Podcast Summary: Más de uno – La España que madruga (18/02/2026)

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Date: February 18, 2026
Main Voices: Carlos Alsina, Carlos Rodríguez Brown, Daniel Ramírez García Mina, Rosa Belmonte, Félix José Casillas

Overview

This episode of “La España que madruga” showcases Carlos Alsina and his team dissecting the news and political climate of Spain, with their characteristic humor, sharp analysis, and focus on early-morning current affairs. The show covers political intrigue, constitutional debates, latest headlines, economic news, and sports – all with a tone that balances critique, irony, and journalistic rigor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Team Banter (00:02–01:39)

• Humorous setup: The team playfully describes themselves as the “notaries of the news” and “the Spain that gets up early.”
• Tone-setter: The segment blends irony with pride in journalistic duty, poking fun at their own profession and sleep deprivation.
• Notable exchanges:
  • Carlos Alsina: “Sé tratar todo tipo de noticias. Y si no las hay, salgo a la calle y le muerdo a un perro.” (00:21)
  • Rosa Belmonte bemoans lack of respect in the profession: “Aquí se tiene muy poco respet son.” (00:30)

2. Political Questions of the Morning (01:41–02:52)

• Critical analysis of government and opposition:

  • Deliberate constitutional breaches regarding the budget.
  • Absence of nationalist parties and left-wing boycott at key ceremonies.

• Constitutional debate on religious garments:

  • Alsina calls into question the left’s stance on banning the burka – raising profound questions about religious freedom, women’s rights, and legal limits.

• Sample probing questions:

  • “¿De verdad creen Yolanda Díaz y los partidos de la izquierda, el PSOE incluido, que prohib el vulca es inconstitucional porque atenta a la libertad religiosa?...” (02:04)
  • “¿Está realmente el Parlamento contra la prohibición del burka o más bien contra que sea Vox la protagonista de la iniciativa?” (02:29)

3. Headlines Breakdown – Political & National News (02:52–06:41)

PSOE Scandals & Internal Conflicts

• “Cuatro rumanos” scandal:
  • Allegations around Coldo and manipulation of the 2017 and 2014 PSOE primaries – through WhatsApp evidence and ballot box tampering.
  • “Al final les va a poner pena de cárcel la RAE y no los tribunales.” – Daniel Ramírez García Mina’s quip about the incomprehensible written exchanges. (03:37)
• Trama Borja Cabezón:
  • Exposed links between Cabezón and renewable energy businesses.
  • Coverage of PSOE’s internal strife and controversial appointments.

Sexual Misconduct in Police Leadership

• National headlines about the resignation of the National Police chief following a sexual assault accusation; mention of alleged coercion and an audio recording as evidence.
• “La denunciante asegura tener un audio de la violación.” (04:34)

Constitutional Celebration & Political Irony

• Coverage of the previous day’s ceremonies marking the Spanish Constitution’s longevity, with references to the speech by King Felipe VI and observations of the absurdity that fulfilling the Constitution needs to be explicitly “reminded.”
• “¿Qué nación enloquecida es esta en la que hay que recordar que la Constitución se cumple?” – Daniel Ramírez García Mina (05:05)

Other Political Maneuverings

• Feijóo–Abascal dynamics: Tensions between PP and Vox over forming a coalition.
• Ayuso’s internal crisis: Madrid president faces a scandal over educational policy and internal resignations.
• Vox budget approval controversy: Vox passes €14 million budget in a WhatsApp chat, without debate.

4. Rosa Belmonte’s “Hoguera” – Media & Social Critique (07:09–09:40)

• Women’s rights and violence:
  • Reports from Sweden about a woman forced into prostitution by her husband under addiction.
  • Commentary on society’s persistent gender inequalities: “Los hombres siguen siendo los amos del mundo. Los malos y los buenos.” (07:29)
• Death of Jesse Jackson:
  • Coverage of his legacy as a civil rights leader and political pioneer.
• Parliamentary critique:
  • Describes the vast difference in the quality and intent of political speeches, contrasting “nivel ínfimo” and the King’s appeal to unity.
• Documentary pioneer Frederick Weizmann:
  • Noted quote: “Nunca he creído en la verdad.” as a reflection on documentary filmmaking.
• Quirky coverage:
  • “El 90% de los catalanes aseguran sufrir crisis habitacional.” – Skepticism about academic language replacing direct expressions of housing hardship.
  • Dangers of new teen trends: paracetamol overdose competitions – “Cada vez más tontos.” (09:36)

5. Economic News Highlights (09:40–11:17)

• Spanish business updates:

  • Hotel franchising strategies for expansion.
  • Bank mergers, real estate transactions, and troubles in delivery companies due to lack of riders.
  • Stagnation of 20 economic laws in Parliament.
  • Economic News Presenter: “El daño que ha hecho este gobierno a estos trabajadores.” (10:18)
  • Irony regarding government inactivity: “Me parece bien. Porque considerando cómo gobierna este gobierno, pues casi mejor que no gobierne.” (10:26)

• International perspective:

  • Wall Street Journal: Competition for US housing from data centers.
  • Financial Times: US–Japan collaboration in tech and resources; quirky reference to Britons “falling in love” with credit cards.

• Cartoon of the Day:

  • Depiction of Pedro Sánchez as both President and “father” of the Spanish people – satirical blend of power and paternalism.

6. Sports News with Félix José Casillas (11:37–13:33)

• Champions League:
  • Real Madrid’s victory against Benfica, highlighting team discipline and Vinícius’ pivotal role.
  • Racist insult controversy involving Vinícius and Pereztiani; divided opinions and lack of evidence.
  • Social media spat aftermath and Mourinho’s comments about player provocations.
• Atlético de Madrid:
  • Awaiting crucial match in Bruges; team in flux, coach Simeone defends rotation.
• International football:
  • Inter’s match in snowy Norway, PSG’s comeback win over Monaco.
• Spanish league and tennis:
  • Levante vs. Villarreal critical for standings, presidential elections at Barcelona FC upcoming.
  • Carlos Alcaraz’s progress in the Doha tournament.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Carlos Alsina, on making news if needed:
  “Sé tratar todo tipo de noticias. Y si no las hay, salgo a la calle y le muerdo a un perro.” (00:21)

• On the questionable literacy of political actors:
  “Al final les va a poner pena de cárcel la RAE y no los tribunales.” – Daniel Ramírez García Mina (03:37)

• On gender dynamics:
  “Los hombres siguen siendo los amos del mundo. Los malos y los buenos.” – Rosa Belmonte (07:29)

• On the need to remind Spain to follow its own Constitution:
  “¿Qué nación enloquecida es esta en la que hay que recordar que la Constitución se cumple?” – Daniel Ramírez García Mina (05:05)

• Economic news with bite:
  “Me parece bien. Porque considerando cómo gobierna este gobierno, pues casi mejor que no gobierne.” – Economic News Presenter (10:26)

• Cartoon of Pedro Sánchez:
  “No sé si es constitucional o no, pero he descubierto que puedo ser vuestro presidente y vuestro padre.” (11:17)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening theme and self-parody: 00:02–00:35
• Panel introductions and banter: 01:01–01:22
• Political “seven and a half questions”: 01:41–02:52
• Headlines and newspaper review (PSOE scandals, police chief resignation): 02:52–06:41
• Rosa Belmonte's media review (gender violence, Jesse Jackson, societal critique): 07:09–09:40
• Economic news and analysis: 09:40–11:17
• Sports news, football and tennis: 11:37–13:33

Tone and Style

The hosts maintain a sharp, satirical, and sometimes biting tone, interspersed with wit and vivid commentary. Their analysis blends real concern over political and societal issues with humor and irreverence – hallmarks of Alsina’s “Más de uno” morning show.

This summary captures the core discussions, the flow of the program, and the unique character of the “La España que madruga” segment for February 18, 2026.