Podcast Summary

Podcast: Más de uno
Host: Carlos Alsina, Onda Cero
Episode: Tertulia: Dudas sobre Zapatero
Date: March 24, 2026

Overview of the Episode

This episode of "Más de uno," hosted by Carlos Alsina from Almería, centers on Spain's shifting political landscape, with a focus on electoral maneuvering, intra-party dynamics, and questions regarding former Prime Minister Zapatero's consulting activities. The team covers breaking political news, including the sudden announcement of Andalusian regional elections, turbulence in Vox regarding party financing, and controversy over Zapatero's connection with the consulting firm Análisis Relevante. The second half includes in-depth conversations with key Andalusian politicians about regional development, electoral strategy, and Almería’s transformation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Political News Roundup & Cabinet Changes

• María Jesús Montero's exit from the government: Alsina and commentators reflect on Montero’s imminent departure as Vice President and Minister of Finance to focus on the Andalusian election.*
  • Her reputation: consistently promising forthcoming budgets that never arrive.
  • Political implications: succession speculation, likely replacement by Carlos Cuerpo, and the symbolic nature of the Andalusian election as a test for Sánchez’s national leadership (00:06–01:45).

“Pasará a la historia como la ministra de Hacienda que siempre estaba a punto de presentar los presupuestos y nunca lo hacía.” – Carlos Alsina (00:55)

2. Electoral Strategy and the Andalusian Election Announcement

• Juanma Moreno (President of the Junta de Andalucía, PP) interview:
  • Moreno downplays rumors he timed the election announcement to outmaneuver Sánchez, asserting it followed his usual routine for electoral calls (16:10).
  • Emphasizes “surprise” as an advantage but frames abstention and overconfidence as key adversaries (19:07).
  • He expresses that his campaign aims to avoid dependency on Vox and highlights moderation as his main brand (20:13).
  • Affirms openness to dialogue with all parties, but casts doubt on any meaningful pact with Montero, characterizing her as an extension of Sánchez’s adversarial approach (22:01).

“El adversario es la abstención y el exceso de confianza.” – Juanma Moreno (19:07)

“Soy de la opinión que cuanto menos hablemos de Vox, mejor… no debemos de fijar en nadie que Vox haga su campaña. Nosotros haremos la nuestra.” – Juanma Moreno (20:13)

• On a possible debate with Montero:
  • “Yo no tengo nunca ningún problema (…) en contrastar mi modelo de gobierno y mi modelo de gestión con el de ella, que son claramente distinto y que son diferentes.” – Juanma Moreno (23:15)

3. National Party Dynamics

• Vox Financing Scandal:
  • El País and La Razón report on over a million euros paid by Vox to allied consultants Tizona, led by Méndez Monasterio and Ariza.
  • Vox responds with an unusually detailed statement defending the relationship, outlining services delivered, and boasting of awards won (54:47).
  • The panel interprets the party’s official response as a sign of internal concern and potential voter disillusionment.

“La principal relevancia de este comunicado es el hecho en sí mismo del comunicado. (…) Es la primera vez que hace un comunicado. Eso quiere decir… que en Vox están empezando a estar preocupados por haber tocado techo…” – Javier Caravaggio (55:19)

• Panel notes:
  • Growing in-fighting and transparency demands within Vox.
  • The possibility that these issues could affect their performance in the upcoming Andalusian elections.

4. Zapatero and the Consulting Controversy

• Recent revelations:
  • Reports suggest Zapatero acted as a client-captor for Análisis Relevante, which received significant payments for facilitating business in China and Venezuela (09:27; 57:22).
  • Zapatero’s defense: he claims minimal knowledge of the consulting’s client list and downplays his involvement.

“Yo no tengo el dato de quiénes eran los clientes. No lo tengo porque no pertenezco a esa sociedad.” – Zapatero, cited by Carlos Alsina (09:20)

• Panel skepticism:

  • Guests question Zapatero’s lack of transparency and contrast with previous ex-presidents’ more forthright post-government careers.

  • Caraballo scathingly reviews Zapatero’s interview performance:

    “Cuando una persona empieza a hablar de sí mismo en tercera persona… es como el síndrome de presidente fútbol.” – Javier Caravallo (62:28)

  • There are also reflections on the difference between being a provider vs. knowing clients, and the controversy around the Plus Ultra bailout and Zapatero’s potential involvement.

5. Regional Development: Almería and Urban Transformation

• Interview with María del Mar Vázquez (Mayor of Almería):
  • She heralds the integration of Almería's port and city—the removal of the long-standing fence and renewed access as a milestone for urban vitality (36:54).
  • Almería’s challenges:
    • Chronic underinvestment in rail and highways, yet Almería is leading in agri-food exports despite water scarcity and weak infrastructure (45:16).
    • The “resilience and innovation” of Almería’s business sector, despite systemic disadvantages.
  • Cultural and quality-of-life highlights:
    • Almería’s growing reputation for happiness, museum offerings, unique Civil War shelters, revamped industrial heritage, gastronomy anchored by the tomato, and a lively, walkable environment.

“Sin agua, sin buenas comunicaciones y sin agua hemos conseguido ser potencia exportadora hortofrutícola de Europa…” – María del Mar Vázquez (45:25)

• Relation with Vox:
  • Vázquez describes functional working relations at local level but outlines clear red lines on social issues (47:34).

6. Lighter Moments and Tone

• The banter over “bailón” status between Alsina and Moreno (“San Pascual Bailón,” dancing memes – 16:22) lightens the serious discussions.
• Maria del Mar Vázquez riffs on the omnipresence (and colors) of the Almería tomato, leading to a near spontaneous “rap del tomate.” (49:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Quote / Moment | Attribution | |----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------| | 00:55 | “Pasará a la historia como la ministra de Hacienda que siempre estaba a punto de presentar los presupuestos y nunca lo hacía.” | Carlos Alsina | | 16:22 | “Pues yo sí soy bailón. Me gusta bailar. No sé si lo hago bien o lo hago mal, pero gustarme me gusta y además lo hago. No tengo complejo.” | Juanma Moreno | | 19:07 | “El adversario es la abstención y el exceso de confianza.” | Juanma Moreno | | 20:13 | “Soy de la opinión que cuanto menos hablemos de Vox, mejor… no debemos de fijar en nadie que Vox haga su campaña. Nosotros haremos la nuestra.” | Juanma Moreno | | 23:09 | “Porque ellas han vivido en una fuente que son las fuentes de la política y la cultura política del señor Sánchez, que es una política de marginar al Partido Popular.” | Juanma Moreno | | 45:25 | “Sin agua, sin buenas comunicaciones y sin agua hemos conseguido ser potencia exportadora hortofrutícola de Europa…” | María del Mar Vázquez | | 49:37 | “Yo es que no conozco a nadie que no le guste el tomate… lo tenemos hasta azul… arrugado y lo tenemos liso…” | María del Mar Vázquez | | 54:47 | “Vox reivindica el inmejorable trabajo realizado por Tizona…” | Vox Communiqué (quoted) | | 55:19 | “La principal relevancia de este comunicado es el hecho en sí mismo del comunicado…” | Javier Caravaggio | | 57:22 | “Hablando de consultoras… El Mundo cuenta esta mañana que además de PlusUltra hay otras empresas españolas que han contado con análisis relevante para gestiones…” | Carlos Alsina | | 62:28 | “Cuando una persona empieza a hablar de sí mismo en tercera persona… es como el síndrome de presidente fútbol.” | Javier Caravallo |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Montero’s Exit & Political Implications: 00:06–01:45
• Juanma Moreno Interview, Election Timing, PP’s Strategy: 16:10–27:50
• Panel Analysis: PSOE/PP Dynamics, Andalusian Election: 28:27–34:45
• Vox Financing Scandal – Reporting and Reactions: 54:47–57:22
• Zapatero/Análisis Relevante Controversy & Panel Debate: 57:22–68:13
• Interview with María del Mar Vázquez (Almería Mayor): 36:54–50:16
• Banters & “Rap del tomate”: 49:37–50:16

Final Notes

The episode combines hard-hitting political journalism and debate with conversational warmth and regional pride. Listeners get a nuanced yet lively view of Spanish and Andalusian politics, from high-level party maneuverings to local governance. The dual focus on national intrigue (Zapatero’s opaque consulting work, Vox’s finances) and local achievement (Almería's urban resurgence) highlights the interconnectedness of Spain’s political and social spheres. The podcast’s tone remains sharp, inquisitive, and—at times—humorous, true to Alsina’s distinctive style.