Podcast Summary: Más de uno — Tertulia: ¿Puede Gabriel Rufián liderar la izquierda española?

Host: Carlos Alsina (OndaCero)
Date: February 10, 2026

Overview

This episode of "Más de Uno" features a dynamic, wide-ranging tertulia (panel discussion) focusing on the aftermath of recent elections, the evolving relationships between Spain’s major parties (PP, Vox, PSOE), and most notably, the rising visibility of Gabriel Rufián as a potential leader of the Spanish left. The conversation critically examines internal party dynamics, the proliferation of left-wing alliances, the PP-Vox conundrum, and whether Rufián’s profile, background, and new political moves position him as a genuine contender for leadership on the left.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Current Political Landscape: The Right’s New Reality

• Media optics and party posturing:
  The episode opens with Alsina highlighting the shifting press coverage of PP’s (People’s Party) approach to Vox, with interpretations ranging from "retando" (challenging) to "tending the red carpet" for coalition government ([00:07]-[01:36]).
  • “Editorial del Mundo: ‘El PP lleva dos años instalado en la ficción de que podría gobernar en solitario... está obligado a una claridad estratégica que lleva demasiado tiempo esquivando.’” ([01:38])
• Coalition inevitability:
  The panel agrees that, given Vox’s electoral rise, the PP is faced with the practical reality of needing Vox to secure governmental majorities ([03:36]-[04:41]).
• Vox’s growing leverage:
  Commentary suggests that it is now Vox exerting pressure on the PP, not the reverse.
• Notable Quote:
  “En rigor es que viene siendo al revés. El PP ya ha gobernado con Vox y en este momento es Vox quien se resiste a gobernar con el PP.” — Carlos Alsina ([03:36])

2. The Left in Disarray: Fragmentation & Pre-Coalitions

• Gabriel Rufián’s proposal & left-wing realignment:
  Alsina introduces Gabriel Rufián’s social media call for a “new approach” after the left’s losses ([12:53]-[13:10]).
• Proliferation of coalitions:
  News breaks of a new left-wing alliance (Izquierda Unida, Sumar, Más Madrid, and en Común) launching February 21; notably without Podemos and possibly without Yolanda Díaz ([13:13]-[16:08]).
  • “Sumar se va a llamar la alianza de las izquierdas... Mi pregunta esta mañana era ¿En qué se diferencia el movimiento de Gabriel Rufián...?” — Alsina ([14:29])
• Growing confusion:
  The panel jokes about the “precoaliciones” and “marca blanca” (white label) initiatives, pointing to the left’s tendency to keep subdividing, losing electoral traction ([16:29]-[17:04]).
• Notable exchange:
  “¿En qué se diferencia la candidatura de Sumar...?” — Alsina
  “En que no está Yolanda Díaz, pues la vamos dejando un poquito de lado...” — Marta García ([15:42])

3. Can Rufián Lead the Spanish Left?

• Ambiguity and contradictions:
  There is skepticism about Rufián’s ability to unite the left given his independentist origins, lack of clear organizational support, and the perception that his following is more personalist and social-media driven ([19:33]-[22:31]).
  • “Lo que tiene sobre todo Rufián son apoyos. Más que organizaciones oficiales dispuestas a que él lidere esa posible...”— Pilar Velasco ([21:44])
  • “Tiene apoyos en el PSOE, por plantearlo ya abiertamente...su socio Sumar está amortizado, que no vende ya un colín...” — Rubén Amón ([22:01])
• Disconnect with Esquerra Republicana:
  Rufián is seen as distancing himself from ERC; if he leads a national left coalition, it puts him outside ERC’s logic and lists ([23:11]-[24:42]).
  • “Esquerra ha dicho que si quiere ser el candidato de Esquerra en las generales, ahí tiene la posibilidad... Otra cosa no.” — Alsina ([23:12])
• Electoral limits:
  The group reflects on whether Rufián’s notoriety (driven by his interventions and social media presence) would actually translate into votes outside of his Catalan base ([27:30]-[28:03]).
• Notable Moment:
  “Pues ya llevemos la broma hasta el final. Y que a Rufián le vaya tan bien...que se ha investido presidente del Gobierno de España y luego ya se independiza. Sería maravilla la broma.” — Carlos Alsina ([32:25])

4. Voters, Identity, and Social Media Strategy

• Generational shifts:
  Rufián’s appeal among the youth—even among some young far-right sympathizers—is discussed, with panelists highlighting the amnesia around the 2017 crisis and Rufián’s rebranding ([30:34]-[31:51]).
  • “Rufián cae bien a jóvenes incluso de Vox...” — Marta García ([30:34])
• Superficial versus structural influence:
  While Rufián’s “hype” is noted, the panel questions whether this social media-driven popularity can overcome splits and the lack of organizational support, or whether it is simply “un síntoma de la desesperación” within the left ([32:19]-[32:25]).

5. The PP-Vox Dilemma: Principles or Pragmatism?

• Power dynamics & government formation:
  The PP’s opening to Vox (inviting, challenging, or conceding) is dissected, focusing on whether this approach is a question of strategy or abandonment of principle ([36:32]-[43:20]).
  • “Cuando Vox se fue de los gobiernos... hubo quienes lo veían como una estrategia que al final iba a beneficiar a Vox.” — Pilar Gómez ([37:36])
• Permanent crisis and lack of clear red lines:
  Panelists point out that while narratives about red lines are frequent, in practice both camps have shifted positions as expediency demands ([41:14]-[43:20]).
• Comparisons with Sánchez’s left governmental alliances:
  Alsina explains the symmetry in how both sides justify deals with uncomfortable partners: “Esto es lo mismo. Esto es lo mismo.” ([50:22])
• Notable moment:
  “Sabemos que Vox no es un partido de gobierno... igual que lo fue Podemos.” — Rubén Amón ([52:01])

6. PSOE’s Silence and Strategic Agenda Setting

• Sánchez’s lack of response:
  The President’s refusal to publicly comment on electoral defeats is read as a sign of political exhaustion and disregard for local dynamics ([11:10]-[12:26], [55:23]-[56:49]).
  • “Ha hecho más valoración del disco de Rosalía que del resultado electoral en Aragón.” — Panel ([55:45])
• Controlling the news cycle versus delivering at the polls:
  While the government still succeeds in setting debate topics (immigration, pensions, etc.), it’s noted that this no longer effectively mobilizes electoral support ([57:44]-[58:53]).
  • “Seguimos hablando de lo que Sánchez quiere, pero no votamos lo que a Sánchez le gustaría que votáramos.” — David Jiménez Torres ([58:00])

7. Left and Right: Feeding Each Other’s Narratives

• Mutual benefit from the other’s extremes:
  Rubén Amón points out that both main parties seem to benefit from the rise of their polar opposite, using Vox’s growth to frighten left voters and vice versa ([56:49]-[57:20]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On press contradictions:
  “Tres títulos para un mismo asunto. El Mundo: Feijóo reta a Vox… La Razón: El PP tiende la alfombra a Vox para alcanzar un acuerdo de gobierno.” —Alsina ([00:07])

• On endless coalitions:
  “¿Es con esta división realmente dónde piensan ir?” — Marta García ([20:43])

• On the left’s confusion:
  “El drama de la izquierda, Sí, claro.” — Pilar Velasco ([45:40])

• On Rufián’s paradoxical journey:
  “Gabriel Rufián quiera arreglar el país del que se quería separar...” — Panel ([19:59])

Important Segment Timestamps

• PP-Vox relationship in the news: [00:07]–[04:41], [33:24]–[36:32]
• Introduction to Rufián’s proposal: [12:53]–[13:10]
• New left-wing alliance news: [13:13]–[16:08]
• Debate on Rufián’s potential and limits: [19:33]–[22:31], [27:08]–[32:25]
• PP and Vox coalition dilemmas: [36:32]–[43:20]
• PSOE silence & strategy: [55:23]–[56:49]
• Panelists’ conclusions on the cyclical dynamic: [56:49]–[57:44], [58:00]–[58:44]

Tone & Language Highlights

• Candid, ironic, sometimes playful: Frequent jokes about “precoalitions,” confusion over who’s allied with whom, and mock suggestions that Rufián could be elected President then lead a secession ([32:25]).
• Sharp critique of all sides: No party spared—left’s endless fragmentation, PP’s evasiveness on Vox, PSOE’s agenda-setting and silence.
• Insightful but accessible: Even complex party negotiations and strategies are explained in clear, often humorous terms.

Conclusion

For listeners seeking a nuanced, detailed, and engaging breakdown of Spain’s shifting political landscape, this episode offers both sharp analysis and a healthy dose of skepticism. Rufián is discussed as a symbol of the left’s crisis—offering charisma and social media savvy but raising substantive questions about leadership, coherence, and political viability. Meanwhile, the right’s dilemmas and the PSOE’s tactics illustrate how Spanish politics is increasingly defined by tactical alliances, public posturing, and deep confusion both among politicians and the electorate.

Overall takeaway:
Spain’s left seeks a savior amid fragmentation; the right balances pragmatism and principle; and all sides remain locked in a cycle where strategic maneuvering may matter more than ideology—or lasting solutions.