Podcast Summary: Más de uno – Marcelino Iglesias "aplaude" que el PP acabe apoyando la subida de las pensiones

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Guest: Marcelino Iglesias (Expresidente de Aragón)
Date: 5 February 2026

Overview

This episode features a timely interview with Marcelino Iglesias, former president of Aragón, discussing current political issues: especially the controversy around the recent pension increase legislation in Spain, the evolving stance of the Partido Popular (PP) on this matter, and the political landscape leading up to the regional elections. Iglesias, now retired, weighs in on his support for PSOE candidate Pilar Alegría, reflects on historical and present political shifts in Aragón, and addresses broader questions of electoral strategy and regional financing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Marcelino Iglesias’s Current Role and Support for Pilar Alegría

• Iglesias describes himself as a "retired jubilado de júbilo," greeting fellow guest Ignacio Urquizo warmly (00:22).
• He explains why he participated in a campaign robocall supporting Pilar Alegría, clarifying he's available to help her campaign but considers himself in "clase pasiva"—no longer actively politicking (01:16, 01:38).
• Quote:

  "Estoy apoyando a Pilar Alegría, es evidente, porque es la candidata de mi partido... pero desde una posición de clase pasiva, que es lo que soy en este momento." — Marcelino Iglesias (01:16)

The Pension Increase Debate and the PP's Changing Position

• Iglesias asserts the PP did not initially support the pension hike in Congress, though Alsina argues this is because the increase was packaged with other measures in a single decree (02:04–02:24).
• Iglesias maintains the "fact" that the PP did not support the pension increase, emphasizing accuracy for voters (02:24).
• On the new situation, where the PP says it will now support the decree:

  "Pues está muy bien que el PP apoye el decreto de incremento de las pensiones de los jubilados. Yo lo aplaudo." — Marcelino Iglesias (03:01)

Campaign Communication & Legalities of Robocalls

• Discusses the complexity of explaining full political context in campaign messages, particularly due to legal norms around fixed vs. mobile telephone calls (03:37).
• Quote:

  "Contar una historia completa en una campaña electoral en un mensaje telefónico es complicado." — Iglesias (03:37)

Analysis of Regional Political Trends and PSOE’s Position

• Reflects on past election victories and the historical context of his presidencies, noting a significant current polling drop for the PSOE in Aragón (04:40).
• Cautiously optimistic that actual results will be better than polls suggest, pointing to a high number of undecided voters (04:40–05:21).
• Alsina presses for an explanation for PSOE’s lost support despite incumbency. Iglesias acknowledges the double-edged sword of governing:

  "El Gobierno es un elemento negativo y un elemento positivo. Si las cosas van bien es un elemento positivo y si las cosas no van tan bien, pues es un elemento que suele frenar." — Iglesias (05:36)

• He champions Pilar Alegría as "posiblemente la mejor candidata que nunca ha tenido Aragón" (06:04), noting her historic status and government experience.

The Impact of Central Government Decisions on Regional Politics

• Alsina and Iglesias recall the controversy over the Ebro water transfer plan, a national project poorly received in Aragón under Aznar (07:20-07:40).
• Connects this past to current concerns about the central government giving fiscal priority to Catalonia in new funding arrangements, possibly at Aragón’s expense (08:16).
• Iglesias contextualizes with history: similar reforms (under both Aznar and Zapatero) always began with agreements in Catalonia due to the nationalist parties’ parliamentary leverage (08:47).

• "¿Por qué se empieza con un acuerdo con Cataluña?… Pues porque los partidos nacionalistas catalanes, cuando no hay mayoría en el Parlamento, son los que tienen la llave. Por tanto, empiezas por conseguir el acuerdo con esa llave y después ese acuerdo lo transfieres… a las demás comunidades autónomas… No es una novedad." — Iglesias (09:24–09:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Estoy un jubilado de júbilo." (00:22) – Iglesias' lighthearted take on retirement.
• "Pues está muy bien que el PP apoye el decreto de incremento de las pensiones de los jubilados. Yo lo aplaudo." (03:01) – Direct support and unusual praise for political rivals.
• "Posiblemente Pilar Alegría sea la mejor candidata que nunca ha tenido Aragón… es la primera mujer que es ministra, la primera aragonesa que es ministra… Yo creo que es una gran candidata." (06:04) – Strong endorsement.
• "En el Gobierno de España… alguna vez decía uno que estar en el Gobierno es habituarse a decir que no." (05:36) – Reflecting on the realities of governance.
• "No es una novedad… Los partidos nacionalistas catalanes, cuando no hay mayoría en el Parlamento, son los que tienen la llave." (09:24) – Realpolitik on regional bargaining power.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:17–01:38] — Warm greetings; Iglesias on retiring and supporting Pilar Alegría
• [02:04–03:25] — Pension increase debate and PP stance
• [03:37] — Challenge of political messaging in campaigns
• [04:09–05:21] — Polls in Aragón, interpreting the PSOE's drop
• [05:36–06:42] — Incumbency’s impact, candidate strengths
• [07:20–08:47] — Central government decisions and regional consequences
• [08:47–10:01] — Fiscal autonomy, Catalonia agreements, and historical context

Tone & Closing

The conversation balances candid political assessment, warm personal interaction, and lightness around retirement and the stirring drama of regional elections. Iglesias is forthright but diplomatic, mixing nostalgia for his lengthy political career with cautious optimism for his party’s chances.

Final exchange: Iglesias jokes about Madrid vs. Alcañiz, closing on affable notes and well-wishes (10:07–10:37).

This episode offers crucial insight into Spain’s regional and national political interplay, campaign communication, and the persistent weight of history and alliances in Spanish governance—essential listening for followers of Spanish politics.