Hoy por Hoy - Episode Summary

Episode Title: Seis de cada diez españoles creen que Pedro Sánchez debería convocar elecciones, pero la mayoría prevé que agotará la legislatura
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló
Guest/Reporter: Guillermo Lerma
Podcast Network: SER Podcast

Overview

This episode of “Hoy por Hoy” focuses on the latest findings from a DB poll for SER and El País, delving into Spaniards’ attitudes towards political leadership and potential elections. The conversation centers on citizens’ evaluations of party leaders, perceptions of their own parties, and the general mood regarding whether President Pedro Sánchez should call early elections or finish his term. The analysis sets a vivid scene of political disillusionment, shifting alliances, and varied expectations across the ideological spectrum.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Disappointing Leadership Ratings Across the Board

[00:00–01:14]

• The latest poll reveals a striking lack of confidence in party leaders among Spaniards. All major political leaders received ratings below 3.5 out of 10.
• Pedro Sánchez (Prime Minister) receives the highest rating, but still a low 3.34/10.
• Santiago Abascal (Vox) surprisingly overtakes Alberto Núñez Feijóo (PP) in the ranking, beating him by half a point, despite not being the main opposition leader.
• Notable finding: Even within the PP, Feijóo is not the most valued leader by his own voters.

Notable Quote:
“All the leaders suspend for those surveyed, and their scores are very low, all below 3.5 out of 10.”
— Àngels Barceló, [00:23]

2. Spotlight on Political Figures within Parties

[01:14–03:01]

• Popular Party (PP):

  • Isabel Díaz Ayuso emerges as the PP's most valued leader by their own voters with a 7.9/10 — even above Feijóo.
  • Ayuso also ranks highest among Vox voters, revealing her broad appeal on the right.
  • She leads in empathy, preparation, and honesty, according to the poll.
  • Feijóo shares his ranking with Almeida (Madrid’s Mayor, 7.1/10) and is closely trailed by Moreno Bonilla (Andalusian President).
  • Among the general population, Jorge Azcón (Aragón President) scores best — largely due to low public familiarity.

• Socialist Party (PSOE):

  • Pedro Sánchez is the clear preference among PSOE voters, followed by Salvador Illa and ministers Alegría and Montero, as well as Óscar Puente.
  • García-Page is the highest-rated socialist among the general population, especially appreciated by right-leaning voters.

Notable Quote:
“In the PP it’s Ayuso, not Feijóo, who is the best-valued leader by her own electorate. She gets a 7.9 average, and she also ranks highest among Vox voters.”
— Guillermo Lerma, [01:32]

3. Attitudes Toward Possible Early Elections

[03:01–04:27]

• Six out of ten Spaniards believe Pedro Sánchez should call early elections.
  • This sentiment is especially strong (90%) among PP and Vox voters.
  • However, 70% of all citizens expect Sánchez will serve his full term.
  • Among left-wing voters (PSOE, Sumar, Podemos), the majority supports exhausting the legislature, despite some party leaders demanding elections.
  • Only 20% of Podemos voters see a need for early elections, despite the party’s vocal opposition to the coalition’s policies.

Notable Quote:
“Six out of ten respondents think Pedro Sánchez should call elections... but 70% believe the president will complete the legislature.”
— Àngels Barceló, [03:01]

4. Contextual Factors and Survey Conditions

[03:21–03:50]

• The poll was conducted at a moment of high political turbulence:
  • The Ábalos case was already public knowledge.
  • Recent controversies involving PSOE (e.g., unanswered harassment allegations against Paco Salazar) provided a charged backdrop.

Notable Quote:
“The survey was conducted between November 27 and December 1... At that point, Ábalos was already in prison. The PSOE hadn’t processed the harassment complaints against Paco Salazar, but details weren’t out yet.”
— Guillermo Lerma, [03:22]

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On Universal Leadership Disapproval:
  “None of the candidates for president convince the people. No one passes; all remain below 3.5.”
  — Guillermo Lerma, [01:15]

• Ayuso’s Cross-Party Appeal:
  “The Madrid president wins in all the attributes asked by the poll — first in empathy, preparation, and honesty.”
  — Guillermo Lerma, [01:26]

• On PSOE Internal Dynamics:
  “Among general voters, García-Page is the most valued socialist, though this is because right-leaning voters rate him highest.”
  — Guillermo Lerma, [02:51]

• Predictions for the Legislature:
  “The left mostly backs seeing out the legislature, and that’s the scenario majority expect — 70% of the population.”
  — Guillermo Lerma, [03:10]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:23] All major party leaders rated below 3.5/10.
• [01:14] Breakdown of PP and PSOE internal leader ratings.
• [03:01] Six in ten want early elections; 70% predict full term.
• [03:21] Context: Ábalos in prison; new scandals breaking.

Tone & Language Preservation

Throughout the episode, the tone is analytical yet conversational, reflecting the program’s focus on critical, grounded, and nuanced political discussion. Both Àngels Barceló and Guillermo Lerma present statistics and insights with clarity, addressing both the numbers and their potential implications for Spain’s near future.

Conclusion

This “Hoy por Hoy” episode offers a probing look at Spanish political moods as 2025 draws to a close. The DB poll reveals deep voter disillusionment with leaders across all parties, complex shifts in internal party loyalties, and expectations of political endurance — even as many yearn for change. For listeners seeking to truly understand Spain’s current political climate, this episode provides a nuanced and evidence-driven roadmap.