Podcast Summary: Más de uno – “La nueva excusa de ZP”
Host: Carlos Alsina | Date: June 18, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode of “Más de uno,” Carlos Alsina dissects the latest developments surrounding an ongoing controversy involving former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero ("ZP"). The discussion, tinged with humor and sarcasm, centers on the new narrative emerging about the alleged reception and concealment of valuable gifts—specifically jewels—from the Saudi royal family during Zapatero’s tenure. The episode critically examines the plausibility of Zapatero’s evolving version of events and the broader implications for political accountability during a critical historical moment.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Zapatero’s Changing Story and Media Amplification
- Rafa (B) highlights that Zapatero has pushed a new version of his story, this time “a través de uno de los minaretes de la televisión oficial.”
- Skepticism is immediately established: “No me creo porque encaja demasiado bien en su estrategia procesal.” (00:11)
Details of the Jewel Controversy
- The heart of the controversy: In 2007, a Saudi king allegedly gifted Zapatero jewels valued at €1,300,000.
- The story presented is that the official gifts (e.g., a watch) were declared and handed over to the state, but the jewels were not.
- Alsina (and Rafa) point out the convenient timing—2007, which overlaps with the start of Spain’s severe economic crisis—and note how the crime, if any, might now be prescribed (i.e., too late to prosecute).
- There’s mention that the Saudi king, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, died in 2015, making it impossible for him to verify or deny details.
Political and Ethical Implications
- Irony is used to reflect on the gravity of the situation: “¿Cómo será de grave para que se considere que la versión más favorecedora de lo de las joyas sea que el rey de Arabia Saudí le hiciera diversos regalos a Zapatero y éste declarara y entregara al Estado un reloj, y sin embargo ocultara y se quedara joyas por valor de 1.300.000 euros?” (00:31)
- The episode implicitly questions the standards of political integrity: How bad must the alternative (the truth) be if this is the most “favorable” version presented?
Historical Context
- The scandal’s date, 2007, is noted as significant, coinciding with the start of the economic crisis in Spain.
- The segment lampoons Zapatero's inability to see the oncoming crisis, attributing it dramatically to being “deslumbrado por las esmeraldas de Zambia.” (00:58)
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Media Tactics:
“Zapatero utilizó a Luis Arroyo para colocarnos una mentira y ahora pretende que nos creamos la nueva versión que ha difundido, esta vez a través de uno de los minaretes de la televisión oficial, que yo ya lo adelanto. No me creo porque encaja demasiado bien en su estrategia procesal.”
— Rafa (00:06)
-
On the Implausibility of Zapatero’s Version:
“¿Cómo será de grave para que se considere que la versión más favorecedora de lo de las joyas sea que el rey de Arabia Saudí, Abdal Abin Abdulaziz, le hiciera diversos regalos a Zapatero y éste declarara y entregara al Estado, por ejemplo, un reloj y sin embargo ocultara y se quedara joyas por valor de 1.300.000 euros?”
— Rafa (00:31)
-
Humorous Take on Zapatero’s Perspective:
“Cómo iba a haber la crisis si estaba deslumbrado por las esmeraldas de Zambia.”
— Rafa (00:58)
-
Summation of Scepticism:
“Esta es de verdad la versión más favorecedora de la historia. Madre mía. Siento vértigo de pensar cuál será la verdadera.”
— Rafa (01:09)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [00:06] Start of the main discussion; introduction of the new “excuse” from Zapatero and skepticism about the narrative.
- [00:31] Detailed analysis of the jewel controversy and its implications.
- [00:58] Connection to the Spanish economic crisis and satirical commentary.
- [01:09] Reflection on how even the “favorable” version is damning; closing remarks.
Tone & Style
The tone remains sharply critical, humorous, and laced with sarcasm, characterizing the habitual style of “Más de uno.” The hosts combine detailed political analysis with irony and biting wit, making the gravity of the topic both accessible and memorable for the audience.
Summary prepared for listeners of Onda Cero seeking a clear, engaging breakdown of the episode’s core content.
