Podcast Summary: "La España que madruga" (Más de uno – Onda Cero)

Episode Date: 19/12/2025
Host: Carlos Alsina
Notable Participants: Rubén Amón, Daniel Ramírez García Mina, Rosa Belmonte, Professor Rodríguez Brown, Félix José Casillas
Theme: Noticias, actualidad, análisis político, prensa, humor y sociedad en la España que se despierta temprano.

Overview

This episode of "La España que madruga" kicks off the morning with energy, sharp political commentary, and a touch of humor. The team dives into the day's headlines, controversial topics, and trending debates, offering listeners a blend of information and wit. Discussions range from Spanish and European politics to quirky news stories, sports updates, and a lyrical weekly recap.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Spirit of Early-Morning Journalism

• The episode opens with a tongue-in-cheek narration and playful banter about the relentless life of journalists—their sacrifices, odd hours, and commitment to reporting.
• Quote (Narrator, 00:10): "Son notarios de la actualidad."
• Rosa Belmonte adds (00:12): "Para escribir más mentiras. Para vender más periódicos.” (in jest)
• This opening establishes the humorous and self-aware tone for the episode.

2. Panel Introductions & Book Plug

• Casual panelist introductions with inside jokes about arriving late and the success of Rubén Amón’s new book on Morante.
• Daniel jokes (01:31): "Va por la quinta edición y esperamos todavía la sexta y la séptima y media."

3. Siete Preguntas y Media (Seven Questions and a Half)

• Daniel Ramírez García Mina launches a rapid-fire segment with critical questions on legal and moral quandaries in Spanish politics (02:07-03:12):
  • The controversy over a posthumous denunciation against Adolfo Suárez.
  • The perceived delegitimization of Spain’s transition to democracy.
  • Issues within the political left and electoral debates.
  • The “pucherazo” (tampering) accusations tied to recent vote theft incidents.
• Memorable Quote (02:59): "Después de Coldo, de Ábalos, de Sánchez y de Cerdán, llega el turno de Zapatero. ¿Qué tal si el PP renuncia a convertir el Senado en una plataforma electoral y parajudicial?"

4. Today's Front Pages & Political Analysis

• An insightful and sardonic rundown of the day's major newspaper headlines, highlighting both nuanced and bombastic coverage (03:14-07:14):
  • The EU’s failure to use Russian assets to fund Ukraine, and Belgium’s opposition out of fear of Kremlin reprisals.
    • Quote—On EU deal (04:02, Daniel Ramírez): "El enfoque es muy parecido en los diarios a uno y otro lado del río."
  • Scandals involving SEPI, María Chivite, and the PSOE "cloacas" investigation.
  • The peculiar political dynamics in the run-up to the Extremadura elections, with allusions to conspiracies and vote theft.
  • The recurring tone is critical, often lampooning both left and right political responses.

5. Rosa Belmonte's 'Hoguera': Quirks & Headlines

• A rapid, zesty review of striking news bites and oddities (07:17-09:28):
  • Zapatero’s alleged path of “intelligent ambiguity.”
    • Notable Quote (07:19): "Lo suyo es una sabia e inteligente ambigüedad que ve que va llevándonos a todos por la senda inconstitucional." (citing Umbral)
  • A bizarre celebrity story involving Travolta, Elvis Presley, and genetic lineage.
    • "Una demanda desvela que un hijo de Travolta es bisnieto genético de Elvis Presley." (08:56)

6. Liberal & Economic News (with Prof. Rodríguez Brown and Rubén Amón)

• Stock movements, company compliance hires, labor negotiations, and internal gov't disputes (09:29-10:39):
  • Editorial criticism of Catalonian housing policy’s impact on investors:
    • Quote: "Espantar a los inversores no va a arreglar el problema de la vivienda en Cataluña. Ni en ninguna parte, claro."
  • International punchlines: Syria as The Economist's "most improved country" in 2025; OpenAI’s new valuation ($830B).

7. Sports Roundup

• Summary of key football fixtures and gossip: Valencia, Mallorca, Athletic–Espanyol, update on Xabi Alonso and Mbappé’s chase for Cristiano Ronaldo’s record (10:51–12:02).
• Some “insider” player stories (Morante’s son at Betis).
• Amusing aside about “papeletas” (vote slips and sports ballots) as a thematic link.

8. Lyrical Weekly Recap

• Rubén Amón offers a poetic review of the week, weaving together cultural references and listener engagement (12:16–13:27):
  • “La prueba del 9 de la navidad suele ser la compañía.”
  • Music, solitude, poetry, and even a reference to a fictional interview with Julio Verne.
  • Notable Moment (13:14): "Mejor tú." (comic, off-the-cuff suggestion after poetry reading)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-----------|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:12 | Rosa Belmonte | “Para escribir más mentiras. Para vender más periódicos.” (ironic jab at journalism) | | 01:31 | Daniel Ramírez | “Va por la quinta edición y esperamos todavía la sexta y la séptima y media." (self-parodying book promo) | | 03:00 | Daniel Ramírez | “¿Qué tal si el PP renuncia a convertir el Senado en una plataforma electoral y parajudicial?” | | 04:02 | Daniel Ramírez | “El enfoque es muy parecido en los diarios a uno y otro lado del río.” (on coverage regarding the Ukraine funding debate) | | 07:19 | Rosa Belmonte/Umbral | “Lo suyo es una sabia e inteligente ambigüedad...” (on Zapatero, quoting Umbral) | | 08:56 | Rosa Belmonte | “Una demanda desvela que un hijo de Travolta es bisnieto genético de Elvis Presley.” (quirky celebrity news)| | 09:33 | Rubén Amón | “Espantar a los inversores no va a arreglar el problema de la vivienda en Cataluña. Ni en ninguna parte, claro.” | | 12:16 | Rubén Amón | “La prueba del 9 de la navidad suele ser la compañía.” (from his poetic segment) | | 13:14 | Interjector | "Mejor tú." (after poetry reading, adding levity) |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02–00:35: Playful narration and jokes about journalism
• 01:08–01:37: Panel intros and book launch banter
• 02:07–03:12: “Siete preguntas y media” (rapid-fire political questions)
• 03:14–07:14: Review of the day’s main press headlines, scandals, and European news
• 07:17–09:28: Rosa Belmonte’s “hoguera”; quirky and cultural news
• 09:29–10:39: Economic digest and editorial analysis
• 10:51–12:02: Sports update and gossip
• 12:16–13:27: Weekly lyrical/poetic segment

Episode Tone & Style Notes

• Language & Tone: Informal, witty, fast-paced, sometimes caustic, always with a hint of self-deprecation and irony
• Style: Conversational, with overlapping voices, cultural references, and inside jokes
• Atmosphere: A vibrant, slightly chaotic breakfast show where news and opinion collide with humor

This episode of "La España que madruga" is a quintessential snapshot of Spain’s current affairs: lively, critical, and irreverently fun—a must-listen for anyone wanting politics with their morning coffee.