Podcast Summary
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: Carlos Alsina
Guest/Commentator: Marta García Aller
Episode: “Marta García Aller hace un repaso de las tramas que envuelven al PSOE: ‘Esto se desmorona’”
Date: December 12, 2025
Overview
In this morning commentary, Marta García Aller examines the mounting corruption scandals enveloping the PSOE, particularly focusing on allegations related to bribery, misuse of public office, and the deepening sense of institutional decay. Her remarks, blending pointed analysis and a touch of irony, dissect recent developments involving high-ranking officials and underline the growing scale and depth of these interlinked plots.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Irony of “La voluntad” (The Will/Bribe)
- Marta starts by reflecting on the Spanish phrase “dar la voluntad”, which commonly means to give what you can as a donation, and wryly notes it applies just as well to bribes:
- “Es curiosa la expresión dar la voluntad cuando algo no tiene un precio establecido y se pide que cada uno contribuya con lo que pueda… Vale lo mismo para un donativo que para un soborno. Hay voluntades y voluntades.” [00:07]
- She connects this to the latest corruption findings, noting how, for former Transport Minister José Luis Ábalos, the "will" cost a hefty sum.
2. Details of the Ábalos and Hydrocarbons Scheme
- According to the latest Guardia Civil/UCO report, Ábalos accepted what is alleged to be a one-million-euro bribe, an amount offered by a criminal organization aiming to secure favorable government concessions:
- “Un millón de euros costaba la voluntad de Ábalos cuando era ministro de Transportes, según el nuevo informe de la UCO. Este ya le pilla en prisión. La voluntad de Ábalos no era barata.” [00:19]
- The plot, orchestrated by Víctor de Aldama and Claudio Rivas, channeled huge sums to government officials in exchange for public contracts, such as licenses for lucrative operations.
3. Widening Corruption Beyond Individual Cases
- García Aller clarifies that Ábalos and his associate Coldo were not unique cases. The web of corruption demands the complicity of many more public officials:
- “No era Ábalos el único que traficaba con la voluntad. Ni Coldo. Las manzanas podridas empiezan a no caber en el cesto de la UCO.” [00:43]
- The judge estimates the hydrocarbon fraud exceeds 200 million euros, implicating officials across at least three ministries: Transport, Industry, and Ecological Transition.
4. Other Emerging Plots
- Aside from the hydrocarbons network, Marta lists fresh scandals still awaiting public labels, including the imprisonment of figures such as Leire Díez and ex-SEPI head Javier Fernández:
- “hay otra trama que todavía no tiene ni nombre a estrenar, que es la que ha llevado a prisión a la fontanera Leire Díez y al expresidente de la SEPI Javier Fernández, ese al que la vicepresidenta llama ese señor, como si en vez de haberlo nombrado fuera uno que le dio la vez en la pescadería.” [01:11]
- There are further mentions of businessmen and operatives like Anchon Alonso (linked to the company Servinavar), who acts as a recurring node, both a buyer and seller of influence, and references to the airline Plus Ultra.
5. Atmosphere of Political Meltdown
- Marta concludes with her “moraleja” (moral):
- “Moraleja, Marta, Cuantos más van entrando en chirona, más sensación de que esto se Desmorona.” [01:53]
- She signals the growing public impression that the entire system is collapsing under the weight of accumulated scandals.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the cost of ‘la voluntad’ in politics:
“Un millón de euros costaba la voluntad de Ábalos cuando era ministro de Transportes… La voluntad de Ábalos no era barata.” (Marta, [00:19]) -
On the expanding reach of corruption:
“Las manzanas podridas empiezan a no caber en el cesto de la UCO.” (Marta, [00:43]) -
On bureaucratic distancing:
“…ese al que la vicepresidenta llama ese señor, como si en vez de haberlo nombrado fuera uno que le dio la vez en la pescadería.” (Marta, [01:16]) -
Summary of the situation:
“Cuantos más van entrando en chirona, más sensación de que esto se Desmorona.” (Marta, [01:53])
Key Timestamps
- 00:07: Reflection on the phrase “dar la voluntad” and its corruption connotations
- 00:19: Details about Ábalos’ alleged bribe
- 00:43: Commentary on systemic corruption and the UCO’s overwhelmed capacity
- 01:11: Introduction of newer plots involving more officials
- 01:53: Concluding moraleja about deepening institutional collapse
Tone & Style
Marta García Aller’s tone throughout is incisive, ironic, and candid, deploying humor as well as gravity to transmit the seriousness and absurdity of ongoing political corruption scandals. Her commentary weaves together journalistic detail with colloquial, pointed observations—delivering a blend of wit and outrage that keeps the audience both informed and engaged.
This summary outlines the episode’s essential arguments and narrative, capturing Marta’s voice and the episode's core revelations about Spain’s current political scandals.
