Podcast Episode Summary
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: Carlos Alsina, OndaCero
Episode Title: Marta García Aller señala la incapacidad real de poder de Pedro Sánchez: "Anda el Gobierno haciendo que hace"
Date: January 13, 2026
Overview
This episode spotlights political commentator Marta García Aller’s critical take on the governing style of Pedro Sánchez. In a segment blending wit and sharp critique, García Aller discusses how the Spanish government often resorts to “hacer que hace” ("pretend to do")—announcing measures with little chance of real legislative impact, largely due to their lack of parliamentary majority. The discussion focuses on the latest government proposal concerning housing, using it as a case study for broader commentary on political performance, public relations, and the cyclical nature of unfulfilled promises.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Art of “Hacer que hace” (Pretending to Govern)
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Marta García Aller opens with a humorous yet pointed reflection:
- “¿Anda el Gobierno haciendo qué hace? Hacer que haces no es fácil. Tienes que ponerte a pensar algo nuevo todos los días que parezca que sirve de algo, aunque sea un ratito.”
(00:02)
- She observes that the government’s primary occupation seems to be performing actions that create the illusion of governance, though lacking real effect.
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There’s a daily effort to devise new proposals or spectacles to command media attention. García Aller suggests that the focus is more on appearances than substance.
2. Symbolic Gestures and Staged Announcements
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García Aller gives a vivid example of a recent public event:
- Government ministers donned helmets and reflective vests to inaugurate "operación Campament," a housing initiative.
- She jokes about the longevity of such promises:
- “Se anunció el año que hice la primera comunión. Y no es un decir. Cuatro décadas prometiéndonos viviendas donde estaban los viejos cuarteles como símbolo de promesas incumplidas.” (00:32)
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The choice of location (old barracks promised for housing for 40 years) serves as a meta-symbol of repeated, unfulfilled pledges.
3. Empty Proposals and Political Paralysis
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García Aller critiques new housing measures announced by Pedro Sánchez:
- “Pedro Sánchez anunció medidas urgentes y contundentes en vivienda. Urgentes y contundentes y perfectamente estériles porque no tienen apoyos ni dentro del propio Gobierno ni sus socios.” (00:47)
- She underscores that even coalition partners are not in agreement, leaving such initiatives “estériles.”
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The core tactic: Announce what you would do if you had the power, to maintain the surface appearance of active governance.
4. Details of the Housing Proposal
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The government announced a 100% IRPF bonus for landlords who avoid rent increases.
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García Aller questions whether this will help:
- “Así discutimos un rato si es justo bonificar a los caseros y cómo de probable es que supongan un respiro para más de 630.000 inquilinos...” (01:05)
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The crisis is real: Rents have risen by 35-40% in the last five years; the government has been in office for almost 8 years.
- “Entre un 35 y un 40 % se han disparado los alquileres solo en los últimos cinco años. Este gobierno lleva casi ocho gobernando.” (01:17)
5. Lack of Parliamentary Support & Broader Pattern
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García Aller ties the housing issue to a larger pattern:
- “No sabemos qué tocará mañana, pero sí que este Gobierno no tiene mayoría para ratificar nada de esto en el Congreso. Y seguimos sin presupuestos. Haciendo qué.” (01:29)
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The cycle repeats: Issue proposals that won’t pass, and move on to the next topic when media attention fades.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Political Performance:
- “Hacer que haces no es fácil. Tienes que ponerte a pensar algo nuevo todos los días que parezca que sirve de algo, aunque sea un ratito.” — Marta García Aller (00:03)
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On Broken Housing Promises:
- “Cuatro décadas prometiéndonos viviendas donde estaban los viejos cuarteles como símbolo de promesas incumplidas.” — Marta García Aller (00:34)
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On Government's Lack of Support:
- “Urgenes y contundentes y perfectamente estériles porque no tienen apoyos ni dentro del propio Gobierno ni sus socios.” — Marta García Aller (00:47)
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On the Proposal for Landlords:
- “Así discutimos un rato si es justo bonificar a los caseros y cómo de probable es que supongan un respiro para más de 630.000 inquilinos a los que este año tiene que contener la respiración esperando la llamada del casero.” — Marta García Aller (01:05)
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Summing Up the Situation:
- [Moraleja] “El Gobierno no tiene los votos, pero hace anuncios y… fotos.” — Carlos Alsina y Marta García Aller (01:39)
Timeline of Important Segments
- 00:02-00:20: Marta García Aller introduces the concept of “hacer que hace” in government
- 00:21-00:47: Example of “Operación Campament” and the symbolism of old promises
- 00:48-01:18: Critique of new housing proposals and discussion of housing crisis numbers
- 01:19-01:29: Reflection on government’s inability to enact proposals due to lack of majority
- 01:39: Summary punchline and segment close
This episode provides a sharp, satirical, yet sobering analysis of the Spanish government’s recent announcements, revealing how spectacle can often substitute for substance in modern politics. The interplay between Alsina and García Aller delivers both humor and insight, casting light on the frustrations and theatricality of parliamentary governance without a majority.
