Monólogo de Alsina: "Futilidad, el naufragio del Titán"

Podcast: Monólogo de Alsina
Host: Carlos Alsina (A)
Date: December 23, 2025

Overview: The Futility of Political Self-Deception

In this episode, Carlos Alsina crafts a monologue that draws a vivid parallel between the historical sinking of the Titanic and the current challenges faced by Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) and its leadership. Using Morgan Robertson's prophetic novella “Futilidad, el naufragio del Titán” as a metaphor, Alsina critiques the political denial and lack of self-criticism in Spanish politics. The episode delves into recent electoral setbacks for PSOE in Extremadura and the reactions (or lack thereof) from party leadership, exposing a tendency to trivialize major losses and, instead, cling to narratives of invincibility.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Robertson’s Prophecy as a Political Metaphor

• Alsina opens (00:01) with the story of Morgan Robertson, a visually impaired mariner turned writer who, in 1898, authored a novel about the sinking of the unsinkable ship “Titán”—eerily similar to the Titanic disaster 14 years later.
• Robertson was accused of being a prophet, to which he replied: "No soy adivino. Lo que soy es marino... con conocimiento suficiente como para poder aventurar cómo sería el hundimiento de un transatlántico" [A, 02:06].
• Insight: Just as Robertson saw the inevitable fate of the “Titán,” politicians should recognize clear warning signs rather than dismiss them—a theme Alsina threads throughout the episode.

2. The PSOE’s Electoral 'Shipwreck' in Extremadura

• Alsina draws the parallel of Robertson’s ship to the PSOE’s recent defeat in Extremadura, arguing the party is minimizing a clear disaster for its brand:
  • "Intentó ayer reducir el hundimiento de su marca política en Extremadura a un fenómeno local intrascendente. Un contratiempo de nada, un resbalón sin mayor consecuencia" [A, 03:52].
  • He critiques Montse Mínguez, the new spokesperson, for downplaying the loss as “tan meritorio” and failing to demand accountability from the candidate Gallardo: "Tuvo este candidato imposible la oportunidad de dimitir sin atenuantes la misma noche del domingo, pero la dejó pasar..." [A, 04:22].

3. Sanchismo and Denial

• Alsina satirizes the party’s central leadership tone:
  • "El sanchismo está más fuerte y vivo que nunca y con más ganas que nunca." – Montse Mínguez [B, 03:23]
  • Alsina rebuts: "Lástima que no ofreciera un solo dato para sostener una afirmación tan inexacta. Digamos, por no decir tan abiertamente falsa..." [A, 06:33].

4. Refusing to Face the Problem

• Alsina details the reluctance within PSOE to discuss alternative strategies, e.g., negotiating with PP, labeling these ideas as "una marcianada propia de un señor mayor, bien poco sanchista..." [A, 06:15].

5. The Titanic Metaphor Extended

• The episode circles back to its initial metaphor:
  • "El transatlántico se proclama insumergible mientras va perdiendo la cuenta de las vías de agua que tiene abiertas." [A, 06:44]
  • Alsina compares the government’s silence and self-congratulation to the Titanic’s band playing as the ship sank.
  • "La tristemente célebre orquesta del Titanic se veía a sí misma como un conjunto heroico... Con el paso del tiempo, la orquesta del Titanic quedó como símbolo de aquellos que no quieren enterarse de lo que está ocurriendo bajo sus pies..." [A, 11:19]

6. Criticism from Allies and Former Partners

• Alsina highlights criticism directed at Sánchez from other left-leaning allies and former partners:
  • "El Gobierno de España es una fábrica de ultraderechistas que nos va a echar, que nos está echando ya en brazos de Partido Popular y de Vox." – Former PSOE ally [C, 09:36]
  • He notes how previously the threat was the populist left, which Sánchez eventually allied with to stay in power.

7. Call for Honest Self-Criticism

• Only García-Page (one of the few remaining majority-winning socialists) calls for a candid assessment:
  • "Sobran excusas, fabricamos e inventamos excusas permanentemente... Sobra autoengaño y falta autocrítica." [C, 09:02]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “El invencible Titán ha sido engullido por el mar y apenas ocho o diez personas patalean en el agua, desesperadas por flotar entre los restos del naufragio.” [A, 01:35]
  Stirring narrative link to political ‘shipwreck’.

• “No soy adivino. Lo que soy es marino.” [A, 02:06]
  Asserting the value of experience over divination in predicting inevitable outcomes.

• “El sanchismo está más fuerte y vivo que nunca y con más ganas que nunca.” – Montse Mínguez [B, 03:23]
  Ironically referenced by Alsina for the lack of evidence supporting such optimism.

• “El transatlántico se proclama insumergible mientras va perdiendo la cuenta de las vías de agua que tiene abiertas.” [A, 06:44]
  Political hubris compared to the Titanic disaster.

• “Sobran excusas, fabricamos e inventamos excusas permanentemente. Sobran coartadas. Sobra autoengaño y falta autocrítica.” – García-Page [C, 09:02]
  A rare voice urging honest reflection.

• “La orquesta del Titanic quedó como símbolo de aquellos que no quieren enterarse de lo que está ocurriendo bajo sus pies.” [A, 11:19]
  Powerful closing note reinforcing the central theme.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01 – 03:23: Morgan Robertson & the metaphor of “Futilidad”
• 03:23 – 06:44: PSOE’s reaction to Extremadura defeat; criticism of denial
• 06:44 – 09:13: Debate stifling, sanchismo's self-perpetuation, opposition voices
• 09:13 – 11:57: Comparisons to the Titanic’s fate; calls for self-criticism; closing reflection

Tone and Style

Alsina maintains his signature ironical, incisive, and narrative-driven style throughout the monologue. He employs a blend of humor and gravitas, leveraging historical allegory to underscore his critique of political denial and lack of introspection within Spanish socialism.

Summary for Non-Listeners

Carlos Alsina’s “Futilidad, el naufragio del Titán” takes listeners on a journey from the prophetic fiction of Morgan Robertson to the very real electoral losses of the Spanish Socialist Party, exposing how institutional denialism parallels the hubris that led to the Titanic tragedy. Through storytelling, pointed commentary, and sharp quotes, Alsina delivers a compelling argument for the vital importance of self-criticism and facing uncomfortable truths in politics—before more irreparable damage is done.