Podcast Summary: Más de uno — "La España que madruga" (20/01/2026)

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Date: January 20, 2026

Overview

This episode of "La España que madruga" on Onda Cero, hosted by Carlos Alsina, offers a mix of incisive current affairs analysis, media review, and characteristic humor that defines the program. The show centers on dissecting the aftermath of a major train accident in Spain, examining press coverage, political responses, and public sentiment. The episode also offers economic updates, commentary, sports news, and light-hearted cultural snippets, all delivered in the unique tone of morning radio.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Panel Introduction

[00:59‑01:12]

• The panelists are warmly welcomed, with a characteristic blend of politeness and camaraderie.
• (“Buenos días. Ya estamos todos saludados.” – Moderator [01:12])

2. Questions Surrounding the Train Accident

[01:15–02:14]
The panel quickly dives into seven pressing questions spurred by the train accident in Adamuz:

• When will the "provisional death toll" cease to be only provisional?

• The trauma of identification by DNA; character of institutional collaboration.

• Whether assigning blame is prudent or deflecting.

• Health of Spain’s high-speed rail network amid concerns about strain and safety.

• To what extent is the tragedy being ideologically weaponized, particularly regarding the liberalization of the rail sector.

• Credibility of officials handling the crisis.

• The political imperative to address (not avoid) the tragedy.

  “¿Por qué decimos que no debe politizarse este drama cuando es obligación justo de la política dedicarse a...?”
  — Expert Panelist [02:14]

3. Press Review: The Adamuz Train Accident

[02:23–04:15]

• Coverage Evolution: News has shifted from casualty numbers to personal stories and causes.

  • The death toll remains at 40, with difficult efforts to identify bodies due to the state of the wreckage.
  • Touching human stories: e.g., Cristina, a 6-year-old girl, sole survivor of her family; Julio, a teenager who helped rescue.

• Families’ Anguish: Frustration over the speed of recovery due to technical limitations; authorities may need to cut through damaged trains.

• Investigative Focus:

  • Mainstream media centers on possible track failure:
    • Headlines reference “fallo de las vías” (“failure of the rails”) and a 30cm breach.
    • The accident occurred just as two trains were passing, leaving the driver little time to react.
    • Bureaucracy and delays linger from past accidents (e.g., Santiago 2003).

  “Probablemente la peor imagen de la tragedia esté por llegar.”
  — News Reporter [03:38]

4. Societal and Psychological Impact

[05:44–06:11]

• Focus on Ana García, a survivor in critical condition; personal loss extends to a missing pet, symbolic of widespread trauma.

• “Efecto miedo” post-accident: significant decline in train passenger numbers after similar European disasters.

• Airlines hike prices, taking advantage of the rail disruption.

  “Se llama efecto miedo. Luego está el efecto saldremos mejores.”
  — Commentator [06:09]

• Analysis that the collapse in faith in high-speed rail's prime asset—its safety—may be lasting.

  “Se une la pérdida del mayor valor intangible de la alta velocidad, su seguridad.”
  — Commentator quoting Ignacio Camacho, ABC [06:23]

5. Media Oddities & International Notes

[06:35–08:11]

• Tangents into unrelated (but humorous) news:
  • Donald Trump’s letter linking Nobel Peace Prize to the annexation of Greenland (“no piensa exclusivamente en la paz”).
  • Obituary of Valentino, fashion legend, and the origins of his “rojo Valentino.”
  • Quirky animal news: Verónica, a cow in Austria, uses a broom as a tool.

6. Economic and Business Review

[08:11–09:47]

• IMF raises Spain’s growth forecast to 2.3% for 2026, yet business voices warn of destabilizing changes in the fiscal environment.

• Foreign investment in decline amidst legal unpredictability.

• Real estate boom persists, but finished housing drops.

• Defense sector's boom, reflective in global financial media.

• Concerns over China’s real, not reported, economic trajectory.

  “El Fondo Monetario revisa al alza, hasta el 2,3 el crecimiento de España para 2026. [...] voces empresariales alertan de la inseguridad jurídica...”
  — Economic Analyst [08:14]

• Light humor in the economic cartoon:

  “Celebro tener un gobierno que sabe que la realidad no está hecha para nosotros.”
  — Economic Analyst quoting Caín in La Razón [09:47]

7. Sports Roundup

[10:04–11:52]

• Football:

  • Real Madrid’s unity put to the test and Kylian Mbappé’s leadership.
  • Upcoming Champions League matches for Real Madrid and Villarreal; analysis on team dynamics.
  • Update on women’s Supercopa and attempts to rejuvenate public interest.

• Other Sports:

  • Spanish handball team’s tough prospects in the European championship.
  • Basketball: Euroliga action for Spanish teams.
  • Tennis: emerging talent Rafa Hoddar advances in the Australian Open.

  “El Real Madrid decidió poner en el foco a Kylian Mbappé. Y el delantero francés mostró más acierto con las palabras [...] de trabajar por un objetivo común. Pero bien están las palabras y luego tienen reflejo en el césped.”
  — Radio Host [10:06]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the media's pursuit of truth:

  “Son notarios de la actualidad para escribir más mentiras.”
  — Narrator [00:11]

• On politicizing tragedy:

  “¿Por qué decimos que no debe politizarse este drama cuando es obligación justo de la política dedicarse a...?”
  — Expert Panelist [02:14]

• On the resilience and sadness of families:

  “La búsqueda de desaparecidos es un infierno. No podemos más.”
  — Quoting El País headline [03:16]

• On security, faith in infrastructure:

  “Se une la pérdida del mayor valor intangible de la alta velocidad, su seguridad.”
  — Ignacio Camacho (cited by panelist) [06:23]

• On Spain's economic conundrum:

  “Celebro tener un gobierno que sabe que la realidad no está hecha para nosotros.”
  — Caín in La Razón, read by Economic Analyst [09:47]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:59–01:12 — Panel Introductions
• 01:15–02:14 — Seven Pressing Questions on the Train Accident
• 02:23–04:15 — Morning Press Roundup: Train Disaster Coverage
• 05:44–06:11 — Human Interest Stories; Psychological Aftermath
• 08:11–09:47 — Economic and Business News
• 10:04–11:52 — Sports Highlights

Tone & Style

The program maintains a balance between somber, incisive analysis (especially concerning the accident and its aftermath) and light-hearted banter, cultural asides, and witty observations. The commentators seamlessly integrate personal stories, high-level journalism, and sharp economic and sports analysis, making for an engaging and varied listen.

For listeners: This episode is a snapshot of a society reacting to tragedy, grappling with institutional responsibility, and navigating daily life — all filtered with wit, warmth, and a sharp eye for the news behind the headlines.