Podcast Summary: Más de uno – “Tertulia: La crisis del tren sigue”
Onda Cero | Host: Carlos Alsina | 3 February 2026

Overview

In this episode, Carlos Alsina and his panel of journalists, along with union representatives, dive into the ongoing crisis affecting Spain's rail system. The conversation navigates the political, social, and economic fallout from recent railway accidents, chronic delays, upcoming strikes, and how these issues intersect with the heated parliamentary debates over the government’s “decreto ómnibus” (omnibus decree) and housing policy. The episode blends sharp analysis, humor, and sharp critiques of Spain’s political landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Current Context: Political and Rail Crisis

(00:00–12:32)

• Alsina remarks how the railway crisis remains a top issue while other political emergencies quickly fade.
• The government is portrayed as struggling to salvage its omnibus decree by separating pension reform from more contentious measures.
• Analysis of party strategy: The government’s difficulty negotiating support from nationalist and regional parties, particularly regarding eviction protections for vulnerable tenants.

“La crisis ferroviaria que no escampa... el 80% del tráfico internacional de mercancías está paralizado porque está cerrado el túnel de rubí.” – Carlos Alsina (05:42)

• Zapatero’s absence in current election campaigns is discussed, and political maneuvering in Aragón is highlighted.

2. Spain’s Railway Crisis: In-Depth

(15:27–32:38)

• Two union leaders—Antonio García (CSIF Ferroviario, Renfe) and Carlos Moreno (Sindicato Circulación Ferroviario, Adif)—join Alsina.
• Core union demands:
  • Serious investment in railway workshops, ending labor outsourcing, and increasing Renfe’s workforce.
  • For Adif, a chronic shortage of staff at stations and control centers, need for investments in conventional lines, and better emergency protocols.
• Both unions agree that maintenance and safety have suffered due to privatization and staff shortages.

“Lo que reclamamos es que se acometa seriamente un plan de inversión... y acabar con las externalizaciones... que las tareas cruciales las asuman los trabajadores de RENFE.” – Antonio García [17:44]

“Hay falta endémica de personal... lo que supone el estrés para los trabajadores de CRC... Y pedimos mayor inversión en la red.” – Carlos Moreno [20:45]

• Although accidents have occurred, both emphasize rail remains safe, but rising demand and competition from private operators strain infrastructure.

“La red ferroviaria claro que es segura... pero se ha incrementado mucho el tráfico y la red está mucho más saturada.” – Antonio García [26:24]

• Unions call for honest government dialogue; skepticism about outcomes of previous agreements is clear.

• Complaint about leaked internal communications and the need for respect and legal clarity.

3. The “Decreto Ómnibus,” Housing Crisis & Parliamentary Deadlock

(36:11–62:13)

• Government forced to split the previously rejected omnibus decree, separating pension increases (now set to pass) from controversial housing and social shield measures.
• Debate centers on extended eviction moratoriums for vulnerable tenants vs. protecting small landlords (PNV wins exemption for those with one rental property).

“La manera de salvar el escudo social ha sido quitarle un trozo... dejar sin escudo social a estas familias.” – Carlos Alsina [57:16]

• Sharp critique from all sides:
  • Some see the “social shield” as offloading state responsibilities onto private owners.
  • Others warn that overprotection for tenants discourages landlords from renting, worsening the housing shortage.
  • Calls for more social housing, long-term solutions, and cross-administration cooperation.

“La inseguridad jurídica... es un país como de chiflados.” – Paco Marhuenda [44:10]

“Hay suficientes estudios que apuntan al efecto perverso de la protección a las familias vulnerables... cada vez tienen más difícil encontrar quien les alquile una vivienda.” – Marta García [47:14]

• Pointed out that the “patch” of preventing evictions began during the pandemic and has been indefinitely extended.

“Esto fue un apaño que se hizo en el año 20... Y mientras no haya más vivienda social, pues estamos jugando al juego de las sillas.” – Marta García [51:56]

• Frustration at lack of policy debate in Congress and critique on political short-termism.

• The episode concludes with confusion and skepticism about whether the compromise will effectively protect the most vulnerable.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rail Safety & Outsourcing:

  “Se han externalizado muchas cargas del mantenimiento... con el personal que tiene la formación y capacidad, esa inversión sería más acorde con ese incremento del tráfico.” – Carlos Moreno [25:31]

• Government’s Parliamentary Precarity:

  “El drama y la realidad del sanchismo... se explica en los vaivenes ideológicos a los que le someten sus socios.” – Rubén Amón [49:03]

• Housing Policy Frustrations:

  “Mientras no haya más casa y mientras no haya más vivienda social, pues estamos jugando al juego de las sillas...” – Marta García [51:56]

• Expertise and Media:

  “Los expertos aciertan tanto como se equivocan... existe una inquietante relación inversa entre lo bien que los expertos creen que están haciendo su trabajo y lo bien que realmente lo están haciendo.” – Rubén Amón, quoting Philip Tetlock [69:01]

• Parliamentary Insults:

  “Ayer escuchamos a Rufián llamar homicida y psicópata a Feijóo... parece que estamos ya hechos a que en el Congreso se insultan constantemente y no pasa nada.” – Carlos Alsina [64:57]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:33 – Opening: Review of current headlines and political priorities
• 12:32–15:27 – Panel introductions & lighter banter; transition to rail crisis
• 15:27–32:38 – Interview with union leaders: grievances, strikes, and maintenance issues
• 33:54–36:11 – January unemployment figures; economic backdrop
• 36:11–62:13 – Panel deep-dive: housing crisis, government decrees, and politics of vulnerability
• 62:13–71:06 – Final roundtable: insults in Parliament, commission politics, and media expertise

Tone and Style

The exchange is sharp, witty, and occasionally biting, especially regarding politicians and political strategies. The conversation remains respectful among the panelists, but critical and often incredulous about the political class and the lack of practical policy solutions.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode provides a vivid picture of Spain’s intertwined political and infrastructural crises: railway malfunctions, mounting union frustration, and a paralyzed parliament unable to address structural issues in either transport or housing. The show’s mix of news, union voices, and acerbic analysis makes the stakes—and the stalemate—clear: technical problems demand urgent investment, but political fragmentation and short-term thinking make real progress elusive. The panel makes it clear that, without consensus or honesty from leadership, citizens are left to bear the weight—whether as commuters enduring delays, landlords facing uncertainty, or families at risk of losing their homes.