Hoy por Hoy, Las 8 – SER Podcast

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló
Episode Theme:
Deep coverage of the judicial and political fallout from the trial of Alberto González Amador—partner of Madrid President Isabel Díaz Ayuso—including his dramatic self-defense against the prosecution, related political maneuvers, and other top national and international political news.

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode provides a critical look at the testimony of Alberto González Amador in Spain’s Supreme Court, where he recasts himself as the victim of the State Prosecutor’s actions. The show delves into the broader implications for Spain’s political climate, the credibility of institutions, and the intersections between legal processes and media narratives. Additional news includes growing tensions within the PP-Vox alliance, updates from the “trama Koldo” case, and significant international developments such as the election of Zoran Mamdani as mayor of New York.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Judicial Drama: González Amador’s Testimony

• González Amador as Victim:
  • The partner of Isabel Díaz Ayuso takes the stand, describing himself as destroyed by the public exposure resulting from information allegedly leaked by Spain’s Prosecutor General, Álvaro García Ortiz.
  • Highlights the personal and financial toll:
    • “Me han destrozado la vida… Es que no sé, lo que puede pasar es o me voy de España o me suicido.” (Alberto González Amador, 00:12)
    • Judge’s response: “No recomiendo ninguna de las cosas y en todo caso que hable con su abogado, que será el que mejor le pueda asistir en esa duda.” (00:33)
• Media and Social Consequences:
  • González Amador claims that he was turned into “el delincuente confeso del Reino de España.” (01:10)
  • Feels publicly executed: “El señor García Ortiz… me había matado públicamente…” (01:23)
  • Asserts profound impact on daily life and reputation, affecting business relationships and employee prospects.
• Confession and Legal Nuances:
  • Admits, upon questioning, to being aware that his defense agreement implied acknowledging guilt of tax fraud totaling €350,000 (04:12).
  • Initially, attempts in investigation phase to be noncommittal, but clarifies in trial that strategy was “hacerlo rápido y sin ruido” (04:33).

2. Political and Institutional Backdrop

• Role of Miguel Ángel Rodríguez:
  • Ayuso’s Chief of Staff, recognized for propagating the narrative that the prosecution offered González Amador a deal, later admits it was speculation (“Eso él se lo inventó, que fue por intuición…”, 02:50).
  • Defends his actions as part of protecting Ayuso’s reputation.
  • When pressed for sources, admits none exist: “Es un mensaje sin apoyo en una fuente. Es que yo soy periodista o trabajo en política. No soy un notario…” (03:30)
• Fiscales Respond:
  • Members of the prosecution testified to defend the Prosecutor General, including discussion of routine practice regarding mobile phone resets, challenging the “evidence” against García Ortiz (04:02).
• Narrative Framing:
  • González Amador and Rodríguez try to portray the legal case as a political vendetta orchestrated by state apparatus due to Ayuso’s prominence.

3. Wider News & Political Implications

• Minister Ángel Víctor Torres & ‘Trama Koldo’:
  • UCO report investigates Torres’ alleged involvement in a mask procurement scheme linked to fraudulent activities.
  • Transcript and voice messages suggest involvement in expediting payments but no proof of commission, corruption, or direct favoritism (07:45).
  • Torres denies all accusations and announces a counter-lawsuit for defamation:
    • “No tiene ni mordidas, ni comisiones, ni mujeres explotadas ni ninguna situación irregular o ilegal por parte de Ángel Víctor Torres.” (08:45)
  • No evidence found to warrant prosecution, and investigation shifts away from the Supreme Court (09:35).
• Other Judicial Proceedings:
  • Today, two prosecutors testify about having been pressured—context in the broader “fontanera de Ferraz” case (10:30).

4. International Developments

• New York Mayoral Race:
  • Historic upset: Zoran Mamdani, a Muslim socialist of immigrant background, becomes mayor of New York.
    • “Nueva York seguirá siendo una ciudad de migrantes, construida por migrantes, impulsada por migrantes y ahora liderada por un inmigrante.” (Sara Canals, 11:30)
  • Mamdani addresses Trump in his acceptance speech: “Le ha pedido que suba el volumen de la televisión porque sabe que le está observando…” (12:15)

5. National Political Dynamics

• Valencian Politics & PP-Vox Relations:
  • Ongoing negotiations between the Partido Popular and Vox over replacing Carlos Mazón as Comunidad Valenciana president.
  • Both sides use the opportunity for political leverage; feigned cordiality but underlying strategic positioning (David Junquera, 14:00).
  • “Dicen en el PP que hubo buen rollo…” (14:32)
  • PP expects Vox to demand concessions soon, given their pivotal votes.

6. European Environmental Agreement

• New Climate Agreement in EU:
  • After marathon talks, EU countries agree to cut emissions by 90% over 15 years, but with broad flexibilities—allowing up to 5% via emission credits from third countries.
  • “En la práctica rebaja la propuesta inicial del Ejecutivo comunitario.” (Enrique García Pozo, 15:37)

7. Royal Memoirs Release

• Juan Carlos I’s Memoirs:
  • Former Spanish King reflects on his legacy, exile, and personal losses (“Sin su muerte mi vida habría sido menos desgraciada, dice…” 16:12).
  • Addresses controversies, relationships, and his pivotal role in Spain’s transition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dramatic declaration by González Amador:
  • “Me han destrozado la vida… lo que puede pasar es o me voy de España o me suicido…” (Alberto González Amador, 00:12)
  • Judge intervenes: “No recomiendo ninguna de las cosas y en todo caso que hable con su abogado…” (00:33)
• On public image:
  • “Yo pasé a ser el delincuente confeso del Reino de España… todo lo que rige mi vida es porque soy un delincuente…” (González Amador, 01:10)
• Rodríguez on truth in politics:
  • “No tengo ninguna fuente. Es un mensaje sin apoyo en una fuente.” (Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, 03:30)
• Minister Torres refuting allegations:
  • “No tiene ni mordidas, ni comisiones, ni mujeres explotadas ni ninguna situación irregular…” (Ángel Víctor Torres, 08:45)
• Mamdani’s victory and defiance:
  • “Nueva York seguirá siendo… liderada por un inmigrante.” (Sara Canals reporting Mamdani, 11:30)
  • “Le ha pedido que suba el volumen de la televisión porque sabe que le está observando…” (12:15)
• Royal memoirs on personal tragedy:
  • “Sin su muerte mi vida habría sido menos desgraciada, dice…” (Juan Carlos I, 16:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|-----------| | González Amador’s dramatic testimony | 00:01–04:40 | | Miguel Ángel Rodríguez on media and politics | 02:30–03:43 | | Prosecutors' defense of García Ortiz | 04:02–04:10 | | Torres and the UCO/Koldo mask procurement case | 07:45–09:45 | | New York mayor election: Zoran Mamdani | 11:00–12:30 | | Valencian PP-Vox negotiations | 13:45–14:45 | | EU environmental agreement | 15:30–16:00 | | Juan Carlos I memoirs excerpt | 16:00–16:50 |

Conclusion

This episode exemplifies Hoy por Hoy’s incisive mix of legal, political, and social analysis, illuminating the entanglement of Spain’s justice system with its politics and media. Through the voices of principals and commentators, listeners are given rich insight into both headline events and the nuances lurking beneath the surface.