Podcast Summary

Podcast: Más de Uno
Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Episode: 18/02/2026 (06:00 - 08:00)
Date: February 18, 2026

Main Theme

The episode delivers an engaging morning blend of humor and in-depth political and social analysis in Spain. Led by Carlos Alsina, the program covers breaking national news, political controversies, legislative debates, weather forecasts, international correspondence, and notable cultural events, with a signature mix of information and wit.

Key Sections & Highlights

1. Opening News Recap and Weather (00:01 – 01:51)

• Major Weather Update:

  • The “Pedro” storm is approaching, bringing strong winds to northern Spain, rain, risk of flooding, and shifts in temperatures.
  • [00:14] Carlos Alsina: “Se llama Pedro y aunque irá avanzando hacia Francia, notaremos de forma indirecta sus efectos en forma de viento con rachas muy fuertes en el tercio norte…”

• National News:

  • The Deputy Head (DAO) of the National Police, José Ángel González, resigns after a sexual assault allegation from a subordinate.
  • Session in Congress: Absence of PM Pedro Sánchez, who is on an official trip in India.

2. Resignation of the Deputy Head of National Police (00:14 – 01:51, 05:40 – 08:54, 32:05 – 33:50, 69:57 – 74:18)

Details of the Case:

• González accused of sexual assault against a subordinate in April 2025, followed by alleged coercion and psychological harassment to avoid legal consequences.

• The Ministry of the Interior reportedly forced his resignation.

• Notable Quote:

  • [01:51] Roberto Brasero (commenting on public reaction):
    “¿Qué más puede pasar en nuestro país? … Que la persona que tiene la obligación de perseguir delitos cometa delitos de forma infragante y con compañeras de trabajo.”

• Political Consequences:

  • The PP demands explanations from the Minister of Interior Grande-Marlaska.
  • The case triggers fresh debate on institutional trust and gender violence policies.

3. The Spanish Left: Unity and Divides (09:09 – 11:31, 38:07 – 39:19, 60:01 – 66:25)

• Rufián’s Call for Left Unity:

  • Gabriel Rufián (ERC) launches a tour to promote alliances among leftist groups beyond the PSOE, starting with a sold-out event in Madrid alongside Emilio Delgado (Más Madrid).
  • The proposal receives lukewarm responses; major parties like Podemos, Bildu, and BNG stay out.

• The López & Díaz Stance:

  • [11:31] Jessica de Jesús:
    “El presidente de la patronal percibe 23 veces el salario mínimo interprofesional y hombre, un poquito de responsabilidad y de prudencia y sobre todo de empatía con su país.”
  • [66:25] Jessica de Jesús on government solidarity around labor policies.

• Political Analysis:

  • Alsina reflects humorously on the complex ecosystem of "the left of the left" in Spain.
  • [61:05] Carlos Alsina:
    “La ensalada de marcas políticas a la izquierda del PSOE… van desde Esquerra Republicana a Bildu, pasando por el Bloque, por Compromís, por Más Madrid, por En Común, por el Movimiento Sumar, por Podemos y por Izquierda Unida…”

4. Congress Debate: Ban on Burka and Niqab (12:08 – 14:30, 33:50 – 35:50, 67:54 – 70:02)

• Failed Vox Proposal:

  • Vox's legislative proposal to ban the burka and niqab in public spaces is rejected; only the PP supports it.
  • Junts opposes despite agreement on the content, due to Vox’s association and additional Catalan autonomy demands.
  • PSOE and key left voices argue it would violate religious freedom, with references to constitutional rights.

• Vivid Exchange:

  • [13:43] Jessica de Jesús (PP):
    “Son mujeres en cárceles de tela que pasean por nuestras calles… es indefendible que la izquierda progresista diga que esto es progreso.”
  • [34:19] Roberto Brasero and Miguel Ondarreta (re: burka):
    “Llevar el burka forma parte de esa expresión de la libertad religiosa.”

• Critique of Position-Shift:

  • Alsina notes the PSOE's dramatic shift over 15 years from seeking to eradicate the burka to defending it as a matter of religious expression.

5. Corruption Scandals and Internal Party Crises (35:50 – 38:07, 76:01 – 80:14)

• PSOE Primary Irregularities:

  • Leaked WhatsApp messages indicate vote-rigging in Pedro Sánchez’s 2017 internal PSOE primary.
  • [37:25] Roberto Brasero:
    “El sanchismo está investigado por más de una docena de delitos. A la vista está que el único servicio por el que se ha preocupado todos y cada uno de ellos ha sido el autoservicio.”

• Borja Cabezón Case:

  • Connections exposed between Borja Cabezón (senior PSOE official) and business structures controlling renewable energy firms, while holding public office.
  • The government denies current legal proceedings, but opposition parties call for explanations and accuse the PM of ongoing protectionist tactics.

• PP Madrid Crisis:

  • The departure of Madrid’s Education Councillor triggers further resignations and internal unrest within Ayuso’s regional government.

6. Culture, Events, and International Correspondents (17:57 – 24:49)

Museum Innovation:

• Málaga’s Automobile and Fashion Museum celebrates its 15th anniversary with an innovative immersive video project.

Roundtable of International Correspondents:

• UK:
  Larry, the Downing Street cat, celebrates 15 years as “Chief Mouser”—a quirky but symbolic figure amid political turbulence.
  [20:51] Jessica de Jesús tells Larry’s story.

• Germany:
  Exploration of the Dong Xuan Center—the largest Asian market in Europe, highlighting Vietnamese immigrant contributions in Berlin.

• Egypt:
  Traditional wedding dowries (shabka) shrink due to skyrocketing gold prices.

• Turkey:
  Increased censorship of rock concerts by the government in response to Islamist pressures.

7. Sports Recap (24:51 – 26:28; 84:23 – 85:44; 111:45 – 113:36)

• Real Madrid beats Benfica in the Champions League (1-0, Vinícius scoring). Incident of alleged racist abuse toward Vinícius causes game suspension under UEFA protocol.

  • [25:36] Carlos Alsina:
    “El número 25 ha dicho 5 veces a Vini: ¿que es un mono? ... No podemos aceptar este tipo de actitud.”

• Atlético Madrid faces Bruges in tonight’s Champions League Women’s match.

• Other Sports:

  • Carlos Alcaraz in the Doha tennis tournament.
  • Levante faces Villarreal in a postponed La Liga match.

8. Social & Miscellaneous Updates (39:19 – 44:39; 42:28 – 44:55)

• Violence Against Women:
  • Tragic double homicide of a mother and her 12-year-old daughter in Silches (Castellón), possible gender-based violence; father under investigation.
• Gibraltar Post-Brexit:
  • Spain-UK-EU agreement close to removing the border fence, pending approvals.
• EU Digital Education Initiatives:
  • Atresmedia and Fundación Telefónica renew collaboration for youth media and digital literacy.
• International Headlines:
  • France faces flooding and emergency declarations.
  • Mark Zuckerberg appears at a trial regarding social media addiction.
  • Death of Jesse Jackson, legendary US civil rights leader.

9. Culture & Curiosities (45:55 – 48:12; 48:30 – 49:59)

• Historic Figure Highlighted:

  • Charles Lightoller, Titanic survivor and WWII Dunkirk rescuer, is profiled with narrative flair.

• Music Segment:

  • Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” featured, celebrating David Gilmour's joining the band (February 18, 1968) and reflecting on the band's evolution.

Notable Quotes

• [01:51] Roberto Brasero:
  “¿Qué más puede pasar en nuestro país? … Que la persona que tiene la obligación de perseguir delitos cometa delitos de forma infragante y con compañeras de trabajo.”

• [11:31] Jessica de Jesús (sobre Garamendi):
  “El presidente de la patronal percibe 23 veces el salario mínimo interprofesional y hombre, un poquito de responsabilidad y de prudencia y sobre todo de empatía con su país.”

• [13:43] Jessica de Jesús (PP):
  “Son mujeres en cárceles de tela que pasean por nuestras calles por nuestro país. Es indefendible que la izquierda progresista diga que esto es progreso.”

• [61:05] Carlos Alsina:
  “La ensalada de marcas políticas a la izquierda del PSOE… van desde Esquerra Republicana a Bildu, pasando por el Bloque, por Compromís, por Más Madrid, por En Común, por el Movimiento Sumar, por Podemos y por Izquierda Unida…”

Important Timestamps

• 00:14: Weather and headline news
• 01:51: Reaction to police deputy's resignation
• 05:40: Details of sexual assault case in National Police
• 09:09: Rufián and Left unity events
• 12:08: Vox's burka initiative rejected
• 17:57: Málaga Museum celebrates 15th anniversary
• 20:19: International roundtable
• 24:51: Real Madrid’s Champions League win and racism incident
• 25:36: Vinícius's accusation, UEFA protocol
• 33:50: Parliament rejects Vox’s burka/niqab proposal
• 37:25: Corruption allegations in PSOE
• 38:07: Rufián’s event for the left
• 39:19: Violence against women in Castellón
• 42:28: News in brief (Gibraltar, France floods, Jesse Jackson dies)
• 45:55: Cultureta — profile of Charles Lightoller
• 48:30: Music highlight (“Wish You Were Here”)
• 61:05: Alsina’s analysis of the Spanish left ecosystem
• 66:25: Yolanda Díaz’s comments on labor policy
• 69:57: Alsina on legislative shifts and the burka debate
• 74:18: Alsina and Brasero's commentary on the police scandal
• 111:45: Sports highlights (Real Madrid, Atleti, La Liga, tennis)

Tone & Style

• Informal, witty, and incisive: Alsina mixes direct political critique with humor and cultural asides.
• Wide-ranging: Serious discussions on power, justice, and rights are interspersed with quirky stories—like the staying power of Downing Street’s cat—and pop culture references.

For Listeners at a Glance

This episode is a comprehensive, fast-paced guide to Spanish current affairs—from hard-hitting headlines to the lighter side of life. It’s ideal both for regular followers of Spanish politics and for newcomers seeking a clear, entertaining overview of the week’s pivotal stories.