Transcript

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Carlos Alsina (0:34)

Estrenando la mañana del lunes. Qué alegría que es lunes. Toda la semana por delante y cuesta arriba. Estamos a 13 de abril del año 26.

María Daván (0:42)

Damos un vistazo a los periódicos.

Carlos Alsina (0:44)

Bueno, está el presidente del Gobierno en China, como igual usted sabe, y se nota la influencia de Rodríguez Zapatero, porque ha tenido a bien el presidente Sánchez celebrar en China, en la China que aspira a liderar la carrera espacial, que Estados Unidos se haya marcado un hito la semana pasada.

Carlos Cuerpo (1:00)

Hace unos días, cuatro astronautas estadounidenses viajaron más lejos de la Tierra de lo que lo ha hecho ningún otro ser humano. Desde allí vieron la Tierra como lo que es realmente, una esfera sin extremos ni fronteras, azul, irrepetible. Los humanos somos el resultado de ese milagro, tal vez el único en el universo.

Carlos Alsina (1:24)

Desde el punto más lejano al que han llegado los astronautas es desde donde no se ve la Tierra, porque es la cara oculta de la Luna. Pero digo que la influencia de Zapatero es clara y vamos a demostrarlo evocando este pasaje del expresidente del Gobierno hace ahora tres años.

Xavi Colas (1:37)

Pertenecemos a un planeta, a Tierra y a una especie que es absolutamente excepcional, que no la hay en ningún sitio del universo.

Carlos Alsina (1:47)

Esto es bueno, en el universo del sanchismo primigenio, el tótem fue un utilitario. Un coche Peugeot. Hoy el diario La Razón le dedica dos páginas al coche, a la historia del coche. Cuenta que Pedro Sánchez lo compró cuando entró de concejal al Ayuntamiento de Madrid y que lo vendió en cuanto llegó al Palacio de la Moncloa. Cuenta que una vez le pusieron una multa al Peugeot, bueno, a la conductora, que era Begoña Gómez. ¿Y que en el año en el que Sánchez estuvo fuera de la secretaría general del PSOE hizo el Peugeot 20.000 kilómetros que dice la crónica de La Razón? Que son muchos, pero menos de los que cabría esperar dado el mito aquel que se generó según el cual Sánchez había recorrido España de cabo a rabo.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Más de Uno – “Tertulia: Cae Orbán, la derecha frena a la ultraderecha”

Podcast: Más de Uno
Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Date: 13 April 2026

Overview

This episode centers on two key themes:

The political transformation in Hungary with the defeat of Viktor Orbán and the rise of a “cleaner,” more pro-European right, and what this signals for the trajectory of European politics.
A substantive, wide-ranging interview with Spain’s new Vicepresidente Primero and Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, covering economic policy, Spain’s fiscal situation, the political context, and broader European and international affairs.

The roundtable (“tertulia”) blends sharp political analysis, press reviews, on-the-ground reporting from Budapest, and probing interviews—with the show’s trademark dose of irony and humor.

I. Press Review & Setting the Scene

[00:34–03:58]

Intro & Context:
Alsina and María Daván read through the day’s papers, highlighting PM Pedro Sánchez’s official visit to China and U.S. advances in space exploration—with playful commentary on political “influences” and anecdotes about Sánchez’s past (the “Peugeot” legend).
Focus Shifts to Hungary:
Significant attention is given to Hungary’s watershed election. Viktor Orbán’s party, after 16 years in power, is defeated by the “Respeto y Libertad” party led by Péter Magyar—described as a conservative but more “functional” and "pro-European" alternative.

Notable quote (Carlos Alsina, [03:56])::
“Hungary estrena cambio político…El partido Respeto y Libertad tiene dos tercios de los escaños…la izquierda no existe en el nuevo parlamento húngaro.”

European Readings:
Editorial perspectives: This is broadly interpreted as Europe “stopping global trumpism” and as a “reset” for Hungary towards the EU mainstream.

II. The Meaning of Orbán’s Defeat

[09:33–14:41]

Roundtable Introductions & Tone:
The regular tertulianos (Ainhoa Martínez, Rubén Amón, Ignacio Rodríguez Burgos, Marta García, Javier Caravaggio) launch into joking exchanges about travel to Budapest and pronunciations of “Magyar”—emphasizing the linguistic/cultural specificity (“en Hungría, primero el apellido, luego el nombre”).
Political Analysis (Rafa, [09:36]):
“Una de las grandes virtudes de Péter Magyar, quizás la principal, es que no es Viktor Orbán.”
Rafa underscores that the true legitimacy of Magyar emerges from his role as the opposition to Orbán’s illiberal regime and highlights his “prometedora” commitment to Atlanticism (even if Ukraine is a complicated issue). He suggests corruption undid Orbán more than ideology.

III. On the Ground in Budapest: Special Correspondent

[15:27–31:38]

Pronunciation Clarified:
Correspondent Xavi Colás confirms the name is pronounced “Mayar” in Budapest ([15:30]).
Immediate Political Situation:
- Fears of Orbán rejecting the results have dissipated due to the landslide ([15:35–16:30]):
  Alsina: “...está descartado ya del todo aquel temor de que Orbán no aceptara el resultado.” Colás: “La mayoría es tan clara que sí que está descartado...el segundo problema será desmantelar el sistema Orbán.”
Biggest Challenge: “Desorbanizar”
Orbán has seeded the state, media, and economic system with loyalists—making reform a monumental task ([16:30–17:38]). Colás: “...desmontar todo el sistema que Orbán ha ido poniendo en pie sea el mayor desafío que tiene por delante este nuevo Primer ministro.”
Why Did Orbán Fall?
- Social fatigue with corruption, poor public services, and the economic downturn overtook populist narratives ([17:38–18:52]).
- The real “destornillador” for change was day-to-day economics, not just ideologies.
Is Russia Weakened?
Editorials and Colás suggest the results show limits to Russia’s influence in European politics ([18:52–21:11]):
Colás: “...al final estos sistemas empiezan a fallar...El proyecto Orban se ha acabado en 2026.”

IV. Questions to Xavi Colás: The Hungarian Transition

[21:11–31:38]

How Did Magyar Win Without Media?
- Extensive use of social media over captive state media, plus grassroots campaigning focused on rural Hungary ([21:48–23:21]).
- Key: balancing a message of change with conservatism, not promising radical transformation.
Agenda for Social Rights?
- Magyar is conservative and pro-European but cautious about divisive social issues ([23:59–26:44]).
  - LGBTQ+ rights: Slight optimism, but change will probably be slow and incremental.
  - Women’s rights: Orbán’s policies increased maternal support; Magyar will have to define his stance.
  - EU and Ukraine: Likely more cooperation with the EU but not a dramatic break.
Implications for Ukraine & Russia:
- Cautious optimism for Zelensky and the EU: Hungary is likely to stop blocking EU measures, but don’t expect open-armed support for Ukraine ([27:04–29:18]). Colás: “Zelensky, yo creo que sus expectativas no son altísimas en el caso de Hungría...pero por lo menos no habrá sabotaje activo.”
What Actually Defeated Orbán?
- Economics, inflation, service decline, and the wear of years in power ([29:44–31:34]):
  Colás: “La inflación y el deterioro de los servicios públicos ha hecho que Orbán pareciese cada vez menos eficaz...su cercanía a Moscú...ha empezado a parecer un lastre.”

V. The Economy: Interview with Carlos Cuerpo, Vicepresidente Primero

[32:24–68:06]

A. Reaction to Hungary’s Election

Cuerpo calls it “una victoria de Europa” and highlights the importance of stopping far-right extremism ([32:31–33:30]).

B. Governance & the Role of Vicepresident

Discusses the increased scope and significance of his new role, emphasizing “coordinación” and the centrality of economics ([34:36–35:43]).
Cuerpo stresses he is a “jugador de equipo” and values collaboration over hierarchy.

C. Economic Challenges: International Risks & Spain’s Fiscal Health

Outlines how global conflict (Middle East, Ukraine) affects Spain and Europe ([39:00–41:22]).
Reassures that Spain is better prepared than before with reduced deficit and energy dependence.

D. The Budget Debate

Alsina & Daván press hard on the government’s repeated failure to present new budgets ([41:22–46:55]). Cuerpo: “Vamos a presentar esos presupuestos...pero de nuevo, desde el punto de vista de las cuentas, es necesario tener una visión realista de la situación económica...es fácil de entender.”
Cuerpo argues unprecedented uncertainty justifies the delay; hosts counter with constitutional obligations.

E. Salaries, Cost of Living, and Social Indicators

Cuerpo claims real wages and purchasing power have grown under Sánchez, especially for low-income Spaniards ([49:01–52:29]). Cuerpo: “Desde el año 2018 hasta el año 2025...el poder adquisitivo ha subido un 3,5% en España.”
He acknowledges high inflation and persistent challenges (e.g., youth unemployment, falling behind European averages), but asserts improvement and relative European success.

F. Poverty, Inequality, and the Political Consequences

Confronted with data showing high levels of child poverty, Cuerpo maintains Spain is converging from a worse starting point ([63:30–63:59]). Marta García: “Estamos en la cola de Europa con Rumanía y Bulgaria. Mucho peor que eso no se puede.”
Explains electoral setbacks as partly due to public fatigue with inflation and international instability.

G. Governance and Transparency

Responds to concerns about “presupuestos” management without adequate parliamentary oversight ([66:52–68:06]).
- Argues all actions are within the legal framework, while acknowledging the necessity to fulfill constitutional transparency obligations.

H. Lighter Personal Questions

The hosts quiz Cuerpo on being recognized in the street, his non-membership in PSOE, and whether he would run as an electoral candidate ([54:26–55:28]). Cuerpo: “No, simplemente cada uno sigue la ruta que le traza su destino profesional. La mía ha sido otra...muy orgulloso de formar parte [del gobierno].”

VI. Final Roundtable Reactions

[69:04–73:06]

Summary Takeaways:
- Hosts highlight that, despite official optimism, the practical effect seems to be more of the status quo (especially regarding budgets).
- Discussion of the political tactic of appointing “independent technocrats” (like Cuerpo or former VP Calviño) instead of party militants.
- Amused banter and an anecdote about a rookie Spanish “cunero” (outside candidate) in rural Zamora, slyly tying electoral estrangement to cultural distance.

Notable Quotes

Rafa ([09:36]):
“Una de las grandes virtudes de Péter Magyar, quizás la principal, es que no es Viktor Orbán. … se ha convertido en la oposición a un régimen iliberal que ha trabajado durante 16 años por demoler el edificio común europeo.”
Xavi Colás ([17:38]):
“El mayor desafío que tiene por delante este nuevo Primer ministro es desmontar todo el sistema que Orbán ha ido poniendo en pie.”
Carlos Cuerpo ([49:01]):
“Desde el año 2018 hasta el año 2025… el poder adquisitivo ha subido un 3,5% en España.”
Marta García ([63:55]):
“Estamos en la cola de Europa con Rumanía y Bulgaria. Mucho peor que eso no se puede.”

Key Timestamps

00:34–03:58 – Press review, context, Hungarian and European political developments
09:36 – Rafa: “No es Orban”, legitimacy & corruption as downfall
15:27–31:38 – Xavi Colás: On-the-ground in Budapest, deep dive into causes & meaning of Orbán’s fall
32:24–68:06 – Long interview and Q&A with Carlos Cuerpo (ranging from Hungary to Spain’s budget and welfare policy)
69:04–73:06 – Final reactions: the significance of appointing technocrats, minor anecdotes, closing round

Conclusion

This episode delivers a timely and nuanced analysis of Hungary’s political upheaval within the broader European context, blending it with a searching, sometimes confrontational interview on Spain’s current economic and political challenges.
It is a model of how current events, expert journalism, and political accountability can be combined—with a welcome thread of humor—on Spanish morning radio.