Más de uno – "La España que madruga" (11/02/2026)

Host: Carlos Alsina, OndaCero
Date: February 11, 2026

Overview

The episode "La España que madruga" dives—often with wit and irony—into the pressing political, economic, and social events shaping Spain’s morning headlines. Carlos Alsina leads a roundtable of regular contributors spanning political analysis, critique, sports, and economics, exploring major news stories from both national and international fronts and using current press highlights to frame the conversation. Topics include the aftermath of regional elections, inter-party negotiations, internal struggles within Spain’s political movements, international influences, and even fresh developments in sports and culture.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction: The Life of Early-Morning Journalism

Timestamps: 00:01–01:08

• The show opens with a tongue-in-cheek dramatization of journalists’ early workdays, positioning them as unsung heroes meeting the day before sunrise.
• Memorable quote:
  • "Su la libertad." – Narrator (00:24)

2. Roundtable Roll Call

Timestamps: 01:08–01:30

• Carlos Alsina introduces his regular columnists, mixing sardonic greetings with light banter about the government and the weather.

3. "Siete preguntas y media": Morning Political Pulse

Timestamps: 01:42–02:28

• The team fires off rapid, pointed questions about the regional political chessboard, especially the convoluted negotiations between PP (Partido Popular) and Vox in areas like Extremadura and Aragón.
• Key Issues:
  • Is María Guardiola bluffing in investing without Vox guarantees?
  • Could there be new elections in Extremadura?
  • Will PP-Vox agreements fail in some regions but not others?
  • Does the constant strategic maneuvering question Feijóo’s leadership?
  • Despite the PP's troubles, wouldn’t PSOE (Socialist Party) want to be in their shoes?
  • Does the eclectic left realize that a collection of weaknesses doesn’t make a strength?
  • Will Sánchez make any mention of these issues today?
• Quote:
  • "¿Cuántos se van a dar cuenta... que la suma de muchas debilidades no crea una fuerza?" – Political Analyst (02:17)

4. Newspaper Roundup: Political Machinations & Media Spin

Timestamps: 02:39–06:33

• Key stories:
  • Felipe González’s polarizing declaration to vote white (“voto en blanco”) if Sánchez runs, sparking waves across all major papers.
  • Vox’s fluctuating alliances and demands for key ministerial posts; internal strife in local governments.
  • Ongoing speculation about PP’s ability to govern without Vox.
  • The “left of the left” carving out new alliances post-elections, with doubts about Yolanda Díaz’s leadership.
  • Government’s pivot to new social assistance programs following electoral missteps.
  • A wave of small scandals and intrigue, such as Zapatero’s daughters’ alleged business connections in Venezuela.
• Memorable quotes:
  • "Felipe González enciende la polémica con su voto." – News Commentator (03:04)
  • "Aquí se metió colmillo. Vox no quiere o no sabe gestionar." – News Commentator (04:26)

Timestamps: 04:34–06:33

• Satirical aside about healthy eating habits in journalism, segues to more news:
  • The rocky creation of a new leftist coalition, with media spinning both its promise and internal disarray.
  • Government’s 200 euro monthly aid promise, met with sarcasm.
  • Corruption allegations and judicial responses in ongoing political investigations.

5. Press Highlights Beyond Politics

Timestamps: 07:03–09:18

• Agricultural Economics: Concerns about EU-Morocco deals overshadow Mercosur for Spanish farmers.
• Society & Crime:
  • Sighting of a juvenile great white shark off Alicante—a rarity in Spain.
  • The latest revelations (or censorships) in the Epstein case.
  • Uber Spain’s move to allow female drivers to accept only female passengers.
  • France’s government encouraging young people to have more children and freeze eggs.
  • The Museum and heritage sector: British Museum acquires a historic Tudor jewel.
• Quote:
  • "La España choriza sin fundamentos funciona." – Skeptic, on recurring copper thefts (09:16)

6. Economic Dispatch with Rodríguez Brown

Timestamps: 09:18–11:10

• Business News:
  • Telefónica’s divestment in Chile and consolidation in Europe.
  • Large legal and financial maneuvers involving Santander, Burger King, Indra, and more.
  • Spain’s private-public healthcare management debate, with left-wing hostility toward private models highlighted.
  • International snippets: Airlines & hotels stuck in Cuba, Wall Street’s moves against media mega-mergers.
  • Sweden’s PM’s skepticism of French economic protectionism as a European strategy.
• Quote:
  • "En Cuba no falta gasolina. No, en Cuba sobra comunismo." – Economics Expert, with trademark deadpan (10:22)
  • "Los pasajeros se agolpan para subir a un autobús de Renfe... ¿Te acuerdas de cuando los trenes llegaban con retraso? Porque había trenes." (Economics/Cartoon, 11:12)

7. Sports Update

Timestamps: 11:30–13:18

• Football:
  • Athletic vs. Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final—no clear favorite.
  • Atlético de Madrid vs. Barcelona, with club management intrigue.
  • Off-field stories: Real Madrid’s internal peace efforts, Vinicius-hosted team dinner, and Florentino Pérez's continued Superliga ambitions.
• International Sports:
  • Wembanyama’s record NBA game.
  • Spanish debut in Olympic speed skating—a historic first.
• Quote:
  • "El francés ha anotado 40 puntos, 25 tan solo en el primer cuarto." – Sports Commentator on Wembanyama’s performance (13:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

• On the media’s morning grind:
  "La prensa son la España que madruga." – Narrator (00:32)
• On inter-party dancing:
  "En este sindíos de amagos, de ardies y de amenazas va a ponerse en entredicho de nuevo el liderazgo de Feijóo..." – Political Analyst (02:01)
• On coalitional arithmetic:
  "La suma de muchas debilidades no crea una fuerza." – Political Analyst (02:17)
• On Spanish left dynamics:
  "Arranca la lucha en Sumar para sustituir a la vicepresidenta. Encuestas internas desvelan que la ministra ya no gusta entre sus votantes." – News Commentator (05:23)
• On blame and governance:
  "Aquí se metió colmillo. Vox no quiere o no sabe gestionar." – News Commentator (04:26)
• On Cuba:
  "En Cuba no falta gasolina. No, en Cuba sobra comunismo." – Economics Expert (10:22)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01–01:08 – Droll opening on the world of early journalists
• 01:08–01:30 – Cast introductions and morning banter
• 01:42–02:28 – “Siete preguntas y media” on election fallout and party deals
• 02:39–06:33 – Newspaper front pages and editorial highlights
• 07:03–09:18 – Societal news: Agriculture, crime, social policies, and quirky headlines
• 09:18–11:10 – Economic segment: Corporate, policy, international finance
• 11:30–13:18 – Sports news: Copa del Rey, NBA, Olympics

Tone

The episode sustains a witty, sometimes irreverent, and always topical conversation. Political and economic commentary is pragmatic but laced with irony and humor. The interplay of columnists provides a brisk, layered view of Spain’s turbulent political and social landscape, with frequent satirical jabs and running jokes.

For New Listeners

This episode is quintessential morning radio: a rapid-fire yet insightful walk through Spain’s morning news, brimming with analysis, cultural touchpoints, and sharp humor. Whether you want to keep pace with politics, laugh at the foibles of public life, or stay abreast of sports, "La España que madruga" delivers an energetic, pointed briefing on the nation’s mood.