Podcast Summary: "Más de uno" — Tertulia: La baraja de cartas de Vox

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Episode Date: February 17, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on two intertwined political debates in contemporary Spain: the push by right-wing party Vox to prohibit the use of burqa and niqab, and the ongoing, often contradictory negotiations between the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox in Extremadura. The roundtable ("tertulia") offers nuanced, often humorous analysis of these topics and traces their wider cultural and political implications, including reflections on digital regulation, coalition politics, and the evolving Spanish left.

Key Discussion Points

Remembering Robert Duvall and the Art of the Secondary Actor

[16:03–19:10]

• Opening Reflection: The panel briefly shifts to commemorate actor Robert Duvall, using his career as a springboard for discussing moderation and nuance—qualities they imply are missing in current political debate.
• Quote: “Creo que pocas veces hablamos de un secundario con el peso de un primer actor.” — Rubén Amón [16:03]
• Notable Moment: Alsina points out Duvall's rare status as a Hollywood conservative who opposed Donald Trump, offering a counterpoint to prevailing narratives about political identity in entertainment.

Government Action Against Tech Giants

[19:13–28:02]

• Sánchez vs. Social Media: President Pedro Sánchez is moving to have Spain’s Attorney General investigate big platforms (X/Twitter, Meta, TikTok) for facilitating AI-generated child pornography.
• Quote: “Estas plataformas... atentan contra la salud mental, la dignidad y los derechos de nuestros hijos e hijas.” — Carlos Alsina, quoting Pedro Sánchez [20:00]
• Panel Reactions:
  • Concerns on Consistency: Debate arises over why, if these platforms are so toxic, parties (including Sánchez) continue using them so heavily for their communications.
    • Quote: “Es que me cuesta mucho tomarme en serio a alguien que me dice que las drogas son malas cuando es evidente que esa persona es un yonki.” — David Jiménez Torres [28:02]
  • Regulation Complexity: The panel discusses the complexity of national vs. European regulation, referencing existing EU laws and international precedents.
  • Political Posturing: Some panelists accuse the government of making rhetorical moves and using the issue for self-promotion, not concrete policy.

The Vox Proposal to Ban Burqa and Niqab

[32:00–53:10]

Context and History

• Vox's Proposal: Vox has submitted a law to prohibit burqas and niqabs, reigniting a debate that surfaced previously (notably with PSOE figures like Carmen Calvo and Leire Pajín expressing strong opposition to these garments in 2010).
• Parliamentary Math: PP joins Vox in considering the measure; PSOE, Sumar, and Junts oppose it, citing religious freedom and legal precedent.

Main Arguments and Nuances

• Oppression vs. Freedom: Panelists recognize the garments as potential symbols of oppression, but question whether legal prohibition is effective or just, highlighting winner–loser dilemmas for the affected women.
• Quote: "¿Hasta qué punto son libres para hacerlo? ...Una mujer de 16, de 18 años puede querer no llevar el velo pero no quiere humillar a su familia y se la somete a una tensión en la que la libertad de elección puede estar entredicho." — Marta García [35:31]

International Comparisons and Consequences

• Examples from France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and the US are raised, with concerns over increased alienation and decreased educational attainment among Muslim girls when bans are enacted.
• Quote: “He mirado literatura en Francia... ha caído la cantidad de mujeres adolescentes de origen musulmán que acaban la educación secundaria porque lo que les sucede cuando no pueden ir con la cabeza cubierta... dejan de ir.” — Marta García [36:30]
• Ambivalence Over State Intervention: Panelists differ on the role of the state in declaring what is “freely chosen” vs. imposed.

Is Vox’s Proposal Islamophobic?

• The topic of Islamophobia is debated, comparing the legislative intent against broader stigmatization of Islam.

• Quotes:

  • “A mí me parece que hay un espacio de convivencia que no se puede discutir. Y en ese espacio de convivencia una mujer embozada no tiene cabida ni tiene sentido.”— Rubén Amón [45:38]
  • “Vox ha pedido en el Congreso cerrar mezquitas con la excusa de que puede ser espacios de radicalización...” — Pilar Velasco [52:33]

• The group notes that, substantively, the debate’s emotive power exceeds its social relevance, as extremely few women in Spain wear these garments.

The PP–Vox Standoff in Extremadura

[53:30–63:54]

• Political Deadlock: María Guardiola (PP) leads protracted, now-contentious negotiations with Vox for regional government formation. Both sides appear to shift rhetoric and principles for expedient coalition-building.
• Strategic or Ideological Split?:
  • Quote: “Las diferencias no tienen tanto que ver con cuestiones ideológicas... sino más bien con cuestiones puramente estratégicas y de cuotas de poder.” — David Jiménez Torres [56:05]
• Changing Positions: The panel dissects contradictions in Guardiola's public statements and the opacity over what specific demands block the deal.
• Vox’s Leverage: Vox is depicted as skillfully keeping the PP off balance, exploiting internal rifts and media narratives to maximize its influence.

The Spanish Left: Sumar, Yolanda Díaz & Uncertain Futures

[64:54–66:55]

• Leadership Instability: Sumar faces internal strife and possible leadership change; alliances with other leftist factions are unresolved.
• Quote: “No se sabe si Yolanda Díaz todavía va a asistir al acto del sábado a esta refundación de Confluencia Sumar 2027.” — Pilar Velasco [65:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Social Media Use by Politicians:
  “Es que me cuesta mucho tomarme en serio a alguien que me dice que las drogas son malas cuando es evidente que esa persona es un yonki.”
  — David Jiménez Torres [28:02]

• On the Burqa/Niqab Ban Complexity:
  “Parece un debate muy complejo que Vox al final se desliza, lo convierte en un debate islamófobo y además es que ellos son los de la teoría del gran reemplazo.”
  — Pilar Velasco [44:19]

• On Extremadura’s Stalemate:
  “Lo relevante es que María Guardiola nunca concreta cuál es la discrepancia con Vox, y Vox tampoco. Todo es negociación de poder, no de principios.”
  — Carlos Alsina [62:12–62:29 synthesizing]

• On The Evolving Spanish Left:
  “Falta nombre, que yo creo que lo tienen y no lo dirán porque no se llamará Sumar. Y falta candidato.”
  — Pilar Velasco [66:55]

Significant Timestamps

• [16:03–19:10] — Homage to Robert Duvall and the actor’s nuanced legacy
• [20:00–28:02] — Debate on Sánchez’s move against tech giants, the issue of online regulation and political hypocrisy
• [32:00–53:10] — In-depth discussion: Vox proposal on burqa/niqab; history, arguments, international precedents, and social impact
• [53:30–63:54] — Extremadura standoff between PP and Vox; political strategy, contradictions, and shifting alliances
• [64:54–66:55] — State of the Left: Sumar, leadership tensions, and naming dilemmas

Tone and Style

• The discussion is candid and intellectually robust, frequently laced with irony, wit, and personal anecdotes.
• The hosts encourage self-questioning and ambivalence, especially on complex social issues, and call out political posturing across the spectrum.
• The mood remains lively, with the panelists ribbing each other and matching Alsina’s blend of seriousness and humor.

Conclusion

This episode of "Más de uno" delivers a multifaceted look at the intersection of law, social norms, and political maneuvering in Spain. The debate over the burqa/niqab ban and coalition tensions between PP and Vox serve as entry points for broader reflections on liberty, state intervention, party strategy, and the volatility of ideological identities. The tertulia’s value lies in its readiness to air (and even dramatize) uncertainty—making space for both principled stands and candid acknowledgment of political realities.