On the first working day of the new year, Onda Cero’s broadcast did not begin with greetings but with reflections on a man who has already become a symbol of the new era. Julia Otero, with a hint of irony, devoted her introduction to her view on Donald Trump, who has once again taken office as US president. This time, the journalist turned to the classics—Shakespeare’s lines—to describe the current state of global affairs.
Just a week has passed since the American military, following orders from Washington, struck strategic targets in Venezuela and detained Nicolás Maduro. The Spanish audience, like the rest of the world, is watching these events with anxiety and bewilderment. Otero did not shy away from this fact, noting that 2026 has only just begun, yet it already feels endlessly drawn out and heavy.
“Ten days into the new year, and it feels like an eternity has passed,” she observed. According to the journalist, no one understands where these changes are leading or what lies ahead. She compared the current situation to Shakespeare’s famous thought: the old does not pass, the new is not born, and the world is stuck in uncertainty. Otero emphasized that concepts which not long ago seemed unshakable—international law, democracy—now look like museum pieces.
Shakespeare and the Present
In search of an explanation for what was happening, Otero turned to King Lear. She reminded listeners of a phrase that, in her view, perfectly captures today’s reality: ‘The mad lead the blind.’ In this image, the journalist saw not only an allegory, but also a direct parallel with modern leaders who, she says, are capable of leading society to disaster.
Otero is convinced that Shakespeare, more than anyone, had the ability to expose the essence of human nature. His words about how power without reason is dangerous sound especially relevant today. She does not hide her skepticism towards those who blindly follow leaders without asking questions or trying to understand what is really happening.
An ironic remark was made on air: ‘Shakespeare already knew that there would be people like Trump.’ This thought made listeners smile, but behind it lies a deep concern—the consequences in question affect millions of people.
Power and responsibility
Otero did not limit herself to literary allusions. She sharply criticized the changing understanding of power and responsibility in today’s world. In her opinion, what now comes to the forefront is not competence, but the ability to impose one’s will without considering the consequences.
The journalist compared the current US president to ‘a monkey given the most powerful weapon.’ This metaphor sounded especially harsh against the backdrop of recent events in Venezuela. Otero stressed that such impunity and permissiveness can lead to unpredictable outcomes.
She makes no secret of her concern: what worries her is that many people perceive what is happening as something inevitable, without trying to resist or even consider the consequences. According to Otero, this is where the main danger lies — when society becomes a passive observer rather than an active participant in history.
A Spanish Perspective
In Spain, Otero’s words sparked an intense reaction. For many, her appearance was a breath of fresh air amid repetitive news feeds. The journalist is not afraid to call things as she sees them and openly voice her opinion, even if it goes against official narratives.
Spanish society, weary from uncertainty and ongoing crises, closely follows what is happening overseas. Otero’s warning that democracy can quickly become outdated if not defended resonated strongly. In a country where memories of dictatorship remain alive, such reminders are especially relevant.
However, not everyone agrees with her assessment. Some believe that comparisons to Shakespeare are overly dramatic, and that the situation calls for a more pragmatic approach. Still, no one remained indifferent after the broadcast — and perhaps that’s what matters most.
Between Past and Future
Otero concluded her monologue without the usual note of optimism typical for radio. She left listeners with a question: are we ready to face the truth and admit that the world is changing for the worse? Or will we continue to hope that things will somehow fix themselves?
Time will tell who is right. For now, Spanish journalism remains sharp and bold, while Onda Cero broadcasts continue to stir minds and spark reflections about the future.
