

7. Public Health: Alarming Rise in Ultraprocessed Food Consumption

• [15:39] Spaniards now derive 32% of their calories from ultraprocessed foods—up from 11% thirty years ago.
• Experts urgently call for:
  • Mandatory front-of-pack labeling
  • Advertising restrictions, especially for children
  • Removal of these foods from school cafeterias
  • Promoting access to fresh foods

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Political Accountability
  “A la política se viene a servir, no a servirse…”
  — María Chivite, Presidenta de Navarra [06:12]

• On the Report’s Impact
  “La UCO sitúa a Santos Cerdán al frente de esta organización criminal...”
  — Miguel Ángel Campos, Expert [02:11]

• On Internal Party Angst
  “Hay dirigentes [del PSOE] que no ocultan su preocupación porque no creen que el caso esté amortizado y porque defienden que detalles como los que hemos conocido desmovilizan y calan entre el electorado…”
  — Guillermo Lerma, Political correspondent [05:20]

• On the Almería Scandal
  “En estas operaciones directamente con el Gobierno hay muchas manos en medio.”
  — Recorded conversation of criminal organization (Paraphrased) [07:12]

• On the Vatican’s Response
  “Espero que encuentren siempre un lugar seguro donde puedan hablar, donde puedan presentar sus casos.”
  — Pope León XIV [15:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:11] Introduction to the UCO report against Santos Cerdán.
• [01:22] Sánchez’s defense & call to respect judicial process.
• [02:11] Details of the UCO's findings and financial ties.
• [03:16] Distinguishing between parallel corruption schemes.
• [05:20] Internal PSOE concerns & electoral effects.
• [06:12] Chivite’s condemnation.
• [06:53] New corruption case in Almería; mask contracts scandal.
• [08:44] Political negotiations in the Valencian Community.
• [10:32] Trump and MBS meeting: confrontation about Khashoggi and conflicts of interest.
• [12:48] Spain commits €800 million aid to Ukraine.
• [14:23] Vatican finally speaks about Cádiz bishop abuse case.
• [15:39] Experts warn about rise of ultraprocessed food consumption.

Tone and Style

The episode blends investigative rigor and accessible morning-radio style—clear, incisive commentary and expert input, alternating between analysis, direct political quotes, and news bulletins to keep the audience well-informed and engaged on complex political, social, and international developments.

For listeners:
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of an unfolding national scandal, its broader political and social context, and key international stories—delivering both essential information and broader understanding of ongoing issues impacting Spanish society.