Podcast Summary: Más de uno – "La importancia de la simplificación administrativa para ser una Europa más competitiva"

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Guest: José Carlos Díez
Date: January 28, 2026

Main Theme

This segment of "Más de uno" focuses on the crucial role of administrative simplification in enhancing Europe's global competitiveness. Through the economic commentary of José Carlos Díez, the episode connects recent debates at the Davos World Economic Forum with the need for the European Union—especially Spain—to reduce bureaucracy and foster a more dynamic, service-oriented administration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Relevance of Davos for Europe and Spain (00:03)

• While media attention was fixed on Donald Trump in Davos, the commentary highlights that, for Spanish listeners, the speech from Germany’s Friedrich Mertz was more significant.

2. The Problem of Over-Regulation in Europe (00:09)

• Friedrich Mertz, described as a strong voice from Germany, criticized the European Union for becoming "la campeona mundial de la sobrerregulación" (“the world champion of over-regulation”).
• Mertz emphasized that the EU’s original intent was to be the most competitive market on the planet, but excessive regulation is holding it back.

3. Call for Administrative Reform (00:17)

• Mertz’s call: "Eso tiene que acabar y que los ciudadanos queremos una Europa dinámica con una administración orientada al servicio."
  (“That has to end, and citizens want a dynamic Europe with a service-oriented administration.”)
• Diez underscores that the demand is not merely for economic growth, but for tangible reforms in public service processes.

4. Power Dynamics Within the EU (00:24)

• José Carlos Díez reminds listeners: "En Europa mandan los países y Alemania sigue ejerciendo su liderazgo en el Consejo."
  (“In Europe, the countries govern and Germany continues to exercise its leadership in the Council.”)
• Central and Eastern European countries often align their votes with Germany, magnifying this leadership.

5. Challenge to Spanish Policymakers (00:38)

• Diez issues a direct challenge to Spanish self-perception: "A los españoles se nos llena la boca diciendo que somos muy europeístas. Veremos si ahora lo demostramos con hechos y nos convertimos en los líderes de la simplificación administrativa y reducimos la burocracia."
  (“We Spaniards love to say we are very pro-Europe. Let’s see if we now prove it with actions and become leaders in administrative simplification and reducing bureaucracy.”)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Europe’s Over-Regulation:
  José Carlos Díez, quoting Mertz [00:12]:
  "Europa se ha convertido en la campeona mundial de la sobrerregulación. Mertz dijo que eso tiene que acabar y que los ciudadanos queremos una Europa dinámica con una administración orientada al servicio."
• On German Leadership in the EU:
  José Carlos Díez [00:24]:
  "Alemania sigue ejerciendo su liderazgo en el Consejo. Y muchos países de Europa Central y del Este votan lo mismo."
• On Spain’s Role:
  José Carlos Díez [00:38]:
  "Veremos si ahora lo demostramos con hechos y nos convertimos en los líderes de la simplificación administrativa y reducimos la burocracia."

Important Timestamps

• 00:03: Introduction of the Davos context and significance for Spain
• 00:12: Mertz’s critique of European over-regulation
• 00:24: Discussion about European power dynamics, with Germany’s leadership
• 00:38: Challenge to Spain to prove its European credentials with real administrative reform

Tone and Style

The conversation is direct, insightful, and pragmatic, blending a factual economic analysis with a subtle call to action. José Carlos Díez’s tone is both critical and constructive, highlighting problems but also urging Spain and Europe towards concrete solutions.

By focusing on the need for less bureaucracy and a more agile administration, the episode connects European political debates to everyday governance challenges, offering both reflection and a call for reform.