Más de uno (Onda Cero) — "La España que madruga" 05/01/2026

Host: Carlos Alsina
Aired: January 5, 2026

Overview

In this episode of "La España que madruga," Carlos Alsina and his panel blend sharp information and humor to dissect the pressing political and media landscape at the start of 2026. Through pointed commentary, analysis of the day’s newspapers, lively banter, and sports updates, the team delves into major international and Spanish politics—focusing especially on recent upheavals in Venezuela, Trump’s foreign policy, and Spain’s complex response. The episode also features regular segments like a “liberal awakening” with Professor Rodríguez Brown and topical sports coverage.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Cast Roundtable (00:01–01:55)

• The episode opens with humor and meta-commentary on the life of journalists and early risers, including tongue-in-cheek references to cynicism and public perception.
• Alsina and regular contributors (Professor Rodríguez Brown, Dani Ramírez García Mina, Rosa Belmonte, Félix José Casillas) exchange new year greetings, playfully agreeing not to extend festive wishes beyond January 5th.
  • Notable Quote — Professor Rodríguez Brown [01:11]:

    “Buenos días… A pesar del gobierno.”

2. “Siete preguntas y media” — Questions on Venezuela and Trump (02:25–03:41)

• The panel presents seven and a half incisive questions framing the day's political reality, with focus on:
  • The global reaction to Trump’s intervention in Venezuela
  • The contradictions in supporting democracy while cozying up to autocrats
  • The legitimacy and consequences of unilateral intervention
  • Spain’s role and its politicians offering as mediators in Venezuela
• Notable Quotes:
  • [02:35] Radio Host:

    “¿Llamadme tibio y equidistante, pero qué problema existe en condenar a la vez el régimen de Maduro y la intervención arbitraria unilateral de Trump?”

  • [03:35] Radio Host:

    “¿Con qué autoridad política y moral puede Sánchez y Zapatero ofrecerse como mediadores cuando son ellos quienes...?”

3. Review of the Venezuelan and Spanish Press (03:47–07:36)

a. Venezuelan Press & Narratives

• Dani highlights the divide in Venezuelan media—exile opposition vs. regime mouthpieces—and recounts main headlines:
  • Trump reconsiders reopening the US embassy
  • Delcy Rodríguez, acting as president, emerges as a key intermediary
  • Chavista paper "Correo del Orinoco" frames Maduro’s capture as dignified resistance (“Una maravilla de irrealidad y delirio”)
  • Spain is painted as an ally to the regime along with several Latin American countries
  • Maduro’s son warns of ‘traitors’: “La historia dirá quiénes fueron los traidores.”

b. Spanish Press — Reaction & Critique

• The Spanish press voices concern and skepticism over the consequences of Trump’s move, with varying blame assigned to US and Spanish leaders:
  • La Razón: Pragmatic acceptance of collaboration with chavismo, if necessary for eventual gain
  • El País: Condemns US for forsaking democracy in Venezuela ("Rapacidad sin tapujos")
  • El Español and El Mundo: Critique Trump and Sánchez for political maneuvering, highlight paramilitary activity and uncertainty in Caracas
  • Little coverage of Pedro Sánchez’s actions outside of Venezuela, with satirical aside about a fictional plot against Carlos Alsina
• Notable Quote — Dani [05:30]:

  “El entusiasmo por la captura de Maduro ha dado paso en general al temor, la incertidumbre y la decep…”

4. Press Digest — National & International (07:42–10:04)

• Rosa Belmonte surveys headlines:
  • Intelligence leaks about Trump’s plan
  • Hostile anti-American demonstrations in Caracas
  • Conditions of Maduro’s imprisonment
  • Judicial context: Judge Hellerstein (92 y.o.), previously involved in major cases
  • Analysis: Trump’s ‘Don Roe’ doctrine, compared to Monroe Doctrine, prompts fears of wider US interventions ("Donald Roe pisoteando el derecho internacional")
  • Varying political interpretations: For Sanchez, a potential chance; for Feijóo, a threat
  • Other news: sabotage in Berlin, Spain’s role in Plusultra, gender disparities in sleep quality
• Notable Quote — Rosa [09:11]:

  “Si sale bien, dice perejil, malo. Si sale medio bien, peor. Pero hay una tercera opción. Que salga mal y Trump continúe con su doctrina Don Roe pisoteando el derecho internacional en Cuba, Colombia y en el resto del rancho, incluida Europa o en Groenlandia.”

5. Economic & Business News (“El despertar liberal”) (10:04–10:54)

• Professor Rodríguez Brown delivers rapid-fire business updates:
  • Repsol’s substantial investments and exposure in Venezuela (13 billion euros)
  • Chinese car brands rapidly entering Spain
  • Oil prices stable despite geopolitical turmoil
  • Administrative burdens on Spanish freelancers (10 billion euros annually)
  • Int’l outlook: FT predicts African growth outpacing Asia; Wall Street Journal optimistic about US stock markets in 2026

6. Economic Cartoon (“Viñeta económica”) (10:59–11:21)

• Professor Rodríguez Brown describes a satirical cartoon featuring old year 2025 and young 2026, referencing perennial scandals, e.g., “El choriceo de la banda del Peugeot o la charca de Zapatero.”
• Notable Quote [11:12]:

  “No podría quedarme un poco más?”

7. Sports News Recap (11:21–13:01)

• Félix José Casillas reviews La Liga standings, highlights:
  • Real Madrid’s win over Betis, trailing Barça by 4 points
  • Atlético de Madrid faltering, 11 points from first
  • Transfer rumors: Sergio Ramos possibly leading an investor group to purchase Sevilla FC
  • Upcoming events: Spanish Supercup, busy basketball schedule, and rising tennis stars (Kathyn Quevedo, returning Badosa)

8. Memorable Banter & Closing Moments (Throughout)

• Frequent good-natured teasing over the “topo” (mole) in the studio—injecting humor and meta-journalism jokes.
• The tone remains quick, witty, and self-aware, reflecting “La España que madruga’s” blend of skepticism and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Aplomb and Irony in Journalism [01:11]

  • Professor Rodríguez Brown: “Buenos días… A pesar del gobierno.”

• Critical Framing of Trump’s Policy [02:35]

  • Radio Host: “¿Qué problema existe en condenar a la vez el régimen de Maduro y la intervención arbitraria unilateral de Trump?”

• Spanish Press Turns Sober [05:30]

  • Dani: “El entusiasmo por la captura de Maduro ha dado paso en general al temor, la incertidumbre y la decep…”

• Geopolitical Fears [09:11]

  • Rosa Belmonte: “Que salga mal y Trump continúe con su doctrina Don Roe pisoteando el derecho internacional en Cuba, Colombia... Europa o en Groenlandia.”

• Humorous Satire on 2025 vs 2026 [11:12]

  • Professor Rodríguez Brown: “El choriceo de la banda del Peugeot o la charca de Zapatero. ¿No podría quedarme un poco más?”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:01–01:55] — Cold open, banter, introductions
• [02:25–03:41] — "Siete preguntas y media" (Venezuela & Trump)
• [03:47–07:36] — Press roundup: Venezuelan and Spanish reactions
• [07:42–10:04] — Expanded news review: international, judicial, and lifestyle reports
• [10:04–10:54] — Economic news & trends
• [10:59–11:21] — Satirical economic cartoon
• [11:21–13:01] — Sports news & analysis

Conclusion

This episode of "La España que madruga" stands out for its fast-paced, incisive overview of global and Spanish current events. Through layered humor and rigorous press critique, Alsina and his team illuminate the complexity behind headlines—especially the fallout of Trump’s intervention in Venezuela, Spain’s unclear role, and the shifting sands of political legitimacy. The lively roundtable, rich with memorable zingers and perceptive commentary, offers listeners both a sharp news digest and the signature wry tone that defines the program.