Podcast Summary: Más de uno (Onda Cero)
Tertulia: "Al presidente se le ha quedado pequeña España"
Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Carlos Alsina
Featured Guests: María Daván, Antonio Caño, María Guardiola, Rubén Amón, Ignacio Urquizu, Marcelino Iglesias, Óscar Plaza, Francisco Rodríguez, others
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode dives into Spain’s turbulent political and social landscape in early 2026, framed by a series of breaking news items and in-depth debate. Catalyzing the discussion: extreme weather wreaking havoc across Andalucía and Granada, controversy over the government’s relationship with social media "tecnocasta," Pedro Sánchez’s high-profile article in The New York Times, a looming election in Aragón, and new revelations about the inner workings of Spain’s major parties. Through interviews, roundtables, and humor, Alsina and his guests provide both analysis and the day’s essential context.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Severe Weather and Emergency Response
- Granada’s Crisis: President of Granada’s Diputación Francisco Rodríguez (17:36) recounts overnight evacuations in Dudar, unprecedented rainfall, and the logistical nightmare posed by landslides and full reservoirs.
- “Tuvimos que ir los equipos de emergencia, los bomberos detrás de una máquina de conservación de carreteras que nos abrió camino... fue una noche bastante complicada.” (18:30)
- Impact Elsewhere: Similar chaos in Andalucía, with evacuations, impassable roads, suspended rail lines, and even parts of Madrid’s metro closed due to flooding (66:21, Óscar Plaza).
- Personal Accounts: The challenge and trauma for locals forced to evacuate, uncertainty about what they’ll find on return, and gratitude for emergency workers.
2. Political Scandal: PP Madrid Covers Harassment Allegation (00:09)
- “El Partido Popular madrileño hizo lo contrario, o sea, tapar una denuncia de acoso sexual al alcalde de Móstoles... la manera de protegerte es no hacer nada porque eso te hundiría.” — Carlos Alsina
- Reports from El País detail the party hierarchy’s efforts to hush up a complaint for political reasons, resulting in mounting pressure on Isabel Díaz Ayuso and other PP leaders (68:36).
3. Spain vs. the ‘TecnoCasta’ and the Battle on Social Media
- Discussion of how PM Pedro Sánchez and the government navigate (and now denounce) social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Telegram, run by global “tecnomillonarios” like Elon Musk and Pavel Durov.
- Rafa’s Satirical Take (11:10): “Ahora estamos en contra de las redes sociales, ¿en qué quedamos? Si todo el gobierno acaba de hacerse TikTok... Este es el gobierno que más ha explotado las posibilidades de Twitter o de X. Las peores también...”
- Perceived Double Standard: Critique that the government both rails against and exploits social media, using viral moments for its own gain but attacking the tech companies when convenient.
4. Pedro Sánchez’s International Messaging
- New York Times Op-Ed: Sánchez’s article (“Soy el primer ministro de España, y esta es la razón por la que Occidente necesita migrantes”) is praised for clarity left lacking domestically.
- “El artículo está tan bien escrito que no parece del presidente...” (00:59, Carlos Alsina)
- Frustration that Spanish voters haven’t heard the same direct arguments for immigration policy at home (29:06).
5. Election Previews & Aragón as ‘Spain’s Ohio’ (32:58+)
- The Aragón Analogy: Sociologist Ignacio Urquizu traces how Aragón’s voting patterns have mirrored national results, making it a political bellwether, akin to Ohio in the US (45:34+).
- "Ohio es un swing state... En España esa regularidad sólo la observamos en Aragón desde que ha comenzado la democracia, quien gana en Aragón gana las elecciones." (46:40)
- Demographic similarities between Aragón and Spain—population distribution, ideology, age, employment.
- Former President Marcelino Iglesias: Shares insights on campaign messaging, the realities of ‘class passivity’ (retirement), and the effect of national party decisions on local fortunes (33:47–44:07).
- Polling, Campaigns & Voter Psychology:
- Urquizu argues most campaign tactics (robocalls, etc.) have little impact except in very close races; most voters’ choices are already made (53:27–55:45).
- “El mundo está lleno de partidos que han aparecido y desaparecido... el suelo es cero.” — Ignacio Urquizu (55:59)
- Notable Quote on Politics:
- "Toda campaña electoral sólo responde a una pregunta: ¿por qué hay que ir a votar?" (59:30)
6. Political Branding, Media, and the “Outsourcing” of Communication (27:28+)
- Antonio Caño’s Analysis:
- “Al presidente se le ha quedado pequeña España y necesita retos de más envergadura... necesita discutir con alguien que él considere a su altura. ¿Quién es el hombre más poderoso del mundo? Elon Musk.”
- Sánchez’s use of English-language social media, lack of engagement with traditional domestic media: “Últimamente en inglés, que no es el idioma más común de los ciudadanos españoles.”
7. Other Noteworthy Digressions & Lighter Moments
- Inheritance and Pets: Multiple hosts swap anecdotes about inheritance conditions tied to pets.
- "La señora de arriba le dejó el piso al gato... el gato era amoroso a la comunidad, iba a las reuniones de vecinos." – María Daván (14:57-15:58)
- Election Messaging Tactics: Discussion of robocalls (34:00–37:07); limited practical effect but shows the lengths parties will go.
- Meme Moments: On the mock-serious debate over how to pronounce “Elon Musk”: “Habrá que preguntarle a Elon Musk cómo se pronuncia su apellido.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|---------|------------------| | 00:59 | Carlos Alsina | “El artículo está tan bien escrito que no parece del presidente. Es un texto claro, es un texto directo.” | | 11:10 | Rafa | “Ahora estamos en contra de las redes sociales... Si todo el gobierno acaba de hacerse TikTok... Este es el gobierno que más ha explotado... Twitter o de X.” | | 18:30 | Francisco Rodríguez | “Fue una noche bastante complicada...” [detailing the Dudar evacuation] | | 27:28 | Antonio Caño | “Al presidente se le ha quedado pequeña España y necesita retos de más envergadura...” | | 34:46 | Marcelino Iglesias | “No, yo estoy apoyando a Pilar Alegría, es evidente porque es la candidata de mi partido...” | | 45:34 | Ignacio Urquizu | “Aragón sería como la representación del resto de España... En España esa regularidad sólo la observamos en Aragón...” | | 53:27 | Ignacio Urquizu | “Las campañas electorales tienen muy poco efecto... sólo tienen efecto cuando el resultado es muy ajustado.” | | 59:30 | Ignacio Urquizu | “Toda campaña electoral sólo responde a una pregunta: ¿por qué hay que ir a votar?” |
Important Segments & Timestamps
- 00:09–01:00: Press round-up; PP Madrid harassment cover-up; intro to the day’s main news themes
- 17:36–23:35: Francisco Rodríguez live on the emergency in Granada and Dudar’s evacuation
- 27:28–29:06: Antonio Caño’s interpretation of Sánchez “outgrowing” Spain and seeking a new “enemy” in Elon Musk
- 32:58–44:07: Electoral preview with sociologist Ignacio Urquizu and former Aragón president Marcelino Iglesias
- 45:34–52:47: Why Aragón is Spain’s ‘Ohio’; demographic and political analysis
- 53:27–55:45: How much do election campaigns matter? Does the “15% indecisos” really matter?
- 59:30–60:41: The heart of campaign messaging: motivating turnout
Tone & Style
The episode balances seriousness (reporting on disaster zones, analysis of political scandals) with dry humor and conversational irony—a hallmark of Alsina’s style. There’s a sense of friendly sparring among seasoned journalists, candid expert input, and an occasional wink at political theater (“menuda caricatura”) and the oddities of Spain’s democratic rituals. The hosts shift easily between high-level critique and lighter anecdotes, making the episode as engaging for political junkies as for casual listeners.
Summary Takeaway
Today’s “Más de uno” offers a brisk, insightful, and multidimensional look at Spain’s current affairs—from submerged villages in Andalucía to the strategies of political leaders seeking recognition beyond Spain’s borders. Anchored by Alsina’s perceptive hosting and sharpened by frequent, witty interventions, the show sheds light on the limitations of political narrative, the performative aspects of campaigning, and the enduring influence of regional dynamics—especially with Aragón at Spain’s political crossroads once again.