Más de uno – La España que madruga (24/02/2026)

Host: Onda Cero – Carlos Alsina
Episode Theme:
A sharp, humorous, and energetic look at Spain’s daybreak – dissecting top political news, scandals, economic updates, and sports headlines, with the signature banter and wit that defines "Más de uno". The episode blends journalism’s early hustle with critical and satirical commentary on current affairs.

Main Theme & Purpose

The episode captures the essence of Spain “that wakes early”—the journalists, politicians, and commentators up before dawn to inform and opine, mixing hard news and humor. Key topics include the political consequences and controversies around the declassification of historic “F” files, corruption allegations, media headlines, economic shifts, and the latest in sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Role and Irony of Early Journalism

• Opening narration spotlights journalists as unsung early risers, half-seriously, half-ironically referred to as notaries of current events, mixing duty and skepticism both in news coverage and their own routines.
  • Quote: “Son notarios de la actualidad para escribir más mentiras.” (Narrator, 00:11)
• Zapatero and hosts joke about sleeplessness and the burdens of appearing well-informed, blending admiration and self-mockery.

2. Topical Debate: Desclasificación de los Papeles del F

• The panel poses seven questions about the anticipated government release of classified documents (“Papeles del F”), especially how it might affect the perception of King Juan Carlos I, the depth of state transparency, and whether it will fuel political polarization. (01:52-02:53)
• They debate if this transparency is genuine or staged, and whether the declassification is enough or a deeper law reform is needed.
• Uncertainty is raised over public awareness: “¿Cuántos españoles van a descubrir hoy que hubo un golpe de Estado hace 45 años?” (Radio Host, 02:52)

3. Political Scandals & Press Scrutiny

• The latest newspapers and columns are scanned with a tongue-in-cheek attitude (02:56-04:48):
  • Corruption accusations implicating Zapatero and ties to Venezuela, specifically payments from Julito Martínez, are recounted.
  • Ongoing controversies involving Minister Ángel Víctor Torres and the ex-police chief are highlighted.
  • Media’s relentless focus is parodied as both character assassination and necessary watchdog work.
  • The team pokes at the cyclical nature of scandal: “Todo parece derrumbarse sin que sepamos por qué. Hasta el Madrid se derrumba en Pamplona, Félix.” (Daniel Ramírez García Mina, 04:48)

4. Newspaper Roundup: Political Spin & Legal Turbulence

• Differences in how key newspapers frame the declassification issue:
  • El País in favor, ABC and La Razón critical or skeptical.
  • Other stories: Negotiation tensions between the PP (Feijóo) and Vox over government formation and national budgets; pending scrutiny of Sánchez over legislative delays. (05:00-06:32)

5. Social & Cultural Notes

• Journalist Rosa summarizes other headlines (06:36-09:13):
  • Gruesome cartel violence in Veracruz.
  • Health rumors around President Sánchez; media scrutiny of Begoña (with a touch of sexist objectification).
  • Arrest of former UK ambassador linked to Epstein.
  • Academic self-censorship in the Basque Country and activism at the Goyas referencing “Palestina libre”.
  • In culture, tributes to deceased chroniclers of Spain’s Transition and quirky celebrity/royal tidbits.

6. Economic News

• Economist reviews market updates:
  • Endesa’s large network investment, railway ticket sales plunging post-accident, Trump tariffs affecting Spain, and EU auto sector caught between regulation and Chinese competition.
  • Savings accounts reform, BBVA’s executive departures, and overarching tech sector instability after alarming Citron Research report.
  • Quote: “La política de la Unión Europea ha sido una carga para el motor frente a China. Correcto.” (Economist, 09:45)

7. Economic Satire: The Political Cartoon

• A quick, dry sketch: “Un político en su coche oficial comenta: tiene que haber un responsable de lo que yo hice.” (Economist quoting Caín, 11:19)

8. Sports / Fútbol & International News

• Atlético Madrid’s upcoming Champions League match, Real Madrid vs. Benfica preview.
• Laporta’s confessions on financial maneuvers with Real Madrid for the Superliga.
• Coaching shake-ups: Mallorca’s manager sacked, and Curaçao’s national team looking for a head coach before facing Germany at the World Cup.
• Tennis: Spanish players in Acapulco noted.
  • Quote: “Sobre el papel, el Atlético de Madrid es mejor que el Brujas. Así que el equipo rojiblanco tendría que despejar esta tarde desde las siete menos cuarto…” (José Casillas, 11:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Self-deprecating journalism:
  “Son notarios de la actualidad para escribir más mentiras.” (Narrator, 00:11)
• Political sarcasm:
  “Está diciendo imbécil.” (Radio Host, 00:42)
• Snark on scandals:
  “La prensa de hoy es un traje que a Zapatero le quedaba grande y le va apretando las costuras...” (Daniel Ramírez García Mina, 02:56)
• Cultural sharpness:
  “Algunos profesores no les merece la pena dar ciertos temas de historia contemporánea, Oriente Medio, el totalitarismo soviético, porque corren el riesgo de ser saboteados…” (Journalist, 08:00)
• Satirical economic commentary:
  “Tiene que haber un responsable de lo que yo hice.” (Economist/Caín, 11:19)

Timestamps for Essential Segments

• 00:02–00:41: Satirical opening on Spanish journalism
• 01:52–02:53: The seven questions on the declassification of files and what’s at stake
• 02:56–04:48: Review of political scandals and today’s papers
• 05:00–06:32: Media coverage differences and the focus on budget negotiations
• 06:39–09:13: Cultural, social, and international news with sharp commentary
• 09:17–11:11: Economic and business news, markets, and EU/US/China trade
• 11:13–11:32: Political satire via periodical cartoons
• 11:34–13:15: Sports headlines and commentary

Overall Tone & Style

The episode is brisk and sardonic, blending information with irony: the hosts mix exasperated humor and critical insight, neither shying away from hard news nor from lampooning it. The exchanges flow naturally, with participants shifting from gravitas to joking retorts—reflecting both the absurdity and the gravity of Spain’s morning news landscape.