Podcast Summary: ¿Los españoles están en contra de la guerra?

Podcast: Más de Uno
Host: Carlos Alsina, Onda Cero
Date: 5 March 2026
Theme:
Exploring Spanish public opinion regarding war—past and present—with particular focus on attitudes toward international conflicts involving the U.S., Iraq, and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. The discussion draws on polling data and historical context to answer: Are Spaniards really “against war”?

Main Topics and Key Insights

1. Historical Attitudes Toward War in Spain

• The conversation opens with skepticism about a current debate relating to U.S. policy, but quickly pivots to the core question: are Spaniards generally against war? ([00:10])
• Guest points out that it's hard to find anyone truly “in favor of war,” highlighting the complexity behind public attitudes ([00:36]):

  “Es difícil encontrar a alguien que esté a favor de la guerra.”
  —B ([00:36])

• Past polls are referenced to illustrate how context matters, particularly who is seen as responsible and whether international norms (e.g., UN authorization) are respected.

2. The Iraq War in 1991

• In 1991, the majority of Spaniards recognized a United Nations authorization for the attack on Iraq:
  • 87% were aware of UN authorization.
  • 60% believed war could be avoided.
  • 54% blamed Saddam Hussein; only 5% blamed the U.S. alone ([01:00–01:50]).
  • 96% followed the war via TV, 67% via radio.
  • 48% thought Israeli involvement could trigger a world war ([01:50]).
• Memorable data:

  “En el año 91 el 87% de los españoles sabían que había una autorización de Naciones Unidas para poder empezar la guerra contra Irak.”
  —B ([01:00])

3. The 2003 Iraq War & “No a la guerra” Slogan

• By 2003, the slogan “No a la guerra” (“No to war”) emerged strongly.
• 83% of Spaniards were “very worried” about the conflict.
• 60% saw Iraq as a danger to global security; over half believed Iraq had WMDs or terrorist links ([02:20]).
• Crucially, opposition to military action was almost universal:
  • Only 8% supported the actions of the U.S.; 11% backed the Spanish government.
  • Opposition cut across political lines: 99% on the left, 64% among the “far right.”
  • 67% wanted Spain to remain neutral.
• Standout quote:

  “El 91% de los españoles entonces estaban en contra de la guerra de Irak, el 91 era una oposición completamente transversal que compartían todos.”
  —B ([03:30])

4. Present-Day Opinions: Trump and Middle East Conflicts

• Current polling is limited but a recent survey (February 2026) shows:
  • 80% of Spaniards see Donald Trump as a threat to world peace.
  • Significant partisan divide: only 40% of Vox voters agree.
  • Widespread concern about the current Middle East conflict: 70% in both July 2025 and February 2026.
    • Again, Vox voters are less concerned (36%).
• On whether Spain should follow Trump’s foreign policy:
  • Only 35% of Spaniards agree.
  • 75% of Vox voters think Spain should follow Trump; 68% of PP voters agree.
• Memorable moment:

  “La opinión pública española está en contra de seguir las órdenes de Trump.”
  —B ([05:10])

5. Recent Attitudes to Israel, U.S., Iran Conflict (July 2025)

• 80% were “very or quite concerned” about the conflict between Israel, U.S., and Iran.
• Highest concern among PSOE and Sumar voters (90%), lowest among Vox (54%).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• B [00:36]:

  “Es difícil encontrar a alguien que esté a favor de la guerra.”

• B [01:00]:

  “En el año 91 el 87% de los españoles sabían que había una autorización de Naciones Unidas para poder empezar la guerra contra Irak.”

• B [03:30]:

  “El 91% de los españoles entonces estaban en contra de la guerra de Irak, el 91 era una oposición completamente transversal que compartían todos.”

• B [05:10]:

  “La opinión pública española está en contra de seguir las órdenes de Trump.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10–00:36: Opening and framing the main question about Spanish attitudes toward war.
• 01:00–01:50: Data breakdown on 1991 Gulf War perceptions.
• 02:20–03:50: Shifts in public opinion leading into the 2003 Iraq War—“No a la guerra.”
• 03:50–05:10: Contemporary Spanish opinions on Trump, the U.S., and the Middle East.
• 05:10–05:52: Voters’ breakdown by party and closing reflections on recent poll data.

Tone and Style

As is characteristic of Onda Cero and Carlos Alsina, the segment deftly balances factual analysis, polling data, and sharp commentary, while keeping the humor light but ever-present. The discussion is informative, reflective, and presents a nuanced view of how Spanish public opinion on war evolves in response to changing international circumstances, leadership, and domestic political context.

Summary:
Spanish public opinion is overwhelmingly against war, consistently showing strong concern for international conflict, skepticism toward following U.S. policy, and a desire for neutrality—albeit with notable partisan exceptions. The episode demonstrates how historical context, perceived legitimacy, and political alignment shape these attitudes, capturing both the data and the national mood.